A Metamorphosis of My Metamorphosis!

Who would ever guess that I would cut up my first major painting titled "Metamorphosis'.

I decided it was time for my painting to have a metamorphosis of its own- evolving into many new "lives" of artwork! My original painting represented the artist in me slowly emerging. It was here that I originally posted about it , and its meaning to me.

The painting was part of my entry in Seth Apter's Buried Treasure Collaboration which you can see here. I've cut out some of my favorite components ( below) and others which you can see in new paintings I am in the process of creating - experimenting with techniques for varying backgrounds, textures and layering.




Here is the first painting in this new series that's in process.

Here is another piece in the works - created from my original hummingbird

( made of leather) with a new background of acrylics, stamped images and gorgeous butterflies from Alicia of Altered Bits which I copied onto old "sheet music".

I've also reworked mypoem written for the Buried Treasure Collaboration to express the continued changes within myself.

Found

I love that smile place in my heart

Where every moment’s vision is shining,
When I want more of everything.

When time is too short for each second that goes by.
Where colors are brilliantly vivid

And I want to capture every moment -

By holding on tight

To every exciting captivating vision in sight.

When I become filled with energy, creativity and everything seems new.
When there’s so much stimulus surrounding me that I can barely take it all in.
When that magical inner peace is here.
I love it when my body is still and quiet
Enabling me to find my own voice, soul and body's dynamic.

Now empowered to fly

To the limitless places of the dreams I have

In no defined way-
Finding the place where I'm free-

Traveling like a "forever" butterfly.

Exploring, exploding creativity,

Emitting electricity,

In a continuous state of synchronicity

I find my own reciprocity.

And this new state

Is what I now call home.

Gifts- They are Everywhere I Look!

As you can see, I continue to be blessed - for here are the beautiful papers Lay Hoon of Mescrap Studio ( from Malaysia) sent as a participant in the amazing Woven Letters' Paper Swap. Hard to believe that this is the first paper exchange I've ever participated in!

On top of this, I was blessed to be partnered with LaWendula from her own Paper Exchange # 2. I received the most beautiful bundle of tags, papers, delicately patterned napkins, teas ( yes, some special extras in addition to papers and tags), home spun yarn, blessing cards, newspapers and book pages in other languages, water color paintings, an eraser, colored butterfly ( I love butterflies)....in addition to a beautiful hand made little journal book! Couldn't believe that there is also a card with a woman in front of a tree- the exact face I see in my Grandma Willow tree from Julie Prichard's Arboreal Collaboration, from The Land of Lost Luggage!!






















Alicia Caudle from Altered Bits' Altered Blog sent me the most wonderful "Just Because" joy package -because she's so generous, kind, sweet and a special gift unto herself! And another first- my first frozen charlotte doll! You can also see the super antique optical lenses I bought from her Altered Bits Gallery and Shop below!









Way back in April, Sarah Fishburn of Ragtags Studio had a invitation for people to request ATC cards. Having never made an ATC card or received one, I had no idea what I was in store for. But low and behold, I received a package filled with the most wonderful cards. At the time, I really didn't even know what one was. Now, 8 months later, I can say I am beginning to understand them and have such an appreciation for their individuality, uniqueness, artistic expression and beauty that they each hold. So thank you Sarah - for I am enjoying these awesome ATC cards all over again!

For David Castle- I send out a huge thank you as I've been the very lucky recipient to win a Flapjack art work from his newest line which you can see below!

Here's a closer look of my super flapjack painting.

The colors sparkle with such life!

Blessings come in all shapes and sizes, colors, textures, and patterns.

But the most wonderful blessing

is having met such wonderful

artists and generous souls

in this treasured community!

The Art Exchange: How Amazing Just One Email Can Be - Just Look and See!

I'm still in awe from the email I received last month from Seth Apter of The Altered Page, indicating that if I would send an artwork to one artist and send the invitation to 6 others, I would be gifted many times over. Just making my artwork for Diane Cook of Rosa and Josie's was so rewarding by itself - as I've never made an artwork specifically for someone before. It's really unimaginable that to date, my mailbox and soul have been graced by 10 amazing works of art through the exchange. Here are pictures of the beautiful gifts- with each new one as astonishing as the next. In the process, I've been so blessed to meet new artists, discover their special talents, see their golden hearts and hands, and have made very special friendships along the way!

Here's the beautiful mixed media collage of a rooster by Rhea Warholik from Rhea Sunshine Art Studio.

Here's a close up of a wonderful hidden detail.

Here's a beautiful tin box from the amazing Jo Archer of The Crow Road. It is so genuinely delicate, as if aged from a century or two's worth of rich patina. The woman's face, with the words "Sea Dreaming", reveals her hidden story of the journey she longs to take. The map of long ago marks her potential journey.

