My husband, Jim, has a new business partner and Edmon Design, founded by moi in 1990, is now Balance Creative, LLC. We've known David (Caldwell) for years - they have been contemporaries in the design/advertising community since their years at the same college. Our teenagers are close in age - our sons love metal (music) and our daughters danced at the same ballet studio for several years. David's reputation includes descriptors like integrity, talent, strength of character, humor; in short, we're thrilled to have him and 2012 started off with the kind of enthusiasm and sense of adventure that should fuel our life endeavors.



David's daughter turned 14 a week ago. He'd mentioned to Jim that he'd like to give her a box like the ones he'd seen on my blog. I haven't completed a project since well before the holidays and hesitated to commit, unwilling to add another half-finished piece to the stack. As I began anyway, I realized the true impact of having read The War of Art. I can honestly say that I spent far less time mired in indecision and more enjoying the process.



In his subsequent book, Do the Work, Steven Pressfield talks about the importance of 'shipping it' as in getting it done and out into the world. It wasn't a challenge since I was pleased with the outcome (and the gift was very well received). While my creative block might rear its head now and again, I am relieved to find that I truly look forward to working in the studio. Creating is my passion and committing to the process removes the biggest obstacle of all... me.

Winning the Battle

The end of the movie Cast Away when Tom Hanks is standing at the intersection in the middle of apparent nowhere, after the girl in the truck has explained where all the roads lead - seen it? Though a likely conclusion is inferred, the movie - like real life - doesn't finish the story for us.

Though I have not shared the experience of being marooned with only a ball for company, I identify with the sense of being lost and a search that, while seemingly external, is a metaphor for the inner journey. Miles-long stretches of open roads, no clearly marked destinations... crossroads. I've spent many hours standing there often not realizing that it wasn't going to be made easy by a bolt of lightening or script writer. Sometimes having choices is as overwhelming as not having any.

A studio stocked with enough supplies to go retail does not equate to art making. A stack of empty journals and cache of pens doesn't create prose. I've written poetry, short stories, essays, blog posts, worked in acrylics, collage, mixed media, assemblage, fabrics; however, I'm uncertain that I know how to do 'my real work.' And what is that work? All I know is that it involves creativity.

I just finished reading Steven Pressfield's The War of Art. It has been around for a decade and I'm no stranger to books dealing with the creative process, or more important, the lack of it, but I've only recently discovered the gem. Maybe it's the way he writes - decisive, direct and to the point - maybe it's the right time, or both, but the book has taken hold in my thought process.

A lifelong writer, I never had writer's block until after attending an advanced fiction program with highly credentialed authors as instructors. No slight to them, once I realized just how a 'great' paragraph should read I couldn't muster a competent sentence. How's that for Resistance, which Pressfield says is the enemy of creativity. Both real and imagined, Resistance is what stands between us, meaning, "Most of us have two lives. The life we live, and the unlived life within us.

When I started making art, my naive self knew I could spend endless hours in the studio and never run out of ideas, options, techniques, materials. The exploration and experimentation were heady and just plain fun. But then I reached a point when, in retrospect, I started taking it too seriously. Pressfield's take on Resistance is eloquent and powerful; in my life it is the viney, tangled web ready to morph into a flesh-eating virus.

The more I learned about mixed media art and the blog community that teaches, supports and unites us, the more difficult it became to produce. The art war takes place in the hierarchy mode where most of us operate, a pecking order that inevitably leads to comparisons. That would have made my next step, or rung on the ladder, getting a piece of my work published in a magazine, possibly even a book. Those thoughts created a sound akin to a door slamming shut in my mind. So, I haven't completed anything - that I 'like' - for a while now. And worse, I've been unable to decide on the criteria for really liking a piece.



