Saturday, February 21, 2009

Cycles...



Here are some new images for you to take a gander at....

I've been thinking a lot about cycles.....how we are constantly going through come cycle or another.....I think it all has to do with being on the cusp of spring and the ending of winter and the entering of a new cycle.....


We all have cycles....periods of activity, followed by rest or a "winter cycle" where our spirits and minds are allowed to rest and are renewed and rejuvenated for the next period of growth.....
I think a lot of times people try to fight these "dry spells" when nothing seems to work and you have no good ideas or everything seems to be the same thing over and over....I think people fight this cycle, forcing themselves to work, forcing ideas, instead of letting them germinate and grow....you can't force a plant to grow, no more than you can force an idea, a song, or a story or painting....

I know this time is scary for a lot of reasons, you doubt the process, you doubt yourself, you doubt the world, you don't remember that everything has a season.......

I find that when spring nears I find myself becoming more restless and energized.....I feel my blood pumping and my lungs expanding with warmer air...for centuries the coming of the spring symbolized so much to the people who survived through the winter...spring meant work and activity and preparing for what's to come.....Maybe the reason people fear cycles is because they are no longer a daily part of our life....we have a life of convenience and leisure....we no longer base our needs and life around seasons and cycles......we've become content in our idleness and when creative idleness occurs, it frightens us and we fear (and don't trust) our growth....

Sorry, for such a convoluted post....just random thoughts from an overactive mind....

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

New Books, Past Paintings




Here are some new books and an old painting (Red Fox) and a new painting (She Walks With A Strange Grace)....Things have been a bit hectic lately, but I suppose that's alright...I've got some new projects and possibilities happening and hopefully, you will get to know all about it....
In the meantime, play safe, but have fun.....

Sidenote: The green book is made from thin wood and uses a coptic stitch, the book with red ribbons is ribbon binding, the book with waves is an accordion stitch and the other two books are leather, the black is a pamphlet stitch and the brown is a stab stitch....

She Walks With A Strange Grace is mixed media, using candle wax, oil pastels, India ink and acrylic paint....

The Red Fox has nothing terribly special other than he's mighty mischievous....

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Persephone's Peeking Out....





Persephone is waking and peeking her head above ground to see if her mother's watching...
The first photo is a recent painting and I'm not sure how I feel about it yet....
The rest of the pictures is paying homage to Persephone and hopefully, she'll decide to come out soon and shake off winter....

Sidenote: Jacob and I went to see "Coraline" on Saturday and it was WONDERFUL, though slightly creepy for the chill'uns.....but this will definitely become a purchase.....love, love, loved it.....Go and see it.....

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Back to it....




Well, it's been a few days since the last post. Last Saturday Jacob and I traveled to The Flying Monkey's Art Market in Huntsville and spent a blissful day wandering around art and artists and even creating a little art of our own. That night we went and heard some friends of ours play and then Sunday came and I was sick as a dog. Temperature of 100 and overall achey-ness and foggy headed-ness. So I had to take a bit of a breather. But I'm back and I promise I have been painting and it will be posted soon and we can have a bit of break from all the sketchiness.
But before I get into all that, let me just say that the trip to Huntsville was AMAZING...so much fun and hopefully, I'll be able to travel up there and sell soon.

Here's their website: http://www.flyingmonkeyarts.org/

You should definitely check them out...

The above sketches are more random shots from my many, many sketchbooks laying around in various parts of my house. But I do find I have a certain penchant for big eyes, and crazy flowing hair....

Oh, and as an aside, if you are interested in purchasing a print of any of my paintings or sketches, just shoot me a quick email and we'll get something fixed up...and thanks for all the incoming comments...I truly love 'em...