This is a Test

The reason I enjoy ceramics... they reveal so much about life.
 

These little beauties are test tiles for my first batch of glazes. Like life, each of these tiles represent a new experience that one goes through. Although they all offer an inviting and pleasing visual aesthetic only trial by fire will reveal whether the experience was good or not. So in life don't be afraid to try new things good or bad; because later on, those experiences will help keep a masterpiece from becoming a piece of rubble.

Viva la Revolución!

June, where did you go? Too much to do, too little artwork created. July, you are a time for celebrating the birth of our great nation, may you be filled with a revolutionary streak of creativity and productivity.

So to kickoff the month, I am completing projects that have been sitting patiently for the day that I could finish them. Well my friends that day is here. Let the revolution of finished projects begin!!!

This iconic guardian angel is for my daughter... a counted cross-stitch piece begun before she was born and completed after the fact. It has been lying in wait for more years than I want to confess to be framed. Yet there is at at least one "Hallelujah" being sung tonight that this is finally done.

On to the next one... Viva la Revolución!

Refocus

"It doesn't matter how many say it cannot be done or how many people have tried it before; it's important to realize that whatever you're doing, 

it's your first attempt at it." 

~ Wally Amos

 

Sometimes my dreams try to dissolve before they happen. I start talking to others about my dream and they tell me their experiences and it causes me to doubt. But this week I was reminded that if I believe the dream is calling me, I must be strong and courageous. Failure is not the worst thing to happen. Giving up before the fight begins is.

I have a vision for where I want to go and I am continuing on the path set for me years ago. I have said it before art is so integral to the vision, how it fits though is still taking shape. But I now consider myself an artist.  

Great things are coming, stayed tuned!

2012 Closing Comments

2012: A Year of Challenging Times... It seems to be the best way to sum up the year. So many lessons had to be taught, did we learn from the hardships? Only time can attest to it. The world didn't end! And Christmas is only days away, are you ready? It's time for a little joy and a new beginning!

One update from January,  I had posted a challenge and a list of UFOs that I would attempt to finish by year's end. As predicted many projects are still on my UFO list. However, that list was reduced by a third, 33%, and that is a victory in my book. 

What does the 2013 have in store? You'll just have to wait and see! May all you have a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!

Memories

Our memories resemble an ocean. Some stay close to shore, while others wash out to sea. The constant ebb and flow of how the mind works. Today, a memorable day in that my son started kindergarten and my daughter entered 4th grade. I took pics of my little ones as most would on the first day of school. But it was the picture that I didn't take with a camera that I hope to remember the longest. My kids on the same bus in the same seat waving and blowing sugar to me out one window. Hopefully, this will be happy memories for both my kids, but what will they remember? I don't remember the first day I went off to school so long ago. My Pawpaw suffers from dementia and can't remember his own kids, can no longer drive, live by himself or take care of his needs on his own. 

Memory is more than a hardware component in the latest technology. It is how we learn when we're little. It's what brings a smile to our face or tears to our eyes. It's the very core of our being, yet it's often taken for granted, until it slips from us.

I'm am asking for your help in starting a new project. What is your fondest memory? Is there something you wish you could remember, but struggle to? What story is your favorite to tell so that you don't ever forget it? And any other memories you would like to share? I don't know exactly how this will take shape, but I would love for your involvement and input.

That's My Boy...

... Alex! This colored pencil drawing was done from a photograph taken at Water Day 2010! The kids had been having fun playing for a couple of hours on the splashpad. Alex was getting tired and a bit chilled when it was time to sit down and break for a picnic lunch.

Faith is...

... the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." - Hebrews 11:1 

Having a dream and taking steps to follow that dream takes a measure of faith far greater than one's self. It challenges you at every twist and turn, making you question every ounce that is in you. It brings great joy and sadness at times. Each one a test to for you to consider your resolve. As I have just begun this journey, I find myself hitting a wall and wondering why it's there. But I just realized that if I look to either side of me the path I'm on continues. In other words, I have a choice to make. I can become practical and boring; or I kick up the crazy to the next notch.


Practical and boring is to trust only my eyes and do what others say I should do. This would completely be contrary to my dream and ultimate calling. This is giving up.


Kicking up the crazy is what I prefer to do. Whatever it takes kind of attitude. Like I said, I have only begun to create artwork. Like so many artists, I may feel inadequate, but I have proven to myself that I have something. Now it is time to shine forth to those around me.


This Friday is a big day! I will work through my last scheduled work day as a sub for 2011-2012 school year. And I should be hearing back about a position that I interviewed for. Like every day, tomorrow will be a point of change in my life, but regardless of the direction it takes that path will continue on and so will I. I will continue to grow as an artist and as a person.