My best work may have been the backgrounds I did when Jim (my DH) needed help last fall. One of the 18x18s canvases was the dominant visual aspect of the piece. I suppose knowing that a background can't be screwed up, that it can only evolve or take on an entirely new life through texture, color, collage... makes it OK to play. But transferring that mindset to creating a finished project, one that reflects my inner artistic self, remains elusive. The longing for writing, for soldering, painting, sewing, whatever, doesn't necessarily translate to action.

I crawled out on the giant limb that usually rescues me from myself and invested in a new table/organizational system for my part of the studio. Yes, my husband said... you're swimming in a sea of pieces, parts and paper. But no, I answered, then I'll have to admit that I am committed to making art. Yet another Pressfield quote, "The counterfeit innovator is wildly self-confident. The real one is scared to death." Yes, his book has turned me into a cheerleader of sorts though it may have more to do with my particular need for his words.

Rather than turn into an even more frustrated looney, I've been organizing and making room for the new work center. There I will start texturing, scraping, painting, sanding, writing on and messing in backgrounds until I figure out what I do want to create. I will show up and do the work. If you're still reading chances are you've found yourself in this dilemma; if so, read the book. Again, it's The War of Art, by Steven Pressfield. It might not change your life like it has mine, but I guarantee you won't be disappointed!

Once again, a giant THANKS to Seth Apter for including my response(s) in the Christmas Day edition of The Pulse. Check out the amazing series featured on his blog, The Altered Page - engaging and inspirational!

Happy Holidays to all and best wishes for the coming year!

Tis the Season

After late nights and long weekends, my husband, Jim, finished his paintings in time for the gallery opening. As with any date in December, the weekend was packed with arts events and it wasn't as populated as previous New Editions Holiday shows. But what do you know, one of the attendees was the art buyer for the University of Kentucky Hospital. The major renovation includes a mindset that embraces the 'art heals' philosophy; according to Herald-Leader reporter Tom Eblen, UK Hospital is a notable art museum. They continue acquiring works to showcase Kentucky's amazingly talented, diverse artists, the most recent being nine of Jim's 18x18 mixed media pieces! What an honor!

Take a moment to enjoy his work while I digress...



I am not the only one who feels unprepared, behind schedule, frazzled and, well, tired. I know I'm not. But even after years of experience, I'm off the grid, out of the loop, in an oddly egg-shaped orbit that has taken me far from recognizable turf. I've seen very little of friends and festivities and lots of, well, preparation.



I do have two teenagers with busy schedules and a chronic illness that eats my time, and then there was the day after Thanksgiving incident involving abscesses, oral surgery... a painful ten days spent watching movies instead of being productive, blah, blah, blah. My new dentist, as she was finishing up my root canal last week, said she had a few patients who were completely prepared for the holidays and just enjoying the season. We had a simultaneous urge to barf. I mean, really??



The rest of us, a whopping majority I feel certain, all have unique and myriad reasons why we're never caught up with that sit-back-and relax kind of satisfaction. Think about it... if nearly everyone of us - are you with me? - is caught up in the fray, what does that say about our expectations? Are our days really supposed to be Chinese fire drill rehearsals? In spite of the countless reminders, self-help articles, sermons and vows about focusing on the true meaning aside, I wonder if I'll ever be willing to shift my perspective.



It's a matter of programming driven by the expectation trap. Life, as John Lennon said so aptly, is what happens when you're making other plans. Like my planned commitment to make 12 December calendars for the swap group I've been involved with for a few years now. Nope. The gifts I'd envisioned creating. Nope again. Between our own issues and the unplanned, it's all too easy to give up. Instead, perhaps there's something to be said for giving in.



Just when I think I've had the most comprehensive lesson in surrender, I'm tested anew. But the positive side is an acquired taste for acceptance, an appreciation of the days after the pain, the breather moments between pressure points. Along with a full realization of the incredible blessings that overshadow any trifling complaints.



The only work I've done in the studio since September has been to help Jim by prepping (previously posted) backgrounds, but what a reward. I may not be sending out Christmas cards but who says New Year's Greetings won't be appreciated? Yes, it took three days to get lights on the tree and I have yet to bake a cookie.



