Jan's Art and Musings

Beauty for a Sickie

2012-02-11T10:29:00.000-08:00

I have a cold and DH brought me beautiful flowers. I'm one lucky gal!

Meditating on Color

2012-02-04T17:07:00.000-08:00

After two days of grading papers, I treated myself to art time. These were very meditative and soothing.

I started this earlier this week and finished it today.

I guess I have a thing for circles.

I definitely have a thing for the heart shape! This actually reverse color to the original.

DailyGood: 12 Things You Were Not Taught in School About Creative Thinking, by Michael Michalko

2012-01-22T08:55:00.000-08:00

DailyGood: 12 Things You Were Not Taught in School About Creative Thinking, by Michael Michalko

What will you do?

2012-01-19T06:55:00.000-08:00

So, what will you "do"? (heavy emphasis on do). I've discovered that when you tell someone you are retiring, their first question is "So, what will you do?" Because it doesn't seem wise to say "whatever" or "nothing" ... I've made a list of things I intend to "do" starting May 1st.

1. Take walks
2. Sun bathe by the pool
3. Learn to swim (once the pool is heated)
4. Visit museums
5. Visit galleries
6. Learn yoga
7. Collect stones
8. Take my camera to the beach
9. Day trips
10. Photography classes
11. Learn photoshop
12. Organize my photos on my *new* laptop
13. Take naps in the sun (i.e., catnaps)
14. Read all the "O" magazines I have laying around
15. Read lots of books
16. Meet friends for coffee or lunch
17. Entertain friends
18. Journal in a coffee shop
19. Serve on the HOA board (somewhere down the road)
20. Write my "life story"
21. Return to geneology - learn more about my father's family
22. Make art - hopefully daily!
23. Organize my art supplies
24. Organize my computer files on my *new* laptop
25. Grow vegetables and flowers
26. Cook new foods
27. Fill up empty photo albums I have collected
28. Fill up art/visual journals
29. Complete the UFOs (unfinished objects of art)
30. Decorate seasonally
31. Teach (on occasion)
32. Read sufi poetry
33. Study buddhism
34. Travel
35. Organize my pantry
36. Visit farmers markets
37. Learn how to make a good cup of coffee!
38. Blog - redesign my blog; learn how to upload slideshows, etc.
39. Start a group focused on "Positive Aging"
40. Make new friends
41. Take more time with old friends
42. Organize my files
43. Take a ceramics class
44. Take online art classes and *do* the work
45. Go to the beach
46. Investigate educational travel
47. Creativity Playdates with friends
48. Art retreats (with friends and alone)
49. Learn to draw (maybe)
50. Just be!

Photo taken somewhere in Italy

In the studio

2012-01-15T10:14:00.000-08:00

it pays to get up early!

peace in my heart

fun with paint

more fun with paint

my message for today as I prepare my letter of retirement to turn in tomorrow! inspired by donna downey.

wish me luck!

Release

2012-01-11T06:25:00.000-08:00

My word for the year is Release. This is the year I will retire ... and be released from the responsibility of full-time employment. This year I will do more art ... and release my mantra of "if only I had more time." This year I will slow down and breathe and release my need to always "achieve" and breathe in "just being."

Creative Doodles

2012-01-10T07:09:00.000-08:00

Doodling is the January theme at the Sketchbook challenge. This coincides with the *free* class offered by Traci Bautista through Strathmore Artist Papers - Doodles Unleashed. I love "doodle arting." Last year when I packed my supplies away to prepare for the move, the only supplies handy were markers and oil pastels. I worked in a doodle art book for months. I doodled everywhere I went, including a day spent with DH in the hospital emergency room. All the months that the Muse was boxed away ... doodle art was my major creative expression.

And here are ones from Week 1 of the class. I've added a link to the right to my creative doodles.

Welcome 2012!

2012-01-01T08:16:00.000-08:00

This year I will try to blog ... because I so enjoy the inspiration I find in this virtual creative community ... and perhaps I can share some inspiration to others.

I am not a blogger

2011-04-13T07:26:00.000-07:00

I am not a blogger. I've tried over the past few years. At times, I've posted regularly. Especially when I've been making art that I wanted to share. However, as work eats away at my time, I make less art, and blog even less. I do, however, check in on my inspiration blogs. I fill myself with inspiration for arting ... and then I go to work. It's as though everything I've learned about making time for art has flown right out of my head!

Some day ... soon ... I'll return to writing a blog. I'm not sure what "flavor" it will be ... to share my art ... or talk about the creative process (I'll be teaching a graduate course this summer titled "Innovation and Leadership") ... or simply to share my thoughts.

Perhaps I'll explore the topic of blogging ... since it seems to draw me in and I worry that I don't keep it up. In the meantime, I have 10 more weeks of school. ten . more . weeks . until . summer . break ... time moves at a snail's pace at this time of the year.

Today

2011-03-05T11:09:00.000-08:00

George brought me a beautiful bunch of flowers from Trader Joe's ... they are the only interesting items around here to photograph. Aren't they beautiful!

More Opposites

2011-02-19T11:47:00.000-08:00

I did this one morning in a very cold and uncomfortable motel room. The next night we stayed in a warm and cozy room. Such are the opposites of life.

Opposites

2011-02-05T13:24:00.000-08:00

the sketchbook challenge theme this month is Opposites.

i purposefully did these pages opposite one another - one words and mostly black/white; the other shapes in b/w and color. this was fun ... especially coming up with the words of opposites, or seemingly opposites.

Art Journaling: What is it to me?

2011-01-25T08:17:00.000-08:00

I'm focused on art journaling ... in the continual search for my "artist voice." As I've mentioned before, I have a lot of journals in-progress. Rarely do I fill one up. There is something that draws me to the new one ... this one will be it. This one I will fill up ...

Traci Bautista asks "What is Art Journaling To You?"

Art Journaling is a visual representation of my life. I realize this more as I move away from using magazine images to my own photographs. I see it as a way to present visually what matters in my everday.

what do you collect for your art journal?

Everyday stuff tends to find it's way into my art journals. This page has used coffee filters and various items that were at hand.

This page of security envelops ... becomes a study of pattern.

is there a certain theme you gravitate towards?

I gravitate towards nature ... I find such beauty in flowers. I always seem to be trying to capture that beauty through my lens.

what are your favorite subjects and stories to write about?

I would like to develop the "story" in my art journal. That is another way to find my artist voice.

what do you draw or take photographs of?

I am clearly lovin' the creative doodles. This is my latest. Reminds me of Picasso.

So ... what is art journaling to you?

Morning Ritual

2011-01-23T08:23:00.000-08:00

Prompt 9 in Traci Bautista's art JOURNALING daily is to write about morning rituals. I am an early morning person; no matter how late I go to bed, I'm up early. My ritual revolves around morning pages (Julia Cameron). Coffee ... fireplace ... journal ... that starts the day perfectly. I've done morning pages for years, religiously in some form or another. It is a way to clear my brain of "gunk and junk" ... allowing space for ideas. Lists are always there; it seems I'm driven to create lists of things to do each day (I wish I were driven to 'do' all the things on my list!). I think people would be a lot happier and satisfied with life if they did morning pages. But that's my bias.

Patterns as Inspiraton

2011-01-22T12:13:00.000-08:00

I could doodle all day every day.
On left and some on the right border is fabric from India.
I drew and painted creative doodles using patterns as inspiration.

Signs of Spring in January

2011-01-22T08:36:00.000-08:00

Signs of spring in January. How fortunate we are.

Doodling circles

2011-01-15T11:26:00.000-08:00

Fun with paint and oil pastels and stencils and stamps and markers and photo and collage...

warm winter day

2011-01-14T15:55:00.000-08:00

It's warm today ...

and flowers are in bloom ...

isn't this beautiful! ...

this tree is ready for spring!

Time for Art

2011-01-08T14:37:00.000-08:00

This journal page is in response to Traci Bautista's Art Journaling Daily prompt 2011 personal mantras and goals.

It is also in response to the Sketchbook Challenge January prompt of "Highly Prized" which for me is time for art.