Lisa Sarsfield sent this beautiful mixed media artwork filled with a gentle nest of eggs on a layered background with intricate stitched detail work and texture within the bordered decorations. Lisa is also an exquisite photographer which you can see from her incredible lush work here.

The gifted Sarah Wallis from Circles of Rain sent this creative and fun "Bird Face" soft sculpture with two different sides of decoration, one containing the most awesome face!

She also sent this sweet multi - colored circled felt key chain.

Here is the stunning mixed media woven artwork made by Debra Tennison of n2the blue. It's a wondrous weave of patterned material, with colors rich in radiance to match the fall foliage. It's centered by a beautiful leaf- prominent in statue- providing additional texture to this gorgeous artwork!

Here's a beautiful mixed media from Rita Vindedzis, also in my Innerworks Altered Book Collaboration. Rita's website can be viewed here and her super web gallery can be seen here.

Patti Edmon of Altered Attic, a mixed media artist, writer and photographer, made this beautiful mini journal calendar- all ready for me to write special thoughts on the pages each month!

Gaby Bee from Colorful Adventures created a beautiful ATC card titled "Simply Perfect" comprised of stamps, numbers, a butterfly, flowers and the striking photo of a man and a boy.

It was packaged in stuffed envelope overflowing with super gifts of colored papers, stamps, old photographs, postcards, a tiny handmade envelope filled with a lady bug and matching stamp, feathers, wings, a butterfly and other ephemera you can see below!

The awe inspiring handmade glass works of Jacky Berting from Bertingglass arrived safe and sound. If you want your mouth to drop open, go here and if you would like to see drop dead gorgeous installations by her which are larger than life, you must look here!! I've never seen glass works like this before and I can't imagine that you have either.

Kim Palmer from Merlin's Musings sent this beautiful mixed media layered art work titled "Beauty's Muse" filled with layer upon layer of majestic materials, encircling this beautiful picture in the center. Decorated with bows, wrappings and ribbons in addition to layers of fabric, a unique antique gem has been created!

This sensational art exchange has created the most wonderful personal gallery all my own, graced by the artwork and talents of such truly generous and talented artists.

In a follow-up post, I will tell the story of the beautiful papers and gifts received from Woven Letters paper exchanges (thank you LaWendula and Lay Hoon), from Alicia Caudle's bundle of joy and from David Castle 's wonderful and fun flapjack painting!

When art moves you and time stands still,

And all the world is yours to hold

Every memory and thought creates a sparking sight within view

Creating the ultimate gift of a lifetime.....

Within the special souls of a precious few.

Distressed Elements - The Final Pages Completed in Seth Apter's Innerworks Altered Book

I've just completed the final entry in Seth Apter's amazing Innerworks book

titled "Distressed Elements " which is also my last book to work in for our altered book collaboration. What a wonderful opportunity it's been to work with 5 spectacular artists, to participate in an altered book collaboration for the first time, and to be influenced by the selected themes and personality of each artist. Seth's theme- as he describes here, has inspired me to complete these pages in a new style, engaging in different types of techniques while exploring this new concept for me of "distressed elements".

As you begin, try to imagine that in the background, an old wind up Victrola is playing "parlor" music.

Working in this book was a time for unveiling thoughts about myself, my life, the world around me and my connection to my mom - inspired by the photographs of people that Seth included in his opening section. Here are a few images from my pages.

The young girl's face below is that of my mom at about age 2.

To view and frame her picture on the right side and another scene on the left side of the page - I made and inserted a glass pane window which you can see below.

Below is an excerpt from a poem written by Elizabeth Barrett Browning from one of my pages.

This page reflects a state of renewal and rebirth- reflected with a pair of beautiful wings on a butterfly given to me by Alicia of Altered Bits.

Thank you Seth and all of my amazing InnerWorks collaborators who have worked in this book before me, gifting me with their thoughts - enabling my creative spirit to soar, and blessing me with the wonderful fortune to have my artwork grace this book.

Central Park's Endless Beauty Continues in It's Conservatory

Just steps off of Fifth Avenue and 104th Street in New York City, the most beautiful gardens can be found in an area called The Conservatory which is located in Central Park.

It's a wonderland all to itself- filled with beautiful statues,

lily pad filled ponds,

a fountain complete with a gorgeous rainbow,

trees,

bushes,

and formal gardens.

There's a also a beautiful man made lake

complete with ducks, swans, fish and a boathouse!

The only thing not included is a camera-

and as you can see- I brought one with me.

So glad you were able to come on this little tour of endless beauty!

Post # 2 of A Tree for All Seasons: Arboreal Unreal

Julie Prichard over at Land of Lost Luggage and JeriAnn have been hosting a great collaborative project on the life of a tree over the course of the seasons, titled Arboreal which you can learn more about here. We select a tree and photograph it three times- over the course of several seasons. Julie is interested to see both the changes to the selected trees and the environment that the trees live in. The first photographs of the tree I selected ( seen below) were taken during the week of August 23, 2009. It's one of my favorite trees in my neighborhood that I call Grandma Willow.

