I’m watching A Christmas Carol tonight. I think of how this season for me was slow to start. I got into gear to make and write ,address cards,crafted homemade ornaments as gifts for a couple neighbors,grandchildren,children,a few others. I felt a bit accomplished and yet…. I haven’t felt that warmth or excitement that I have felt in the past with surprises for Mom,Children running down the stairs on Christmas morning,family dinner. There were traditions to keep. One was opening one small gift each on Christmas Eve….another from my grandparents and Mom that there was a tiny wrapped gift setting on a bough of the Christmas tree; hiding amidst ornaments and lights ,to hunt for. Then there were new traditions to make as well. These included stockings stuffed with candy, an orange and nuts to Crack open and enjoy( like they did in the Great Depression),a movie for the children to watch while we cooked up an amazing dinner and set the diningroom table. For weeks before there were Christmas cutouts,Russian teacakes, assorted chocolates,noughats,and “Buckeyes”to make with and without the children’s and husband’s helpful, happy pitching in. I would hum to very old fashioned Christmas Carol’s or put on some 80s Metal and happily make treasures for family and friends alike. It was my pleasure and my joy to pass on these goodies and the thoughtfulness behind them. I’ve always been a giver,prone to going overboard in everything I did for others. This was something instilled in me by my Dear Mother’s example time and time again. I am pleased to say both my children exhibit this thoughtfulness and attention to small details whether expensive or thrifty in cost . More as they grow older they exhibit compassion and gentleness of spirit. But they also show another trait that I admire. It is one of boundaries. I have been remiss in cultivating this attribute in the past. I have been working on it though. Well…this season I have noticed I’m just tired. I don’t have the will or inclination to ” bend over backwards” for people in general. And I have been increasingly grumpy ; not to put too fine a point on it. 🙂 there has been a great deal of self reflection upon this subject ( among others…) I have asked myself am I still a good person? Am I still a “good Christian”? It’s odd how one’s self talk can be exceedingly harsh and unforgiving. Not to make excuses for poor behavior especially within myself ,I have begun to ask different questions of myself. Such as this…am I 20 or 30? No. Am I as physically able as I was before? No. Do I respect others for their boundaries? Most definitely. Do kind , thoughtful people know and respect their own limitations? Absolutely! Therefore I must conclude ,as I recommend to you, that you be as kind to yourself as you are to others. That you practice self respect, that you love yourself as you do others. Take the time to detox emotionally,mentally and physically. Set respectful but firm limits on those who surround you. Choose wisely who you put effort into . If you are not receiving thoughtfulness in kind I suggest you make your requests known. After all no-one is a mind reader. Make your needs known, humbly,but make them known. Those who are thinking of your future and safety as well as your happiness as you regard them are priceless. Anything less is insufferable. You must value yourself. Not above others but equal to others. There is still time to forge new strong links.. There is time to strengthen and re-enforce weak links or replace those worn links in your chains with new ones . The chains you make in your life can be protective and strong.. or they can become chains of loneliness and bitterness that hold you and others back and down.. You can be an effective servant of God, and a servant to your fellow man only when your cup is full. May you be filled with joy unspeakable. May your storehouses be shaken and pressed together. And may your cup runneth over. Luke 6:38, Psalms 23:5
The house that stood on the hill….
I lived in the same house for 32 years.( not this one…lol) My Mother made it into a home. It had originally been just a shell of its former self. No one seemed to want it. It was on the market for 3 years prior to she and I going to take a look at it. My Mom saw potential. My Mom had a vision for it,for us. I acquiesced… not really wanting to move anywhere else. I wanted to stay in my Grandmother’s house. I wanted to stay where it was familiar. A place I had many memories, mostly good, many hard times, a few traumatic memories as well. I stuck by her side always, as she had done with me. Us against the world.
After we moved in began the process of change. We were determined to make it our own. It was slow going .Making ends meet was difficult enough. Making changes was a challenge both in will and perseverance. Slowly it became a thing of beauty. There were now gardens where none had been. And pets, cats, dogs, geese , chickens, ducks, rabits, a couple of turkeys. Walls were painted, curtains were hung.Electric was re-wired. Furniture was arranged and we had begun to live our new life in the country.
