Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Monday, February 27, 2012
How Easy Is it to Create an Altered Book?
This is glimpse into my first altered book. This is one of the activities that I wanted to take on this year. I met up with Wendy Brightbill a couple of weeks back. She brought along her gorgeous books and I just had to learn - it was the push I needed. I am taking her self paced online mixed media course and so far I am completely pleased.
Find more of my work CLICK HERE
Friday, February 24, 2012
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Artist Interview: Renee DeLeon
Name of Company: Inspire U Art
Online Links:
My earliest creative memory is shopping with my parents at a Sherwin Williams store. I remember the smell of the paints and the incredibly beautiful walls of color chips. This particular store had some art supplies and I was allowed to purchase the largest sketch pad I'd ever had along with one Pantone marker. I picked this gorgeous pale pink marker and never had a single regret over my choice. I loved that big sketchbook as well as the feeling I had when I chose the right color. I could hardly wait to get my treasures home.
It wasn't difficult to find my literal creative voice because I sing. I was raised in church and spent much of my time rehearsing for productions or helping out with younger kids' music and art activities. I've always been the artsy one.
In my adult life I tried hard to find a 'practical' package for my music and art and landed on teaching as a way to make the most of both interests. To be honest, being practical wasn't the best idea when it came to figuring out what to study in college since I had not taught in the public classroom in many years. I am an artist. I should have gone with my gut regarding what to study. You can only imagine how vocal I am to my own kids about following their inner voice and how important it is that they believe in their talents and abilities.
Choosing to stay home with my kids after they were born brought me back to my artsy and way less practical, but oh so happy, self. To make ends meet, I began assisting my husband with freelance graphic design projects however I could. This decision makes it possible to use my passion for the visual arts and be home with my children, all at the same time. I feel very blessed that I listened to my heart regarding these choices.
My creative process involves one constant thought, will this image evoke a feeling of wellness? I've gone through some serious tragedy so I know the need for encouragement all too well. When we lost our youngest son to cancer at only 16 months old, I was convinced I would die at that same moment he passed. Since that's not the way things went, I took comfort, such comfort, in the truth that God is in control of everything. He allowed me the gift of being Ryan's Mom for exactly as many days as had been determined before the beginning of time. I can't explain it fully, but sometimes you have to believe that there is something bigger than just the small bits of day to day that we get to experience. So, the art that I create must encourage, provoke a smile, sometimes challenge and hopefully, inspire.
Now that my kids are older, within the last four years or so, I paint. My first big painting that returned me to my crazy deep love for color is called, "Tree Party". The next big painting was, "Triesta!". Currently, I'm working on a painting on wood. I'm trying to loosen up - try new things. Ha, it never ends!
My favorite verse is Philippians 4:8
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Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Monday, February 20, 2012
Self Portrait
Find more of my work CLICK HERE
Friday, February 17, 2012
Artist Interview: Brittany Craft
LINKS:
{Business Name} Fickle Pickle Designs
{Email} theficklepickle@live.com
What is one of your earliest creative memories?
Honestly, my creativity all started when I married my husband. Taking on the last name Craft kind of got me thinking. I started teaching myself how to do different things until I got really good at them. Having kids really opened me up to the world of mom’s and what they’re in need of. I love creating things that they request and seeing the happiness on their faces when they receive them.
How did you find your creative voice?
I’ve always enjoyed making things or at least trying to learn. When my dad passed away in 2007 from Melanoma Cancer, crafting was a way to take my mind off things and just focus on the task at hand.
Did your creative habits make a smooth transition into your adult life? What did the evolution look like?
It all kind of hit me {and my family} head on. I had to really learn {still am learning} how to balance all the time I spend crafting and how I was starting to neglect my family. It takes a lot of time to run a business and they understand that. But, now I’ve become a major night-owl!
If you had a creative hiatus, what event/circumstance brought you back to your creative lifestyle?
My friends always bring me back. They are always asking me to make new things they’ve seen here and there. So, I get right on trying to figure it out for them. And, everything usually takes off from there again.
How has GOD been a part of your creative process/lifestyle?
I think God has brought me to where I am in life at this current moment to show me to appreciate everything so much more than I was before. I was always so busy. Now, I realize through Him, that life is too short. I spend every moment I possibly can with the ones I love. Getting closer with them and with Him every day.
CLICK HERE to purchase the e-book of this Interview series for $4.99
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Lift
Pick the day. Enjoy it – to the hilt. The day as it comes. People as they
come… The past, I think, has helped me appreciate the present –
and I don’t want to spoil any of it by fretting about the future.
-
Audrey Hepburn
come… The past, I think, has helped me appreciate the present –
and I don’t want to spoil any of it by fretting about the future.
-
Audrey Hepburn
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Monday, February 13, 2012
Friday, February 10, 2012
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Dreamy
Each of us has an inner dream that we can unfold if we will
just have the courage to admit what it is. And the faith to
trust our own admission. The admitting is often very difficult.
-
Julia Cameron
just have the courage to admit what it is. And the faith to
trust our own admission. The admitting is often very difficult.
-
Julia Cameron
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Be You
Patti Digh. If you have not heard of her, I am sure this piece will cause you seek our her work.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Sparkle Through the Struggle
A pair of red boots we bought while living in Germany in 2010. They are a fun color and my girl's favorite color at the time
The pair of boots I bought before we moved to Germany and our new life. I did a lot of growing in these boots.
My girl's Colorado attire
My girl's and my boot gear for Colorado
There is something about wearing boots. When I am wearing boots, I feel brave. I feel like I can tackle anything. There are times when I am in my house I will put on my boots before I start a new project, make an important telephone call. Trying to fit into my destiny boots...
Find more of my work CLICK HERE
Fly High
Hold fast to your dreams, for without them
life is a broken winged bird that cannot fly.
-
Langston Hughes
life is a broken winged bird that cannot fly.
-
Langston Hughes
Friday, February 3, 2012
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
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