Thursday, September 27, 2012
Monday, September 17, 2012
Sittin' On Top of the World
This morning I am inspired by the blackbird (crow?) sitting on the highest point of a faraway tree. He seems to have an excellent view of all of his surroundings. Is he proud, or just protective of a nest of babies tucked in the branches, shielded by the lush green foliage of late summer?
This little snippet of my morning- sipping tea and reading my daily devotion, got me thinking.... Could I see myself in the highest place like that confident bird? Can I look out on the world around me and be delighted? Very quickly my answer came; I am not in the highest place because of my surroundings.
Life is full of thorns and weeds and overgrown "wildness" just like my backyard. But it is also filled with glorious, colorful flowers, and flowers not quite ready to bloom. The flowers are friendships, fellowship, loved ones; a safe neighborhood to live in, plenty of food on the table, a car in the driveway (Which provides the freedom I need), and my art studio, brimming with all kinds of supplies, inspirational books, photos, quotations, etc., so that I never run out of creative fodder.
Those flowers that are barely beginning to bloom? Those are all the new possibilities that are coming my way. Getting my art out to the world, (a work in progress), meeting other creative folks and sharing our ideas and goals with each other; the new opportunities to use my God-given abilities to serve in my church....Yes, I am looking forward to abundant blooms!
And the weeds and thorns? Aren't they always about money? A too-long period of barely getting by as I await a "miraculous" change in this economy. But I have learned to dwell on the beautiful things, the exciting, unknown future. (As Eleanor Roosevelt said... "Dwell in Possibility.")
I will lean on my heavenly Father who provides my every need, and loves me with an unwavering love. "My name is inscribed in the palm of His hand." (Isaiah 49:16) There could be no higher place! There is no need to worry. And so I thank Him for this day.
This little snippet of my morning- sipping tea and reading my daily devotion, got me thinking.... Could I see myself in the highest place like that confident bird? Can I look out on the world around me and be delighted? Very quickly my answer came; I am not in the highest place because of my surroundings.
Life is full of thorns and weeds and overgrown "wildness" just like my backyard. But it is also filled with glorious, colorful flowers, and flowers not quite ready to bloom. The flowers are friendships, fellowship, loved ones; a safe neighborhood to live in, plenty of food on the table, a car in the driveway (Which provides the freedom I need), and my art studio, brimming with all kinds of supplies, inspirational books, photos, quotations, etc., so that I never run out of creative fodder.
Those flowers that are barely beginning to bloom? Those are all the new possibilities that are coming my way. Getting my art out to the world, (a work in progress), meeting other creative folks and sharing our ideas and goals with each other; the new opportunities to use my God-given abilities to serve in my church....Yes, I am looking forward to abundant blooms!
And the weeds and thorns? Aren't they always about money? A too-long period of barely getting by as I await a "miraculous" change in this economy. But I have learned to dwell on the beautiful things, the exciting, unknown future. (As Eleanor Roosevelt said... "Dwell in Possibility.")
I will lean on my heavenly Father who provides my every need, and loves me with an unwavering love. "My name is inscribed in the palm of His hand." (Isaiah 49:16) There could be no higher place! There is no need to worry. And so I thank Him for this day.
Saturday, June 2, 2012
A Little Haiku For You
Just felt like composing some Haiku last night. Here are a few:
the artist conceives
and tries to bring forth rhythms
of her deepest longings
The art palette sits
with colorful cakes of mad paint
waiting expression
Isn't this the joy
of man's fullest understanding
of the God who smiles?
the artist conceives
and tries to bring forth rhythms
of her deepest longings
The art palette sits
with colorful cakes of mad paint
waiting expression
Isn't this the joy
of man's fullest understanding
of the God who smiles?
Time is not my friend
it pulls me out of my dreams
and into the race
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
OOAK
As I am learning each day a little bit more about how to have an "online presence", I have been perusing selling sites such as ETSY and e-bay.
