Thursday, March 26, 2009

"Creative Awakenings"


...Envisioning the life of your dreams through art, by Sheri Gaynor (my creative coach, on and off, since 2007). Sheri -- an artist, writer, and licensed psychotherapist, to name just a few, describes the book as a "workshop in a book."

This is the project that I mentioned at the end of my gratitude giveaway post

I have only finished the very first project in the book, which is to purchase and embellish the cover of a sketchbook journal...(see above) and I totally didn't follow the rules for the cover - but I think that is okay. In fact, I think that's part of the point of these kinds of books. Take what you need to move forward and make it yours.

The next project is to answer a series of 7 questions, and of course, that's were I stopped, because that part really takes a lot of thought, (a.k.a. work) and I sometimes avoid work, if you can believe that.

But here is my "Book of Dreams" journal. I love the size, (9 x 12) which is bigger than my normal journals, and I love my cover, which is made with roof flashing and Claudine's sticky back canvas, and Artgirlz charms.

One of the many cool things about this workshop in a book is that it encourages group participation and discussion -- including an online salon -- none of which I am currently doing, by the way, but I still think the possibility of doing this kind of project with a small group would be motivating.

So, from time to time, I will include an excerpt or update or revelation based on my "Book of Dreams" journal.

And from the world of gratitude:
I am grateful for my amazing niece, Avery, who teaches me the real meaning of strength and determination every day.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Life is not linear...

It is not a neat and tidy progression in one direction. This is not a major revelation, of course, but I think sometimes, with clocks to measure time, and calendars to count the days and weeks and months and years, we expect a linear journey...and then we are reminded that it really doesn't work that way.



I had every intention of posting an update after my niece was released from the hospital in January... we celebrated Christmas on Valentine's day and our hearts were full of gratitude for her homecoming. In a very short time, Avery was back in preschool and life for her and her parents regained some normalcy...



But before I got around to posting that wonderful post, Avery was admitted to the hospital again this weekend, where she was treated for dehydration and the formation of some blood clots in her heart. She is now stable, but she may remain in the hospital for a couple of weeks while they monitor her and try to figure out exactly what happened. We may never know. Avery is a pioneer, in many ways, so there is little precedent for the journey to a strong, healthy heart, that she is traveling. I just wanted to thank all of you who've kept her in your hearts and minds and ask that you continue to do so as we all travel this journey full if twists and turns that is life.

Monday, March 16, 2009

My artistic equivalent of a welcome mat...


I love the look of a well-used, (well-loved) art space. It makes me smile and welcomes me to kick off my shoes, turn on my music and get my hands (and sometimes feet) dirty. Yes, my feet. I noticed this morning that I had black gesso on my big toe from dropping a paintbrush last night. Better black gesso than gangrene! And an obvious hazard of painting barefoot - if you tend to drop things as I do.

Although I like some neatness and organization, I have discovered that if my art space is too neat, it discourages me a bit from creating because I know that I will be making it messy. So I usually exist in a happy medium of somewhat organized chaos, like this picture suggests, with just enough space in the middle for a canvas.

And as a footnote, I have decided to include a note of gratitude at the end of each blog post,(until I forget to do so, which is bound to happen) in addition to my gratitude journal...

I am grateful for: a welcoming place to make art every day!

AND THE WINNER...

OF THE GRATITUDE GIVEAWAY IS...
DJ - !!!!
In addition to what was in the box when I posted the original giveaway picture, I am also including a small mixed-media piece that I have created recently (but not yet posted). I have sent an email requesting your mailing address DJ!

Enough --
10 x 10 mixed media: spackle, acrylic paint & collage on canvas


Thank you all for leaving such wonderful comments about all for which you are grateful. Not surprisingly, family, friends, good health and this amazing blogging community were among the many things we do not take for granted. That many of you also mentioned my blog meant a great deal to me. I blog for so many reasons, and from the beginning, I was unprepared for how rewarding this would be on a personal level -- sharing some of my art and observations and getting so much in return from each of you. Your comments, your blogs, your enthusiasm, your art...I could go on and on. I am grateful for the technology that makes this big ol' world smaller and more intimate than I would have expected when I began this journey.

For this reason, I chose a second name as a runner-up who will also receive a small mixed-media piece that I have created recently. (I made a lot of art this weekend!) And that winner is... SAUCY CHICK SHERRY...
And I have to say, I was thrilled to choose your name Sherry, as you mentioned in your comment that mine was the first blog you ever viewed -- but more remarkably, that you have continued to return all this time. Wow. I an so humbled by this. Thank you! Sherry - please email me at kerri.posson@nysna.org with your address so that I can send your art piece.

Stay tuned...
Later this week I will be sharing a new journal project in which I am involved. It's based on a brand new book by my creative coach, and it promises to be a great adventure!!

Tuesday, March 03, 2009

Red.


The title of my latest mixed-media painting. Also, that time of the month. (TMI??) I don't care. I'm in that kind of mood today. I think the muse has returned because I am becoming more myself. It's a process over which I have little control. Or perhaps I could control it but I no longer want to. I'm being very honest today. Not that my blog is a lie, but it's fairly heavily edited. I am usually careful to share only so much of myself in such a public forum. And I usually choose to share the good parts -or at least what I think are the safe parts. Not too revealing. Not too emotional. Not too personal. Not too mean. Not too sad. Not too petty. But you know what? Sometimes I am mean, and petty and sad and miserable. And during a week like this, I can be all of those things for half an hour, and then I am calm, and peaceful and fairly happy. For another half hour. And then who knows???

So that's where I'm at today. Right now. This minute. And I love every RED, manic, crazy, juicy minute of this life. And then I hate it. And then I love it. again.

Red. 16 x 20, mixed-media acrylics & collage on canvas.