You Can Use My Soft Words...

From Deena – invited by Mary Ann to post!

Well, I’m smack dab in the middle of a series of 6 (12x12) mixed media pieces that are each inspired by a poem or song lyrics. These aren’t just any words. Oh no. These words demanded to jump into my paint and onto my sponges, move me to tears, open and humble me, and resonate deep. I challenged myself to put words into every piece, which triggered all my fears of looking "crafty". So I have been playing around with inkjet transfers, scratching, scribbling and stencils.

The piece here includes layers with stencils, acrylic paint and molding paste, sanding, and hand writing. The techniques I used in the “pillows” on top started out as a monoprint (gold), an inkjet photo printed (flowers), then ripped/sewn and put on metal mesh.

This first finished piece of the series, entitled “A Cushion for Your Head”, was inspired by a poem from the great Persian and Sufi poet Shams-ud-din Muhammad Hafiz (c. 1320-1389). This poem reminds me of that feeling of falling into the softest place – cushioning me from anything hard, rough or tough – when I just need the warmth and comfort of huge down pillows, fuzzy blankets and cushy comforter. No hard surfaces here – just curling up into the gentle softness of being totally taken care of. Where have you found softness lately? Where did you find a “pillow”? Here is the poem…happy creating…wishing you soft places of comfort when needed…

A Cushion for Your Head

Just sit there right now

Don’t do a thing

Just rest.

For your separation from

From Love

Is the hardest work

In this

World.

Let me bring you trays of food

And something

That you like to

Drink.

You can use my soft words

As a cushion

For your

Head.

- Hafiz

What's on Deena's Walls?

24"x24", canvas, acrylic, mixed media by Deena. The first on the left is titled "Exploring Mystery" the white one is "What is Hidden" and the third is "Finding Me". I'm not sure of all the materials but I do know Deena is an expert at photo transfers so if you have any questions please ask. I am asking Deena if she might host this blog in the next couple of days so be on the watch and give her a bloggy good welcome!

We met well over 10 years ago in a Julia Cameron "Vein of Gold" study group. There were six of us and the leader. After this course, five of us decided to carry on as an art support group. We met regularly for years and sometimes studied a book, sometimes just shared and supported one another...there was wine, laughter and tears too. Two members moved away and one member, our dear Annie past away and then there were the two of us. We have carried on and what can I say....it is a deep abiding friendship that far outreaches art making and yet has also stayed on track, supportive with art play. I am 15 years older than Deena and we have very different lifestyles but again....the friendship continues...we will be friends forever.

ADDED NOTE: If you are interested, Deena has left a comment stating all the materials used in these beautiful pieces. Check it out. I have asked and she said yes, and will post this weekend as a special treat!
EXPLANATION: In the loss of our Annie, came the sweet addition of knowing her daughter Patrice. Patrice( also an artist) and I had an art show together with a blow out opening...live music, catered with amazing food and drink, flowers and a 6foot banner outside the gallery of our happy faces announcing the show!!! We spilled out into the street and I believe in some circles they are still talking about that night! Patrice has a blog and has also left a comment! AND Annie's sister Pat (also an artist) regularly leaves a comment so watch for her as well!

Raw Beginnings

38"x38" paper and beginning markings similar to a particular butterfly in and around Australia 'euthalia cyanipardus'. The idea of Wings of Grace have come into my writing and my handy thesaurus speaks of divine influence, benediction and a quote by William Hazlitt, "The outward expression of the inward harmony of the soul" With all this and some meditation, writing and studio time, I have begun here with this raw start. I've added texture to some parts to help the pastels grab and I've also started with a grid...so here's to beginnings.

On a household note: Our water heater went out and because of improper installation, the water leaked into the master bath...yuuck! I have spent the weekend with fans trying to dry the floor. The plumber replaced the old one on Saturday so wet floor or not, we got our showers and ran the dishwasher. Couldn't help think how spoiled we all are and how awful and primitive conditions are in Haiti!

I have re-installed the notification approval on the comments page. With all the Hackers out...it seems like one way of taking precautions. I so easily forget that this is a vast network...rather than a small circle of artists. I know it can be an inconvenience but please don't let it discourage you from leaving a few words...I so like this process of sharing who we all are as we live our creative lives.