Happy New Year

2011-01-07T15:20:00.000-08:00

these didn't scan too well ...

just some doodles to ring in the new year ...

Scenes from Christmas

2010-12-26T09:32:00.000-08:00

Lighting a dark and dreary day

2010-12-21T08:45:00.000-08:00

Happy Holiday

2010-12-18T09:46:00.000-08:00

Winter Garden

2010-12-04T08:49:00.000-08:00

oh how I love living in Southern California

6:30 am

not too much color here

but look at this

and this

and this ...

these leaves provide nice color

and texture

11:45 am

More creative doodling

2010-11-19T10:40:00.000-08:00

copic markers, acryllic paint, metallic gold paint pen

paint pens and markers

copic markers, metallic gold pen, oil pastels

pens, markers

Beach, Desert, and Mountains

2010-11-18T10:17:00.000-08:00

One of the things I love about Southern California is the close proximity of beach and desert and mountains.

the beach is deserted on this November afternoon

except for this fellow searching for his dinner

what beauty I find in the solitude

lifeguard stations wait for next year ...

I am here taking it all in ...

The mountains are not as brown as usual because we've had rain

I hear the beauty of this land

I take it all in ...

More Doodles

2010-10-30T17:37:00.000-07:00

Zentangles are way too much fun!!

A lot of journals!

2010-10-30T14:13:00.000-07:00

How many journals can a person work in?

I counted 18 books, all with something in them. None "finished". How many journals do you have going?

Fun Doodling

2010-10-26T14:00:00.000-07:00

I'm having such a good time with doodling! Traci Bautista's class is filled with inspiration. I also love my scanner that let's me invert colors during the scanning process. Two-in-one!

LA and Baby Snails

2010-10-24T09:13:00.000-07:00

I love these old buildings

the old and new co-mingling

images of what was

I also love surprises. I didn't see these baby snails while I was taking the photo

2010-09-21T10:16:00.000-07:00

Here is my latest artsy journal ...

Class with Traci Bautista

2010-09-17T08:26:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I took a class with Traci Bautista. It's my third class with her ... I've become a Traci groupie :-). We were at the beautiful home of Darcy Ritzau where I became green with envy over her spacious studio. We painted and collaged and doodled away on Saturday and then put all our beautiful papers together into an art journal on Sunday. Darcy fed us incredibly good food and Tracy shared lots of fun techniques. Here is my first book:

This was totally fun to make! I'm working on #2 today ... it's seriously addicting ...

Art versus craft

2010-09-07T07:05:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I wonder if I've gone on this path of making journals to avoid "real art." Are these books that I create art or craft ... or perhaps both? When does craft become art? (This question assumes there is a hierarchy.)

The book structure and binding are simplistic ... I craft them.

The pages are arty when embellished with paint and/or collage. Collaging and piecing and quilting the cover is arty. So does that make them mixed media art?

"Funkiness" is art, yes? The scrappy journals are funky, not scrapbooks with perfectly designed layouts.

Scrapbooking is craft, yes? When does scrapbooking become art?

What, exactly, is art?

Scrappy Journal #9

2010-09-06T11:33:00.000-07:00

This journal has three signatures for a total of 100 pages. It's mostly scrapbook papers but also has some of my photos and Sydney's art. This journal is for my daughter.

Two journals are listed in my Etsy shop.

Scrappy Journal #8

2010-09-06T11:18:00.000-07:00

This journal has two signatures of 10 sheets for a total of 80 pages for journaling and adding photos and other scraps of life. There are pockets and tabs and lots of empty space to journal. A family friend is the recipient of this one.

Scenes from San Juan Capistrano

2010-09-06T09:46:00.000-07:00

San Juan Capistrano is one of our favorite day trips. Here are some scenes.

In bloom

2010-08-27T13:16:00.000-07:00

How beautiful is this! My bottlebrush bushes don't bloom often but when they do, it is worth the wait.

Scrappy Journal #7

2010-08-27T13:11:00.000-07:00

This is scrappy journal #7. It is sold (lucky 7).

A walk in the park

2010-08-12T15:43:00.000-07:00

Today I took a walk in the park ... what treasures awaited me.

Scrappy Journal #6 for sale

2010-08-09T09:56:00.000-07:00

This is a one-of-a-kind handmade artist book/journal. The cover is made of batik fabrics that are machined quilted. Pages are a variety of papers including cardstock and scrapbook papers and handpainted watercolor paper. On most pages, you'll find machine stitched scraps to decorate edges and create pockets. Some of my photos are included as well as clip art.

There are two signatures with 58 pages to use. Pockets are sewn on the inside covers as well as a fabric wrap around tie enclosure. The size is 5 x 8 which makes it small enough to carry with you. This journal is waiting for you to fill it with your photos, remnants from your day, artwork, and journaling.

The cost is $40.00. If you are interested, please visit my etsy shop,

Altered Photos

2010-07-29T12:29:00.000-07:00

Last week I took a class with Karen Michel on altered photos. These are some of the photos that I altered. Great class! I look forward to delving into this deeper.

Front and back covers of a little booklet

The sunflower had lots of background "noise" which I removed with sandpaper and painted. I changed the background of the angel photo with sandpaper scraping and paint.

In front of Notre Dame were lots of people that I changed to more "floral". The daisy had background stiff that I painted away.

The background of angel on the left was simply scrapped away. It doesn't need paint. The angel on the right was a mistake - some of my photos were in water and colors ran ... I like the way this colored on its very own :-).

Sydney was standing in front of a bookcase - very busy background. This isn't finished yet but I like the way it has transformed so far.

This was a photo filled with flowers. I want to do a little outlining of the focal flower and perhaps remove the doodled lines. The white around the flower is scraping with an awl.

On this one, i scraped away the car to at least try and blur it. I also added some of my own graffiti.

I love the way this photo looks really old. It too was in the pile of photos that ran.

Scrappy Journal #5

2010-07-28T16:19:00.000-07:00

This is a one of a kind handmade artist book/journal. The cover is made of fabric brought to me from India that I have machine stitched together. Decorative stitching is added for texture and interest. The inside pages are composed of a variety of papers, including cardstock and scrapbook papers and hand painted watercolor paper. On most pages you'll find machine stitched scraps of papers, fabric and ribbon to decorate edges and create pockets. Some of my photos are included as well as a few magazine images and clip art. You'll also find a copy of original art.
There are two hand-sewn signatures with 10 spreads each, creating 80 pages to use. There is a pocket sewn into the front inside cover, as well as a fabric wrap around tie enclosure. The size is 6 by 9 inches. This journal is meant to fill with your own photos, remnants of your day, artwork, and of your journaling.

Cost $50.00. Please leave a comment if you are interested.

Altered photos with Picnik

2010-07-28T10:43:00.000-07:00

The class with Karen Michel was fun and got me into the altered photo mood. I'll post some work I did in the class soon. In the meantime, I had fun with this angel and picnik. Not having fun with placement of photos these past couple of days with blogger.com!

Original

Boost

Duo tone with polaroid frame

Invert with museum matte frame

Heatmap

Scenes of Idyllwild

2010-07-25T10:01:00.000-07:00

Scenes from Idyllwild, California where I spent a few days and took an altered photo class with Karen Michel. I've been going to this mountain community for 30+ years and not much has changed. It's like a place locked in time. Quiet community ... the loudest noises are the coyotes howling at the moon.

click on photo for a better view

Summer Fun

2010-07-16T15:56:00.000-07:00

It's warm outside and I amuse myself in the cool house.

Another scrappy journal

2010-07-16T09:48:00.000-07:00

Here is another scrappy Remains of the Day inspired journal. This one is for a friend who will take it with her on a trip to Germany.

I look forward to seeing the filled journal.

Description: This is a one-of-a-kind handmade artist book/journal.The cover is made of fabric brought to me from India that I have machine stitched together. Decorative stitching is added for texture and interest. The inside pages are composed of a variety of papers, including thick cardstock papers, scrapbook papers, and hand painted watercolor paper. On most pages you'll find machine stitched scraps of papers and ribbon to decorate edges and create pockets. Some of my photos along with a couple magazine images. I've also added a copy of original art.