In many instances I noticed the acronym "OOAK". I'd seen it before, and I knew it had something to do with handmade items, but I just learned that it means ONE-OF-A-KIND. (duh, right??)
Listening to my pastor's recent sermon, this acronym kept coming up in my mind.
OOAK- that describes me...and you....and everyone. We are "lovingly handmade by God" and each one of us was created exactly the way God wanted us to be.
You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb.Thank you for making me
so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous- and how well I know it".(psalm 139)
I hope you will embrace the individual God created....YOU!
And remember that God loves all of His creations...think of this when you encounter some who are "marching to a different drummer". OOAK!
In many instances I noticed the acronym "OOAK". I'd seen it before, and I knew it had something to do with handmade items, but I just learned that it means ONE-OF-A-KIND. (duh, right??)
Listening to my pastor's recent sermon, this acronym kept coming up in my mind.
OOAK- that describes me...and you....and everyone. We are "lovingly handmade by God" and each one of us was created exactly the way God wanted us to be.
You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb.Thank you for making me
so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous- and how well I know it".(psalm 139)
I hope you will embrace the individual God created....YOU!
And remember that God loves all of His creations...think of this when you encounter some who are "marching to a different drummer". OOAK!
Friday, March 16, 2012
Butterflies and Teacups
I recently created an art piece for the Annual Ladies' Tea at my church-
The theme this year is "Amazingly Simple".
Thinking about the "simple" things in life that are so special; a butterfly...a cup of tea with a friend...a child's smiling face...beautiful music...
You get the idea. So what is the "amazing" aspect ??
That the simple things aren't really all that simple! Think of the complexity of the butterfly...the process by which it "comes to life", the intricate colors and patterns on its wings...the ability to fly.
It is God's creation that is so amazing! Our God is an awesome God!
Now, if I only knew how to do it, I would post the art I created for our invitations and posters....
I'm sure one of my clever friends will help me with this and you will see it soon.
The theme this year is "Amazingly Simple".
Thinking about the "simple" things in life that are so special; a butterfly...a cup of tea with a friend...a child's smiling face...beautiful music...
You get the idea. So what is the "amazing" aspect ??
That the simple things aren't really all that simple! Think of the complexity of the butterfly...the process by which it "comes to life", the intricate colors and patterns on its wings...the ability to fly.
It is God's creation that is so amazing! Our God is an awesome God!
Now, if I only knew how to do it, I would post the art I created for our invitations and posters....
I'm sure one of my clever friends will help me with this and you will see it soon.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Nice to be recognized
Recently published in SOMERSET GALLERY magazine. You can link to it here:http://www.stampington.com/somersetStudioGallery/
Friday, December 23, 2011
Ugly Christmas Sweaters
Have you heard of this new trend, "Ugly Christmas Sweater" parties?
I suppose the premise is that all those sweaters bedecked with patchwork snowmen, glitter ornaments, and fuzzy reindeer are rather tacky. And since people getting into the holiday spirit seem to be compelled to purchase one or two.....well, we may as well embrace the Ugly!
There are actually online companies who specialize in these fashion "don'ts", and some have even added pants, hats, etc. One enterprising woman from Maine began buying up all the "uglies" she could find in her local thrift shops, and she takes them to a new level of UGLY by embellishing them even more with fringe, glitter, pompoms, etc. She was interviewed recently on Fox News and showed samples of her "finery" to all of America. She says her business is thriving!
This crazy fad got me thinking about the reality that there isn't too much available in the way of truly beautiful Christmas apparel. I began to visualize exquisite hand-painted silk jackets in rich colors and elegant designs.
Or, how about a simple top to wear with classic black skirts or pants? Maybe a little festivity added with metallic paints and glitter? (Applied sparingly, of course).
OK, the wheels of creativity are turning again in my brain! What do you think of this concept? Is there still a market for tasteful, wearable art?
I want to experiment with this idea. Would love your feedback.