There was wood to pile, animals to feed and water, fires to stoke, a road to plow. All these things and more led to mornings with coffee on the porch, watching geese and ducks swim in the small pond, smelling the grass as it was being cut, meeting new neighbors. A sense of freedom and peace as days turned into sunsets watched, years turned into memories of children playing outside, teenagers hiding in trees or around the corners to scare the living daylights out of you, illness, and then seperation. Many times over those years the house and property experienced changes. Many times an overhaul and hard work were needed and many times (when many would have given up ) this family both biological and extended would plant their feet firmly and say “I shall not be moved”.
Due to my Dear Husband’s fight with cancer and its treatments and subsequent struggles occuring, the home became seemingly lost to us.
The family was split, moved out and on and so did I. The house became a shell once again. No footsteps except an occasional intruder. No music, no joy, no love was seen here any more.
But God was not limited. He was always in control. By a series of events that were by no means reasonable or foreseeable, rather than loosing it completely, it was once again set into my hands.
As my Mother had done I also turned it over to someone in the family who had the heart, desire and capability of renewing the house and property.
It has slowly begun being reclaimed. It is still held by family. It is still in God’s care. My heart is blessed because of it. I am not personally there. That is ok. It has to be. But there is hope that it will bless our family again. There is hope that it will bless others again. There is hope that children will laugh and play, that music will be heard, that sunrises and sunsets will be seen. There is the possibility that crickets and peepers and frogs will calm someone’s heart again. That this place will bring peace again. It’s my hearts desire.
Now consider this…what about your creativity? What about your art? Does it seem unrealistic ? Or hopeless? Can you or others work with you to create something? Do you need attention,physical therapy, mental relief? Do you have the capability? Can you learn? Do you have the stubbornness it takes? Would you still like to try? If you can’t “do ” , can you teach?
Take small steps. Take a big leap. Persevere. Why? Success? How about just joy or peace? Grow where you are planted. Faith in God , hope for a new day and opportunity , these are what is available to each of us as long as we breath. If not now then when?
My wishes and prayers for each reader is that you have a brighter day.
Shibuism….is this an elegant neo Dadaism/ Participatory hybrid Art Movement in the 21st century?
https://medium.com/predict/the-21st-century-art-movement-what-is-it-a5db9dcc1d97
Are we Neo Dadaists, or though not millennials….millenial- like in Shibui? Pejj Nunes progenitor of Shibui Found Image Art posted the above article on Facebook as part of an art discussion. It mentioned millennial artists trying to break out in New self expression. I am a ” babyboomer” technically but I do feel that sense of how” can I make something beautifully new with my own voice and message?.”I ask myself to create something beautiful and unique in the hopes of making the world a better place one smile at a time using my artwork. Well…the article mentions neo dadaism as a resergent art form in the 21st century. So I’m wondering if the spirit of the movement dadaism ie: the breaking free,non- conformist, nonsensical, humorist, individuality and social commentary etc. Isn’t Shibui Found Image Art a unique sub-genre immerging within it? I myself am not fond of the examples of dadaism that I have seen. I feel that Shibui Found Image Art has an elegance that is inherent due to the action art that forms its foundations. It is often whimsical as you look closer and I think it becomes participatory art within its processes and continues as a viewer reacts and identifies the “story” that is presented as well as the suggestions the mind may wonder to . I am quite taken with the process of Shibui Found Image Art. It lends to me a fresh perspective. It’s suggests placement and supporting “intentional” details. Shibui uses imagination and stimulates pleasure centers in the brain. It lends itself to mental and emotional, cognative therapies that i find unearth a sense of well being as one becomes enveloped in its processes and the artistic execution of known inner talents and strengths. Shibui also encourages learning new techniques and experimenting with color, texture, and mediums. I need to go do some Shibui! You are welcome to comment your thoughts! I would like to hear your observations. Have a brighter day.
The struggle is real.
