Ok, so maybe “fun” isn’t the word most people would choose… but, for me, it was rather fulfilling in a fun sort of way.  Actually, creative projects are what I deem “fun”.  This is what I did Friday night.

I realize this does resemble my recent encaustic painting a bit,  but, what can I say?  They came from the same person, plus this just fit what I was trying to do.  My recipe:

1 good sized Canvas (18″ x 36″) with small hole - unsuitable for a painting

+

Piles and piles of Martha Stewart Living and Real Simple magazines desperately needing to be thinned

+

1 creative with pack-rat tendencies not wanting to let so many lovely photos go.

Select pages with favorite colors and objects, slice thoroughly.

Add a bottle of brown paint, a dash of decopage, plus some matte acrylic medium to finish it off, and

Shazzam!

Instant wall decor.

A close-up. Ok, so it took a few hours.  And, I started collecting pictures a few months ago - but, it didn’t take as many as I thought it would.  Oops, maybe you can see a spot I missed.

 Creativity Question:  Do you ever feel like your idea fountain is full, or is it more often thirsty?

I am always thirsty, it seems - even when I already have sketch books full of ideas.  It just never seems like enough.  Not to mention, that there are more things I want to learn than I could possibly fit into one lifetime.  That’s just how I am.  Rarely content, I guess.  A gift and also a curse.

Ps - I’m still planning on adding the hooded towel tutorial - when I get to it - heh.

I did it.  I submitted my artwork to the church’s International Art Competition.  This is the first art (not design) competition I’ve entered in about 14 years, probably - I did submit one item to a juried show back in ‘94 (didn’t get in).

“Sanctification”, Encaustic on panel (Diptych)

detail 1

detail 2

And, though I still feel like I am just getting started, I also feel I made a good effort.  This is a huge step for me - first, to have actually taken enough time to finish the piece by the due date, and second, to have gotten myself to the point where I’m not really worried about whether or not I get in the show… truly a milestone for me.  I’ve always been highly demanding of myself, especially when it concerns my artwork/creative projects.  I had a hard time accepting less than the best in recognitions, etc.  But, I’ve gotten through that now, and it feels so GOOD.  It feels good to be painting again AND it feels good to not be worrying about the outcome of the competition.

BTW - the piece is better in person, because it’s easier to see the contrast between the textured area and the super smooth area.

**The recipe competition is still on with two weeks left - see previous post.  Please note - rice is ok, and beans are ok.  Rice & beans together - let’s avoid for now (we already eat a few dishes like this and they’re not favorites).  Thanks!**

Creativity Question:  Do you allow yourself to create “imperfect” pieces, knowing that each imperfect work is a step toward mastering that skill?

I’m learning to accept the in-between stages, and loving it, and savoring it for what it is.  That doesn’t mean I don’t get frustrated occasionally in the midst of the learning curve, but I’m learning to enjoy the process.

I know, I know - it’s been a while.  I really didn’t intend to wait an entire month between posts.  I’ll try to do better this time (again).  But, don’t think for a second that I haven’t been doing anything…

A program for my niece’s baptism (click photo to enlarge).  I shot the photo, created the graphics in Illustrator, then the layout in InDesign.  I’m happy with the way it turned out - that was a lot of information to fit on a half a sheet of paper, plus the photo.   A lot of design is about organization of information. (Wish my house were so well organized!)

I wanted to make something special for my niece, so I made this necklace.  Actually, Hana strung the beads on there for me (I was really short on time, so she helped), and I made the initials “CTR”  (Choose The Right).  It’s a little reminder of her baptism promises.  I probably made about 6 of them poorly before I got a decent one.  She likes it, and that’s what matters most.  Copper wire with glass beads on plastic-coated jewelry wire.

I have also started a new encaustic painting which has been taking up a lot of my time.  But, you’ll have to wait for photos on that - I am hoping to have the painting done by the end of next week, and then post soon after that.

Creativity Question:  Do you allow yourself to say “no” sometimes so you can have time to fulfill your own creative dreams/goals?

This is a tough one, isn’t it?  We all want to be helpful to those in need and do what needs to be done.  We don’t want to feel like we’re being selfish.  But is it sometimes too much?  Should we really stretch ourselves that thin?  The words that keep going through my head are “you can’t draw water from an empty well”.  It is true of wells, and it is true of our souls.  We need to take the time to re-fill them, replenish them and nurture their desires for creativity, or else how can we truly help others?