White Chocolate?

"With freedom, books, flowers, and the moon, 

who could not be happy?"   ~ Oscar Wilde

Shall we add white chocolate to the list?

Emily

In her later years, poet Emily Dickinson was said to have dressed only in white.

This enigmatic genius penned, "I find ecstasy in living; 

the mere sense of living is joy enough."

Emily's legacy of 1,775 poems, almost entirely published posthumously,

place her in the front rank of American poets.

.....

Spring Cleaning and Dreaming

Spring cleaning, or any cleaning for that matter, 

isn't high on my list of interesting and rewarding things to do. 

 But, I have to tell you, 

we did some unusual spring cleaning that was fascinating and got me dreaming!

A couple ferocious wind storms

 left us with a crazy number of downed and jack-strawed trees. 

 After much cutting and stacking, it really was time to burn slash. 

 As fortune would have it, we burned on a moonlight night.

Dancing flames + smoke + camera = captured magic.

Throw in the moonlight and we had a night fit for dreaming.  

I'm not talking about everyday dreams and goals -

 I've got project lists for those things - 

I'm talking about bigger dreamy plans.

The kind of dreams that might seem wild, maybe scary, 

or possibly not as "do-able" by the light of day.

My dreams went like this ~

I want to visit England again

 (I hear the Victoria & Albert Museum calling my name),

I want to travel to Nepal and Thailand,

I want to write a book (about quilting, beading, or photography),

I want to shoot some great photos in our U.S. National Parks,

and in the future, 

I'm toying with the idea of using my photography to help others

 by working with non-profits around the world!

Well, these aren't too big, scary, or impossible are they???

Do you have any campfire-type dreams?

Wishing you a spring and summer filled with campfires and dreaming!

Creatively,

The Details

I'm sure you've heard the expression, "the devil's in the details".  

This catchy phrase points to the fact that it's often the small, 

overlooked details which make a project or scheme, difficult or challenging.

When it comes to quilt or beadwork projects, 

I'm the queen of detail - every step is thought through ahead of time. 

 But, I have to admit, when it comes to life,

 I often focus on the big and small problems while overlooking life's wonderful, tiny details -

 those gems of everyday living.

This reminds me of an experience I had years ago, 

while a girlfriend and I were hiking in Montana.  

She picked up a wildflower, studied it intently and then, 

proceeded to point out the amazing details of color and shape within the flower's calyx. 

 For her, joy and happiness were contained in this moment,

 in this wonderful detail of nature. 

 It struck me then, how simple and available this happiness that she felt was.

Think about some of life's details that bring you joy and inspiration.

Here's some on my list:

Sunsets

New books

Fresh blossoms

Hugs

Dog "kisses"

Our daughter's love

Color

Shadow patterns

Sunlight on a cool day

Chai tea

Beautiful beads

Meals cooked by my husband

Learning something new

A phone call from an old friend

Woodland walks

Dragonflies

Museum visits

Reflections

Loon calls

Which of life's details brings you happiness and inspiration?

Creatively,

P.S. These recent photos are as spring-like as it gets in my neck of the woods.

We're still waiting for bouquets of blossoms!

Your Gift

"Make visible what, without you, might perhaps never have been seen" ~ Robert Bresson

Your unique vision is your gift to the world!

Gift Without a Bow

Art has the power to change lives.

Please picture this ~

A young, college student on a traveling scholarship walks into a museum exhibition hall.  The walls are white and illuminated by a warm glow streaming down from skylights.  The paintings on the walls are by the French Impressionist, Claude Monet.  They depict flowers, landscapes, and garden scenes; captured in amazing, vivid, vibrant hues.  

The young women is awestruck.  Her heart races as she marvels at these masterpieces.  She studies the brushstrokes..... the color combinations..... and tries to hold all these images in her mind and heart ~ forever.

She already knew that she loved all the ingredients that made great art;

 pattern, line, design, form, texture, and color. 

But, at this moment color became her muse.

A muse that she would walk hand in hand with along the path of art.

Forever.

This young woman was me, a zillion years ago.

  And yes, the gift of art does indeed have the power to change lives!

Has art touched your life in humble or profound ways?

Wishing you, always, a happy and art-filled life,

Frying Pan Farm

Frying Pan Farm by Rebekah Wehner

Process vs. Product

I've read that artists are either process or product oriented.  So, what motivates you to create?  Are you in love with the process involved in making art, or is your mind and heart focused on the final, lovely creation?  Let's look at some of the elements that are involved, as we sort this out.

