For the birds

My husband, Jim Edmon, is a true creative in every sense of the word. An artist since childhood and graphic design warrior for 25 years, he is an illustrator for both stock and clients (Balance Creative), and he has a line of greeting cards. He's also a prolific mixed-media artist and was selling paintings at galleries years before I picked up a paint brush. One of the most fascinating qualities about being a creative and living with one is is the approach to an ordinary or basic task. A chronic list-maker, his pages are filled with odd jobs, ideas and his words become secondary to the doodles and sketches. 

So, when he decided to build bird feeders I had no idea what to expect. And his first endeavor (above) is functional for sure, but what a cool piece of art. Wood (mostly repurposed) is a staple in his studio, used for substrates and frames and the figures and birds he carves for paintings.   

Jim has been my biggest supporter, since I turned to art after retiring from our business due to health reasons. I went from stealing his art supplies to ordering my own, though I do love his brushes:) and we've had lots of fun poking around junk stores looking for the good stuff.  

When he brought these home I flipped! Boxes of player piano music in their original boxes, some signed by the pianist/composer. I have no idea (yet) what I'm going to do with this fabulous find, so for now it will go to the studio where I can admire the detail and craftsmanship. 

Then there's rusty junk. Who doesn't love it?? Jim's (business) landlord decided to have a salvage sale and we couldn't resist! The guy was a bit puzzled by our 'selection' and he gave me most of it (looked like salvage to me:) but I don't even have to make a rust bath! I'm nearly finished with my daughter's book and can't wait to get started on whatever comes next!

Not quite certain why I tend to stick more irons in the fire than there are flames, particularly in the spring when my arthritis is most ill-behaved. The past month has had more flare days than good ones, though I try to find ways to create even if I can't work in the studio.



















I've spent studio days finishing the greeting-card book I'm making for my lovely daughter - in her favorite colors. I honestly cannot believe how fun it is and how much I enjoy the continuous problem solving that arises during any 'first-time' project. I've made progress on the cover (wow, talk about problem solving!) and all the spreads are ready to bind. 

 

Each spread has one side for attaching notes or photos and I've branched out quite a bit, making pockets, flaps, mini-books and using wire (and fibers) in ways I haven't tried before. A great creative stretching exercise for sure!

That's one of the many aspects of workshops that I love, love, love (along with learning new techniques:). I'm currently taking Lesley Riley's Compose Yourself and Sally Jean's Princess Collage; talk about an adrenalin-rush excitement, these amazing artists have so much to offer and I can't wait to soak it all up! I've also ordered a couple of Seth Apter's, which I'm sure will be as amazing as he is. 


Speaking of workshops, the Red Thread Retreat, (October 2012), is where I learned, played, drank wine and had a blast with 17 other fabulous women - one of the best weekends ever! That's where I met my pal, the lovely and talented Rachel Stewart (creative force behind Blue Finch Jewelry). She recently made earrings for a number of new followers after a Grow Your Blog party. And she surprised me with a pair! Not only are they gorgeous, but (unbeknownst to her), I collect roosters and it's my Chinese Zodiac animal. Astrology isn't a guiding force in my life but it's fairly fascinating!

I hope you're making time to create and that whatever you're working on brings you much joy!  

My girl

I'm posting because, well, I made a commitment to myself that once a week can't be too overwhelming. And, I write this because, well, I am a writer and have the need to express and share. I'm not sure how many people read this but I'm so entirely grateful for every single one of you!

This past week wasn't as much about art as it was creating a beautiful event for my precious daughter who went to her first prom. 

And why, you might wonder, would we go through all of this when Alice couldn't go inside the ballroom? Strobe lights are not her friends and cause fairly severe reactions and what's a prom without strobe lights (grrr).

Because it's about the preparation, really, as anyone who has planned an event knows; the details, the bonding, the dozens of moments that create a gallery of memories that will live on for quite some time. 

They had dinner with two couples, hung out at the Marriott for a while then topped it off with a late-night bonfire. A trooper, my girl is, one who is learning to balance expectations with reality, understanding that hope really is stronger than fear, and disappointment happens, life isn't always fair. But, if we try, don't lose faith, look for the grace and opportunity that inevitably comes from the hard parts, it's always a fascinating adventure. I couldn't be prouder... and if this has given me a slight taste of wedding planning? Well, that will be a different story! 

Can you say recycled art?

