This n That

This is my time to explore “this n that” in the art studio because I haven’t quite settled into any one art medium nor subject matter for several months.  If I had the room, I’d have 4 art stations with different projects going at once:  wire works, felting, collage and painting.  Come to think of it, I could do that, but it would mean moving into the garage and it’s too cold.  Instead, I have little baskets around the house with different projects in each to satisfy my creative urges.

In the evenings,  I settle in with a little box of colored pencils, a pen, and small pieces of mixed media paper cut into 3×4 inch pieces.  I do a  random drawing and then color the various sections

 

 

 

A friend and I meet once a month for “art play.”   Recently, we got turned on to working with wire.  It’s kind of like 3-dimensional drawing but wire has a mind of its own!   It’s fun and on my website you can see my collection.  

 

These wire dresses were fun to make and are the only two I’ve done.  I can see a wire clothesline across a wall with many more hanging from it.

 

 

 

 

On a recent trip to Portugal, I stopped in a very expensive linen shop and a whimsical wire spoon was resting on a shelf.   I said to myself, “I can do that” and came home and made a set.   The knife is about 12 inches long so this group looks pretty darn happy on a wall.  Now I’m thinking what about place settings for 8?

 

 

 

This is the year is to get better at drawing/painting the human figure and faces.   So, I’ve gone back to using charcoal, pencil, pastel and chalk on paper to draw.  I say “back” because this was my original way to learn drawing.   It’s messy and luscious; it’s easy to make corrections and additions; and the depth of expression appeals to me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sketching is never-ending and always a joy.   I tend to be busy-busy and sketching invites me to stop, look and be present.  There’s always challenges no matter what I choose to sketch, but it’s also linked to my quiet determination and forgiveness of line.  

I’m not exceptionally good at any of these mediums nor do I care.   Right now it’s not about becoming highly skilled at wire making, drawing perfect faces or figures, or  sketching a prize image.   It’s about doing art.   It’s about showing up.   It’s about keeping my creative juices flowing.

 

 

 

Wherever you are in your own creative life … bless it, caress it and share it.