Mental Musings

Daily Practice in All Our Affairs

2006-04-11T11:05:00.000-04:00

conscience
NOUN:
The part of the superego in psychoanalysis that judges the ethical nature of one's actions and thoughts and then transmits such determinations to the ego for consideration.
Being selfish, (shockingly inconsiderate behavior), is a trait I find in myself that I try to work on daily. I didn't always do this. There was a time when I rationilized manipulation as convincing. A time that I thought participating in the flow of a collective good as being inconvenienced. I don't believe I did this intentionally, but ignorance doesn't = acceptable. Being aware of my behavior is at times annoying as h**l, as I don't always feel like it. This is part of the problem; basing too many decisions on my feelings. I believe feelings need to be acknowledged, but the actions I take need to be based on the knowledge and the past experiences of what I know to be true and for the well being of all . Sounds like a bunch of mumbo-jumbo psycho babble...but necessary none the less.

this is borrowed from the Daily Om; A concept that I feel defines the question, "Why am I here"...if I remember this in all I do, how can I go astray?

Collective Good The Greater Cause
With all that takes place in our lives, it can sometimes be easy to overlook the fact that we're part of something greater than ourselves-a collective consciousness, the Universe, a greater cause. Because of our tendency to forget this, we might make decisions in our lives that don't reflect that responsibility that comes with this belonging. All too often, we focus just on the short-term, tangible gain to ourselves without worrying about its consequences. Other times, we may discard the greater cause because it seems like "hard work." The challenge is to expand our minds so that we transcend the distinction between self and others, so we are aware of how our choices and actions can impact a greater cause. Contributing to the greater cause doesn't have to be all about self-sacrifice. For example, if you plant a tree in a community space, its shelter will cool and protect you as well as your neighbors. Or, your reward might be in the form of the beauty that you now see in that space or the sincere smiles of appreciation from neighbors. When you serve the greater cause you also serve your greater good. There is nothing that you cannot do for your highest good that will not benefit the good of all. For example, saying no to a relationship that isn't right for you not only benefits you but serves the greater good of the other person that you are honoring with your honesty. Saying yes to your dream job not only fulfills you but also serves the people that will benefit from your enthusiasm and productivity. When you know you are serving a greater cause, there is little room for fear and doubt. You know that what you do will benefit others, so there is no way the universe is not going to support your efforts - even if sometimes it may not look that way. Serving the greater cause allows you to live from the space of your greatness. When you know that what you do can serve a greater cause, you are aware of your power and ability to influence and create change in this world.

Stencils and spray paint and freezer paper...OH MY

2006-04-07T11:22:00.000-04:00

SO here's the plan Stan. I needed some gold fabric...so I thought, why not make a stencil out of freezer paper, iron on to fabric, then spray paint with gold, peel off and see what happens?.? Well it worked! I love this...so now I need to get creative with some different stencil designs...First is on silk, others are sheer and satin, the fabric is barely stiff. This is going to be fun to experiment with.

"Mid Winter's Eve"

2006-04-07T05:42:00.000-04:00

Fiber goddess made in celebration of the winter solstice. I was asked to contribute in a local gallery show last winter, 2005, with several other artists creating with the same theme in mind. Although fiber dolls are what I have done for years now, I am now much more in to making the wallhangings as they allow me so much more to work with. I always struggled to make each doll perfectly and would stress if the body didn't turn out as planned and giving up quickly if not. This one in particular took several weeks off and on to create. She holds a fabric transfer image of the full moon in her outstretched arms. Covered in beads and shells, with burned and starched pieces of cheesecloth, vintage jewelry and the belled tassels from an old skirt:) Recycling is something I do often when possible. I find that I can discover so many interesting fabrics by scouring thrift stores, yard sales and the local recycling center. Speaking of which I have been meaning to pass on a website www.freecycle.org This is a worldwide group of people that offer free stuff to one another on a town by town, local basis. It is non-profit and absolutely free! Check it out! Besides, if you are like me, a pack rat, art material possibility in all I see, hoardin' kind of person, this might help start the cosmic flow and realign our spacial equalibriums! Soon to come: A Flickr group related to art made with recycled *stuff*

"The Most Beautiful Thing We Can Experience is The Mysterious""

2006-04-07T05:15:00.000-04:00

Second fiber wallhanging made, January 2006. I was inspired by this beautiful quote by Einstein. Incorporating stamping from hand carved stamps, fiber beads, sequins and a mix of brightly colored fabrics including batiks and the ever present black and white. Frequently find I use the contrast of the b&w fabric to finish off each piece.