There are two hand sewn signatures with 12 sheets each, creating approximately 96 pages to use. There are pockets sewn into the front and back inside covers, as well as a fabric wrap around tie enclosure. This journal is meant to fill with your own photos, ephemera from the day, artwork, and journal writing. The size is roughly 6 by 9 inches.

Garden delight

2010-07-10T13:22:00.000-07:00

In Search of the Perfect Journal

2010-07-09T10:43:00.000-07:00

I've been giving a lot of thought recently to journals and journaling. Having become totally enamored with making Remains of the Day or what I call "scrappy" journals, I continue to be challenged with working (isn't playing a better word?) in the books I make. So this posting is to try and sort through different kinds of structures (Jill Berry says a book is only a structure until you put something in it) and how I interact with them.

Morning pages journal is a spiral-bound 65 lb paper sketchbook. I paint the pages with watered acryllic and liquid watercolor paints because I hate writing on blank white paper. When I have time or am inspired I add stuff to the pages - like images or leftovers from art projects. On occasion I add a photo that I've taken and journal on it. I always do something on the cover. I write in this journal every morning. I have stacks of these filled journals.

Image a week journal is a moleskein sketchbook that I also paint the pages. The purpose is to select an image that represents my week and add a little journaling. At the end of the year, this journal will provide a visual representation of the journey I've been on.

Creative process journal is a handmade book with painted pages. The purpose is to record my creative process, journal about creativity. I thought I would use this more than I do ... I tend to process my creativity (or lack of) in my morning pages journal.

Wreck this journal seemed like a great idea when I purchased it. I even thought my creativity playdate friends would like to join me. I was inspired by the online groups that were working their way through the book. I have had fun with it and on occasion open it up to do something in it. Mostly this feels like a waste of time.

Visual journal ala Kelly Kilmer was started a while ago (before I started dating pages) during a class. I'm not crazy about the size - the pages are too big for my taste. I've tried to use the "prompt" method for this journaling. I don't think I'll complete this book. I have a lot of images that I've stuck inside but the book doesn't call me to do anything with those images.

Remains of the day journals are my latest craze. I finished the travel journal ... loved working on it while on the trip and then adding the photos when I returned home.

Photo of the day journal. This is the first ROD journal I made and I'm using it to add my photo of the day. I'm not in love with it - many of the pages are too busy and distracting (it was my first one and I tended to embellish a lot). I like the more simple pages so the images can show up. However, I am committed to using it (filling her up!).

Wish you were here journal is a work in progress. It is ROD inspired and will be filled with postcards and my favorite photos from travels. I'm not making the cover until I fill the pages - that way I can create a cover that will fit (unlike the travel journal). I love the pages - so colorful as are many of the places I've visted or have received postcards from.

Everyday beauty journal is one I made a few months ago and thought I would use for my photo of the day (hence the word "see"). I've added a couple magazine images and one photo but it hasn't called me to use it. This may need to find a new owner.

I have a couple others that I've made and not used. I'm considering listing them on Etsy so they could find their way into the hands of someone who will use them.

So ... I currently have 7 journals that are in progress. Oh how I envy people who work in one journal at a time. If I had to use only one it would be my morning page journal. But that just isn't enough for me. So ... I continue the search for the perfect journal. Ha!

I'd love to hear your stories!

Fun with paint

2010-07-06T11:46:00.000-07:00

Some painted sheets that will find their way into my next journal.

painted lutrador "feathered" with a heat gun

Travel Journal finished

2010-07-05T11:10:00.000-07:00

I finished my travel journal from Spain. I love it. It's fat (so fat that the flap doesn't really cover the front) ... it's got a lot of interactivity ... it contains morning page journaling as well as brochures and post cards and photos and all kinds of things that will take me back to the moment when I go through the book. This is my favorite travel journal that I've made so far. Click on the link on the side to see.

Movie to see

2010-07-04T13:55:00.000-07:00

If this movie is playing in your area ... I recommend you see it. Funny, inventive, joyous celebration of art.

Exit Through the Gift Shop

After you see it, let me know what you think.

Happy 4th of July

2010-07-04T08:14:00.000-07:00

This cake is as good as it looks! Happy 4th!

Another "scrappy" journal

2010-07-03T09:23:00.000-07:00

My daughter loved my travel journal so much she requested one for her spiritual journaling. Happy to have an excuse to make another ROD journal, this is Journal #3 of my "scrappy journals.
Outside cover

Inside

closed and tied

two signatures of 10 spreads each

bookmark made from photo from Barcelona

some of Sydney's papers

pages for journaling

a few photographs of Angels taken in Rome last summer

clear pockets and pockets with note paper

lots of pockets

I hope she enjoys adding her words and stuff to it as much as I enjoyed making it.

Surprises

2010-06-27T08:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I painted and embellished spreads I created on Friday. Something I love about creativity and being in a creative mode is the surprise that occurs when you are simply open to "what if." My first visual journal was titled "Journey into What If" and I still follow that path. Yesterday's path led me to my fabric scrap basket, where I found scraps that I could use on these spreads. Another "creative flow" was having the iron and board already up - so I wasn't disrupted from the flow. Having supplies easily accessible allowed me to stay in the flow.

The addition of fabric scraps adds another personal touch, as do my photographs. I've used only a few magazine images, mindful of copy write issues, just in case I decide to offer these for sale. My photo of a street in Madrid just off Plaza Mayor is one of my favorite pages. The use of my photos was another surprise as I hadn't thought of that and they weren't part of my stacks from which I was pulling to create these spreads.

The gift of the last two days has been the ability to immerse into this project with absolutely no interruptions. On Friday I worked in my pjs, not getting dressed the entire day. Saturday, I had to water out front and go down to the mailbox so I dressed (and bathed :-). These "retreats" are pure joy.

George returns today and we'll have a family BBQ tonight, so it's clean up my stuff, market, generally return to my life. I love my life, but I also appreciate retreat and the opportunity for getting into the creative flow and the fun surprises along the way.

Happy Sunday.

Focus

2010-06-25T21:06:00.000-07:00

Over the last 4 years I have dabbled in so many techniques and tried a lot of art forms … at this point I’m not comfortable with my ability to do any of them “well” … I can’t seem to “get to good”. Judy Wise posted this comment in her blog...

The other thing I have finally grasped is that as artists we are forever in a state of uncomfortable growth. Just as we reach one level, the one we thought would make us happy forever, we find that we've already sensed a higher level, a larger challenge that we cannot yet accomplish. It doesn't go away. I'm afraid we are doomed to be growing and reaching and wanting more and never finding a stopping place. What do you think of that?

I am challenged this summer with finding my artist voice … I know I’ve posted about this before here and here, but I mean something different now. The “voice” I seek now is passion and joy. By this I mean … what forms of arting bring me joy? What forms of arting make my heart sing? What forms of arting do I want to delve deeper into? What forms of arting do I not want to do

I’ve dabbled in paper collage, mixed media collage, fabric and mixed media art quilts, journal making, visual journaling, journal quilting, postal art, ATCs, tag art, greeting cards, fabric collage books, scrap art … I’ve taken classes with Traci Bautista, Kelly Kilmer and Lesley Riley, Jill Berry, Odile Nicolette … I’ve taken online classes with Susan Sorrell, Jamie Ridler, and through Quilt University.

When I look back at my work, my heart sings with fabric and mixed media collage and bookmaking. I still can’t find my voice with visual journaling, but I l.o.v.e. making journals. These two areas seem to draw me in. I have a good time working with fabrics and papers and I enjoy using the sewing machine for putting things together. So … I think it wise to focus on these two areas and see how deep I can go. Perhaps somewhere in the mix of fabrics and papers a style will appear that is mine.

Artful Day

2010-06-25T19:01:00.000-07:00

recipe for fun ...

equals ...

30 sheets for a scrappy journal

Final days in Madrid

2010-06-25T15:04:00.000-07:00

Puerto del Toledo

Photo taken from bus - it was raining so we grabbed a bus and rode to the end of the line and back. Great way to see a city.

