Why make art?

Making art is a wonderful way to deepen and strengthen intuition, and increase our awareness of what needs to be changed  in our way of thinking.  Art will show us to ourselves if we are alert enough to pay attention.  In the ancient wisdoms it is one of the four ways of deepening spirituality.  Meditation, art, religion, and love in action if practiced regularly will show us how to let go of the past and be less concerned about the future.  They will help us develop compassion, givingness, caring, increase our listening skills, will reveal weak areas and guide us into new directions which may amaze and delight us.  We have to be willing to listen to our heart and not be afraid to step out into the unknown.  When we put a mark onto white paper or place enamel on copper and place it in a hot kiln, or pull a sheet of handmade paper, or start any medium, then this starts the process of change.  We have an opportunity to  allow the vast store within to unfold and let it be our guiding light, rather than using the intellectual mind to be in charge.  I am often amazed at completed works,- had no idea this was in my consciousness.  Artists,- trust your consciousness, your intuition, to lead you in the adventure of art-making.  You, too will be amazed and find a deep joy bubbling up from the depths, and will be blessed with contentment and inner peace.
This Zentangle inspired drawing was worked step by step intuitively, allowing each mark to guide the next step.  It was a joy to work and complete.  

Society of Layerists in Multi-media

It has been a while since I updated this blog,-  summer flew by visiting family, some vacationing, and a recent Society of Layerists in Multi media conference in Atlanta.  It was a wonderful gathering of like- minded artists sharing ideas, techniques, offering solutions to challenges.  We were inspired doing a couple of workshops; one using collage,  and a Zentangle workshop.  The Society of Layerists is a term to denote those artists who are more interested in cooperation, sharing, and holism, rather than competition.  We understand the truth which both scientists, theologians, agree on,  that we are all connected in myriad ways, and what happens to one part affects everything else.  I am happy to serve on the Board of this organization and do what I can to further understanding and expression of our premise of holism.

I work in several mediums and lately have been enjoying painting on plastic and applying heat, which causes the plastic to bubble up in various ways.  I find this exciting and will continue to work on this process.  The Creative energy within is always finding different ways of expression and new ideas emerge when we least expect them.  This is a glorious way to live; remaining awake and alert to intuition!  More and more I feel a deep connection to all that is, and this brings with it more peace, contentment, and real joy.

Detail of" Genesis 3"

Origami class

I recently presented an origami class at a Wyoming elementary school.  Grades K.-2 made kitty cats and puppy dogs, and grades 3-6 made dinosaurs.  Both classes had fun with the age-old fortune teller.  Origami helps concentration and promotes the value of persistence and practice, both of which are needed in today's high tech, fast-paced world.

Thoughts to ponder

                                                                       "Inner journey"

This is another watercolor expressing the inner life.  I am pondering the various voices which would try to get our attention as we go about our lives.  The voice that is often the loudest,  (ego), reminds us to look out for ourselves, to fear the unknown.  The quieter voice, which we can only hear when we are quiet, says we are all connected to our loving source, trust this Presence, share what we are
given. This is the source of our peace and joy.  We make the choice which voice to listen to, whether we are aware or not. 

Thoughtful Artworks

"Whispers of Soul"

This is a water media collage containing certain words and phrases expressing my thoughts regarding the inner life.  These meaningful artworks often reveal something new which gives me fresh insight into life.  Sometimes they are reminders of truth I already know yet have forgotten.  It is indeed true that we need frequent times of stillness and quietness in order to listen deeply to soul.  This is our peace and our joy.

Encore Exhibition

"Patterns"

Fused glass on metal assemblage

It has been a while since I added to this blog...life stuff does interfere!  The above image shows another glass on metal assemblage recently completed.  The title is "patterns", but it is also about different textures.  I enjoyed moving the pieces around until balance and harmony was met.  I have been told this piece looks very complicated,  but that is because of the variety of patterns and textures involved.  when I do an assemblage with such variety I have to remain aware of keeping balance and unity, otherwise chaos reigns.  Artists as creators live on the edge of chaos for this is where the creative fire is aflame.  This fine line is where we are happiest and creativity flows.  We are co-creators and are happy because we are with the flow of life.

I have watercolor weavings  on exhibit as part of a 13 artist show at the Nagel Warren mansion in Cheyenne.  These are watercolors in which I explored various techniques, or which were unsatisfactory on completion   They were given new life by cutting up and weaving together.  There is always something we can do to improve  artwork.  See the poster above.