Posts Tagged ‘art’

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Sunday Scribblings #238: what do you make of curious?

Sunday, October 24th, 2010

Chloe the Muse Sculpted by Karla Zdroik of Kamansa Korner

Chloe the Muse sculpted by Karla Zdroik

Sunday Scribblings #238 Writing Prompt: what do you make of curious?

What do I make of curious?

I am curious how, in attempting to coax out my visual artist, I wound up on a writing prompt site.

Was it the word “Sunday” or “Scribblings” that lured me in?

I am more curious at the thought that I am apparently going to post this and link it back to Sunday Scribblings as the prompt suggests.

I am wondering – oops curious – if this is just another stall tactic, if my writer is threatened by all the hoopla of late made by my artist.

What do I make of a curiously quiet house on a Sunday afternoon? A decision to treat myself while Theo helps Daddy sleep off his pneumonia. An intentional artist’s date, curled up on the sofa with Kelly Rae Roberts and her book, Taking Flight: to give your creative spirit wings. A “curious” flip to the back pages under “Resources: Places to Fly.” (That’s how I found you, Laini and Megg. In case you are wondering. It just happened to be Sunday.)

What do I make of curious? I am curious if I can use my writer to launch my artist. If they will ever make peace and learn how to share this middle-aged woman’s energy. (She has a plan – albeit loose – but a plan none the less.)

I am curious. Will I click “Publish”?

Hmmm. Do I put this under the category “Muses Among Us” – or “Growing Pains”?

For those wondering what Sunday Scribblings is – in their words: ”Sunday Scribblings was set up to provide inspiration and motivation for anyone who enjoys writing and would like a weekly challenge.” Click here to check them out!

Entered through the Art Gallery? Click here to go back.

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Posted in Messy Musings & Growing Pains | 7 Comments »

Muse-Fusion Walls with Art & Feng Shui

Tuesday, August 31st, 2010

3  ways that Art and Feng Shui can empower your Home and Office.

1. Environmental Affirmations

2. Original Art Carries Potent Chi

3. Match Art to Room Function and Bagua

 

1. Environmental Affirmations

Art reflects aspects of yourself that can lift you up or drag you down. Art that engages with positive feelings through subject matter, color, or texture creates a wonderful environmental affirmation within your home. Whether you take the time to consciously enjoy it as you sip your morning coffee or unconsciously lose it in your rush out the door, art is always speaking on your behalf with its subliminal message. Advertisers drive their multi-million dollar industry on “fuel” provided by the power of inferred and subliminal messages everyday.

• Take a moment to look at the art you have around you. What part of you is it affirming? Do you like what you see?

 

2. Original Art Carries Potent Chi

SocksC185

Art directly from the artist’s hand – whether a specially commissioned piece, a purchase from a local gallery, a gift or from your Aunt Martha, carries an increased amount of Chi.

Why?

(more…)

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Posted in Home: Feng Shui • Clutter • Makeovers | No Comments »

Seen through the eyes of a seven-color palette.

Friday, July 9th, 2010

Irene Rose Finished Portrait

Irene Rose.
Seen through the eyes of a seven-color palette.
Alizarin crimson and
ultramarine blue compete for starring roles
while bristle brushes encounter the terrain of a prepared canvas.
Piercing blue eyes of subject and artist
mother and son
struggle to make peace with 96 years
while filberts #4 and #6 solicit to capture a wordless truth.
Each application of paint renders layers of
Guilt. Innocence.
Disappointment. Hope.
Expectation. Acceptance.
Until the last piece of paint pronounces
Forgiveness
and
Irene Rose.
Seen.

 

Ray Squared“My preference, in doing portraits, is about the relationship I develop with the subject I paint. When I ask myself the RIGHT questions, they give me the answer. Uncovering that abstract story … emotion … beauty … THAT is the joy of creativity.” – Ray


When Ray told me that he wanted to try his hand at portraiture in oils, I was curious.

