Adventurous Art

About a month ago I was advised that I had to make some art. It all began with one of those innocent conversations (ok, whining) about too much free time and a touch of self-pity about being unemployed. Right out of the blue....when I least expected it....that swift kick that launched me into a flurry of activity. I was informed that 'we' were going to have an art show on December 1! But not just any old art show. This was going to also be a fund raising event with a portion of the proceeds going to help the local Center for Women in Transition. The show would have 4 artists and we were going to show jewelry, paintings, handbound sketchbooks, mosaic pieces and some sundry other pieces. No pressure! Gotta love great friends...right? Thanks Joan.

I needed some inspiration so I allowed myself a trip to Barnes and Noble (which is a very dangerous place for me to be so I ration my visits) and, of course, while I was in the art section, a book leapt off the shelf into my hand. It was one of those 'how-to' books for encaustic painting. I fell in love! The process wasn't that hard to figure out, start-up costs were rather low, results are immediate and if the painting doesn't turn out...scrape it off and redo or paint over it and turn it into something else. Does that fit my style or what?

Well, the muses began their work on me...if only they would let me sleep normal hours! They are cruel and kind at the same time. How is that possible? But yet, it is! The amazing things that they show you in the wee hours....the flashes of inspiration that come with the tiredness! However, it's in the midst of this creative ebb and flow that I find the most energy and revitalization. Ok, so much for the digression...

The creative process also brought my sister and I into a collaborative effort. While Joan and I had some great ideas for hand painted leather clutch purses, neither one of us can sew a stitch...could that be an issue? (Hey, I'm the woman who glued roman shades for the front windows of my previous house!) So, I asked my sister, Mary, for help...allowing for the fact that she is an incredible sewing designer and that I have been promising to stop over for a while now...perfect timing! We had a great couple of days sewing, painting and just hanging out together. We worked hard, slept well but, my gracious....she gets up at 5 am! Ok, to be fair, she made muffins and let me sleep until 10...thanks sis. The clutches turned out beautifully and we are working on a marketing strategy for them...more on that as we figure it out.

Last night was the art show. Although I stressed about it for the last couple of days I was blown away by the variety and amount of art we were able to present. What fun! Some of our jewelry even sold before the show opened...along with 2 commissions! However, the most gratifying part was that we could make a great donation to the Center for Women in Transition. I'm really grateful to be able to give as I have been blessed. Thank you to all who attended and made it possible!

Well, it is late, or early depending on your perspective, the muses are still talking and there is more art to do and so little time. Crank up the stove and show me the paint brushes!

Happy Creating!
J