And, below are pictures of Grandma Willow now. It's the autumn of her birthday cycle and she loves this time of year. She glistens in the sun with her bright yellow leaves showing off her sunny disposition. Grandma Willow has so many stories to share but sits quietly, in all her spender, just waiting for you to ask- then look and listen to what she has to say!

She shines above all the other trees, making sure that she takes command of the neighborhood, watching out for and blessing all that pass her by.

Even as the other trees lose their leaves, Grandma Willow holds her own - in all her glory waiting for the silence of winter to materialize.

And now, we will wait for one last season to visit, watch, and observe our special trees!

Picture Perfect Central Park- Just An Unimaginable Autumn Day

It's not every day that you can capture the most exquisite sites in Central Park- a picture perfect day to gaze upon the brilliance of nature right in front of your eyes. It's so breathtakingly beautiful that it's hard to believe that you haven't stepped right inside a masterpiece painting- created out of the most dreamy of imaginations.

So travel with me into a palette of autumn colors, fancy full of shades and rich textures of the park's remarkable picturesque design and magical charm.

And as daylight turns to night, and the sun slowly sets, the city comes alive again with the lights of the city's energy - transforming it's magnificent daylight into the most showstopping nightlight!

And as the moon light shines bright with it's powerful watch over the evening sky and shadows over the city that "never sleeps", a new day wakes under its strength and begins anew. One filled with the wonder of a city that changes with each blink of your eye and every moment that goes by, mirroring the image of an autumn wonderland fitted in a covering of shear brilliance.

A New York City Walk and Crossing Over the Brooklyn Bridge

Walking from Battery Park in lower Manhattan to the Brooklyn Bridge, and then actually crossing over to Brooklyn on foot is a "stimulus package' grander than anything you can imagine.

And here is a Sphere by Fritz Koenig formerly at the WTC, which is now a memorial in Battery Park .

All you have to do is take a step and look up,

then down, side to side and then straight in front of you to be taken in by all of the unimaginable sites.

You can get swept up with building after building wrapped in ornate detail work , larger than life glass windows and architecture to make your head spin every which way - catching glimpses of sculptured angle after angle.

There is art everywhere!

And amid the rapturous architecture, you turn the corner, cross the street and there are poignant, reflective sites that are so touching - deep within your soul.

Before you know it, you are on your way to the Brooklyn Bridge.

And as you enter Battery Park, there is a draping over the fence that reads:

"Cut off as I am, it is inevitable that I should sometimes feel like a shadow walking in a shadowy world. When this happens I ask to be taken to New York City. Always I return home weary but I have the comforting certainty that mankind is real flesh and I myself am not a dream."-- Midstream: My Later LifeHelen Keller

Even in the unimaginable, there is beauty and art where ever you turn, where ever you go, and in what ever you do! If you can think it - imagine it - it is there to be seen.

Connections/ Orchestrations and a Birthday Celebration!

Everything is connected- our souls, our spirits and our energies all flow and intermingle with the outside world.

Through time, through thought, through our openness to create - we are all a weave of the universe.

Art and the broader "arts" allows us to communicate the intersection of all of these together- and with that, we find our "harmony".

It's a peaceful excitement -

total focus and immersion of your senses that consume you when you are engaged in the arts.

Explore, take risks, dream big, overlap, maybe even don your senses to overhaul yourself.

Start fresh. Begin - one step at a time. One action, one movement, seeing the perfect light, a sight for a photo, a brush stroke, a pasting of the right medium, the blending of designs, papers, inks, movement, color,

flowing texture, dancing images to create words -

I always feel it.

It's our inner rainbow reflected on the outside world.

It's our passion, our driving force to drape the world with a colorful cloth, form fitted, loose, bulky, boxy, flashy, moving, loud, noisy, singing, symphonic, orchestrated to play our own song to our own beat to our own specs to our our own rhythm in our own time.

Today's my birthday- and I'm celebrating my art within.

Unparalleled Beauty

I recently had the opportunity to view the most breathtaking pictures of natural beauty- sometimes there are no applicable words to describe the sights we see, only thoughts and feelings and the emotions that they evoke.

These crystalline shining shapes are actually balls of hail which can be seen in the picture. They are the size of large marbles - almost incomprehensible as they were pouring down.

And as forceful as they pushed their way down, the sun appears, brilliantly glowing- and then setting in pure peace, without a memory of their presence to be found.

See the sights in front of you. But be reflective, because sometimes we travel at such a fast pace that so much of what we see is actually a blur.

Take the time to look- and taken in all that is really in front of you- for what's ahead may actually be found above.

Sometimes, our days may seem like we're just traveling in circles.