"Spirit Whisperer"

2006-04-07T04:43:00.000-04:00

2006-04-07T04:40:00.000-04:00

"Spirit Whisperer"...first in the set of portrait wallhangings. I worked from a photo of Erika Badu. Her features were so pronounced that I was able to easily quilt them in fabric. I like the tribal look and feel of this piece. The detailing was time consuming, yet fun to do. Several layers were built up on the eyes alone. I especially like the metallic silver thread, fossils and shells. I tend to use fossils in a lot of my pieces. I find these on random jaunts to the local man made resevoir. A favorite summer past time when we load up the children, my friend Misty and several bags for the vast collections of nature items deemed "art materials"!

2006-04-07T03:56:00.000-04:00

"Divining the Future"...the second of two portrait wall hangings. At first I wasn't sure about this one. But in time I started to let go of any preconceived notions and ideals about what she "should" look like. At that point all started to come together. I especially love the way her expression came out, she seemed to be alive to me. The random quotes strewn about are a collection of favorites that I have wanted to use forever.

Drawing of Goddess

2006-03-29T10:59:00.000-05:00

The spring goddess is in the making. I want to do more of the old relic looking pieces with this one. I am thinking of incorporating small branches, that I'll cover with moss, some fabric and glass beads, as well as the odd metal findings I scavenge from the BF's studio floor(He's a metal sculptor which comes in handy.) I also love fiddleheads (unfurled fronds of the Ostrich Fern), which are fun to re-create with wire and fabric I've noticed spirals are a repeat image in my work. I must see what this says personality wise. I suspect that being a Libra, the whole balance thing, might have something to do with continuity, flow, etc....

I highly recommend...

2006-03-29T09:36:00.000-05:00

I've had this book for a few years. Actually I just looked at my bookshelves as if a new library had suddenly appeared in my living room! I discovered, through the viewing of the titles, that I have always been attracted to fibers and textiles of all sorts...I just never realized how much! I think my sewing, or lack there of, had always discouraged me from so many fiber arts. Well, not any more!
I recommend this book to anyone who likes altering *stuff* If I don't do atleast one science experiment per art piece I feel incomplete! :) It has ideas and recipes for so many techniques. As I try new ones I'll share the outcome. Right now I am interested in layering different textures under translucent fabrics which this has some ideas on.

I SMELLED IT

2006-03-29T04:41:00.000-05:00

5am..I smelled it! That unforgettable smell...The one that makes me immediately feel alive and refreshed anew. Then I heard it. The sweet trill of communication whistled through my *open* kitchen window. The news had told me it was coming. The calendar had mentioned it was already here. Pancakes with blackberries were in order! I needed to taste Spring too! What better than berries for breakfast while I ponder the ideas for something new, something with lots~o greens...The bright ones, rich ones, the earthy, the mossy and the limes. I had forgotten what Winter did to me. I do like the cold days of cozy hibernation, warm fresh vegetable soup and fluffy knit wool sweaters, but I need to be in nature to truly thrive. Maybe the need for the dormant period of the winter months is to store up new ideas, so that when Spring arrives we are able to leave the old behind and begin fresh! I'm thinking fern tendrils and fiddleheads, goddesses and birth. A new wallhanging is soon to be in the making! I am especially inspired due to a recent fabric shopping spree (thanks to the awesome success of the Encore Show , more about that http://www.bloomingfoods.org/newsletters/feb06/bloomingarts.shtml ) and a fabric swap with another artist, Morningk, that I met through flickr, (You can see her creations here http://www.flickr.com/photos/28941270@N00/) She sent me so many beautiful fabrics and fibers with some other goodies as well. Thanks again Laurie! I'll be posting some photos soon :)

I can't help but think about the Studio overhaul I need to do. I have supplies coming out the yin yang! Somehow spring seems so much more conducive to unearthing the layers of accumulation! So today is a day with many adventures; a commissioned piece to deliver, a trip to the Sally for of course, more fabric treasures ( I use recycled clothing much more than purchased fabric, thinking about starting a flickr group involving recycled fabric art?) and a trip to the Post Office to finally mail Morningk her package. Maybe one day I will stop procrastinating so much! One can only hope. Much to do...may the day begin.

Who Knew...

2006-03-25T05:25:00.000-05:00

After many years, around 12 to be more accurate, the Muse whispered in my ear...

I have always had a passion for art. I used to be involved in the art scene throughout several communities in Northern California, but when I moved to Indiana it was as if my ability to create went dormant. I would try numerous outlets of creativity without success. It felt like I was *trying* too hard. The ideas were lacking. It was a a really difficult time in my life. Having been through some intense, painful and major life changing events over the past few years, I was long over due for a more pleasant existence...