Atocha Train Station, Madrid

good bye Madrid

Spanish countryside

Barcelona train station

Day 7 Toledo

2010-06-24T17:57:00.000-07:00

view coming into the city

high crime area?

oh how I'd have loved to bring some of these home!

the Cathedral - one of the most ornate and ostentatious churches I've ever seen

each section was so ornate and interesting. the art collection in the sacristy was like a small museum. of course no photos allowed so this was the only one i was able to take before being scolded.

Lively square - notice the double arches - who needs paella?

beautiful train station

perhaps a former church?

"art" in the Madrid train station

I love how easy it is to get around Europe on the trains.

Day 6 Madrid

2010-06-23T18:37:00.000-07:00

A day of walking and photographing statues ...

gardens in front of the Royal Palace

Outside the Cathedral de la Almudena

Inside the Cathedral de la Almudena

No one should have to look at so many boring statues without a little humor ...

Day 5 Madrid

2010-06-23T14:48:00.000-07:00

interesting buildings all around this city

rainy morning in Madrid - view from Starbucks :-)

is it the camera or am i dizzy?

Day 4 Madrid

2010-06-22T12:22:00.000-07:00

Cherry tower at Mercado de San Miguel. This place had the best displays of food.

including very cute cakes.

Chubby spider man awaiting tourists in Plaza Mayor to take photos. I was surprised at the number of people who did in the short time we were having a cup of cafe con leche.

Phillip III reigns over Plaza Mayor

where current day artists work

and paintings from 1692 adorn a section of the plaza known as Casa Panaderia.

Just outside the plaza there is a terrace for 4 flats

and art on the buildings is beautiful.

Day 3 Madrid

2010-06-22T09:25:00.000-07:00

Museo Reina Sofia.

MIRÓ

MIRÓ - Pintura (caracol, mujer, flor, estrella)

Picasso's Guernica

Picasso

Oskar Schlemmer "Flat Mask" - Papier mache

Calder sculpture in the garden of the museum

I really enjoyed this museum. While the Prada was fabulous for traditional art, I love modern art and feel a connection to it. It feels more "accessible" to me. Must look for "Outsider Art Sourcebook" - it was too expensive in the museum bookstore.

"outsider art"

Day 2 in Madrid

2010-06-20T09:37:00.000-07:00

parks are great for napping and sunning and eating breakfast

flea markets all over the world are filled with "treasures"

multiple styles of architecture make for a very interesting city

yummy lunch at Musee del Prado cafeteria

daily dose of graffiti

Day 1 Madrid

2010-06-19T11:52:00.000-07:00

Madrid airport

Graffiti was everywhere. I don't think it is considered a "bad thing" in Europe.

This artist was creating a sculpture with toilet paper until the policia made him remove it. Boo hiss policia!

But they didn't stop these musicians ...what a treat everywhere you go to hear live music.

June 3 Photo A Day

2010-06-03T16:42:00.000-07:00

Today's photo comes from Long Beach in front of Anton's Salon. Reminds me of Italy.
We leave tomorrow for Spain so I'll post pics when I return.

Photo-of-Day June 2nd

2010-06-03T07:38:00.000-07:00

I admit I was desperate with this one. The whole day had gone by and I hadn't taken my photo for the day. So, in the car, waiting to meet my friend for dinner, I took this photo. Actually I like it because of the reflection of my hand and the camera in the chrome. We met at a wonderful French restaurant and I should have taken a picture of the meal - now that would have been much more interesting ...

Walk Around The Block

2010-06-03T07:24:00.000-07:00

Walking with camera in hand makes "exercise" interesting, even fun. Looking for, seeking things that are interesting enough to photograph. Like a tree with a yellow caution tape wrapped around its trunk. Or roots of an old tree that are deep while being visual at surface level. Flowers draped across a wall offering a soft pastel color to an otherwise bland palette. And a signature in the cement - was the cement layer in love with a dog? Is it a shrine - did Icobad lose his life at this corner of the world?

But the most visually interesting are the pipes that appear to be planted along with the trees. What is their purpose? What vital element do they provide to the residents of this neighborhood? Why is one painted red - what makes that one different from the others?

This is June 1 photo-of-the-day.

Postcard from ...

2010-06-01T11:01:00.000-07:00

this was a photo taken in Long Beach California that I found today as I was seeking elements for my daily collage. it's a fun way to use the photos laying around that will never make it into a book or photo album or journal.

Day 2

2010-05-30T13:34:00.000-07:00

Beauty in the Garden

Day 1

2010-05-29T17:52:00.000-07:00

Summer writing journal cover

This says it all. The thrill of summer break.

Saturday afternoon in the backyard

2010-05-22T17:57:00.000-07:00

This time with granddaughter and "stager" ... She placed the items, I pointed and clicked. We make a great team!

And then we cropped and decided which ones were "keepers." As she said while we were doing this "we're very creative."

Saturday morning in the garden

2010-05-22T12:11:00.000-07:00

Seeing ... appreciating ...

ROD Journal #2

2010-05-21T17:21:00.000-07:00

Here is the journal I'll take with me to Spain. I used card stock with scrap book paper. It's all coordinated. So not totally scrappy. There's lots of pockets and place to write.

The covers are fabrics mostly that people have brought me from afar ... India and Thailand. I like that I'll be taking these fabrics with me to Spain.

Remains of the Day Journal 1

2010-05-21T16:58:00.000-07:00

I finished the first ROD journal.

I really enjoyed using all kinds of papers I had around and creating pockets, lots of pockets. I wonder what will go in this book? What will I use it for? I'm famous for making journals and not using them. I actually enjoy the process of making the journal more than I do using it.

remains of the day journal #1

2010-05-19T16:24:00.000-07:00

I'm taking Mary Ann Moss' Remains of the Day class. Lovin' the stitchin'! Not new to stitching paper and fabric, and not new to journal making, this is a fun class that has introduced me to new ideas for using all the scraps that I collect. I love the "funkiness" of it all.

2 signature covers

inside pages

covers

And now for the binding. Not my favorite part.

Countdown begins

2010-05-19T06:39:00.000-07:00

June 1st is my last official day of work this academic year. On June 4th we take off for Spain ... oh, how I can't wait. Madrid and Barcelona are the major cities we'll visit with day trips from both places.

I've been reading Mary Ann Moss' blog - going back and back and back. Interesting process. I did the same for Judy Wise. I'm fascinated with blogs about the "everyday" - the stuff that comprises our life. Of course I love reading about the travels - the big things that happen in our life. But the everyday is like the space between the big stuff. It's the important stuff ... it's what really matters.

Reading blogs is like peeking into someones life, getting a snapshot of what their life is about. I know it's only the life that's public and on display, and that there's more ... however, this satisfies my need to know more about the creative process of artists. Always interested in autobiographies, reading "back issues of blogs" fills my curiosity to see what interests them, what inspires them, and see how this inspiration informs their art.

What has amazed me from the very beginning of reading blogs is the generosity of artists to share their work and process of creating. The tutorials and videos - fascinating that so many artists share so freely.

I'll share some of my work soon. Even though I haven't blogged, I have been creating and have lots to show you.

Oh ... can anyone recommend a place for great paella in Madrid or Barcelona?

Stress reduction

2010-05-03T13:37:00.000-07:00

Walking in Central Park is a terrific stress reducer.

We are so fortunate to have such a beautiful park in our city.

right in the heart of the city

even the benches remind you of what is important.

Nature walk

2010-04-25T18:27:00.000-07:00

I've not blogged since December 2009. There are several reasons for this:

My work schedule is really full
I only have stolen moments to make art
I found myself distracted with with blogs
Even though they offer inspiration ...
I needed to grab the moments I had to make art.

It's been interesting to be away from a major source of inspiration for so long. I recently found my way back to viewing blogs with somewhat limited timeframe. Funny how I have to monitor my time and protect the precious few moments I have for creating.

Anyway ... spring is here and I'm almost at the end of my academic year. So dreams of days of arting dance in my head as I struggle through the last few weeks. I have made art, however ... which I'll share in the coming weeks.

Today we walked through our Central Park. I had my camera with me and enjoyed the beauty that nature has to offer.

bursts of color

lots of water for the ducks

these flowers were attracting bees

Central Library

lovely blue color

baby squirrel

love this color

so many shades of green

even the non nature things offer color

growth in a cut down tree - nature insists on growing!