I love having a fish tank in our home. I was very young when my Mom got me my first fish and tank….it was positioned in my room so that at night I could watch the fish swimming around, playing with each other , or languidly floating with their fins only moving ever so slightly. The plants gently swaying as I sleepily observed their unique ways and lives…it calmed me. It helped me to fall asleep with no worries at the front of my little mind . This aquarium was at the suggestion of a children’s psychiatrist. ( I still remember his name and him fondly because he was so kind.) And ever since that first aquarium I’ve enjoyed having them and giving that gift of fascination and calmness to my children. Each had a tank in their rooms. Plus the “family aquarium” in the livingroom. It is usually not too difficult to maintain a healthy tank. I’ve always had freshwater fish, usually tropical warm water fish. We have had well water for many years but even with city tap water all was good as long as you “vacuumed ” your tank and replaced 1/4 to 1/3 of the water frequently, had a working aeration system, and a heater, plus a few live plants , and only feed them enough to be eaten up before it hits the bottom only once a day. This becomes habit and is pretty easy to do. Usually. But this tank I have now has been so frustrating! Angel fish kept dying, so do snails, frogs, plycostomus, and other algae eaters. I finally had success with tetras and mollies! Perfect. Until the tank developed staghorn algae. Sheesh! Got medicine to control that ( neither hurts the fish but it does cover everything and can quickly take over a tank) mmmmk……so that’s working pretty good but it was rather expensive. So I stopped at the pet store and picked up a cheaper ” recomended” algae treatment plus activated charcoal filters. Yeah….well…. all of a sudden my mollies all died off, one at a time , day afterday, after day. The babies in the hatchery as well …. so daily I was heartbroken. I noticed there wasn’t any sign of the staghorn algae…..but also my live plants were dying off. Well my dang…. and low and behold I’ve got green algae absolutely every where, on everything. Say what?! I’ve never had so much trouble with an aquarium before!
Well… nearly at my wits end I buy a new water aeration/ filtration system with additional filters plus “healthy bacteria” to add to and maintain my tank with. I then proceeded to swoop up my 3 remaining tetras with a net and put them in the old water in a glass jar while I once again cleaned the tank and siphoned out most of the water. It was risky because that big of a water change could easily shock the fish to death…but they were dying off anyway. Replacing green dirty water with tepid clean well water I refilled the aquarium. One of the 3 fish had died while this process was going on. 😦 ok. So I knew enough to go get a new gallon plastic bag, put some old green water in it…then the two remaining fish, then slowly add the clean tepid water to this bag and gently prop it on a tall fixture in the tank to submerge most of the bag so that the water in the bag and the tank water will slowly reach the same temperature while the fish acclimate to the cleaner water. 20 minutes later I let them re-enter their freshly cleaned tank. I added the recommended amount of good bacteria . They have survived the night and most of today. Fingers crossed all this will work. Very long weird story right? True. But it applies to an artists life. When you are trying to create something special and well executed it may take more effort than was originally expected. There may be snags or hitches with either your materials or your process. You may make a mistake or run into something ( like a client changing their mind or wanting to add something or take something away) Perhaps it just doesn’t feel inspired. Possibly you will after all have to start over from the very beginning. With new materials which is an unexpected additional cost. As well you may feel that such time has been wasted without a finished peice to offer or show for all your work. This is completely frustrating. But you are determined. You must double up your efforts to complete this project well and within your deadline. Therefore you must persevere. In the end it will all matter, to your client, to your experience, and you will gain great satisfaction from the end result. Considering all your efforts, your doubled time, the extra cost… is there actually a benefit to it all? Ofcourse. Your brand has been expanded and re-enforced, your client is pleased and word of mouth is still an amazing free advertising strategy. And your knowledge has been enhanced. Your new perceptions of time and supply cost will now reflect the possibility that things can go wrong,through no fault of your own and these must be taken into consideration when quoting a price and setting a realistic deadline. As Scotty the engineer on the Original Star Trek Series once alluded to…you allow yourself say three times what your expert projections of time to complete is …get it done in less time and you are considered a miracle worker! :)…. yes I’m a Trekkie…and quite a nerd. I’m good with that. It’s my individuality at work. We are all unique which makes for great diversity in creating our art work. You have a brighter day!!
Is it worth it?