I haven't visited ANY of my favorite blogs either, hence the off-the-grid sensation. Less than a week before Christmas, twelve days until we greet a new year, and I decided to watch football with the boys and now, drink coffee and write a blog post and allow myself mindful meditation to focus on the good that really does outdo the petty negatives.



So, just when I've mastered the art of the excuse, I find I don't need it after all.

Happy day, blessed holidays, greetings and love to all!

Have Heart

A while back I won a shrine kit from the magnificent Kristin Hubick at Retro Art Cafe. If you aren't familiar with the Coffee Break packages, the Flaming Heart Milagro Shrine kit includes (3) 1/8" Masonite pieces, along with a small crown and cross, which I decided not to use in my design. After painting, stamping, drilling holes and other fun stuff, I glued the pieces together, further embellished, of course, and wire danglies. The finished piece measures roughly 5" x 4" with a 1" square opening - perfect for my message, have heart.



I sent the photo to Kristin and she entered it in the "I Love Retro Art Cafe" contest she has posted on Facebook. The deadline isn't until December 3rd, so there's still plenty of time to see just how much fun you can have with these nifty snap-apart kits. I just received the Baroque Door Shrine Kit (ATC sized) that I ordered, hoping to finish it before the end of the month.



Fall crocuses were just ahead of daylight savings time and enough wind to scatter the gorgeous color we've been graced with for several weeks. I already miss the beautiful trees and will ponder raking while I swish through the gold and russet colored carpet on the front lawn.




In the meantime, as the brisk chill brings spare time inside, I'm sure I'm not the only one planning for holidays and anticipating more studio time. And, the essential start to every day, a steaming mug of my favorite blend of fresh-roasted coffee - Big Blue - with a dash of cream. Yum. My darling husband, Jim, has been designing packaging (along with lots of other cool materials) for Coffee Times Coffee House, a Lexington-based, independent coffee roaster with uber-fresh product and, um, mail order service!

Backgrounds and then some...

I was fortunate to be featured on Seth Apter's latest edition of The Pulse. If you haven't been there yet, check out the amazing variety of artists on The Altered Page, now talking about their favorite tools and/or techniques. I could spend entire days wandering around the blogs he has graciously shared over the months - such fabulous art!



My favorite part of the creative process is diving into, or on I should say, a white surface and it just so happens I've been working on backgrounds for the past several weeks.



I grab as much 'stuff' as I can scavenge in my studio (not difficult!!), like coffee cup wrappers, gift wrap, tape, sewing patterns, corrugated paper, wholey paper (of course - a must on every piece - available at my pal Saluda Jane's Random Arts!) glass bits, punchinella, whatever.



Then, along with molding gel and several other textured media, begin the layering process. And layering and layering...



then grabbing sponges, bottle caps and a spray bottle and commencing with five, sometimes ten paints over the substrate, and that's if the basic color theme doesn't 'evolve' as it usually does.



Sometimes even when I'm happy with the direction I can't restrain myself and spread (more) gesso on stamps or flick it with a toothbrush... I always end up covered and can trace the history of every piece by looking at my hands, arms and painting clothes! Yay! Thanks again, Seth, you are truly amazing.

Happy Halloween All!!

The Flea Market Arrived

A couple of weeks ago, Trina at the The Paper Flea Market, had a water-damage related sale - the deal was $10 for a Priority Mail box. I love surprises and have done business with her before so I didn't hesitate. The biggest surprise was when I realized just how many treasures were jam packed in the box...



I can't imagine the value of the amazing stuff she sent me, but I suspect it would fetch quite a bit more than $10!! Game pieces, fabrics, tons of papers, post cards, playing cards, photographs, an entire book...



I love the vintage school work - who doesn't remember practicing the alphabet on ruled sheets (that were white at the time:), or the visual method for learning vocabulary - always my favorite.