Just as humans insist on creating.

Happy Holidays

2009-12-03T06:47:00.000-08:00

This autumn season has been really interesting; I've been faced with choices and possibilities. Going through the Artist's Way book and doing so in a group has been rewarding and incredibly meaningful. It's funny ... I've gone through (most of) the book before, I've even taught the Artist's Way at Work in my classes. The timing couldn't have been more perfect for me to join this group.

Somewhere along the way, the week of regaining a sense of possibility, I realized that I had over-extended myself. I was taking a coaching course (through CCA) and the AW course on top of this very time- and mind-consuming job. I dropped the coaching course and realize that I needed to drop this blog as well. While both are part of my journey, they were too much to keep up, and they became a drain on my energy. I also began the process of "succession planning" at work. Again, the energy from the group and the power of the book is allowing me to step back and really define my dream (True North).

So I will not be posting for a while. I don't know yet what is next in terms of my online presence. The good news is that I'm making art ... I just am not taking the time to put it up here.

I hope anyone reading has a wonderful holiday season. And thank you to all who have visited me over the past couple of years.

Namaste.

Safety, Trust and Relaxation

2009-10-15T17:23:00.000-07:00

Synchronicity is in my life big time! I'm taking three courses: The Artist's Way course, Building a Relationship with A Creative Client, and a Vision Journaling workshop with Kathryn Antyr. Week 1 topics were: Recovering a sense of safety, of relaxation, and building trust. Pretty connected, wouldn't you say?

My Creative Affirmations are
I am willing to create.
There is a divine plan of goodness for me.
I am willing to be of service through my creativity.
I am willing to experience my creative energy.
I am willing to share my creative talent.
I am open to whatever creative voice emerges.

As I set out on this journey, I am excited to be engaging with Julia Cameron's work again. I am also interested in doing this in community. I'm interested in what emerges and I'm willing to keep an open mind.

I love the morning pages, and have no problem doing them. I've already had an aha, which I'll share at another time.

My first artist date was at our Central Park. I took my notebook and pens down to a park bench intending to journal. Instead, I took full notice of colors and sounds and smells. It was interesting because I described the grass as the color of wheat ... this is not a color I have in my vocabulary. Cars traveling along the nearby street competed with the slight rustle of the trees. I was very much at peace. At this point, the connection to relaxation and trust was made. I was truly relaxed, and I trusted the process of staying at the park even though I had tons of work waiting for me.

These are two vision cards I made this week.

Artist's Way Workshop

2009-10-04T07:47:00.000-07:00

I've decided to take the Artist's Way Workshop with Odile Nicolette. While this is a huge time commitment, I went into this academic year with the intention of seeking balance. Thursday mornings are now dedicated to me pursuing my creative expression.

I did the Artist's Way book several years ago; well I should say I did most of it. I've taught a graduate course using The Artist's Way at Work. So I'm familiar with the themes. I feel this is a great time for me to work through the book again. I have several goals:

Balance. A half-day workshop, plus morning pages, a weekly artist date, plus the exercises will keep me busy. But this busy is a balance to my school busy. It's all about me :-).
I'm taking this workshop at the same time as I take my third class through towards a creativity coaching certificate. I'd like to see where this leads me ... I'm seeking my coaching voice.
Being in community. I know my coaching work will be in community, with groups. So immersion in this group for 12 weeks, working through the creative process, will provide a "laboratory" of sorts ... I can be the participant/observer (my academic training is showing here.)
Being in Odile's space always leaves me energized, motivated, and inspired. Her home studio is as warm and inviting as she. I always learn from her.

My intention is to blog my experience with the Artist's Way, but I'll have to see if that feels right or not.

Book #3

2009-10-04T07:31:00.000-07:00

"Arting is the cure for grumpiness."
~ Jan Jackson

Yesterday was proof of this. I've felt listless and grumpy for days. Yesterday, I pulled out the papers I'd painted in Jill's class and decided to make another book. I painted the reverse sides, using some symbols and watercolor paint. I used a mixed media piece on heavy watercolor paper for the cover, which I also painted on the reverse side. Cut it all to size, put the papers into signatures, sewed them into the spine of the cover and voila! a new book.
So, what is so energizing about this? 1. I love the use of a different "language" - symbols from a different time and culture. Even though I tend to create my own symbols, I use them as a guide and inspiration. The symbols/text become part of the art. Because I don't know the meaning of the text, I am free to create my own story.
2. I'm enjoying working with watercolor paint, experimenting with bleeding and running. On a couple of sheets, I made crayon markings which created a resist - I like that effect. While I don't get the same intensity as acrylic paint, I like the contrast this creates when mixed together in the book.
3. The painting and doodling process is quite meditative. Because I've limited myself to using only half of the watercolor box, I don't need to think much, I can simply paint. Doing this outdoors adds to the meditative quality - the sun, an occasional bird.
4. I love making books - at least simple structure books. I've made several journals but these art books are new to me. I can choose to use it as a journal but think I'll fill it with something else as I did the others. The cover has the word "Happen" on it ... will that guide the story?
5. Speaking of story ... I tend to focus my art on technique and materials. I tend not to work from a place of story. Sometimes a story might evolve, but more often the piece is "just a piece of art" - the story is for the viewer to create. I used poems in the other two books, and I may do that again here. But I think I'll see if a story emerges that wants to be told. I can't wait too long for this story, however, or else it will "just another structure" until text is added and it becomes a book.
So, I felt a 1000% better when I wrapped up my arting session than I did at the beginning of the day. I felt energized, satisfied, fulfilled.

"Make time for art."
~ Doctor's orders

Another book

2009-09-27T16:13:00.000-07:00

I used a “scrap” from the Music Maker book to create an accordion book. Using watercolors on the painted paste paper, I drew symbols and figures to create the visual for a story.

I then added this poem by Langston Hughes.

Hold fast to dreams
for if dreams die,
Life is a broken-winged bird
that cannot fly.

Hold fast to dreams
for if dreams go,
Life is a barren field
frozen with snow.

I love this poem and it seemed right for the book.

Jill Berry's Workshop

2009-09-27T15:46:00.000-07:00

Last weekend my friends Phyllis and Jody went to San Diego to take a workshop with Jill Berry. This is the second time I’ve taken a class with Jill. She is a delightful teacher and very interesting woman.

In one workshop, we painted papers with a mixture of paste/acrylic paints. I love the way the paint is absorbed into the paper, leaving it velvety and pliable, not sticky and stiff, like with acrylic paints alone.

In the other workshop, called “All the Elements Book”, we created an illustrated page using symbols from a variety of cultures. My symbols are based on the Bamum Script – ideograms invented by King Ibrahim Njoya, the ruler of the Bamum people in Cameroon in 1896. I added some of my own personal symbols as well.

This page was used to create folios for a book made with a wood spine embellished with charms and beads. I added the text today and cover today to finish the book. The text is an excerpt from “Ode” by Arthur O’Shaughnessy.
We are the music makers,
And we are the dreamers of dreams,
Wandering by lone sea-breakers,
And sitting by desolate streams;
World-losers and world-forsakers,
On whom the pale moon gleams:
Yet we are the movers and shakers
Of the world for ever, it seems.

These words speak to me and remind me that for centuries, humans have communicated through symbols and written word, to try and make sense of the world we live in.

Creativity Weekend

2009-09-18T08:03:00.000-07:00

I'm off to San Diego with my good friends Jody and Phyllis to take a weekend course sponsored by San Diego Book Arts. The teacher is Jill Berry. She gives a lecture tonight on artist's books, and then a class called "The Painted Page" and on Sunday we make a book. I took a class with Jill last year and really enjoyed it. I missed the painted page element then and am thrilled to learn how she makes paste papers. How fun this weekend will be!

graffiti

2009-08-29T18:43:00.001-07:00

I'm always fascinated with graffiti in European cities. It seems to be more accepted and integrated. I forgot to ask our tour guide about it. I wonder if it's gang-related as so much of the local graffiti is.