As with anything in life it is a good idea to ask yourself ” it this worth it? My time….my effort …my cost…my emotional input….? When is it time to draw that line in the sand? Both figuratively and metaphorically. Let’s get real for a moment shall we? What about that insincere “friend”? When is it time to just cut them off? How much emotional drain can you take and why continue with it? If you say ” take the high road” that’s all well and good. But just how many times and over what length of time do you take that” road less taken” before you are comforted in the fact that you have tried your best? And what if your best isn’t good enough ? When do you become aware that who’s ball is in who’s court just doesn’t matter anymore? Some are so narcissistic that absolutely NONE of that makes one bit of difference in their lives and others try once and DONE. Then there are the people pleasers, care takers if you will. These people will often apologize til they are blue in the face even at those times when they have done nothing wrong but especially if they have. Hmmm… are any of these scenarios ringing a bell? Now what if you applied that to your artwork? Well…they can’t afford it…well…they can but they are careful with their money….well…atleast I will get something for it….well…I will get money for the supplies… well it will be a good challenge….well…I can just give it to them. Yikes! What are we doing to ourselves? If you have ever even thought one of those thoughts….you are hurting yourself and your artwork. Now don’t get me wrong…I’m not criticizing anyone for it. I myself am very guilty of thinking all of those things. And there is nothing wrong with gifting,or donating your work to special causes that are near to your heart. As with anything respect is earned. That goes for your respect as an artist as well. Most people ( prospective clients ) just have no idea what art supplies cost and why. For example if someone likes your work and you are say a water colorist…can you do that on any paper ? No. Can you do it on cheaper paper? Sure…if your client doesn’t care that the paper will look wavey and won’t Layla flat once it’s dry…or if they don’t mind it fading within months…or weeks… how long do they want to keep it? Is it a subject they really love? Like a pet who’s passed away…let’s see… do they want to remember them for a year? Or give it as a gift? Do they want it to last their lifetime? Oh…so it needs to be on high quality paper? Perhaps ” archival ” paper? And will Dollar store children’s watercolors last? Absolutely not. Will other supplies be needed to do your best work.? Will say lightfast inks also be used? What if you don’t have the required colors of inks,paint? What if you have used your last bit of the right paper? Let’s see… do you say to yourself well…I will buy this and this and this out of my own pocket…but really I will only be using one sheet of paper. And just a bit of paint…just a tad of ink… I will just charge them for what I actually use. Nope. Don’t do it. Why? I will tell you why. Because they can ask you to redesign it…over and over if you let them. Or they can say…gee I can’t really afford it right now.. ( which can happen as circumstances change) or they can just plain cancel it and not even pay for the materials you have invested in. But they are your friends,family…they would never do that to you. Yes. In many cases they would. After all you are so kind hearted and giving. You won’t mind right? I gotta tell you all of the above has happened to my kind hearted soul. And it can happen to you as well no matter how unlikely. How can you avoid all this? Here’s a few ideas . 1. keep track of all the time you put into a project. How many hours did you research the subject matter or techniques you want to use? 2. What will the proper supplies actually cost you? Do you need to buy a new pad of paper? 3. Explain the time you will take and why? Do they want a rush job? That’s extra because you may have other obligations and restrictions on your time…artwork included. 4. What exact supplies are necessary to do the job they want? Explaining that if you want to keep this painting of your beautiful companion pet for your lifetime…it will require this because….and explain it to them as if they know nothing about art in general because they probably don’t which is why they have asked you to create it in the first place . Either that or they are trying to take advantage of you…possibly because they are cheap. And that’s not respectful of you at all. 5. Draw up a standard contract that copies can be made of which includes a deadline ie: Christmas 11/ 21. An itemized cost estimate. A non refundable down payment( this will really show who’s serious about it.) A date and signatures area showing service provider, and client requesting the work order. A reasonable time estimate and and projected delivery or pickup date, include real delivery estimates which should be actual postal or delivery service quotes for the size and bulk and weight. State if taxes are included. 6. Require a non fefundable cancelation fee. This amount should be included in the required deposit. If all goes well you can take that off their final bill. 7. If accepting personal checks for any of this do not start the project or deliver the project until those checks have cleared. Actually cleared. Depositing doesn’t mean the money is actually in your account yet. ( miscalculations and accidents do happen) These are only suggestions. But I do recommend that you treat yourself , your work, and your clients all with respect and dignity. This goes a long way in forging your brand, your work ethics ,and your relationships. Have a brighter day.