First Strokes

When he told me his mother would be his first subject, I was surprised. When he said he needed to start and complete the portrait before the summer was through – well, he had my full attention. (Oddly, she fell and broke her hip about a month after the piece was completed.)

 

 

A portrait can capture a likeness or an essence.

Moving Along

What Ray captured in ‘Irene Rose’ is an essence not often seen in our day-to-day life with Irene – and that is what I love about this piece. He was able to rise above all the negative conditioning that often presents itself in this relationship with his 96-year-old mother to see and paint the woman without the fears that have driven her to drive others. (Anyone in a challenged relationship with a (more…)

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Posted in Art in the Messy Making | 11 Comments »

Have Red Umbrella Will Travel

Friday, June 11th, 2010

Journey of the Red Umbrella

Title: The Journey of the Red Umbrella
Muse: Ray Smith
Gift Giveaways: Fine art giclee print of pastel painting with double matt. Image size is: 7 x 9 3/4 • Matt size is: 11 x 14

Muse-Creations for Our Forgive it Forward Giveaway – Because forgiveness and creativity go hand-in-hand for us, Ray and I thought it would be fun to spice up our 35-day Forgive It Forward project launch with a focus on the arts. So, we sent a call out to the muses among us for a little assist and some inspiration.

Between June 14th and July 19th, we introduced artists, sculptors, potters, musicians – and more – who forgave it forward with us by donating a gift for a random drawing giveaway. Each muse answered two questions and shared a little bit about their creative process and passion. We hope they inspire you.

 

Obviously this muse post is going to be treated just a little differently … Ray says he has to do his part to represent the guys being that all the muses who stepped forward for our forgiveness project were women. Well, except for Andy Irwin who is a singer-songwriter-storyteller-performer. He offered a CD in the first ‘call for all muses’ but we haven’t been able to catch up with him since!!! (As for all the other guys, don’t worry. Ray forgives you forward!)


Close-up Red Umbrella

Let’s start with a few words from Ray about his gift:

Architecture that reveals a history, that tells a story through distinctive texture and character inspires me. I found inspiration for this painting in Savannah, GA, a city rich with these qualities and in my memories of Savannah as the place Bernadette and I chose for our first artist escape after the experience described in her book.

The young character ‘journeyed’ from a previous pastel I had done for her. The human form always introduces a distinct energy to any painting. The raincoat and red umbrella are rich in spiritual metaphors and I love the anonymous innocence and questions this character brings to this piece.

Then let’s go to a few words from Ray about his creative process: Okay, I copped this copy from his gallery page. I knew you’d forgive me forward for not writing something new.

Ray Smith

In 1965, after completing my Christmas shopping, I came upon an art store and found myself just standing and gazing in the window. I followed the impulse inside and walked out with $50.00 worth of basic art supplies. That New Years Eve I sat alone and drew my first pictures. I will never forget the experience of following my creative instinct. That new way of seeing the world around me led down many creative paths but did not honor my true nature as a fine artist. I was always at the party but never took the floor. Now, to dance with (more…)

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Posted in Muses Among Us | 21 Comments »

Hope is Always Rising in Kerry’s Corner

Friday, June 11th, 2010

Healing Grace

Title: Healing Grace
Artist: Kerry Allor
Gift Giveaway: A butterfly lifts off this matted print of mixed media artwork created by Kerry, a 13-year cancer survivor who knows a lot about healing grace. 8 x 10 image size.


Muse-Creations for Our Forgive it Forward Giveaway – Because forgiveness and creativity go hand-in-hand for us, Ray and I thought it would be fun to spice up our 35-day Forgive It Forward project launch with a focus on the arts. So, we sent a call out to the muses among us for a little assist and some inspiration.

Between June 14th and July 19th, we introduced artists, sculptors, potters, musicians – and more – who forgave it forward with us by donating a gift for a random drawing giveaway. Each muse answered two questions and shared a little bit about their creative process and passion. We hope they inspire you.