Goodbye to Summer

2009-08-16T07:13:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I worked in my art journals all day.

The poem inspired the art

I was feeling the need for solitude after a day of being in community. I don't know why I'm like that ... but I was fortunate that G. went shopping with my daughter and granddaughter, leaving me alone for a while. I stayed in my pj's until we went out to dinner :-).

I'll probably do some journaling on these pages

I'm feeling a little "down" because summer is over for me. And now I regret all I didn't do. Like the three unfinished art quilts on the design wall. Or the set of digital photo books I'd planned. Or the creativity e-book that my friends is waiting to put on her website.

Of course I had a wonderful trip and a great art retreat. And the days I "wandered aimlessly" were restful and restorative and fun.

I'm finding it harder to return to school this year. Partially because it's another year of "administration" (final one!) and also because I'm so close to ending my full-time working status. While I'm grateful to have a job, a mostly wonderful job, it is tough facing a calendar already filled with meetings and appointments.

I've carved out course development days (a creative activity) and I'm hoping to keep Creativity Fridays. I'm making a list of playdates - ones I'll take by myself in the true sense of the Artist's Dates (Julia Cameron). And my group of Creativity Playdate friends will continue - our next date is "Intuitive Art: Exploring Creative Problem Solving" with Odile Nicolette.

My vision page - making the time for balance

I'll continue my courses through Creativity Coaching Association. I believe the next course is developing a creative practice, which is quite timely as I think about developing a visual/creative journaling course. The idea is really pulling me in, combining my love of journaling with imagery and creative elements and bringing that to others. It's an idea I had years ago, when I was simply using words to journal. I know, a gazillion others are doing this but there just may be room for one more. Who knows, I may begin with bringing the creative elements to my students leadership journals.

I do intend to blog on the creativity and the creative process and hopefully inspire someone to create something ... anything. The world needs us creatives!

Encaustic Painting

2009-08-16T07:12:00.000-07:00

I took a basic encaustic class with Josie Rodriguez - it was fantastic! I enjoyed working with the wax and pigments. I particularly liked how the heat gun became like a paint brush. There isn't a lot of control (at least for me as a beginner) but that is part of the fun and interest. I love the "what happens if ..." art experience.

These three have transfers from photos of Italy.

Josie is a neat woman with great talent. She and her husband conduct art lessons in their very artsy home. They actually have a place for a retreat (something I hope to do one day.) She's an excellent teacher, patient and 'gentle'. I'd love to travel to Cortona Italy with them next summer but doubt I'll be able to afford it after this years trip.

I enjoyed the course and will take it again (basic encaustic). I like to do that ... take the basics until I feel I've got them "down" and then move on. I would like to practice more to get the "see-through" layering effect.

Because of the wax and pigments and equipment and working outside ... this isn't something I'll pursue right now. I may try a wax medium that comes in a jar, like Dorlands Wax Medium. I like the translucent effect and the idea of embedding things.

I'd also like to take Josie's mixed media class and her husband teaches paste papers. Oh, so many classes ... so little time.

My newest journal

2009-08-05T12:51:00.001-07:00

I've started two new journals as I prepare to return to work. One is my everyday journal. I simply paint pages and gesso every 10th page or so (for collages).

The one I'm showing here is going to be a visual journal. Visual journals have a different purpose than my everyday journal. There I do mostly morning page-type writing along with making lists and jotting down ideas and stuff. A visual journal is more of an illustrated journal entry. Each page tells a story, some loud and clear, others a mystery.

I'll be holding my first visual journaling workshop in September. This journal will be a sort of practice place. (Notice the "envelope" on inner cover where I can put ideas as they occur.)

I've prepared several pages for a couple of reasons. 1. When I return to work, I have very little time for art of any type. If I have journal pages waiting for stuff (photos, images, text) I'm more likely to work in it. By adding prompts to many of the pages, I can open to one that is appealing to me at that time. Like the one below is "Love notes" where I can put notes from people and to people in the sewn in pocket.

Another reason to prepare pages is to avoid the blank page syndrome. Because I put color (paint) on most blank pages, I no longer suffer from this syndrome. However, I have found that a blank book still is unwelcoming. I'm hoping that having lots of pages prepared and waiting for what's to come next, the book will remain "user-friendly."

And finally, I still have a goal to use my art supplies. I've given up the idea of using them all up -- I think it would take many books to do that. But I'm on a mission to not buy anything more until I have reduced my stash. I'm only allowed to buy glue at Michaels :-).

I'd love to hear your experiences with keeping a visual journal!

Visual Journaling

2009-08-04T13:35:00.000-07:00

I've written about journaling before, but I keep returning to the topic of visual or art journaling. In September I will hold my first workshop on visual journaling for my creative playdate group. I must admit it makes me a little nervous to create this playdate because they are friends. Yet, that makes no sense at all ... one should try things out with friends first! Especially a group of women who are totally supportive of one another.

As I posed in the previous entry, what's the point? Why not just stick with pages and pages of words? Using visual imagery or simply color on a blank page taps into another part of the brain. We "see" things through images differently than through the written word. Using color and imagery allows us to learn more about ourself as we tap into a deeper and more primal place of knowledge.

Even though I've been keeping a visual journal for a couple of years, I feel like a neophyte. I google "visual journal" and get lost in the myriad of artist websites sharing their journals (artists who blog are really generous with their work and their process!)

What have I learned by keeping a visual journal? 1. I LOVE color. I prefer writing on a colored page than a blank white page. Hence, I paint several pages of a journal each week. Sometimes, that is the only arting project that I have time for. As small as it is, it keeps me connected to creating.

2. I have a long-standing love affair with pens. For my morning journal I select a colored pen to work well with the page I'll be using. That one little step is a healthy creative habit!

3. I enjoy gluing stuff into my everyday journal, like scraps from art projects. These scraps were put into the book at the end of one of my art retreat days. There is a neat place for journaling or an image. (This will also make a nice background page for another project/journal page.)

4. It doesn't take a lot of time. I don't have time during the academic year to do much arting. Putting an image in my journal and writing about it is not as satisfying as a whole day for art, but more satisfying than just putting words on the page.

5. Documenting your day is a fun way to make a journal memory page.

This journal page documents a Sunday that I decided to photo-journal. That forced me to pay attention, and when I put it all together, I was able to see that nourishment was all around me.

6. I really think this matters. As I seek a place within the creative coaching environment, a place that fits with my goals and talents, visual or creative journaling might just be something of value to women who wish to live more creatively.

If you keep a visual journal, I'd love to hear about your experience. If you wish to explore visual journaling, stay tuned ...

What's the point?

2009-08-04T12:11:00.000-07:00

Question: What's the point?

I fill notebooks with words and words and ideas and sketchbooks and scraps of paper and images. What's the point? Do I learn anything about myself with these words? Or do I just feel like I'm doing the write thing.

I put sticky note tabs in books and magazines. For what? So someday I'll return to that book and have time (and desire) to make something?

I now have about 8 collage/artist books that I'm working in. What's the point? Is this real art? Am I learning about design with this practice as I claim to be? Do I even think about design or do I simply slap paint and stuff on the page and move on? Is this an exercise in futility - do I have design talent?

I have unfinished art projects on the design board. For what? They stay there month after month. What good are they doing? Sure, I glance over, but not with time to really see. What purpose do they achieve other than for me to say I have "work in progress?"

I amass art supplies that spill over into my life space. Why? I don't have time to use them. They seem to indicate I'm a "practicing artist", but beyond that, what's the point?

Creativity feeds the soul!

My notebooks are the window to my soul. If I allow myself, I will and can learn more about myself. My notebooks are like a good shrink, only cheaper. They absorb my words and ideas and stand ready to deliver.As do all the books and magazines with their shiny pictures and ideas that inspire me.

My collage and artist books are symbols of some of the challenges I face as an artist. They provide me with a platform upon which to practice. Some pages I like and some I don't - it's all part of the creative process. These books also provide a window into my soul, with visual images rather than words.

My design board reminds me that there is work/projects waiting when I am ready. Eventually they call out and demand to be taken down and completed (or put away). They patiently wait. As do the art supplies. They stand ready to be put into action. They keep me thinking about arting and creating.