Using what you have
As I have said before in this blog…I have NOT been “feeling it. Not feeling artistic,not feeling the Christmas season ,etc . And the actual day I was planning on doing sooooo many things,getting into my innovational groove….I fell ill. Ofcourse! My plans went right out the window. Time constraints not withstanding. Ugh. But to rest and self-care became the priority. Hey…it happens. The next day I could finally lift up my head without the room spinning. Still taking it easy I decided to watch a movie…I made a cup of cocoa. Then I thought to myself well…I could get a tray (peice of strong cardboard) get mysupplies together…( markers,pallette- a plastic veggie tray I washed and saved to re- purpose, two plastic re- purposed jello containers, pre-cut sturdy watercolor paper, washed, used wine corks,acrylic paint,brushes,glitter,self made modern podge. Etc.) And sit done to relax in front of my t.v with my cocoa. I then proceeded to start my pre- determined processes of making Christmas cards and handmade cork ornaments for my five grandchildren, Daves granddaughter, my adult children and a few others plus one for our tree. This is something I do each year in the hopes that even something small will remind each of them that I am thinking about them and love them dearly. I remember the things that my mom lovingly planned and gave to me …for example a real China teacup each year for my hope chest…a Callender tea towel to hang for the year and then fold and put away in my future chest, a small hidden gift I’d have to search for on our Christmas tree the night before Christmas,a meaningful charm to add to my charm bracelet, Hand knitted sweaters and mittens, scarves and hats etc. These being things that she could both afford and create with her love and prayers. This impacted me both emotionally and creatively in a very positive way. I try to emulate her in as many ways as possible as she is my hero. “My Mother,my sister in the Lord and my best friend” as she often reminded me just how much she loved me saying ” you are my daughter,my sister in the Lord and my best friend”. She impacts my life and how I treat others every day. These two art projects I have now worked on for 5 days…each day fitting a bit of work on them into my schedule. Today I added the glitter to both ventures. Yes . I’m absolutely covered and sparkling today. My plans are to add a sting loop to each ornament with small bow as well. Dollar Tree I hope yourestocked well when I get there. Still to do also is writing personal notes in each card and the actual mailing out of each little package. I’m not running around in a tizzy canning and baking and shopping …I’m doing what I can while cutting myself a break. There is nothing wrong with that. Being good to yourself is an important building block for your health, safety, and business of vision, inventiveness. This Holiday season I’d be very pleased to hear that you have taken a break, relaxed ,enjoyed yourself to just regenerate. Leave a comment if you plan to do just that…or maybe why you think you can’t do that….Have a brighter day my Dears.
First things first…prioritizing your projects and creativity, using what you have
“To everything there is a season…”
Today I find I have the day to myself. I’ve gotten chores fairly under control…but my list of things to do is still there . Let’s see…writing a blog,taking a look at the non fictional book I am writing to access any holes in the written story especially concerning continuity,a photo shoot of my children’s book illustrations as well as putting that on a flash drive.There is also finishing the ornaments and cards for grand children ,children, family and friends. In addition to all that I have an idea I would like to work on in my Christmas illustration series as the first two have good homes. Whew! It sure can seem overwhelming when that “to do list” is growing. Also somewhere in this time I need to access what Christmas / seasonal work I can bring to our local ArtGallery/ gift shop while I swap out some works there that are already on Display. These things are supposed to be fun…right?! Ok . Today I am choosing to get creative with the handmade cork ornaments I am working on. Also the cards need to be finished and addressed. I intend to listen to old classic Christmas songs while doing this. Maybe add a hot cup of cocoa in there somewhere for a break. The Christmas tree is lit….its time for some fun with art .If you aren’t enjoying it start thinking what do I enjoy about this time of year? Is it hands on creating? Is it those smiles and the excitement on someone’s face? Is it giving back to the community in some way? Maybe give a random retail worker a small gift? What about thinking of someone who may be lonely ? Could a card or a small surprise package arriving in the mail encourage them? A phone call…a text …bringing them a hot home-cooked meal? Brainstorm some ideas regarding far away loved ones or the neighbors that surround you. That little girl who lives across the street? That child you just heard is in chemo for his luechemia. Interlinking your creativity/Artwork with your community can go a long way to enhancing people’s lives. And it never hurts your reputation as an artist to be seen and heard from. You can be that blessing this year,this season.
Without Art life would be a mistake….