Until then, live creatively.... and have a Joyous Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year!
Sunday, December 18, 2011
The Dilemma of the Creative Mind
The ideas jump around in the brain and they multiply into "much better" ideas. And those ideas breed even more ideas.
It is dizzying- it can cause your mind to "shut down" as if on overload.
So we start writing them down, sketching them out. Then we get to our workspace, excited and stimulated by these interesting concepts. We cannot wait to begin creating them.
There are sooo many...where do I begin? My workspace is splattered with unfinished pieces, distracting me away from all my new and wonderful ideas. That overwhelmed feeling is rising up again, and my heart races just a little. I can feel that familiar tension begin in my temples.
What will I do???
Well, sometimes the frenzy of all of these ideas does paralyze me....and I accomplish nothing.
But here is what I've learned: First, JUST START SOMETHING! Pick up an unfinished piece, store the others away, and complete just that ONE. There is nothing like a completed work to provide satisfaction, and a sense of accomplishment.
Or, store away ALL unfinished works. Now that your work table is cleared, set up several sheets of paper (any kind will do), grab 2 paint colors, (Without too much thought). If you cannot do this, just close your eyes and choose! Now , BEGIN! Apply paint to paper with abandon; use a foam brush, a crumpled paper towel, a foam stamp or sponge- whatever is handy.
Play like a child, with no particular goal in mind. (Sometimes difficult to do, I know, I know!)
Do not plan, do not plot, DO NOT LIMIT YOURSELF. Work quickly and loosely, knowing that there is no incorrect result to be attained.
Spend 15 to 30 minutes at this exercise, adding more papers and another paint color if you like. When you are finished put them all aside to dry.
BTW, those crazy papers you just made will not be wasted; use them as background papers, "mosaic"
pieces, etc. Overstamp them, scribble on them. Tear them into pieces and glue them onto cardstock or canvas boards. Don't discard them if you think they are unattractive or "unworthy."
I'll discuss the many ways to use these papers in another entry.
For my next post, I'll share another "creativity jump-start" with you.
Until then, live creatively!
JoAnne
It is dizzying- it can cause your mind to "shut down" as if on overload.
So we start writing them down, sketching them out. Then we get to our workspace, excited and stimulated by these interesting concepts. We cannot wait to begin creating them.
There are sooo many...where do I begin? My workspace is splattered with unfinished pieces, distracting me away from all my new and wonderful ideas. That overwhelmed feeling is rising up again, and my heart races just a little. I can feel that familiar tension begin in my temples.
What will I do???
Well, sometimes the frenzy of all of these ideas does paralyze me....and I accomplish nothing.
But here is what I've learned: First, JUST START SOMETHING! Pick up an unfinished piece, store the others away, and complete just that ONE. There is nothing like a completed work to provide satisfaction, and a sense of accomplishment.
Or, store away ALL unfinished works. Now that your work table is cleared, set up several sheets of paper (any kind will do), grab 2 paint colors, (Without too much thought). If you cannot do this, just close your eyes and choose! Now , BEGIN! Apply paint to paper with abandon; use a foam brush, a crumpled paper towel, a foam stamp or sponge- whatever is handy.
Play like a child, with no particular goal in mind. (Sometimes difficult to do, I know, I know!)
Do not plan, do not plot, DO NOT LIMIT YOURSELF. Work quickly and loosely, knowing that there is no incorrect result to be attained.
Spend 15 to 30 minutes at this exercise, adding more papers and another paint color if you like. When you are finished put them all aside to dry.
BTW, those crazy papers you just made will not be wasted; use them as background papers, "mosaic"
pieces, etc. Overstamp them, scribble on them. Tear them into pieces and glue them onto cardstock or canvas boards. Don't discard them if you think they are unattractive or "unworthy."
I'll discuss the many ways to use these papers in another entry.
For my next post, I'll share another "creativity jump-start" with you.
Until then, live creatively!
JoAnne
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