That's the point!

In search of the perfect journal

2009-08-04T11:14:00.000-07:00

I am always in search of the perfect journal! I've been on the hunt for years. I have journals that have great covers but the pages are too thin to write with colorful pens or add "stuff". I have journals that have great paper but have coil binding so you can't do real double spreads. I've made a ton of journals myself only to become dissatisfied. Well, for the Italy trip, I found the perfect journal to travel with.

Lurking around visual journaler blogs (you learn a lot by lurking), I came across the name "Moleskine." This is a book with history.

For two centuries now Moleskine (mol-a-skeen'-a) has been the
legendary notebook of artists, writers, intellectuals and travelers. From gifted
artists Henri Matisse (1869–1954) and Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890), to poet and
leader of the surrealist movement André Breton (1896-1966) to Ernest Hemingway
(1899-1961) considered the most influential writer of the last century, to
famous travel writer Bruce Chatwin (1940-1989).

They have a website where people actually post pictures of their books! There's like this "cult" around these books; their website even shows where the books have been found in movies. I ordered the pocket sketchbook because it sounded like it would be small enough to carry around and not be so heavy and the paper would accommodate adding "stuff." When I got it I knew it would be perfect and it was.

So, what made it perfect?

The size. At 3.5x5.5 it was easy to carry. Even though I ended up not carrying it with me everywhere, it is a small transportable book.

The size is also perfect for adding just a little something to each page. Larger and it would be more like a "scrapbook" than a visual journal, which was the effect I was after.

The paper. The website doesn't show the exact weight of the paper, just say it is "heavyweight." The paper was perfect for adding paint (I painted some of the pages prior to leaving) and "stuff."

The thread binding allows the book to open flat (and there is no coil!)

I've never filled one of my travel journals before! I added stuff each night. Then when I got home I printed certain photos to add. While I kept another "journal of words" this journal really will serve as a great memory of our Italy trip.

BTW, I saw these books everywhere in Italy - it is Italian made paper.

it's raining

2009-08-04T09:00:00.000-07:00

It's raining! For most of the world, that is not something to blog. However here in Southern California ... it is "amazing!" Well maybe not amazing, but certainly unusual for August. It only lasted about 10 minutes but it sounded glorious and the flowers are saying a great big "Thank You!"

messy creative space

2009-08-04T08:56:00.000-07:00

A part of the art retreat process for me is to have my stuff out visible and accessible. This is my "studio" as I don't have an extra room. Luckily George doesn't mind the mess while I'm in the midst of creating. Also luckily we can eat outside :-). So, at the end of the retreat, it all has to go back into bags and storage boxes and get cleared away. The key is to organize the storage so when I have a few moments I can pull it out. I'm off to Michaels to get some more storage containers. (Dream -- need to do a vision board on this -- someday I will have a room for my art stuff i.e., a real studio.)

Art Retreat

2009-07-28T08:53:00.000-07:00

I’ve just completed a 10 day “Art and Soul Retreat”. It’s been a really great experience. My goals were:

Treat myself to art
Whole days dedicated to creating
No school work
Finish (or at least progress) my art quilts
Focus on collage and mixed-media
Fill up my visual journals/books
Use up art supplies
Learn a new technique (clay)
Explore the mystery bags
PLAY. RELAX. HAVE FUN.

While I never got to my art quilts, didn’t pull out the clay, and didn’t work in my journals, I met and exceeded the other goals. I worked mainly on collage/mixed-media. I started with a series of collages using photos from our Paris trip two summers ago. I found the visual journal I’d started and put away uncompleted. So I pulled some of the painted pages from the book and used these as the supports for the series. (I'm showing these in collage format because it's easier than uploading each one individually.)

I then met up with my guide, Jane Davies. Not in the literal sense as she is in Rupert, Vermont and I am in Southern California. I used her books, Collage Journeys and Collage with Color as guides. On day 2, I pulled out the mystery bags and sorted papers from text and images; finding several projects in progress and supplies I’d bought and not even opened. The dining table is now full – oh what a joy!

Sorry that I used her exact example, palm trees, but it was an easy shape to work with for the series. Working on several pieces at a time is fun; removes the pressure that “it” has to be perfect. I like the connection between the pieces. So my first lesson is: have an idea developed (at least somewhat) as sort of a roadmap, and have supplies out and visible or at least easily accessible. This makes for an easy flow.

By day 4, I was feeling that the dedicated time to arting was exactly what I needed. No pressure to do anything more than play and explore. Create art and pay attention to feelings, likes and dislikes.

I made this series from painted and artist papers in my stash. Love the brightness, quite a contrast to the Paris series. I prefer working with bright colors. I prefer making art that is joyful. OK, so right now, I don’t feel like doing soul-art. I think I’ll just stay with art that makes my heart sing.

I made several “overall collages” – using file folders as the support and various papers to create backgrounds for collage projects.
Once these were completed, I pulled out the paints and created three painted pieces (on watercolor paper) for backgrounds for collage projects. Start with an overall color in most areas of the paper and then add, but leave white space to be filled in later. Then I get the look I want. Perhaps not as layered, but that also not dark and muddy as has been my experience in the past.

I used a discarded collage as the surface for this piece, one of the numerous “heart” themed pieces I made when I first started on this art journey. It is an appropriate base for work depicting Tuscany. The blue papers remind me of the sky and water and the marbled mountains. Crumpled paper painted gold metallic and “aged” with reddish color (a paper from one of the mystery bags), represent the old, crumbling yet elegant buildings. The doors were so elegant, including the gold door on the Bapistry in Florence. The rose/pinkish paper reminds me of the earthy colors of the houses, of course leaning as a not to the tower. I used magazine images of stone walls; the bank of yellow in the middle reminds me of the magnificent fields of sunflowers. Various shades of green remind me of the hillsides of vineyards and olive trees. Gold elements depict the gold everywhere on the buildings and art. A ribbon along the bottom was removed from the original collage, making the link between the heart collage and this piece. I tried to capture many of the elements of Tuscany that I loved and titled the piece “Love Tuscany.”

Convergence. This is a small piece (size) using the painted papers. I limited my colors (a real challenge for me) to red, blue and yellow, as this is my favorite combination, albeit quite primary. I do enjoy making these abstract pieces; mainly I enjoy the embellishment, creating the tactile effect.

Peaceful Spirit

I was going to make more individual collaged pieces; however was called to make a hanging wall collage, turning to another guide, Tracy Bautista and her book, Collage Unleashed. This is the second of these pieces that I’ve done. Each piece is a mini piece of art, but put together form a fun and funky wall hanging. Not yet sure how to display it (frame it? Hang it as a mobile? Attach it to wire/mesh as a backing?) … it was a LOT of fun to make.

And finally, I turned to greeting cards. I have a desire to create a series of cards that I could actually sell. I’m probably a long way from that, but the point is to create them and see what happens. These are fun pieces; not sure they are considered “art” or more “craft.” But it is something I could do on weekends.

I even did some doodling …

Creating vs. Creativity

This week has been a creating and creativity week. Creating = making art, even if it’s practice. Creativity = the process involved. This week has been highly creative. As I paint, I get into a place of pure joy. My heart sings when I add a color that pops on the paper. I love the process – selecting which color comes next. Yes, I still use “guides.” I don’t trust myself yet to not make a dark broody mess. Using Jane as a guide led me to not cover the page with each color, which I’ve done in the past. So this writing and thinking time about the process – that is creativity. The discovery of a technique – using the palette knife to spread the paint – that is the creative process. Even doing the exercise with the palm trees – it’s part of the process of (re)learning, (re)connecting, and (re)engaging with collage. The making of the art and the journaling is the creative process. This is helped by the dedication of time, allowing it to become a habit.

The creative process is supported by the habit of creating daily. So, how can leaders and managers develop the creative habit? What can they do to spark new ideas – daily? The point is to generate ideas, not worry about the quality at the point of generation. More on this at a later time …

Reconnecting with collage and painted backgrounds, working in series, working with my Italy photos to create a movie and complete my visual journal of the trip, having fun … I’m feeling quite pleased with the outcome of this time. It truly was an art and soul retreat. (And I still have a ton of papers and images and paints to play with!)