Friedrich Nietzsche is quoted in saying ” without music life would a mistake “. I relate music to art. It takes an artist to make music. It takes an artist to create good food,art,science theory,mathematical theory, the list can go on ad infinitum. Have you ever seen the Mandelbrot Prints? It’s literally fractal math as art.( Please do look it up if you are unfamiliar with it. ) This ; ofcourse, is just a hint at what the term Art or Artistic may imply. Can you imagine a world without music? No lullabies, no worship songs, no classical, no blues, no heavy metal, no metal core….this list goes on as well. Now many individuals are not fond of some or all of this music that’s available. Yet isn’t that exactly the point? The availability? I myself enjoy many genres of music. Just as I am enamered with quite a few styles of art. From impressionism ,realism,pointalism, Shibuism , Art Nouveau, et all. I enjoy experimenting with not only previously unheard music styles and musicians but also I’m very pleased to expand my artistic knowledge. This can include styles,movements,artists and how I may learn from these possibly combining techniques or elements in my current or future creations. The importance of this knowledge being available to discover ,the significance of knowledge in general is key to growth. Please remember the Biblical translation of genesis ” tree of knowledge of good and evil” must be tempered with the fact that is specifically says not simply Knowledge in general but specifically the knowledge of good and evil. As with any scripture from any ” holy book” translation,explanation,and taking things in context ,studying the social,economic,beliefs of a specific time and place all must be considered. Why do I bring this into the conversation today? Because it is relevant to knowledge of any kind. It is relevant to creativity. Learning anything requires an open mind. A willingness to expose oneself to ideas,concepts that may challenge our own beliefs. What we are accustomed to is not necessarily what is productive. It may be comfortable. Looking outside our current perceptual sphere takes courage. Stepping out of our comfort zone to try new things is very much a part of the natural creative process. Ideas are generated from new input. That input can be auditory, but as in the case of Art it is very visual though not exclusively so. Imagine if the only spice or herb you used was pepper? Salt for example is even used in baking sweet things, not just savory. So many nuances of flavor would be unavailable. It is so with music, art, development of any kind. We cannot live in a box if we wish to grow past that box. Life without Art is no life at all. Make your own style of art. Develop your own voice. Let new media and techniques contribute to your songs. Creativity is your repertoire of herbs and spices. Make art for the love of learning . May your days be brighter.
Take the time…
It’s finally the weekend after Thanksgiving…which means it is Christmas tree hunting time!! This year I found myself not getting particularly engaged in the upcoming holidays. I have felt rather detached. Which is very unlike my normal self. Is it partly because I am getting older? Does apathy come with age? As I said…it is just not like me. I’m always planning ahead,getting ideas for hand made cards,ornaments for the grand children,the children.looking for deals,inspiration. It seems that this past year has absolutely flown by. Where is that happy happy joy joy self? I’m tired. Thats what. Not tired of life oh no! Just achy and literally tired. Hmmm…some b12 may be in order. Well… I am getting excited about looking for a tree. We have gotten a real tree since our first Christmas together. He had said ” well time to pull the tree out of storage…” and my face fell…. Couldn’t we maybe get a real tree ? I said shyly weedeling…. and every year since he does this for us. It’s kind of like him opening the car door for me, or a door we are walking through when we are out and about. He knows how special it makes me feel,respected,loved ,appreciated. So how does he know these things ? Because I told him. Because I showed him. That type of communication is vital to any relationship. Going that extra mile. Taking that extra care. Being attentive . And it should go both ways. For instance I make his breakfast for him and pack his lunch. He’s fully capable of all that. Yet I choose to do it . The only exceptions are if I’m sick. He didn’t ask me to do things like that. It’s just my way. I like to take care of people. Make things easier for them. I actually enjoy being a ” home maker” . Now some of you may be thinking ” awe heck no. No way. Not my style. ” That is fine. There are so many ways to show someone you care. A call. A text. A card. Doing things together. Etc. Now as for Artwork….I feel the same applies. The care, execution,materials that are used . The way it’s packaged and delivered. Putting your logo on and attaching your business card. Careful measurements, quality supplies,attention to detail. These should be discernable to potential clients and return clients as well. Your personal “Branding” should reflect not only who you are and what you offer but the quality that it represents as well. You need to set yourself apart. Be unique. After all you are the only you there is of you. And that is special. Okay…I g have to go get ready for tree huntin! I sincerely hope you have a brighter day! Drop a comment for me? Is there a topic you would like me to address? I would like to hear from you.
Julia Baker-Waite Art 