Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Nose to the Grindstone...


What is it about having a deadline that really lights a fire under your butt (I mean, besides the obvious?)
In just a few short weeks, I'm going to be participating in a local art/crafts fair for the holidays. The day I got the acceptance email, it was like someone put my artistic motor into overdrive. I had a whole bunch of new ideas, copious amounts of enthusiasm and motivation, and the sudden ability to function on minimal sleep.
For me, the moment someone sets a date on my calender, it's like I become a speeding freight train...completely unstoppable.

I just wish I could harness that kind of energy for the times when I didn't necessarily "need" anything done in a specific time frame...you know, like the months proceeding the holiday mayhem, or that random afternoon when my son decides to take a four hour nap.

Don't get me wrong...I definitely get things done. It's just so exciting to see the kind of progress I make when I have a deadline to meet. I like working on lots of different things at once, and it seems like I only ever do that, when there is some deadline to meet or some event upcoming.

Perhaps, I need to find a way to incorporate more timelines into my work schedule. Whether by participating in more events, or setting personal deadlines.

What sets your creative fire blazing? What are great motivators for you?

Saturday, November 12, 2011

A little Pre-Holiday fun...





So, this year I've decided to try my hand at making fun little Holiday Ornaments, using my love of paper mosaic.
Here's a little preview of the first four I've finished. Aren't they cute?
They are a lot of fun...but, wow, the smaller I get with these things, the trickier the mosaic becomes. I think I've glued more paper to my fingers over the last week, than I ever have before!

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

At peace with it all...

The last four months or so have been a whirlwind, fraught with life challenges, life changes and just a whole lot of living.
I'm finally at a point where I'm past worrying about what's happening and just riding the wave, through good or bad, I'll take each step as it comes.
As is the case with most of my work, this latest piece, "Lotus Blossom" is a visualization of that acceptance and inner peace.

I truly wish every person who sees this could see the actual painting in real life...it is so serenely peaceful. The greens and yellows are so delicate and the gold border is shimmery and uplifting. I am so happy with how it all came together.

This one is definitely going to be hard to let go; but it is a painting I hope will be enjoyed by many, because it is just the kind of piece I feel is meant to be shared.

Much love always.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Lavender Festival



Just got home from a lovely little art show reception for our local Lavender Festival's art contest.
Didn't win a prize, but it was definitely a fun experience, and I got to meet and chat with a lot of fabulous local people.
The two pieces above were my entries, and while they didn't win, they definitely garnered a lot of attention and interest. :)

Well...this tired momma is off to bed, it's past my bedtime. Goodnight all. Much love always.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Dia De Los Muertos


In honor of Dia De Los Muertos (which takes place today and tomorrow) I thought I'd share with you a picture of my Halloween costume. I decided to draw inspiration from some of my Sugar Skull artwork and create a piece of art for my face.
It was quite a fun undertaking, that's for sure! My two year old kept trying to "help" and thought mommy was pretty hilarious putting "funny paint" on her face.
(I'm just thrilled he thought it was funny and didn't run screaming from the room, because mommy suddenly didn't look like mommy anymore)

Dia de los Muertos has for many years, been a celebration I've found so much passion for. Celebrating the lives of those who've passed on, sharing stories, building alters...and most importantly, smiling (instead of crying) for the loved ones we've lost. I feel strongly that joy in the life lived is far more valuable and honorable than despair in the physical body we've lost.

My grandfather passed away a few days after Dia de los Muertos several years ago. It was my first experience being with someone I loved as they slipped away. I held his hands through his last breaths and told him that I loved him and that it was ok to leave...I would miss him, but I would never forget the joy he brought to my life.
My grandfather (whom I also share a birthday with) was always an incredibly special person in my life...and every year, Dia de los Muertos is a chance for me to celebrate that joy and the special connection I had with him.