These days every credit card comes with a reward or point system which has done away with the exquisite paper trail of old. The stamp books are a fave - I remember a really, really long time ago when my mom collected Green Stamps. She redeemed them for counter-top appliances, a barbeque grill and a canister set that my Dad said was nice but would never last. I just check to be sure, but they are still in use!



Game pieces, Monopoly money, playing cards and a birthday card that must have its roots in the Southeast, perhaps close to home?



The fabric was an unexpected treat - along with the wallpaper strips are two large pieces of old fabric and a couple of samples that are transparent, and quite lovely!





There hasn't been time or energy for working in the studio lately, so I've decided that I'm going to use this enormous stash for prompts. Journal pages, a collage, who knows? Trina was cleaned out of treasure boxes but the sale was so popular that she plans more in the future. Well worth checking out!

Stacks and Gifts

Seth Apter's latest collaboration on The Altered Page, is the admission of our proclivity to stack. Hop on over to his blog to check out the myriad ways creativity can be piled! I immediately thought of the paper I use to protect the drawing table. Once a project is done I add the paper to the pile accumulating on a side shelf and tear off a new piece.



Yes, it's brown kraft paper, but, the sheets are also a journal in a sense. I can leaf through them and see what I was working on, sketches and doodles, stamped images, holes sliced out, lists, color experiments and a host of other information - phone numbers, names, dates - because having two teenagers necessitates the answering of the phone while working in the studio.



It also serves as alternative, readily-available gift wrap - what's better than recycling?! After I finished the box (below) I wrapped it with the paper I'd used and tied it with recycled sari ribbon. It may look a bit odd, but people who know me expect something a bit out of the ordinary. And, usually spotted with paint.



I gave this box to friends who had a baby several weeks ago. The one I'd made before was a deep earthy color and my daughter, though she loved it, pointed out that it didn't exactly look very 'baby gifty.' I agreed and made another that complemented the color scheme they used in the nursery.



I love lace and bits of trim and the myriad ways they can be layered to create subtle depth. And, fibers have to come into play somewhere, so, though you can't see them without enlarging the photo, there are charms tied and dangling at the back of the box.

I hope you are having a meaningful week with enough bursts of joy to fuel your creative process!

Mildly Creative - and Then Some!

by Ken, August, 2011

Somewhere along my search for inspiration I ran across Mildly Creative. The proprietor, Ken, may or may not have a chronic illness, but his insights as a 'Quirk in Progress' run parallel to my own thoughts and beliefs. What is better than affirmations from a like-minded creative??


Two of his recent posts hit home in a particularly relevant manner. The Courage to be Boring speaks to those of us who don't lead socially exciting or outwardly adventurous lives, but derive our meaning and happiness from our internal passions... such as writing and art. One of my favorite quotes: "The best thing I ever realized is that I’d rather be boring than bored." Limits on energy and resources due to chronic illness often force this practice though it's considering it a choice is a fine idea.


My other recent fave, Doing and Failing is Better than Wishing and Waiting may sound logical and fairly obvious; however, I wonder how many creatives, aside from myself, might benefit from this practice. I highly recommend checking out Ken's brilliant site!

On the brighter side

A big challenge when blogging about National Invisible Illness Week is avoiding rerun mode when discussing life with chronic illness. As in, wow, I was going to post every other day but suddenly it's Thursday! Oh well, a crazy barometer and the crazier schedules of the mom-taxi passengers, and so on...

I decided to focus instead on a couple of CI folks who chose to contribute to the positivity flowing in cyber world. The first is Michael Nobbs, a British artist, writer and tea drinker diagnosed in the late 1990s with ME/CFS/PVFS (otherwise known as Myalgic Encephalopathy/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome).




The debilitating fatigue that derails many a creative endeavor is Michael's daily existence; his philosophy, however, is about sustaining creativity in blocks of time based on available energy. He counsels that devoting even fragments of time to one's art leads to a collective body of work. He focuses on prioritizing, or as he says in his free email newsletter, "Getting Your Important Work Done."