Several months ago, my daughter was introduced to chronic illness. Nothing life threatening or terminal, just enough to alter her life stuffed with school, dance, competitions, boyfriend and social life to one punctuated by ambulance rides, ER visits, tests, and enough doctor's appointments that I've come to regard myself a certified waiting room consultant. Yes, we try to keep it light, in its spot in the big picture. Having been on that journey myself, I'm deeply grateful for my own illness - well, the experience, wisdom and perspective it has allowed me. The more expansive, empathetic, philosophical, aware self I have become - not the pains and annoyances of the illness itself. 




















A blog pal, Annie, otherwise known as Bohemiannie Art, commented on recent posts about the low-tech style (thanks Seth Apter!) projects I've been diving into with creative glee (yes, I said it, the word glee, wow) with a note saying I might enjoy watching some of Jennibellie's tutorials. I've never conversed with Jennie but from her studio in England she has been generous enough to take viewers through the steps of a variety of projects. After watching her turn greeting cards into a book I couldn't resist. Yes, I admit to it. Having, well, a lot of cards saved over the years, way too cool to throw away but not quite useful, so tucked in a box in my cozy (crowded) studio. And since my daughter has received a number of cards wishing her well, can you say 'new project?'

After a coat of gesso, leaving a few key elements showing, I chose a palette based on her favorite colors and did washes on both sides of all the cards. Then, I pulled from my stash of papers - mostly used, like the fuzzy paper bag my daughter's ballet shoes came in, tissue paper from Juicy Couture and imprinted with Free Gift, wrapping paper and my favorite textures. 

I didn't really plan for signatures because my brain doesn't work that way (can you say ADD?), so I left a few cards out to compensate. I want to have half the spread a colorful art page where I'll attach my thoughts, like, "I am not my illness." Then the other side will be painted and I'll add an overlay of paper, an envelope or, who knows, different ways my daughter can add her own words to the pages. Hopefully, the end result will not only be a keepsake, but an inspiring chronicle of her journey that began with fresh lemons and is creating some fine lemonade!

Neurocardiogenic Syncope has wreaked havoc on our lives but she is stabilizing thanks to a fabulous cardiologist and medication. Though she's out of school for the remainder of the semester, she has started dancing again, dealing with school work and (finally!) going out to have fun with her boyfriend and friends. My hope is that by her 16th birthday (in a few months), she'll be cleared for getting her driver's permit. Wait, did I just say that?? 

Chronic illness touches many, perhaps most every person's life, at some point. It isn't so much about what happens to us, it's what we do with it, the person we become with enhanced creativity, insight, and an expanded world-view. If art has influenced your life with chronic illness, I'd sure like to hear from you!

Art + Spring = Joy

I left for a quick spring break trip with a project on the table, believing that my most-patient demeanor would keep the creative urges at bay. Nope. Fortunately I had some fabulous reading and a tutorial all about Ice Resin, a new toy that had been in the package far too long.

So, the day after we returned I made my first batch of Ice Resin paper!  My pal Rachel - jewelry and mixed-media artist extraordinaire - said it's fairly easy to use as long as you mix properly and in the right proportions.  Who knew it could be so much fun - with fabulous results! Um, maybe I need a bit more excitement in my life? Just sayin.'

I went to the mountains with DH, kids, 1 boyfriend and 2 band mates - and all 7 of us had a great time in spite of below-normal temperatures. And no rain until Thursday morning,just in time for the drive home. Our cabin was accessorized with a pool table, air hockey and the customary hot tub. We took a guitar and several movies that we didn't find time to watch, and I'm proud to say that I'm the air hockey champ (playing with all 4 pucks at once is waaaay fun) and my DH, Jim, cleared the room during the pool tournament. 

Even more exciting was returning home to a package of incredible goodies from Flights of Fancy Boutique - bits of lace, fabric, metal clips, leaves and some mesh-like stuff that I can't wait to play with! A bit of trim and some fabric ended up in my latest book project, a gift for my lovely daughter.

And this, after a minor eBay incident... didn't think I'd win this lot but for the price it was a steal! Like most artists, I can't possibly need any more 'stuff' but there are some really cool brass pieces to add to my mostly-silver collection. 

Spent the considerable part of the past two days in the studio working on the project I'd sadly left behind... ahh, the joy of being in flow: that state of consciousness that eliminates time, worry, chores and other distractions and just opens up the creative vein for hours of pure joy.