Kerry Allor: A Multi Media Artist

Kerry Allor is an artist, photographer and cancer survivor who produces her art under the name of Hopesrising Studio. She graduated from CCS (Center for Creative Studies) in Detroit majoring in Advertising Design. Her home studio is based in Roseville, Michigan where she resides with her husband and two sons.

So, tell us Kerry …

R&B: How do you feel art enriches your life and helps to heal our world?

KA: For many years, I enjoyed doing artwork as an artist. When I found myself battling cancer that is when art as therapy entered the ‘picture’ and my life was changed. I have experienced the healing power of others as well as deep friendships through sharing art’s process. In taking art classes with a group of cancer patients through Gilda’s Club in Metro Detroit, I became a published artist (more…)

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Posted in Muses Among Us | 23 Comments »

Art in the Making: A Confession

Friday, June 11th, 2010

I HAVE A LITTLE CONFESSION HERE.

If you’ve spent any time in Ray’s gallery, you know his medium of choice is pastels. (Chalk, as some of you call it.) If you’ve seen any of his pieces “in person,” you also know that he paints with great deal of detail that is not typical among pastel artists and that his subtle way of layering pulls you energetically into his work.  His fans say he is extraordinary at what he does and I agree. He says he has much to learn – that he has not yet mastered the “it” factor that he wants to experience with pastel.

 

 

So, when he said his muse was leading him to try his hand at oils, I thought “Why?” Well, actually it was not that simple and that is the confession part. It was more like, “Why the #@!&! would you want to start at the beginning with oils when you (more…)

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Posted in Art in the Messy Making | 3 Comments »

Forgive it Forward Contest

Friday, June 11th, 2010

CDRedBrush

Contest is now over. Check back though … we may have another!!!!

Muse-Creations for Our Forgive it Forward Giveaway

Because forgiveness and creativity go hand-in-hand for us, Ray and I thought it would be fun to spice up our 35-day Forgive It Forward Project with a focus on the arts. So, we sent a call out to the muses among us for a little assist and some inspiration.

Between June 14th and July 19th, 2010, we’ll post articles on artists, sculptors, potters, and musicians who are forgiving it forward with us by donating a gift for a random drawing giveaway.

All you have to do to be eligible to win is COMMENT on a “Muses Among Us,” “Forgive It Forward Giveaway,” or “Forgive it Forward: Lets Talk” post during the contest period.

The more posts you comment on the better your chances of winning!

 

  • This ‘in-process’ Angel Puppy sculpture by Karla Zdroik of Kamansa Korner Studio is just one of the muse-creations that will be offered in our Forgive it Forward giveaway. Come back June 14th to see what this little guy looks like finished – as well as what all the other muses are creating!

 

Ray and I asked each muse what it means to them to Forgive it Forward and share with us a little bit about their personal creative process and passion. We hope they will inspire you. (And perhaps one of THEIR muse-creations will land in your home.) Good luck!


FIF: Earth boyClick here to see the 3-minute video that started it all!

 

 

 

Contest is now over. Check back though … we may have another!!!!


CONTEST RULES:

• All you have to do to be eligible to win is comment on a “Muses Among Us” post or a specially designated “Forgive It Forward Giveaway” post during the contest period between June 14th and July 19th. Multiple chances to win. The more posts you comment on the better your chances of winning.

• You may comment as many times as you like on one post but only one comment per (more…)

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Posted in Muses Among Us | 7 Comments »

Seven Generations Before & After

Friday, June 11th, 2010

Pottery Vase
Potter: Jacquelyn Allen
Gift Giveaway: An empty vessel that needs the love of a human. A vase, to hold that which is precious or the liquid of your choice. (5 1/2″ high, 4 1/2″ wide at opening,  3 1/2″  wide at base)

 

Muse-Creations for Our Forgive it Forward Giveaway – Because forgiveness and creativity go hand-in-hand for us, Ray and I thought it would be fun to spice up our 35-day Forgive It Forward project launch with a focus on the arts. So, we sent a call out to the muses among us for a little assist and some inspiration.

