Making Our Footprint

Today I footpainted with my son. We started out with brushes and everything but he'd only made a couple of brushstokes before he was sticking his finger in the watercolors. Soon he wanted to make his handprint and since that was great... he figured why not a footprint too?

This is the kid I thought didn't like art. Which of course was an arrow straight to my bosom.

The incident made me think about art and again, why do we make it? Do we make it to be pretty? Do we make it to make a statement? Sometimes yes and sometimes no. I think a lot of artists (maybe you) do create to express themselves but often it's the hook that gets us. "What happens if....", "What if I did...", "When you mix_and _ you get..." I saw it today in my son's eyes and heard it in his voice. He REALLY just wanted to know.

There are a lot of reasons I create. But the wanting to know- it's a big one.

Taking Risks

I take risks. All the time. Mostly on canvas or paper. Lately I've been expanding my play into all kinds of areas and it's kind of scary because it's not comfortable and also because I can't see my way through to the other side. When I create something it evolves. It's the absolute best thing about art- how it's not all you. But I admit to usually have something in mind to begin. I think on things a lot before I start them. With so much going on with the book it's just been a non stop whirlwind of art materials, new techniques, and inspiration. I keep thinking the ideas will stop soon. But they don't because one begets another and another. It's me lately just trying to keep up with them.

I have to submit my detailed project list for the book soon. Just a list but I want to make sure that I can do all the things I say I will- so I've been all over the place in the last week experimenting. My favorite is the charm bracelet. I've really struggled with it. Visually I can't really "see" it yet. That bothers me. But yesterday it started to come together. Not the finished piece but I've narrowed down the ideas some and feel like I have a map. I'll get there. But it's been a definite challenge. Working, experimenting, taking risks- it's how things change. One my favorite says is "create your life- make art." I feel that by jumping into the unfamiliar (jewelry) I'm taking a definite risk. But this whole experience started with a few risks, a couple of goals, and the decision to just do it. Whatever the "it" idea was. Action will move you closer to your goals, sitting around will only make you really comfortable where you are.

I say try.

On my mind- Construction and Clay

A quick look in a new direction-I made this piece this weekend. I had a ton of orders and work to do but needed a creative break. So I grabbed a piece of bark from the garage and went to town with some new flower forms. The rose in the middle started life out last week as a little bird's nest but I liked the look of the form so much I kept it as is (there's a close up if you scroll down a bit). Lately all my creative dreaming has centered on two ideas.

The first is a constructed piece. I want to continue to develop my construction skills. It started out with the birdhouse assemblage I demo'd for you all a few months ago. But now I'm thinking of framing the wood all around and using a teal crackle medium to coat. Maybe with a cream on top- or below. Haven't decided yet. But then I want to wire on some more flowers. And here's the revolutionary part- I'm thinking of painting my wire. Not with a spray- hate that look but by hand with some metal compatible paints. I just have such a yearning for color lately. We'll see. Soo stay tuned on that one!

Now that I know you're riveted I'll let you in on the other idea as well. I've been playing around with clay and wire pendants (see Paris- a few posts ago) and want to start sewing into the clay. Maybe wiring elements like buttons or beads. I've just got a strong feeling it could really develop into something I love.

Part of the art of art I think is to continue to develop as artists. Sometimes that might mean just learning a new technique. Sometimes that entails a complete shift into a new direction. But for me, right now, my art is branching. I'm continuing to stick with some of the images I love but starting to use them in different ways. I can't wait to see where this all leads. Hopefully you all will stay tuned and help me along the way with your comments. I really appreciate knowing when something you see here on the blog strikes a chord. Or if you'd like to see more something.

Thanks again to all of you who have stopped by and have commented on my work. I love getting the reaction of others to what I do!