New Beginnings :) ..and Transitions...

I believe that is what this year has been about--the last couple of years really, but this year especially. I was knocked down in so many ways I could not lie...things are changing in so many ways I don't even know what's around the next bend. Oddly though, I feel stronger, and I'm ok with the "gray areas". I've learned a lot. I am not a fan of sorrow or hardship, but I am thankful to learn lessons, and also thankful I've learned to guard my heart and also who to trust--I've always tried to see the best in people and love and trust everyone..but I've learned that this is not always a good idea. It makes me sad, but it is true. Sometimes those who you think you can trust will hurt you, or were never really there to begin with. As an optimist in human nature I never wanted to admit this..but based on what I've experienced it may be true..Still though, I think we can still treat all humans with good and kindness and still guard our hearts and minds..it's tricky but I think but can be done. (I'm still trying to figure out the logistics!!)...Anyway..based on all this, I've been exploring new grounds and expanding old ones with sewing and embroidering, as it's therapeutic an enjoyable!..I hope to expand this series as my heart and mind opens further :)... here are some samples of the sewing I have been doing as of late!..I hope you enjoy it, and that it may inspire you in some way!! :)..there is a lot of good out there!..may you find it :)

The Sketchbook Project-- Page 10

Wow-- I just realized I have a lot more pages to fill by January! As the title of this post so astutely explains, this is page 10...with the theme being "Things that Changed Other things."...words are powerful (pretty common knowledge)...and what I'm trying to get at here (probably pretty obvious huh)? is that the words not spoken, are sometimes even more powerful-- shutting doors, opening others, etc....Not speaking what's on your mind can just as powerfully influence the future as not doing so. I can think of way to many examples of this in my own life! (so it seemed to be appropriate to include it in the project :) It was done in mixed media-- collage, pencil, watercolor, and gouache.

Thee Latest...

I call this one "Fragility"...I think it is done now, but I am not sure. (Let us just say I was feeling, uh, slightly "vulnerable" when I began this piece...I set it aside a few months ago, frustrated and undecided as to what more to do with it. I've been looking at it for a while now, and think it may be complete...I may do another version as well, but with more snow flakes, and a different color scheme. This painting was created using watercolor and mixed media...I even used some gold leaf! (sweeet)...first time I ever used that stuff-- I like the effect :)

Here it is!!!

The gigantic oil painting I worked on for about 5 months is now finished! Well, I actually finished it about a month ago, but I wasn't able to post it until now due to some camera issues...I had a basic vision of this one, but it definitely evolved over the months into a whole new creature...I've packed it with personal symbolism, but take from it what you will people! I love it when people find their own meaning in my whacky, crazy artwork...

Almost Done...

Here's a Good One! :D

Let this blog not be strictly about visual art, cyberspace people!!!....I am a BIG fan of music...as are most people I am guessing. I love music. I love the way it makes me think, and the way it makes me feel. The way a song can "grab" you, you know? And not just the lyrics, but the melody as well. The whole package really...I actually find it necessary to listen to music when I am painting. It makes me "feel" more. I like to "feel" when I paint. It's all about picking the right song, for the right mood, for the right painting...(usually)...

I had to listen to this song tonight. It felt right. It is the right song for right now. For this exact moment in time, this is the right song. You know what I mean? A certain song that you can relate to at a certain point in your life? Music is a good thing.