Between June 14th and July 19th, we introduced artists, sculptors, potters, musicians – and more – who forgave it forward with us by donating a gift for a random drawing giveaway. Each muse answered two questions and shared a little bit about their creative process and passion. We hope they inspire you.


 

Jacquelyn Allen: Potter

So, tell us Jacquelyn …

R&B: What does “forgive it forward” mean to you?

JA: They say when a person starts the process of healing the soul we help the 7 generations before us and after us. What a wonderful motivation to know that the work I do on me, to be of better service to the G-d of my understanding so I reach my highest good, is also for those I love and will love. The energy created from this action is magnanimous and the healing possibilities endless.

 

 

R&B: How do you feel pottery enriches your life and helps to heal our world?

JA: I am a potter and the feeling of co-creating with mother earth is amazing. To take the earth and mix with water to come up with a substance that can be manipulated and molded into a piece of art that can not only be beautiful but also functional is (more…)

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Posted in Muses Among Us | 12 Comments »

Zen & Now Clay Goddess

Friday, June 11th, 2010

 

Stoneware Vase
Potter: Christine Winokur
Gift Giveaway: Pleasant green flower vase with plenty of character that was fired in a gas kiln. It stands 9″ tall and is 3″ at its widest. Made from a warm buff stoneware.

 

Muse-Creations for Our Forgive it Forward Giveaway – Because forgiveness and creativity go hand-in-hand for us, Ray and I thought it would be fun to spice up our 35-day Forgive It Forward project launch with a focus on the arts. So, we sent a call out to the muses among us for a little assist and some inspiration.

Between June 14th and July 19th, we introduced artists, sculptors, potters, musicians – and more – who forgave it forward with us by donating a gift for a random drawing giveaway. Each muse answered two questions and shared a little bit about their creative process and passion. We hope they inspire you.


Christine Winokur: Potter

Known to those who love her as the clay goddess, Christine has been producing pottery since 1967 which, she says, “makes all my white hair worthwhile.” Clay is her passion. Walk into her studio on any given day and you might just find her up to her elbows in clay. Or you might find her teaching others how to be “zen” while centering on the wheel for the first time. But you will never find her bored. “There are so many choices and ways (more…)

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Posted in Muses Among Us | 27 Comments »

Four-Legged Muses

Friday, June 11th, 2010

Sculptor: Karla Zdroik
Two Gift Giveaways: Angel Puppy & Comic-Style Forgiveness Kitties These critters were sculpted special for Forgive it Forward. (Rainbow bridge not included.)

Angel Puppy  •  2.5″H x 2.5″L x 1.25″W

Comic-Style Forgiveness Kitties  •  2″H x 3″L x 1.5″W


Muse-Creations for Our Forgive it Forward Giveaway – Because forgiveness and creativity go hand-in-hand for us, Ray and I thought it would be fun to spice up our 35-day Forgive It Forward project launch with a focus on the arts. So, we sent a call out to the muses among us for a little assist and some inspiration.

Between June 14th and July 19th, we introduced artists, sculptors, potters, musicians – and more – who forgave it forward with us by donating a gift for a random drawing giveaway. Each muse answered two questions and shared a little bit about their creative process and passion. We hope they inspire you.


Karla Zdroik: Artist and Sculptor

Irish Wolfhound

Every morning a 24-leg entourage greets me, each “set of four” with their very distinct personality. To the novice passerby they are just stray cats but to me they are more than that. What I love about Karla’s work is how she captures the “more,” the personality of each four-legged character she sculpts. These little – and not so little – creatures are muses who inspire and inform her work, which is what makes her “Forever Memories” commissions so popular. Karla loves animals and loves (more…)

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Posted in Muses Among Us | 15 Comments »

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