And other times, we feel like pinching ourselves because life just seems to be perfect -and it feels too good to be real.

Be available to try new things, explore, let your heart soar.

Sometimes, we need to just be. Feel the restful wholeness of peace by not moving, take a second to stay in one place, be in the moment, be alive in stillness.

Shine.

Discover- be surprised, feel the awe!

See the natural beauty all around- it can't get any better than this. Perfectly shaped grapes in harmony with each other, with shades of blue, a texture of velvet, and a taste of the sublime.

Beauty comes in all shapes, sizes and colors.

Let the light in- share your soul.

Let your spirit soar.

Where ever you look, there are hearts just waiting to be discovered.

Share yours today.

Friendship Time- Seek and You Shall Find!

I've just completed working in Veronica Funk's InnerWorks book on Friendship. In her post, she asks us to think about what makes up friendship? What maintains and sustains it over time? What keeps it alive, fresh, and growing?

Flowering?

What is it that makes some friendships weaken while others flourish? Does it depend on the kind of friendship it is- as subjectively defined by oneself? There are so many kinds of friends- including casual friends, best friends, work friends, school friends, close friends, distant friends, old friends, new friends, bus friends, train friends, street friends, friends in the making, girlfriends, boy friends, men friends, women friends, dog as man's best friend, animal friends, blogland friends, imaginary friends, ex friends and friends to the end.

Through our special altered book collaboration, InnerWorks, we've developed our own special kind of friendship. It involves the trust and understanding that we have with one another. Veronica has so generously gifted all of us with a MeeMee award which you can see here.

In honor of the very special relationship that we have with one another in our InnerWorks Collaborative, I've created replicas of our altered works- all winners in my book!!

With words - very special friendships are created.

Friendships, soulful, life saving, life creating - are the golden threads which maintain peace in our hearts, confidence in our thoughts, and so much joy in our lives.

Make it a point to tell your friends how important they are to you

and what a difference they make in being part of your life.

Black and White: "Lost and Found" in Altered Bits- All the Time!

The amazing and talented Alicia, from Altered Bits has created a new eZine with the theme of Black and White. I was lucky enough to submit and have accepted my first work in this edition which you can see here. You can also see a preview copy of this super eZine in yudu.com here.

This is the cover of the Altered Bits Zine.

The request for submissions was for a black and white work, which could include all shades of gray in between, and could be an artwork in any type of artistic medium. I chose to create a mixed media piece, with the central theme involving time, synchronicity and butterflies to represent a free flowing energy that encircles me. With clock in my work is fixed at 11:11. My mom died on November 11, 2004, and ever since then, I see 11:11 all the time.

Within this work, which I've titled "Lost and Found", I've included a mah-jong chip and dice that were my mom's.

A central focus of my artwork includes the line "The Only Thing Black and White in Life are the Colors Black and White".

This represents my philosophy of living - with flexibilty, ability to change, freedom for self direction and to move from one idea to another, aways open to life's infinite possibilites.

Here is my finished work.

It measures 19" by 13" and is constructed of heavy watercolor paper matted on cardboard backing, acrylic paints, a piece of a folding antique ruler, sections of musical notes, clock hands, and a mirror box identifying the reflections we "see" in life - all open to interpretation. A tiny replica of a poetry journal was made from the metal component of an old floppy disk.

There's so much poetry in me

Just working to unlock my energy.

I feel the hold of a magical magnetic electricity

Living, breathing, touching, seeing

It's synchronicity

It's true alchemy.

Live like you mean it-

Believe that you have wings that will take you where ever you choose to go!

A Tree for All Seasons- A Surreal Arboreal Experience: An Insider's Glimpse of A Matriarch Tree's Life

Julie Prichard over at Land of Lost Luggage and JeriAnn are hosting a wonderful collaborative project on the life of a tree over the course of the seasons, titled Arboreal which you can learn more about here. We select a tree and photograph it three times- over the course of several seasons. Julie is interested to see both the changes to the selected trees and the environment that the trees live in. The approximate photographing dates are:

Week of August 23, 2009

Week of November 8, 2009
Week of April 4, 2010

With so many trees to pick from, I decided on one of my very favorites which is across the street from where I live. It's not a flowering tree or perfectly formed, it's not standing upright and true to form. But rather, it's very old, weathered and bent all the way over. Here's her run way shot.

And moving a little closer to her.

Her branches are so far outstretched that when I look at the picture, it almost seem as if it is the trunk and needs to be rotated upright.

The tree has the most wonderful layered, textured, multi toned bark, has injury sites, worn out limbs, and has seen the neighborhood change over what must be the most amazing lifespan.

Since the first time I saw this tree, I've called her "Grandma Willow". Although she's not a willow tree, my first glance of her reminded me of the tree in the story of Pocahontas- wise, all knowing, and one to be revered and honored throughout its life.

