genius

"There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is, nor how valuable it is, nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep yourself open and aware directly to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open."

The quote is from modern dance legend, Martha Graham and I read it on Jenny's blog Texterial.blogspot.com

Hopefully you can all find something in this that speaks to you too!

some artsy quotes

Pinterest - where you can find me late at night when I don't have the energy to do much else (or at lunch at work) is the repository of many a delightful image, inspiring video link or wonder of nature photo.  And, there are quotes, chuckles and word/book art galore.  Here are a few I found that spoke to my creative side:

Good reminders, all.

texture tuesday: 2 textures

Kim at Kim Klassen Cafe asked that we use two of any of her textures with our image this week.  I'm still playing catch up with all I have to do so didn't spend a lot of time on this - but I did use 2 of her textures:  Dark Scratched, soft light 60% and Cosmo, soft light 72%.

There are always lots of pretty images from the talented folks who join Kim on Tuesdays (I'm #82) - check it out!

on creating

"Everyone has the opportunity ... to make art into a regular part of your everyday life. It doesn't matter what your elementary school art teacher said, or your parents, or your boss. You have it in you to draw, to play an instrument, to write poetry, whatever you choose. You can and should express yourself. Regardless of what you fear anyone else may think of the results, you can become a creative person and achieve a new view of the life you lead." - Danny Gregory author of Everyday Matters & more.


This is going to be my new mantra.


I read LOTS of blogs.  Art blogs, crafty blogs, decorating blogs, photography blogs....and a common theme is how so many of us doubt our abilities and don't feel comfortable with the label "artist" or "photographer".  Instead we use labels like "play", "dabble" or "doodle".  I'm certainly guilty of that!


Although I've always done crafty things (usually needlework related), I started my 'artistic' journey a few years ago by buying a set of watercolors and brushes and reading every book in the library about technique.  I jumped in with both feet, painted up a storm, but never showed anyone but a select few (family).  Life got in the way and I quit working on it for a couple years.

Exactly a year ago I picked up brushes again, went online to see what was happening, and OMG!  The wealth of information and support was astonishing.  I quickly became immersed in the online art community, finding kindred souls and artists I admire immensely - and who would take time to write back to me!  How cool is that?!    


"You can and should express yourself."  A big (very intimidating) step forward for me was putting my efforts online. There's a certain level of anonymity because there's a space, a level of remove when there's not actually a real person standing in front of you studying your art (knitting, poetry, whatever).  I'm still timid about sharing my work with people in person (even friends)......wonder when that will go away. 


I still can't refer to myself as an artist though I have elevated myself to an amateur photographer! :)  Ultimately, I guess what really struck me about Gregory's quote is that in spite of doubts, fears, or labels, we can all pursue our creative interests at our own speed.  Developing skills, making something ugly but not getting discouraged, working through artist's block, and sometimes even sharing our uncertainties helps us all become the best artists we can be.


I thank my lucky starts for the online network of supportive and helpful creative folks out there that are so willing to share knowledge, techniques and encouragement to help me grow.

musings

I picked up an excellent magazine recently, one of the Somerset Studio series, called Artful Blogging. There were many inspiring stories of women, artistic, creative women who found a place to share and talk by blogging.
One story in particular struck a chord - Kelly Letky of The Blue Muse wrote: "I learned not to take life for granted. I learned to live in the moment. I learned that you can't wait for tomorrow or next month or next year to reach for what's in your heart. I learned that I need to find the beauty in life, every single day.

"It took me some time to put what I'd learned into practice. I had to try some new paths and gain my footing. I had to walk around in circles for awhile. I wore some new hats to keep my head warm - jewelry artist, runner, and knitter. ... I kept losing my way. I kept forgetting to stay in the moment. ... I kept walking with my head down. I bumped into a lot of obstacles."

Reading this and the other stories in the magazine is what finally pushed me to start this blog and take my creative exploration more seriously. Thanks ladies!


I'm opening the gate and following the path .....