Fast forward to January, 2006...

I don't know what happened exactly. I suddenly had what can only be described as driving head on in to a snowstorm...Only instead of snow flying at me, I had visions of art. So many visions that I could not close my eyes to sleep without thinking for hours; planning, designing, mentally creating. I felt overwhelmed. Colors became more vibrant. I began to notice images and textures everywhere I looked. I decided to try to create the images and landscapes that I envisioned with fabric. Instead of working in the 3D art doll area as I had in the past, I was suddenly aware that joining fabrics together gave me an unlimited palette. I could incorporate my love of so many different medias all in to one. If I needed more room, I simply added more fabric around the edge and voila', infinity at it's finest! Paper collage has been a favorite always. So why not collage with fabric and other fibers? Once started, I was off and running. I had created a fiber monster. I had never sewn more than a couple of minutes at a time in my entire life. Never used a pattern or had any sewing instruction. I decided to wing it. Why not... I had nothing to lose...No intentions of offering these new creations to the world. Then it happened. I made my first wallhanging, Garden Muse. Then another the next day. I was making a new one every night. (Not including the backing or binding) That was no fun! I wanted to design the new pieces, that's where the fun is!
A few weeks later I ran in to an acquaintance who shared with me that she was putting together a fiber/quilt show at a local restaurant that supports local artists by rotating new shows every few months. Before I knew it I was inviting her to see what I had been creating. She included me in the show. Around the same time I put my art photos online (Flickr) I had never photographed my art before, but due to a friends suggestion, I decided keeping a record of the new work wouldn't hurt. The show hung mid February, around the same time I started getting comments from people on the web about the Flickr photos. It was amazing. I had no idea there were so many people networking and encouraging one another via the net. Then the emails started...People were seeing the art at the Encore show...They wanted to know how to purchase a piece. I thought the exposure would be good, but I don't think I ever really planned to sell anything. I thought the prices would be more than people would be willing to pay. I also was not willing to sell for less than I thought they were worth. A conundrum to say the least...
It's now about one month later and 9 art quilts less. They have all found new homes. I don't quite know what to think. This is the life I have always dreamed of. To support myself and my family by means of my passion is the greatest gift I could have ever dreamed. I thought it would always be just that, a dream. I am realizing I might just be limited only by my ability to keep creating. It seems there is more of an interest in textile art than I had ever imagined. To all of the people in my life, especially the new found artists all over the world, that are encouraging and supportive, who create and share with me so many new ideas and concepts...I am more thankful than I could ever express with words. This huge circle of community that we are all sharing is such an amazing blessing. Thank you for making me smile, for the laughs and the thought provoking commentary. As a collective conscience, I believe we represent an amazing example of what it's all about; how to be creative and compassionate spiritual beings, while living the sometimes harsh and lonely human experience.

Fabric Transfer Photos

2006-03-25T04:44:00.000-05:00

This is the final transfer...It has some blotchy spots , but I have yet to cut it out from the muslin, which will get rid of some of the imperfections. I kind of like the rough look, especially considering that it is a photo representing rich texture. These
can be re-touched with colored pencils,
paint, etc. It is also fun to do a B&W copy
transfer, then color in with pastels or
pencils, giving it an old painted photo look.
Facial features look amazing when done
this way.

Fabric Transfer 101

2006-03-24T14:38:00.001-05:00

I use gel medium to transfer my images. There are several brands but it just so happens that I found mine at a yard sale for a quarter! Wahoo! *Golden* is another brand I like.'
Choose image to be transferred. Color copies work better than regular magazine images. (refer to previous post)
Apply a thin layer of gel medium to right side of image. I use my finger to do this. I have more control over getting a smooth, even coating. It needs to be thick enough that the image is barely visible, but not too thick or it won't dry right. This is essential for a good transfer.
Once the image is covered, apply it right side down to your fabric. (I use off-white muslin so that the color doesn't show through. Although I am sure it would be cool to have a tinted image if that was the look you were going for)
It is important to use a brayer, or something equivalent, to make sure that the image is firmly pressed to the fabric. Any air bubbles will leave a missing spot in the transfer.Leave to dry for several hours. I always try to speed it up with a heat gun and end up ruining it! *I must practice patience*
After it is completely dry it is time to run under warm water. Let it get totally saturated then begin to rub lightly in a circular motion causing the paper to peel away. The gel medium causes the ink to remain behind, absorbed and sealed in the fabric. It is common to have some areas that are splotchy. This can be caused by a poor image (glossy especially), uneven application of gel or uneven application to fabric, too short of a drying time, rubbing image tooooo hard or using synthetic fabric. This is just my guess from past experience, but I have never had luck with synthetics.
Some light paper residue will still remain causing the image to be hazy. I have found a strange, but yet to fail, way to solve this. I apply a small (very small) amount of olive oil to my finger tip and rub it in to the image smoothing away the haziness. The oil is absorbed in to the remaining paper fibers and fabric, causing the image to become very clear.
Let dry.
Voila'...Now it's time to get creative and figure out what to do next...
And yes, they can be sewn through:)