Even when you look up to her, you never quite see her crown!

It's roots must be far underground since they are nowhere to be seen. It's as if she just magically sprout up from the earth.

This tree bends over backwards to hold her own, and makes no joke that she is the matriarch of the neighborhood. This beautiful tree is not moving for anyone or anything. Although the one way and yield sign are standing strong, this tree is not obliging or moving aside. As a result, you might be able to see that the sign has actually now found it's way into the tree's branch.

Cobwebs have settled into her crevices- finding comfort, security and shelter within her.

She has joints where ever you look.

When the autumn comes and she must shed her clothes, I'll show you the strength and backbone that she truly carries! Right now, she dons a beautiful rich green ivy which encircles her body-reaching up across her spine.

She bears her own beautiful leaves- large strong and shining for all to see. They carry a single point, almost to make a point.

Here, Grandma Willow has put on her party clothes, ready for her last hurrah of the season. She promises to be back in the Fall!

The "Beautiful Heart Award" to Seth Apter at The Altered Page

In celebration of Seth Apter from The Altered Page's second year blog anniversary which took place on August 10th, 2009, I thought it would be fitting to present him with the Beautiful Heart Award. The award is given to those bloggers who uplift you with their positive words and spirit. It is also for those bloggers who put their hearts, mind and soul into their blogs and give us a glimpse into their worlds. They are positive and lead by example. They inspire with their words, educate and inform. They are welcoming, helpful and friendly and no one is a stranger, whether you've commented once or a million times. They are ever so wise and giving. Most of all, they have a Beautiful Heart.

Seth is such a generous soul who has brought so many people together through his inspiring and creative collaborations and by providing such thoughtful comments to so many artists. He continues to provide unending venues for people to release so much of themselves within their works of art and he never ceases to provide attention to other artists and their blogs.

For all these things, and of course, for his loyal support and encouragement to me - this Beautiful Heart Award, from My Two Blessings, is for you Seth. Different from other reward recipients, you need not give it to others, but of course you may, and you need not say anything else about yourself, but you certainly may as well. This is a celebratory gift award- from me to you with nothing asked in return! You've already given a million times over- and so with tremendous gratitude and appreciation, I say thank you- for myself, and I'm sure, for the thousands of other people who come to look at your blog to be enlightened, explore, reflect, be "wowed" and want to be a part of your adventurous journey!

Cheers!

The Maine Event - In Pictures

I spent a few days in Maine - and experienced such natural beauty all around me.

The flowers were shining without a care in the world, showing off their brilliant petals, colors and vibrancy for all to see - and looking on was a dancing bumble bee.

With gentle fluttering butterflies for all to see.

And colors so inviting that they looked as if they were just mixed on an artist's palette.

With fruits of the earth equally vibrant in their color and form.

Maine was also a haven for antiquing - and how I loved looking at all the beautiful reminders of yesterdays. Old objects leave a special glimmer for all who can appreciate them - with memories still afloat in remnants of vestiges from long ago.

There were so many old artists' posters and prints to make your heart pound-

And where ever you looked, there were so many faces of all kinds - clowning around.

And is it possible that even statues can have their own secrets to laugh about?

There were classic styles of a bygone era-

And heads of time past-

With an old Fanny Brice Doll cheering us on, telling jokes

Knowing who will laugh last!

And faces from long ago- from other lands.

And, of course we had to see the sights of what Maine is noted for -

Its gleaming sea - just picture perfect

Filled with playful rowboats of all colors and sizes!

And coastline waters seem to jump right out to meet and greet passer's by-

Letting them know who's boss by its lion roar and sound of thunder

As its waves crashing against the shore's rough and rocked jagged edges.

And shells filled with stories from a time not known to us are sold: imparting their royal looks to the lucky buyer with a heart of gold.

And everywhere, there are fisherman's traps for catching lobsters

The royalty of the water's purse.

And to accompany them are the colorful buoys- to lift your spirits and make you smile.

And when the hustle and bustle of the day is enveloped into the quiet time of early evening... When the sun starts to gently fade away

With thoughts of reflection on our day's happenings,

Our tomorrows comings will slowly unfold.

The time comes for all to sleep

With the freedom to explore unlimited possibilities

And dream - larger than life

And all of our energies bonded together with grace and style

To spontaneously break out into a gentle soulful smile.

And then, when the sweet morning gently peeks its head out,

We wake to the start of a new day of opportunity

To explore the world before us,

To create and think

As far as our imagination can travel

And as wide as our mind can soar.

The Big Reveal: Disco Discovery from Seth Apter's Disintegration Collaboration

The big day is here!

What started out as a DISINTEGRATION PROJECT of Seth's from The Altered Page turned out to be a huge international collaboration of over 100 bloggers who have participated in what may seem like a very unconventional three part project.
Part one - was to prepare a bundle of whatever you wanted and leave it out in the elements to weather over time. Here was my bundle from February 2, 2009.