We'll start with process, since that comes first anyway.  Part of the process of making art often includes learning new techniques - reading books, taking classes, visiting museums - that's all fun!

Next, we take those techniques and try to mold them to our vision.  There is tactile joy here - the softness of roving, smooth cool beads, juicy paints, or the touch of an instrument's keys or strings.  This hands-on period can also be an emotional roller coaster, one moment we're exhilarated, the next in despair.

For most artists, time spent making art is a meditation - 

their studio is their sanctuary, a place to rejuvenate their mind and body.

Now, let's look at our finished artwork (product) and see how we feel about that.  Every piece of art we make holds a bit of our soul within it.  Our art is like our children in this respect, thus we love our finished pieces ~ except the bombs, of course.

Our art may appeal to our practical nature, also. 

 We can wear, gift, decorate with, or even eat our creations!

Finally, our finished pieces can be shared with others - in galleries, lecture or music halls, with friends and family, or on the internet.  These are the glamour, social moments in the art cycle, when the hard work has been done and we get to bask in the light of compliments and admiration.

So, are you a process or product lover? 

 Even if you're a fence-sitter, which way do you lean?

P.S.  Although I love my art "children", I am a process person.

Wishing you a wonderful, process and product filled day ~

Shine

Shine by Mary Anne Morgan

Rose Ribbon

Beading a Rainbow

Grow your Mojo

A flyer on my husband's desk caught my eye.  It read Mojo Gro - organic potting soil.  This got me thinking, not about potting soil, but about how to grow your mojo.  I've hear of artists losing their mojo and then gaining it back.  I wondered, is it possible to grow the elusive mojo before we lose her?  How exactly might one approach this concept?

Well, first I guess we better try to define mojo.  Looking at the etymology (study of the source and development of words and morphemes) of mojo, it is probably of Creole origin, related to Gullah moco ("witchcraft") and Fula moco'o ("medicine man").  In our context, artists use mojo as a noun meaning "supernatural power of luck".

So, how can we grow some magical power or luck?  I thought about some of the things I have grown in my life - flowers, veggies, houseplants (not so well), and a daughter.  The plants needed food (water, compost, sunlight), nurturing (nutrients, pulling of weeds), and shelter (from pests, heat and cold).  Our daughter required similar elements but in different forms; food (healthy diet), nurturing (guidance, love, books and more books), and shelter (safe home and school).  

Let's apply these same ingredients for growth, in creative form, to the wild, elusive artists' mojo.  I think we should feed her with stimulating visuals derived from nature, museums, books, magazines, and internet sites.  Let's try to vary the mojo's diet depending upon her desires - one day it may be poetry, the next a walk in the woods or city park.

Now comes nurturing.  Since mojo seems a bit like our alter ego, maybe we better nurture ourselves along with this mojo creature.  I'm thinking exercise, yoga, meditation, positive self-talk, self-care (new clothes, haircut, or maybe just chocolate), and surrounding ourselves with caring, creative friends or family.  I see Ms. Mojo is starting to smile and grow.

Finally, the last ingredient is shelter.  We need to shelter her from negative energy, criticising-jealous folks, power zappers like too much volunteer work, stress builders, and work or family commitments that aren't really her business.  Ms. Mojo looks quite vigorous and healthy at this point.

So, can we grow our mojo?  Yes, I think we can.  Please, try my recipe for Mojo Grow and see how it works for you!

Wishing you a productive, Mojo-Growing day,

Anna

Be a Drama Queen!

We all have drama in our lives that we'd rather live without.  Drama comes in all shapes, sizes, and ages!  It may be a two-year-olds' tantrum at the mall, a junk-loving neighbor, an a.s.a.p. project that arrives on your desk Friday afternoon, or _____ you fill in the blanks.  Yep, we definitely don't need drama like this.  But..... drama can be a good thing.  The visual drama that comes from strong value contrasts is exciting and eye-catching.  Envision photos or artwork that combine brilliant light areas, beautiful mid-tones, and rich darks.  You can't help but be captivated by these images.

Nature often presents these broad value schemes at selected times of the day.  Plus, stormy weather is a super time to stalk drama.  Picture this, an ominous blue-gray sky with streaks of sunlight illuminating mountain tops, or the valley below.  Silhouettes have lots of WOW power, too.  Look for objects set against a light source, either natural or artificial.  You'll find that cast shadows make for dramatic pictures.  Besides the interesting patterns of light and dark shapes, you also have the subjective drama of the seen (shadow) and unseen (object casting the shadow).

