Shamrocks

More Irish Inspiration

The Process of Creativity

The process of creativity is often mysterious. Sometimes when you come to the table you have a plan for a project or assignment and you jump in. Other times you have no agenda and simply begin by getting warmed up with a favorite color or a color you never seem to use. I have always been drawn to red but for the last three weeks I have been focusing on green as I worked through a commission: 20 cards for St Patrick's Day.

Here's one I think fits into the theme of Irish.

New Project Begins Today

Now that Valentine's Day is behind me I begin another project that is both challenging and probably a little fun too. I have been commissioned to create 20 cards for St. Patrick's Day. I have begun my research on themes and ideas. A box of different kinds of papers are already sitting in a pile. I have accumulated a huge assortment of green swatches. I can't wait to see what comes out. I will keep you posted.

One more Valentine

Life in the working world keeps me busy

The working world keeps me so busy helping senior citizens with resources that time for art is limited. However, this week I decided to bring the art to work. There is a section on our floor at the government offices that is empty temporarily. The rooms is large and has several large tables. I brought as much of my studio as humanly possible in two shifts and set up a workshop for making Valentine cards. I e-mailed my co-oworkers to drop in at lunch or break and create a card. All the necessary materials were on hand from cardstock and envelope to wide range of adhesives, and every imaginable "junk" that included scrabble pieces, playing cards, failed watercolor paintings, monoprints, fancy scissors, and glitter. I created a handful of samples for everyone to view and off they went to the races. It was very rewarding to hear the comments of folks who admired my work but more rewarding to hear them comment on their gratitude for the experience since all of them seemed to think they had no creative bones in their body. They told me they are craving art therapy in the line of work that we do. I agree. I am so happy going to my own studio on weekends or evenings when I can carve out some time. I offer you a sampling of some cards that served as inspiration for others.

Madam Butterfly

This collage was created about two years ago and I just entered it in the Lombard Art Coalition's members show. It is a quirky piece but occasionally I enjoy working on something whimsical.

Busy weeks and finally an art day

These last few weeks have been hectic with work. My exhibit at the National University of Health Sciences came down at the end of January. To jump start the creative juices I decided to participate in a few workshops. I attended a workshop on mixed media at the Addison Art Guild. This was my first experience with a few materials like scratch boards, plaster gauze on canvas and modeling paste. I even managed a couple of baby pieces.

Some photos from my reception with my Art tribe sisters

The November 2007 Art Exhibit

The Support of Fellow Artists and Friends and patrons

Today I had my reception for the solo exhibit at the National University for Health Sciences. Even though the weather was a little uncertain with snowflakes covering the roadways, I was pleasantly surprised to see so many of my fellow artist friends, past patrons, and coworkers come out to support me. A few faces from the past and some of my husband's associates came as well. The positive feedback I received was inspiring and certainly boosted the ego of an artist putting out some work that not everyone has seen before. Seeing one's body of work is a feeling of accomplishment and validation. I cannot stress how grateful I am to all who came to see my work.

Beneath the Surface

This is the title I gave my solo exhibit at the National University of Health Sciences in Lombard, Illinois. It is the first solo exhibit I have done since 2000. There is a certain sense of accomplishment when one can assemble a body of work and step back and look at it. This particular exhibit is the culmination of several years of work and the evolution of an artist who painted and then moved on to mixed media and collage. The ability to combine media, to experiment and to reuse parts of older work really appeals to me at this stage of my art making life. I hope to have a good reception this coming Sunday.

My entry for White on White exhibit

A stolen moment......

And I took a line for a walk.

One more meditative scribble

Mini moments for mini Art

The time between Thanksgiving and New Years always presents a time of frantic activity with no time to meditate or create art. Yet this year I worked hard at making doodles like this just to keep a sense of sanity. My goal is to keep a stash of these squares and some pens in my purse at all times so when a few moments present themselves I can put them to special use.

Where did the time go?

I can't believe I have not posted anything since October. The days have blended together so quickly. My news is that I have been busy with several exhibits. I participated in the annual Celebration of the Arts at my church, I entered several pieces in the Midwest Collage Society Layers II exhibit and won an honorable mention and I put together a solo exhibit at the National University of Health Sciences entitled Beneath the Surface. Thirty pieces are hung in the clinic and I will have a reception in January. The bulk of my art-making has been working on greeting cards. This last month I made holiday cards of which some are watercolors and others are collage and mixed media. Working full time has cut in on some of my time for creating art. Holidays require attention also but I am happy to say that I still get some work in on the weekends. This week I have been commissioned by a former patron to do 20 cards for St. Patrick's day. This is a new theme for me. But I like the challenge.

A trip to Iowa

During a trip to Iowa to visit my daughter Victoria, I was inspired by the vast sky and the incredible colors of fall.

A whole month gone by

A whole month has gone by without a word about art on my blog. I am working full time and the time is so limited and the energy low as I learn the new tasks. Trying to get some kind of balance in place is the name of the game. I was able to do a little doodling during lunch. Then other things crept along that needed my attention. I am currently preparing to participate in an art exhibit and sale at the St. Thomas Church which is what I do every year. It is a great time to talk about my art, to show a little demonstration to patrons and to sell some work. Soon some photos will be posted.