And did I mention that after a record-setting late winter that gave new meaning to grey, snow and cold, the trees are starting to bud? Yes, it's finally here, chirping birds and all. Wherever you are, whatever you're creating, I hope you feel spring in your soul and happiness in your heart!

recycled sock inserts

An exciting title - ha - but really just about anything fit for the recycling bin can be a substrate... Kleenex boxes, cigar boxes, puzzle pieces, or in this case, the foot-shaped inserts that came with my son's no-show socks. My photo background is also very glamorous - the underside of an old file box top - wrinkles and all.

What I find so enjoyable about these low-tech projects (thanks to Seth Apter for the term:) is that it's WAY easier to let loose and work without that tricky-thinking brain that sometimes turns into a major block.  It also makes me feel a bit better about having accumulated so many supplies that I don't often use - velvet leaves and fabric flowers, stamps, something from just about every bin and drawer in the studio. the gold half-circle with dangling coins is a vintage piece from a costume I wore, well, over 30 years ago! Did I mention it also eases my mind about being a pack rat? A watch face, mica, beads, lace and sari ribbon all add the texture and detail I so love to create.

I'll eventually get back to canvas, though once I have a background done I proceed with so much more deliberation. There is so much to be said for making art from leftovers - it's literally not possible to mess up something already destined for the recycling bin. And, they're turning out to be favorites! I've started a new tissue box book and I'm bummed that I won't be able to get to the studio for a week! But, glad for the reason - a spring break trip to a cabin in the mountains with my family and a few extras:)

It hasn't snowed in three days here so maybe spring really has arrived... hope it's there too, wherever you are! 

Finished book pages

Looking at gessoed panels and unfinished pages is fascinating... for about half a second. Slipped my mind that I hadn't posted any of the results, after I added elements until I couldn't add any more - and I'm really happy about the way they turned out!

As I mentioned in the earlier post, I tried to incorporate processes and materials that I don't use often - stamps, rub-ons and stickers, tiny charms, transparencies, flowers...

I settled on found words as a concept. Random phrases and found-word poetry and words as art, with no particular theme or subject matter.
Even when each page was fairly packed with elements, I added to them until they felt really done!

So much fun that I've started another, no plans for them, just enjoying the creative process...

Fabulous giveaway!

My lovely blog friend, Caterina Giglio, is giving away three fabulous pieces of her art, any of which I would LOVE to own. OK, if I really had to choose, it would be this one!

Hop over to La Dolce Vita and enter too (though I really hope I win:)














La Mode, Caterina Giglio

Low Tech Kleenex Fun

Not long after whining about the art rut, I was browsing on Create Mixed Media and came across a video featuring Seth Apter, the amazing artist, person and creative friend extraordinaire. In the preview of the Easy Mixed Media Techniques for the Art Journal DVD, 'low tech' was a term he used to describe using whatever we have at hand to complement our fancy, expensive art supplies (my words:). After watching him make fabulous texture on watercolor paper using acrylics, gesso, wallpaper and doodling, I was inspired to play. The 'low tech' approach made it easy to bypass my art critic in residence (in my brain) and start...

I cut apart a Kleenex box and applied gesso to the panels, leaving a few of their design elements showing. 

 

Making a book using a tissue box, coffee bags, anything recycled has many benefits. First, how can you screw up a Kleenex box? No fine art standards in this project. It also stimulates creativity by thinking outside the box (OK, that was BAD), and there is one less item in the trash/recycling bin.

I chose a limited number of colors - green, red, blue, brown and yellow, no blending or mixing.

I embellished the pages with scraps of lace, paper, found objects, gesso and bottle caps and then intentionally pulled from the drawers I rarely open. Maybe I'm the only one who sees stickers and rub-ons, stamps, charms and other odds and ends and they look so cool I just have to have them. Then they sit in drawers because I'm not sure how to use them or they don't fit into a painted canvas.  

I loved prepping the pages so much that I almost felt 'finished' but then decided to make it a found-word mini-journal. And realized that the fun had just begun.

It's no secret that I love texture, and lots of it... combining scraps of every conceivable tissue, corrugated, patterned and printed paper with media, fabric, metal and other bits that are within arm's reach, then diving into color...

I can do this all day and it never feels repetitive, each piece a fresh blank board waiting to be transformed.

Sometimes I end up with a great beginning. And, since I don't usually have a finished image in mind when I start, I wind up staring at the background with no clue what to do next. I've gotten through this as many times as I've finished art that I mostly love, but this bridge place, the water rushing beneath, the sky - and path - dense with fog that filters through my brain is very frustrating. Yes, I need an image, found objects, a theme or emotion to express...