"Love the Baabee"

"Mercy" 38"x38" paper (unknown type or weight) paper collage, fabric collage, acrylic and soft pastel. There was an old episode of "Seinfeld" about seeing someones loved baby that was not such a pretty baby...it was hilarious! I feel like the parent (artist) who has labored and brought this loved not so pretty baby into this world! ha I re-learned so much about these materials. The paper and soft pastel were a gift from my friend Josie's studio. I have been using these materials in this project as an act of memory to Josie as she passed away a couple of years ago. Using the paper without a lot of 'tooth' along with very soft powdery pastels has been a challenge...!I will take what I've learned to the next piece that I've already begun. I even changed the background color of the site in order to better enhance the piece....just loving the baby! ha

Got Me a New Pair of Shoes!

'Just Do It' as the box suggests, well I did. I have been wearing my almost white Nikes for close to 9 years and this weekend was my moment! ha My old shoes have been good to me... feel like soft pillows but because I stand so much when I am working...it is time to get a little more support. There was a lot to pick from and I was surprised at how much bright silver and color combinations are now in athletic shoes.. This pair has an air cushion heel and the trim is gray patent leather. They feel great and I'm sure I will get the support I need.

Movies this week: 'Crazy Heart' and Netflix choice is an oldie "Brazil" with Robert De Niro. We are watching it as a way of a refresher into the same creator of "The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus in which Tom Waits plays the Devil....what fun! With an occasional sprinkling of a NBA Warriors Basketball game,
our TV time is booked.

Almost finished with 'Wings'...it has been such a challenge. I think I'll 'chalk' it up to learning, re-learning the elements of soft pastel...no easy trick! ha

On My LivingRoom Wall

Canvas, acrylic 50"x54" by artist Mike Vigil. He is from an artists family...his father was a well known Southwestern artist Veloy Vigil and he has a brother Dan who also paints.

Years ago in my late 30's and into my 40's I wore all black, carried a journal constantly , drank quarts of espresso and met with other artists in coffeehouses all over town. I was taking classes , workshops and had rented my first studio space, My children were in school which allowed me the time to explore my art making and begin to build a career. I was always visiting museums and galleries. One winter our family vacationed in Scottsdale, Arizona where we visited more galleries. My husband saw this painting and really liked it...said it reminded him of me? I liked it as well and he bought it and had it shipped home. I love owning this piece and it holds a special place in my heart as it was one of the last gifts I received from my husband as he past away shortly thereafter. I mostly keep it on the living room wall but sometimes move it to another room. I never get tired of it and love the colors...turquoise etc... I've had difficulty photographing it in this winter light but the colors are true only brighter in better light.

I've put aside my 'wings' painting and living with it...I think there will be yet another small change. Yesterday I began another large piece and so it begins again. I am writing and drawing and letting it all evolve...the search is on! ha

This afternoon, my friend Florie is visiting...bringing some decaf Chai and I'm supplying the lemon pie. We need to visit and keep up with one another so this will be perfect. We usually meet at a coffeehouse (old habits die hard, I rarely go to coffeehouses... still wear my black!) but it is cold and rainy so we are keeping it in-house!

Pastel addition to 'Wings'

Almost impossible to post without a photo, so this is a section of the 'wing' that I've been working on. Actually I've been adding the pastel and at the same time resolving shapes and composition. This is a BIG surface and I'm committed to two more. Somehow I have a feeling at the end of these three I will have just begun...isn't that the way it works? While I've been working the word Mercy has been strong for me...the dictionary gave several definitions "relief of suffering' and 'kindness beyond expectation' are two that have touched me the most.

Like everyone, I've been troubled by photos of Haiti. I'm not sure if I've done much good but I have donated to Doctors Without Borders as I see the needs right now to be greatest in helping the injured.

Last night I watched some of the Golden Globe award show. The girlie girl part of me finds it difficult to miss a red carpet with beautiful designed dresses. I wasn't disappointed although I was disappointed in the severe swept back hairstyles. The big moment for me was seeing Jeff Bridges accept his award. I've been on his blog (no I'm not a stalker!ha)to check out his take on the filming of Crazy Heart. I so like his down to earth play and humor!