Well, it has been an unforgivably long time since I posted on this, my art blog. I have kept up with my regular Zen Photographer blog (which is my online gratitude journal/Kodak moments of sorts), but this art-focused one has been long-neglected. Figuratively speaking, I had to blow the dust off the cover and reread earlier entries in order to see what I missed. In the two year gap, I had my baby, and the art in my life has been channeled into raising my son and doing photography. I truly believe in the quote I posted here- "Art is frozen zen"- and when we cultivate it in our everyday moments, we enrich our lives in ways that are good for the soul and the spirit. Its a form of connecting with ourselves and the world around us.
As far as art in the everyday goes, I am still taking pictures at events (a friend's wedding, New Orleans Bulldog Rescue events, Pet Fest at the park, Barktober Fest, and of course family photos) and plan to get into a more creative and fantasy-driven line of work in the upcoming year, in addition to all the rest.
I am still very interested in making our paper mache masks, and earlier this year I completed one in time for Mardi Gras- it was a Mad Max theme, and consisted of two-tone silver and gray paint, along with chain link ring accents along the sides. It was the first mask I made since before Nate was born. It was simplistic and yet effective for the costume's style. And it signified a promise to myself to continue doing these artistic projects that make life fun and interesting.
For this blogger, art projects that fire my imagination and keep me busy include making hair wreaths for the holidays and festivals; designing DIY Halloween costumes; and taking pictures. I am also going back to my line of costume jewelry, Eye Candy, and learning new techniques to make my necklaces more polished and artisan. I'm also branching out from strictly beadwork and into themes such as pet charms, mineral rocks and steampunk styles.
My hope for this art blog is that I am held responsible for channeling my (albeit limited) time and energy into the creative process, which is what makes life worthwhile. I want my blog to not only document the stages and process of these projects, but also to act as a doodle pad of quotes, snippets of inspiration, and ideas for future ref. I hope to create a space of beauty to revisit time and again, a scrapbook of things that uplift my spirit and hopefully the spirit of my readers.
Wishing everyone moments that make your heart smile, and inspiration for new art and by the art around you. And it is everywhere!