Part two - was the reveal of what the bundle looked like after a few months outside - You can see my original post here and a picture of what my bundle looked like on May 1, 2009.




Part three- is actually the big revelation- to show what you've made from your bundle. It's the process of building something new from items that have gone through a disintegration process by weathering and time. Seth has posted many of the most amazing projects and works of art in his blog. He's also continuing to have a rolling posting of new participating artists which you can see here.

You can see the mixed media painting I created from my original bundle below.

I've used the original materials from the bundle including the pages from the National Geographic Book, the leather butterfly, the metal link chain and star, and material from the book cover. Additional materials include the cloth lettering from the book, rocks, small frame, Terra cotta clay from a sign being dismantled from a restaurant in NYC, labels, dye cut butterflies, found metals and a found replica eagle in Maine, wood from Hawaii, a feather, metal hearts, old keys and assorted other ephemera. Just as exciting as the materials used is my base canvas which you can see below. It's the first "background" piece I made in Julie Prichard's Layer Love On-line class .

The process of putting this mixed media piece together was such a joy- filled with fun, challenging thought and wonderment on what we can do with materials around us and what I would actually end up creating. Here are some additional close up shots.

What a great gift it is to be part of this amazing collaborative project, inspired and created by Seth Apter. It's been a treasure trove of meeting other artists' stunning, soulful and creative works, finding shared experiences, and reading about and seeing picture filled wondrous heartfelt stories to savor, reflect upon and learn from.

Barron Storey Exhibit at The Society of Illustrators

A few weeks ago, Seth Apter from The Altered Page posted about his visit to see the Barron Storey exhibit at The Society of Illustrators, consisting of 100 of Storey's actual journals. Seth's wonderful post can be seen here. A couple of days ago, Michelle Ward posted on her blog details of her visit to the show which you can see here.

Something inside me was triggered- and I was intrigued to go see the exhibit for myself. Below are some of the photos I took of individual pages from Storey's journals. Just as Seth and Michelle have indicated, seeing and holding the journals in person is an amazing experience. Below is my own mini photo journal souvenir from my visit.

Buried Treasure ... In A Wonderful Day of Sharing Words

Seth Apter, from The Altered Page has offered us the wonderful opportunity to be part of his latest collaborative project titled Buried Treasure. The premise is to re-post one of our favorite posts from a previous time. You can see his invitation here. As there are no rules, I selected my post from November 19, 2008, which was a collaboration by LK Ludwig - who sponsored A Day of Words. It was a day where bloggers posted a poem with the intent to spend a day seeing "new words", meeting new poets, reading new poems, and finding new ways for our hearts to beat. It was a special posting for me in which I was able to share some of my thoughts- not previously expressed before - enabling me to find my own 'Hidden Treasure" within myself.

What it is that takes us from that dark uncomfortable place in our mind-

Where nothing sits well and our anxiety, paralysis and pessimism continue to rewind-

The feeling that makes us want to put the covers over our head,

When we feel empty and not a spark can be found.

When our inner most place of abundance is silent, without the faintest sound.

What is it that takes us to that moment and place in time when we’ve crossed over?

To that smile place where every moment’s vision is shining.

When we want more of everything, when time is too short for each second that goes by.

Where colors are vivid and there’s so much more we want to do.

When we become overwhelmed with excitement, energy, creativity and everything seems new.

When there’s so much stimulus surrounding us that we can barely take it all in-

When we want to capture every moment - and hold on so tight-

When we can’t seem to let go of every vision within our sight.

When that magical inner peace is there.

When our body is still, quiet, resonating confidence and assurance that we matter and count.

We’re heard. There’s someone out there that appreciates us -

And help us find that special life force

To discover our own voice, our own dynamic, energy and soul.

Empowered to fly to the limitless places of the dreams we have-with no defined roles-

A place where we are free- where we can accept the gift of others,

Where we are whole.

It is our leap of faith, our courage, the understanding

That our isolation is a false image within our imagination-

That it's an illusion of separateness that can feel so real.

What is the trigger?

Is it something that we can see, or hear, or think or touch or taste or smell?

It's a spark- which can be in a smile, the touch from someone-

That special look that speaks louder than words...

That we are special, appreciated and are being heard-

That our creativity and artistic expression is limited only by the doors we place in front of us.

It’s the realization that our true wealth resides within ourselves,

And whose value is only worth something when it’s given away.

Thank you- for enabling me to expand my horizons, my world of what I'm able to do or say.

I've come out of my cocoon, shed my insecurities, my own filters for who I am or will be.

Now each day is a haven for exploding creativity, electricity, and continuous synchronicity.

I now take risks - and can travel into my uncomfortable zone.... Giving myself the gift to participate in each day

With words, with art, and with a display of thoughts.

