the beginning

I started this drawing yesterday...approx 6x8...as my experiment into combining a drawing with collage elements. I'll be posting my progress along the way as well as my feelings and thoughts regarding it. Then at the end...when I'm completely done, I would like to invite you to comment and critique, letting me know if it works or not...what I could of done differently, etc.

So far, not too bad of a start...although I must admit I felt a bit rusty after not drawing for a few weeks. My thoughts are that this is the easy part...the drawing, how I'm going to combine them is a bit daunting. I'm hopeful tho!!

icw

"With A Heartbeat Such As This, Every Moment Is A Thrill" by Mincing Mockingbird

This weeks artist,The Mincing Mockingbird is going to make your day...he is high-larious!! I laughed through his entire shop on Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20273154. Oh yeah...and his artwork is wonderful too!!

continuing the dialogue

6x8 drawing of some grafitti in LA

I scanned my bookshelf this morning for my copy of The 12 Secrets. Opened it up to chapter 3 and read...Creativity demands that you trust and stay on the path despite obstacles. I thought..hmmmm...the obstacle must be my inner critic/judge. But digging deeper, I realized that my inner critic was a blessing to me this weekend. I fell into creating some very ordinary collages this weekend even though that nagging voice kept screaming that they were beneath my talents. And it was true. My creativity was waning a bit last week and I didn't honor that, knowing that everything waxes and wanes...that's life. So, last night I pushed myself a bit...started drawing again (after a 3 week break from it) to create a drawing collage. Cross your fingers as I hope this experiment succeeds as I gain my footing to combine these two medias. But, even if it's a total disaster I'm going to trust and stick to the creative path! Never give up!

Mondays meandering

A new graffiti piece...no title yet

I was just over reading Cindy's blog on Mixed Grill Favorites (http://www.lantier.org/), she was writing about The 12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women: A Portable Mentor by Gail McMeekin. I read that book many years ago...but feeling like I should pick it up again. Cindy spoke about her fears of creating which I could totally relate to, especially as I move into ATC and now larger collages this past weekend. My judge looooves to come out and tell me my work is boring and lacks originality!! I give him voice so I don't swallow his criticisms and give myself stomach aches & anxiety. I try my best to push through it, knowing that all these small pieces I'm doing now are to gain my confidence with design & imagination. It's all a process and a lot of baby steps of trying to move forward to what I really see myself doing...combining my two loves~ drawing & altered/assembled pieces. I know I'm giving myself a break as much as possible while entering the unknown, so I can come out the other end a more creative, innovative artist. It really is a journey!

i candy wednesday...

Jetty Kolobarić

...again!! I love this day! I get to share with you some very talented artists that I find exceptionally creative! I had a hard time picking which piece of work I loved more...but finally choose this one: Papillon Nocturne by JKPhotography on Etsy.com (http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5273958) . The textures he/she creates in their photography pieces are what catches my eye first, along with their very moody colors. When I scroll down Jetty Kolobaric's Etsy shop, their body of work takes me back to Wisconsin on a beautiful gloomy winter day...that monotone grayness...it just brings up all kinds of feelings for me.

And I really enjoy reading their process in creating each piece...the descriptions are very interesting to read.

Go over and take a look...I promise you these photopieces will take you far away in thought!

goosebumps...

YEAH!!!! Inauguration day!! I'm sooooooooo excited I keep getting goosebumps! I have NEVER been particularly interested in politics and NEVER watched an inauguration in full before today...this is history for me and for the world. I feel so much emotion and enthusiasm...I feel a flurry of passion for today & anticipating an incredible future!!

I DID IT!

I FINALLY got my little collages photographed...and they came out great! I never gave up...read various articles about photography on the internet and just plain messed around with it until I got it. I've learned more about my camera in the past few weeks then I have in the last five years!! Gulp!Smile!! I also switched out the background to a weathered board I found on the beach in Cambria two summers ago. I really like it so much better than the burgundy velvet cloth I was using...gives it more character.

Anyway....here are a few of my collages.