Florence

2009-07-21T17:39:00.000-07:00

Florence was both a joy and a disappointment. Because I've wanted to go there for so long, it was exciting as we entered the city. However, within an hour I knew there would not be enough time to really see and enjoy it. One day is simply not enough to take it all in.

According to Wikipedia, Florence was originally established by Julius Caesar in 59 BC as a settlement for his veteran soldiers. The Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore is the cathedral church (Duomo) of Florence begun in 1296 in the Gothic style to the design of Arnolfo di Cambio and completed structurally in 1436 with the dome engineered by Filippo Brunelleschi.

The Cathedral, called "il Duomo" from the Latin word domus, house, for house of God, not because of the dome.

Ponte Vecchio ... this was a thrilling sight ... such a famous photograph and here I was taking my own photos and walking on the bridge. It is at moments like this that I know why I love to travel.

I chose not to take the tour of the Accademia dell'Arte del Disegno because I'd had enough of being rushed. So I basked in the replica of David in the Piazza della Signoria. Oh, so perfect :-).

The piazza is filled with statuary!

And the Basilica of Santa Croce, originally a Franciscan foundation, contains the monumental tombs of Galileo, Michelangelo, Machiavelli, Dante, and many other notables.

So, I hope one day to return and spend a few days, perhaps taking cooking or art lessons?

Le Cinque Terre

2009-07-20T13:00:00.000-07:00

Le Cinque Terre on the Italian Riviera. These villages were totally isolated for a 1000 years, the only way to traverse the mountains was donkey. Completely self contained, they built terraces where they farmed grapes and lemons and other vegetation. A road was built in 1900 and train tracks were completed in 1925. The first walkway between Romaggiore and Manarola was built in 1925. So you could have lived and died in one village without ever leaving it or meeting anyone else from another village.

Vernazzo

Santa Margherita di Antiochia, built in 1300's

Corniglia or the other side of Vernazzo

Monterosso

At Monterosso, we lunch at Pozzo's (?) where we had the most delicious seafood salad and grilled seabass! It was the one of the best meals we had on the trip. The beauty of these villages is simply unbelievable. But the streets are filled with tourist shops. Interesting, an American choir was practicing in a church built in the 1300's.

Even laundry is attactive here!
This was spectatular! We traveled by bus to La Spezia, boarded a ferry to the different harbors, and then a very old and dinky train back to La Specia.

Tuscany - San Gimignano and Siena

2009-07-18T09:11:00.000-07:00

Ah, Tuscany. What a beautiful area! Olive groves, vineyards, fields of sunflowers. The scenery and the towns and buildings were like being inside a movie set. Here are some of my favorite pictures from each of the spots we visited (how do you select from 500+ photos???)

San Gimignano, a medieval town known for its towers. The first town to visit on the tour, I was overtaken with the age and history.

Piazza della Cisterna

This piazza had lots of shops with enticing ceramics and leather and gelato. As it was still morning, we opted for Caffe' Americano and Cappucino.

This was once the Duomo (cathedral), but since San Gimignano no longer has a bishop it has reverted to the status of a collegiate church. It was consecrated in 1148. It was closed to the public because of Sunday services. Sorry to have missed the frescos inside.

Siena, another medieval town, known for the Piazza del Campo, scene of the annual Palio horse races in July and August.

It poured just as we reached the piazza, so we had lunch under umbrellas and kept (relatively) dry. I had melon and prosciutto -- delicious!

And then the sun came out and we were able to explore the Piazza del Campo. Another movie set! Rather surreal. 16th century buildings. It is simply awesome to stand in such a location.

Chapel of Palazzo Pubblico and Mangia Tower (town hall)

Courtyard of the Podestà

Here you find the other symbol of Siena, the wolf with the two Roman twins, in gilded bronze.

But the real symbol of Siena is St. Catherine. We toured the Basilica of San Domenico, which is linked to the worship of Saint Catherine of Siena. San Domenico (St. Dominic) was founded by the Dominicans in 1125. The chapel houses the head and thumb of St. Catherine (neither of which did I photograph).

Madonna with Child by Francesco di Vannuccio

Italia

2009-07-18T08:31:00.001-07:00

We just returned from Italy. Three days in Rome, then a tour of Tuscany. We stayed in Montecatini and from there took day trips to San Gimignano, Siena, Cinqueterre, Florence, Lucca, Pisa, Torre del Lago Puccini, Forte Dei Marmi, and Assisi. All of this was through The Rome & Tuscan Highlights of Trafalgar Tours. This was a delightful trip. I like to take tours the first time visiting a new area ... this way I know where I'll want to spend more time when I return (definitely Lucca, Florence and Siena). Here are some highlights of Rome.

Ponte Saint' Angelo, completed in 134 AD, the home of 10 angels holding instruments of the Passion.

Angel with Cross, sculpted by Ercole Ferrata (1610 – 1686).

St. Peter's Square and Basilica S. Pietro, by far the largest and most impressive church I've ever visited. The history, the art ... amazing.

Pietà, sculpted by a young Michaelangelo

Bernini's Baldacchino

This monumental canopy shelters the papal altar where the pope holds mass.

Musei Vaticani. You could be there for days and not be able to absorb all the art and history. Painted ceilings adorn the entire place ... like this one.
The Sistene Chapel was rushed and very very crowded ... no way to see it all; this was totally overwhelming and indeed gives new meaning to the term "awesome." Our tour guide gave us the history of the Wall of Redemption, Michelangelo's Last Judgment, which he did years after the ceiling. No photos allowed (although most people were taking photos). I didn't, good girl that I am.

The Creation of Adam by Michaelangelo. Public domain image courtesy of the Web Gallery of Art.

The Last Judgment (1535-1541) by Michaelangelo.Public domain image courtesy of the Web Gallery of Art.

Piazza Navona. It is amazing that every few blocks there are these piazzas with fabulous sculptures. This is one of three fountains, the Fontana del Moro (Fountain of the Moor).

Fontana di Trevi. Glad we came here in the evening. The area is filled with tourist souvenir shops, but there were less crowds at night. Plus the fountain was lit up and absolutely beautiful. It was quite festive and very impressive.

We returned the next night to this area to dine at a restaurant where the walls were painted with beautiful fresco's, and the food was good, not excellent.

Interesting ... no Starbucks in Italy. Coffee is served in "Bar's" where you drink it standing at the bar (cheapest price) or seated/waited on (higher price.) Served as "shots" of espresso, it's a "drink and run" thing. No Styrofoam cups littering their landfills.

Next, I'll show highlights of Tuscany.

An Artful Weekend

2009-04-27T07:44:00.000-07:00

On Sunday morning I’d considered not taking the class at The Art Bar because of having been gone on Saturday morning and there was stuff “I should do.” However I awoke early and decided to go and am I glad! I also thought “I need to make another journal like I need …” After all, I never completed the journal I made in Kelly’s class that I took years ago. Nor have I written in the books I made last September with Jill Berry, who says a book is just a structure until you write in it. I’ve recently made several books; all of which are unfinished. But I LOVE making books and I wanted to see the technique that Kelly was using. So off I went for the second morning in a row to another creativity playdate.

Kelly Kilmer is a really cool artist and an excellent instructor. She’s patient with those who are slower to catch on or up (such an important quality in a teacher!) Kelly has some cool color combinations that create awesome background pages. For this book we used matboard for the cover and spine, so it’s a hard cover. We covered that with handmade arty paper and used decorative tapes, which I’d never used before.

The paper is 140 lb Wausau cardstock which I found much like watercolor paper, receiving multiple layers of paint and scraping well. We used a 3-hole bookbinding technique that was relatively simple. I’m not crazy about the size (9 x 9); it’s a little large for me. But it will be a nice vessel for larger collage images.

My intention is to work in this journal. What I mean by that is I will paint and collage the pages. I will use it for some journaling. I will fill it up with stuff I have (lots of stuff!) and anything interesting that comes my way. It will be a container of artsy stuff, an art journal.

So, off to work I go. However, I’m in a much better mood because of this wonderful artful weekend.