And within this special collaborative day of artistic expression -

I know I am not alone.

A Little Heaven On Earth

Give me a rainbow, sunrise and sunset and I've almost crossed the gates to heaven.

Here's two of my three

- a beautiful sunset and sunrise in Ponte Vedra Florida.

As the sun sets, and the day quietly settles down,

We can be thankful for all of the good that has happened to us, and all that we cherish.

And feel the earth readying for slumber- to renew its energies, for a new day to begin.

Showcasing itself by the light of the crescent moon shining above.

And so, as the morning begins to wake, and slowly comes to...

As does the beginning of our thoughts for the day. Ideas, poetry, a new opportunity to create and feast on the sights before us.

With a brightness that slowly comes forward to reveal itself

Moment by moment, you can see the sky changing, trying to peak through the early morning's silent fog.

Shimmering- with reflections of water brimming with beautiful life.

Filled with amazing treasures- moving- at their own time, in their own space,

often hidden from us, not leaving a trace.

A breathtaking sunrise before me

Glittering, with a surprise gift in view.

Converting to a peaceful solitude where sounds reverberate, where you can hear the water's waves crashing, sounds of birds chirping,

as I feel the wondrous beach air -

softly

dancing around me.

And caught within eyes' view- look around - see life's perfectness in its quiet serenity.

See what's right in front of you- that may be speaking without voice.

Expressing what's the most important emotion, feeling, thought, and sense that contains the essence of life's most brilliant moving energy within us all - love.

And for the moment that it takes to say "I love you" to someone,

It can fill their heart for an entire lifetime's journey.

It's everywhere you look, you just need to see.

And in case you don't see the signs in front of you, listen...

For they may be in the sounds around you.

For the symbols are everywhere-when least expected, like the buzzing of beautiful dragonflies.

Awaken your senses- they are the nourishment of our souls.

Rain's Pitter Patter Goes Wild over Sidewalk Chatter!

It's been raining in NYC almost every day for the past few weeks. While most people might say that it looks so gray and sad outside, I see so much life and energy in the rain. The best part is when there's a light mist in the air, I just love the feel of the spray of water all over - it's nature's own unique way of sending out a hug.

Rain, rain, rain- sometimes, pitter, sometimes patter, and sometimes, like in the photo- it's the roaring sound as if thousands of feet were marching in sync with each other. And when you wake, there's a beautiful, ephemeral feel- almost as if you are in a Wuthering Heights novel, immersed in morning fog within the moors.

Then as the fog starts to burn off and the morning starts to wake, the city starts to stir. A new day opens before us, to think, to begin, to contemplate.

We find another day of rain. But not just any rain, it's a rain which creates beautiful patterns and works of art right in front of us, if we just look.

And as I look down at the ground, new beauty and more treasures in the streets are found!

And when you think you've seen everything you can for one day, for a moment the sun appears- shining down to create shadows everywhere.

And for a moment, the flowers are seen shining, dripping with beautiful raindrops, ready for the evening sky to close out for the night and get ready for it's new dawn.

And then the sun begins to set,

ready to turn in, when again, the sky darkens, and the rain begins.....Soft pitter patter is heard, and I'm ready to go out and explore another day's finds amid the wet new york streets and the down pouring sky above. There's always some light somewhere to be found- if we only open our eyes and really look at what we see. There is beauty everywhere.

Bubbling Over!

I'm bubbling over with excitement!

Seth Apter, from The Altered Page,  posted a beautiful video, titled Labuet- Paint a Song - about, as he says, "Bursts of colors. Bursts of birds. Bursts of words. And bursts of so much more."  You can see the video  here.  It's a "must super see!" In front of my house,  I saw a  streaming line of water from the non stop rain we've  been having.  The first thing I thought of was the  captivating streaming ink line from the video.

The rushing movement caught my eye as well as the intricate geometric patterns and sparkling reflections of light.

Delicately submerged just beneath the surface,

I glimpsed some leaves-  a gorgeous site!

In a previous post, Seth  showed us his vibrant art filled  Inspiration Boards that you can see here.  I thought about having a board of my own  as I  looked at the boards of the talented artists which Seth included in his post.  It was great to see all of the boards and inspiration shelves, walls,  and spaces  shown, but I didn't feel  the emotion of being "inspired".   I concluded that  it was because the boards were sights that touched the hearts of the artists - and "spoke to them".   I was left with the question, could I have an inspiration board or wall to inspire me too?  The answer was -not exactly... but- I was inspired to photograph  some of my pictures and nick knacks that I  love.  But the inspiration came from Seth's words.

 I realized that  my inspiration  comes from two places: people  -  through their thoughts, words, acts and energy, and from nature. There is nothing comparable to the sunrise, sunset,  our trees,  the sky,  our  land and all that grows on it, the air we breathe,  rainbows and now, one of my favorites  - walking in misty air -feeling the tiny raindrops of water touch my skin- surrounding me with a halo of softness that is just unmatchable!