 

Like most mixed-media artists, I've read my share of books on process, the muse, letting creativity flow, blah, blah and blah. Yes, they are good, often great books, very inspiring and chock full of fabulous art... but do they help? Not always. What works for others is often alien to me - I believe the creative process is as individual as dentures. Or glasses. Or a prosthetic. I enjoy workshops and projects based on other artist's work but what I really want is to create in my own, albeit faltering voice.

 So what happens when a dead-end is perceived, if not reached? Does this ever happen to you? Everyone? If I didn't know better, this is the place where I'd stop, give up, call it quits. Who ever feels like that?! A fake it till you make it, stubborn, mind-blocked pout that doesn't make anyone happy. Trust me. If this rings any bells I'd love to hear about your way of coping with the blind curves, blank spots, other ways of dealing with the madness of getting stuck in one's own mind. Until I figure it all out, I'll just say I have a work in progress. Or blurred vision.

Can't have too many junk boxes!

Most of my pre-holiday time was spent re-purposing shoe boxes, a project that turned out to be as fun as it is ecological. Your counters are probably clean and visible, free and clear of the stuff that can't be thrown out - yet - but doesn't have a home. You probably don't deal with piles of stuff, photos, coupons, receipts and papers that need to be sorted like I do. So, since our junk drawer was full I decided this would be a convenient and artistic solution. A counter-top junk box. 

I collaged the box lid with generous layers of papers and other scraps, wholey paper of course, and then painted on a coat of clear Gesso; I haven't been using it long but have fallen in love with it! Along with stabilizing the cardboard it also lets some of the papers and colors show through. Then it became like any other canvas and I had a blast, deciding on a centerpiece and trim to complete the look. I did, however, leave the insides alone, I think it's cool that on the inside it looks like, well, a shoe box.

I don't know how many empty shoe boxes are hanging around your house. I'm not a 'shoe person' but it was still easy to  round up several. After completing a few, though, I decided to find someone with smaller feet! The blue box (middle) was made as a Christmas gift for my mother; an essay I wrote for/about her was rolled up and tied with ribbon and tucked inside. The detail shot (above) is of the pink box I made for my sister-in-law, who is currently undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. Sigh.

Rather than making resolutions (I used the same list for years:), I decided that as long as I either write, paint or create in some way every day I will be on the right path. I hope you experience happiness and an abundance of creativity throughout the new year!

A Creative Life, One Scoop at a Time

Aside from a couple of small, gifty projects I haven't worked in my studio since the Red Thread Retreat. If my feet were smaller I'd probably have made more progress on the re-purposed shoe boxes, but there are still four weeks until Christmas. I'm not sure whether it's taking care of sick children, too much on the list, the crush of cold weather on my arthritis, or all of the above. I do know that the more I try to control or balance obligations the more frustrated and impatient I become. And still no finished boxes. And I still can't decide if time away from the studio is simply that, or if triggers a germination of sorts.

An examination of the inner-workings of the creative process often isn't pretty; for me anyway, it's scattered and messy. Preparing pumpkins for Thanksgiving pies seemed an apt metaphor, a labor that involves guts and sorting, scraping away the pulp and seeds, which have their own use, then setting aside the leftover baked shells. I think properly baked pumpkins yield the best-tasting pie and while time-consuming, are always more than worth the effort.

Early on, things can look, well, stringy and jumbled. The secret to getting the spicy, savory results is in holding on to the knowing that it is process and will evolve with a life of its own. Listening to the muse, being open to the universe, "trusting the soup" as Steven Pressfield says in his dynamic tome, Do The Work, are all means to remaining somewhat patient during the sometimes long periods of time when there is no finished product, business model, end result.

I've been making the annual pies for decades but it has only been recently that I realized how little faith I've placed in my own metaphor. Often unwieldy and not resembling what I'd envisioned, I have spent my years dabbling in various endeavors - writing, photography, art - along with a somewhat successful career running a small creative business. It has often felt that each discipline has been an isolated effort to reach the one aha moment that makes the rest of the journey wide-open, easy to navigate, safe maybe? At this age I have plenty of journey left, though I've pretty much stopped wondering what I'll "be" if and when I grow up. The hobbies and passions I've pursued have all been creative and rather than feeling like a dabbler, I realize that each facet - a photograph, haiku, paintbrush - enhances art making. And the disciplines that at times feel separate are the inner-workings of one creative life. I'm not certain the pumpkin analogy is still working for me here... except for the part about the dozens of seeds tucked inside, ideas and hopes and plans for creative days ahead.