Finally, night scenes include the most obvious examples of strong, broad ranging contrasts.  In starry, moonlight landscapes or city street night scenes, we see the full spectrum of values, from white, or near-white, to black.  These views have the effect of being enchanting or sometimes, ominous.

So, bring on the drama and you will be rewarded with powerful pictures!

Wishing you a day filled with visual drama,

Anna

P. S. I just started a blog, Alchemy of Art.  Please take a moment to stop by.  I'd love to have you join the fun!

Winter’s Rhythm

Each season has its own feel and rhythm.  Winter embraces silence, stillness, and contemplation.  It is the bare bones season – nature’s version of de-cluttering.  Details are shrouded in a blanket of white while against the sky; branch patterns display the architecture of the season.

Winter reminds me of haiku, where each element is carefully chosen and perfectly succinct.  Please curl up in a cozy corner with a hot drink and enjoy some winter haiku.  These poems were selected from Haiku, Vol. IV, translated by R.H. Blyth, plus I’ve included a couple of my own.

There is neither heaven nor earth,

Only snow

Falling incessantly.    - Hashin

Many unbrellas

Are passing by,

This eve of snow.    – Hokushi

Under the winter moon,

The river wind

Sharpens the rocks.    – Chora

Blue shadows,

Dancing out 

Across the frozen lake.    – AV

Filigree frost web,

Gently entangling

The winter window.    – AV

In the wintry grove,

Echoes

Of long, long, ago.    – Issa

What aspect of the beauty of winter do you admire?

Wishing you peaceful winter days,

Anna

Beauty Under Foot by Anna

“Blessed are they who see beautiful things in humble places where other people see nothing.”  - Camille Pissarro

Although I appreciate dramatic skies, breathtaking vistas, and “trophy” landscape views, I find I am often drawn to the intimate aspects of nature.  These gems are the beauty under foot!  What attracts my eye may be the curve of fern fronds freshly dusted with snow, mushrooms nestled in fall leaves, or sunlight glinting off a dew covered spider web.  These diminuative worlds hold all the wonder of color, form, and emotional power that their larger, sister views do.

The path to these intimate views is not the fast-paced, direct hike listed in a travel guide book, but rather a rambling, circuitous trail that includes many detours.  As you take this winding path, time slows down while cares ease.

So, take a break and head for the hills, woods, or your backyard with your writing journal, sketchbook, or camera.  Be on the look out for unexpected beauty.  You’re sure to be rewarded with a calmer state of mind and inspiring captures!

Wishing you a day filled with humble beauty,

Anna

Alchemy of Art - Pattern Play by Anna VanDemark

Happy Monday, my friends.

We have a wonderful new contributor at the iStudio.

Please welcome Anna VanDemark.

Anna is a gifted artist and teacher... her talents include quilting, textile art and pattern design.  

Anna will be sharing a new series with us at the iStudio, entitled Art Alchemy.

Websters defines alchemy as - " Any seemingly magical power".  

Anna will be weaving together everyday life, art concepts and inspiration.

Welcome Anna.  So happy to have you here.

.....

“Art is pattern informed by sensibility.”  - Herbert Read

Patterns make up every aspect of our lives.  Since patterns take on many guises, we are sometimes unaware of their presence.  It may be the patterns of our actions – kindness vs. thoughlessness; the patterns of time revealed within our daily routines – work, play, rest; or the visual patterns of nature and art – contrast, repetition, and balance.  These are but three examples of many that surround us.  So, what patterns are you aware of and how might they inspire or affect your creative work?  Let’s consider some visual patterns.

Decorative patterns are literally commonplace.  Check out the amazing architectural detail in many buildings.  You’ll see the stark, clean lines of contemporary spaces along with the elaborate, ornate patterns of old buildings and mansions.  Our homes are filled with pattern – clothing, furniture, rugs, and quilts.  Shopping trips provide an overwhelming amount of visual pattern.  Observe dishware, window displays, greeting cards, journal covers……..  Look high and low, pattern is everywhere!

Nature is full of beautiful patterns.  Study first nature’s details, such as veining on leaves, ridges on shells, symmetry in flowers, and patterns on the fur of animals.  Next, take a mid-range view.  You may see the vertical space divisions between trees or within a patch of cattails, repeat patterns on water, or the ridges of wind-blown sand dunes.  Finally, look into the distance at the patterns a field of grasses and flowers present, the horizontal space divisions of land, trees, mountains, and sky, or an aerial view of fields, roads, and rivers.

You get the picture; our world is awash in glorious pattern.  Absorb it all and be inspired!

Wishing you a pattern filled day,

Anna

VanDemark Designs