Inspiration is such a personal emotion.  No matter where or from whom  it comes to you  - nourish and  appreciate  the amazing strength and power it has on our creativity,  artistic expression and  within  and throughout our daily lives.

Enjoy every moment!

Expressions of Helen Keller

A short while back, I posted my work in Supria Karmakar's On Paper Wings Altered Art book from our Innerworks collaboration. Thought I'd post some of my work here as well.








It's almost impossible to really convey the amazing person that Helen Keller was, blind and deaf at the age of 19 months. With support from many people including her teacher Anne Sullivan, she learned braille in many languages, was an advocate for women's rights and a world champion for the blind and deaf.

Helen Keller is such a "larger than life personality", that in New York City, there was a billboard showcasing her steadfast optimism with the words, " Helen Keller could only see possibilities". We should all be as fortunate as Helen was - to see light in total darkness, hear sounds in deafening silence, and receive the greatest gift of all- being deeply loved and respected in return.

Layers, Colors, Patterns and More-All the Things That I Adore!

Layer upon layer- that's how are lives are built. One layer and then another.

Creating structure and content- filled with people, our life experiences , memories, skills we've learned, and the goals we've achieved. Creating textures, creating depth- layers to build on and layers to take apart. Sometimes we want to shed our layers - one at at time, to start all over.


Our layers can weigh us down.

Layers can make us strong. We may feel like we're stuck in stone and can't get out- even if our layers have a beauty all their own.

At times, we may love to just close our eyes, make a wish, and have them all magically disappear.

Sometimes a group of them slide off like a child shooting down a sliding pond creating such a light feeling. Sometimes they come and go- like a see saw- up and down, leaving us confused and in a state of flux -coming and going at different times and at different speeds.

But if you look at them as a whole, despite what may look like a chaotic appearance, they can be a beautiful masterpiece, colorful additions to our lives- like an intricately woven tapestry to take us further in our lives.

Taking one layer at a time,
One day at a time
One moment at a time. We are all a mosaic of layers. And, if you look closely, there are even shadows in our layers.

Sometimes, the layers of our lives seem endless -

But if you take a closer look and really study them, you can be surprised to find out that each one is wonderful unto itself- like a four leaf clover!

Or a beautiful flower, layered-

Or one of my favorites- the layers of color within a beautiful rainbow. Just when it seems darkest, the sun comes out!

And shines blasts of rays- making layers of colors- brilliant in all their glory. And if you look closely, sometimes you can even see layers of rainbows!! The layers of our lives- so masterfully built on trust, understanding, friendships, and strengths. Within our core, they are all the gifts we give ourselves, receive from others and what and how we see and interpret what's in our lives.

I try to always see the double rainbows in my days - regardless of how faint they may seem or be! Embrace the layers in your life- and those that hold you or keep you down-exchange. Those that enable each day to be enjoyed and treasured, savor and for those that may seem transparent and you really don't know they exist, be appreciative.

Find a rainbow in your life today- no matter how fleeting it may be. There is always color to be found - poetry to hear and so much to be touched by, connect with, and discover!

Art Thrills!

National Arts Program First Place Award


This past month, I entered one my paintings in a National Arts Program Exhibit and to my great surprise and joy, my painting, titled JazWorks, won first place for the amateur mixed media category. As this was my first public exhibition of any of my work, it was such a surprise and tremendous thrill!

For thrill number two, Julie Prichard from the wonderful The Land of Lost Luggage will be teaching an on-line class titled Layer Love which I've enrolled in. The first class starts today so I'm sure I will have lots to report on as the weeks go by. It was designed to learn Julie's layering styles and techniques in painting- and as she says, turn our "blah into rah"! Can't wait!

THE BIG REVEAL of Seth Apter's Disintegration Project

It's time.

As the new year of 2009 unfolded, so did the creative sparks of Seth Apter of The Altered Page in his Disintegration Project which you can learn more about here. I created my bundle on February 2 to weather both time and nature which you can see in a previous post here.

BEFORE PICTURE:

May 1 was the big REVEAL day. After several months of my bundle being outdoors in New York City, the only change that I can see is that the ink faded a alittle on the cover page and the pages are ever so slightly a drop more aged looking.

AFTER PICTURE:

The gold toned chain remained the same as did the "vanishing wildlife" material ribbon. There was also no change to my heart in the corner.

This leather butterfly also did not change. In fact, I think it's ready to take flight right now!

So for all great stories, there is a beginning- which was the creation of the bundle, the middle, which was the weathering and big reveal today, and lastly, the end.... we think... Seth???? which will be the creation of something new with our May 1 reveal to be shown on August 1. Now if you were able to follow all of this, you're ready to start your own disintegration project so -

let the fun begin!