Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Artist Blog Hop; My First Ever

Do you even know what an "Artist Blog Hop is? Well, I had no idea when I was asked to participate by an artist friend (and one of my mentors) Sandee Setliff. She probably figured out real fast how unseasoned I am in this journey, so i am thankful for her patience with my incessant questions.

I found out quickly, that a blog hop is a way to expose each blogger's readers to other blogs that might interest them. The idea of supporting other artists that I love and follow was exciting. The idea of being supported and shared was also exciting, even if a little nerve racking... ha ha

I was asked to answer four questions that might tell others what makes me tick. Perhaps, give them some insight into the mind of an artist introvert.
So, here goes:

What Am I Working On Now?

Unlike most artists who are creative in their craft every day, I find I create in my mind every minute (often seen as my disengagement from life). I only create on paper, canvas, or my computer when I am so inspired that I can't hold it in any longer.

Just recently, I sketched about a song that has been on my mind ever since the warmer temperatures seemed to be here to stay, "Here Comes The Sun".


I've been practicing whimsical lettering, so this is how I wrote the song title . On another evening, I colored this piece with my Copic markers (my addiction) and then mounted it on scrap paper.


I'm currently working on adding two more pieces to my International Girlz series. Prints of the first four are already available in my Etsy Shop. I am hoping to add Spain and Persia soon.

I seem to always have a work in progress and this is the most current:




Probably the most important project I am working on is my word of the year, COURAGE.... the courage to move forward in my artist life, but more importantly, the courage to expose my art to others.

How Does My Work Differ From Others?

I believe that mixed media art is created similarly by most artists. We learn and try and learn and try some more. Often, these techniques are the same that other artists are using. The difference lies only in our inspiration from piece to piece. Our styles develop after we have learned from (and tried copying) the techniques of others.

Going through this process continuously, I have learned that my love is in creating Whimsical and Inspirational GIRLZ. So, although I create many different pieces involving different subject matter, I always seem to gravitate back to that which I love.

 


Some say I am the 'border queen' because just about everything I create ends up with a border (I don't do negative space very well). 

I struggle with negative space a lot in my scrap booking, too. Minimalist pages are very difficult for me to create and even more difficult for me to consider 'finished.'


Why Do I Create What I Do?

This is very easy - I do what I do because I spent many years of my life not understanding why I couldn't feel true love or happiness in my heart. I always loved art, but never thought I was very good at it.

~ this gets a little personal, so turn your head if you have a queasy stomach for slobbery :)

I was raised by strict parents who expected you to be the best or you shouldn't bother. 

My relationships failed because, if I couldn't make them perfect, I just gave up.

Every mistake I ever made in life saddled me with so much guilt that it became difficult to make the simplest decision for fear that it would be wrong and crippling.

In this 'autumn of my life, with some counseling and a LOT of retrospect, I decided to work on my courage. The courage to accept that I didn't have to be perfect or the best (so subjective anyway). I just tried to let go and thought maybe in doing so I might actually come to feel love and joy in my heart. 
So, ...I just started trying and doing all of the things I thought I couldn't .



As I slowly moved forward in this art life that I LOVE, I realized that many girls ( and women) were raised the same as me. They had to be struggling with the self esteem that never developed, just like me. And, I found that with every painting I created, it didn't seem to matter if others thought I was a great artist. All that mattered was that I loved doing it and I was proud of my pieces. 

 I always saw a message in what I painted. It was a message to me and those like me. The message was to stand self assured that you are good enough just as you are. Be proud to be you, spread your love and kindness to others and in doing so, your heart will feel love in return.



Art makes me happy .....that is why I do what I do. 

How Does My Creative Process Work?

There really isn't a method to my art madness. When I am inspired, I think constantly (OK, I obsess) about HOW I want to see a painting (or scrap page) created. When my head is about to burst, I spread out all of my 'stuff' (art supplies) or I settle in front of my computer and begin...

If I haven't lost you and you are still reading along, I hope you will come back and visit often (maybe even subscribe).

This journey has brought quite a few wonderful artists into my life. I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to visit the blogs of two of these artists that I admire and love. I think you will, too.

Sandee Setliff, an artist and friend who has taught me a lot about being strong and prideful in my art. 

Hi everybody! I am Jeanette. The things I enjoy most about my life are getting to share time with friends and family, contemplating what my life purpose is, and writing and painting about those thoughts.
Oh, I mustn't forget my pug, Sydney. She has been my long time companion and she is semi-famous.
I create whimsical and colorful art from the heart that tends to reflect where I am in my life. 
Come on over to my blog to find out more. See you there!












2 comments:

  1. YES! I can relate to so many things you said...I was raised with this saying "If you can't do it right, then don't do it at all.".....really Dad? You so would not understand my art now, lol It's full of wonderful, abstract MISTAKES, and I love them all, and I love you Tommy Jo for putting yourself out there too! You ROCK girlfriend!!

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  2. Well said and I love how each girl is so unique but yet part of you.

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