His career as a creative despite a lack of resources is an inspiring reminder to me. Through his daily podcasts, drawings, newsletters and e-books his encouraging generosity can surmount the most wicked flare.

Many thanks to Michael! I hope you will check out his site, and find a way to support his important work!

Invisible Illness (Next) Week

Though the national Invisible Illness Week doesn't officially launch until September 12th, I decided to post today because, well, I'm having a flare, probably like half the population. Yes, it's a stat; nearly 50% of us suffer from a chronic condition. It is very difficult to remain still when my dreams are so alive and energized. And when there are dirty dishes, laundry and chores that seem higher on the priority list than working in the studio, though usually not!

The IIW website is a wealth of information for those of us dealing with the myriad conditions that may go unnoticed, unless of course you happen to play tennis like Venus Williams (Sjogren's Syndrome) or golf like Phil Mickelson (Psoriatic Arthritis - both just like me!). In one of my favorite articles , founder Lisa Copen writes about the fact that living with illness doesn't mean choosing giving in! Next week I'll be writing more about this year's theme, Deep Breath, Fresh Start, the modus operandi for staying out of a funk.

Writing about feeling yucky seems trite given the multiple hurricanes and flooding, the fires in Texas, the impending 10th anniversary of 9/11, protests, war and unrest and, well, world hunger, the economy and politics and.... As in so many situations, I wonder how, as one person, I can possibly impact the lives of those suffering, so many far worse than I. But in preparation for the upcoming week I recalled a comment received several weeks ago.

A woman (who, unfortunately I wasn't able to contact/thank) wrote about my thoughts during last September's Invisible Illness Week. The realization that 10-month old words spoke aloud was very rewarding indeed.

Comment received in July from Smokey's Mom:

Ah, the silent chronic illnesses...I suffer from severe Fibromyalgia as a result of two separate traumatic injuries to my neck and lower back. I take so many medications, I've lost count. I cannot sleep at night without my Trazodone...I take 100 mg. of Morphine three times a day just so I can move and function. I am considered "disabled" (and I have the car plaque to prove it! Ha!) So, I really do hear you, and feel your pain. I am now experiencing rheumatoid arthritis in my left hand and fingers - good thing I'm right handed, lol. My life has changed so much over the last 15 years. You mentioned planning and then missing out on events - me too. Through all of this my savior has been my art. I'm certainly no pro, but being able to create art that other people want to trade me for or buy has been a blessing and it's what keeps me going. I don't get frustrated or angry any more, even when I lose time...Fibromyalgia is what I have, it's not who I am:) Your art is incredible. You are an extraordinary woman. How can you expect anything ordinary to happen to you. (Louisa May Alcott). I'm following your blog now:)

My lack of posting, due to my lack of arting, is very frustrating indeed but with this post I affirm that, like my friend states so well, though I have an illness I am not my illness. Thanks for sharing your eloquence Smokey's Mom, I hope you're able to create today!

How very cool to get an email from Seth Apter with the cover photo and news that the book will be hot off the press in a few short months - March 2012!! Knowing that my words will be contained within those pages is such an honor! I was one of a hundred artists who wrote - in detail - about art, process, inspiration... come to think of it, I was rather brutally honest - it will be interesting to see which of my thoughts appear in print!

Seth, as I'm sure most of you know, is an amazing artist, writer, blogger and host of the fabulous blog series The Pulse. The Style File, launched early in July, is the first of six collaborative projects that asks artists the question, "how would you describe your artistic style?" Seth has gifted the art-blog world with an incredible opportunity to peek into the creative windows of a multitude of diversely-talented artists. My own descriptive was featured in the third installment.

If you haven't yet visited The Altered Page, grab a cup of your favorite brew and relax while browsing your way through a richly satisfying artistic world.