2006-03-24T03:05:00.000-05:00

Three different examples of fabric transfers using "Liquitex Gel Medium"

The first two are images that I had color copied.
The eggs were from a fairly shiny calendar page.
The spiral face was straight from a normal magazine page.

The color copied images seem to transfer with the least amount of blemishes.

In the next posting I will give detailed instructions on how to do this process.

Shameless Idiot

2006-03-24T02:48:00.000-05:00

Found this on my bookshelf...maybe "it" knows about slithering sidebars and how to stop them dead in their tracks!

SOS...Me sidebar seems to be slinking on down zee page

2006-03-23T02:58:00.000-05:00

I have done it now...Try to put in a new flickr *badge* and look what happens, shitzpah!!! Being the HTML illiterate that I am, it looks as if it might remain there for quite sometime. Hopefully it won't continue slithering in to some other realm of *blogstonia* before I can coral it back to it's tidy little spot! Although I intend to learn more about this whole suave template designing stuff, the fabric transfers have dried and beckon to illuminate me with their results.

Can't create for the masses, Can't blog to be bloggin

2006-03-22T16:37:00.000-05:00

Art and visual aesthetics are my passion. Whenever I try to create with the intent to satisfy the *masses* I constantly go blank and feel completely frustrated. On the other hand, when I am, as I think of it, just messing around and experimenting, I usually end up with a piece of art ,that I take to bed with me, to smile at, as I drift off to dream about more art to create. I believe this is because I didn't become too analytical about it. I didn't *try* too hard. Writing in this blog is going to be the same deal. I need a place to write about ideas. A place to keep track of things without wondering if I am *doing it right*. I see so many websites, hear so many words, read so many inspiring concepts, all of which fill me up with possibilities. But I am hesitant to use this space as my pallette for fear that it might not be the *right* way to blog. For that matter, I have back spaced a zillion times while writing this, wondering if I should be writing about what I am writing about! What I am getting at is that I am trying to MAKE myself build some self-confidence and walk through the fear...what this means for me personally is this:

put my self out there
offer art to galleries
seek out new venues locally to show art
blog on the internet for personal *brain de-cluttering* and networking with other artists
respond *regularly* to emails
share information and techniques
learn to build a website
build it
set up shop (etsy maybe)
start teaching

hopefully, with practice, the what-ifs and the self doubting will decrease. I would like to hear other artists hopes, strengths and experience with this. Anyone?

and besides...there's always the next blog button, right. :)

Life is a Science Experiment Translated Via Art

2006-03-18T07:25:00.000-05:00

First Art Quilt, January 2006

This all began with the goddess in the center. I liked the way she turned out, vibrant , nice shape and very compact (5" x 7") , but I was at a loss as to what to do with her. She had a propensity to the horizontal if left to her own devices. Seeming to lack wanderlust, wing usage remained low priority. Then it hit me, she needed a landscape, a place to inhabit. Ah ha...A wall hanging, an art quilt, a term I later learned.?. Who knew. I had always associated "quilt" with an ungodly amount of neat, tidy, geometric shapes....ummm, not my thing. I don't follow directions very well and the thought of a repetitive project with limited room for "design corruption" was not happening! I have yet to even use a sewing pattern...I just didn't sew before. Well, except for the occasional doll body, which was always a point of hesitation for fear of the Grand Mistress of tools, Ms. Singer. Things change. Walk through the fear I told myself. And so I did.
Three months and many "fiberscience" projects later, here I am, with a completely new fascination for fibers and surface design. The ability to incorporate many different mediums without limit is VERY intriguing to say the least. Altering the fabric, recycling old clothing finds (now I no longer care if it's a "too small yard sale",an art project it becomes) and the excitement of endless design ideas amazes me! I'd rather create with it than wear it any day! :)
The ideas that continue to flow rapidly throughout my brain are at times overwhelming, yet in a very good way. Hence the desire to start this blog. I have grasped a hold on using this creativity surge for all I can. In due time a period of dormancy will occur, a rest I will be long over due for, that I will endure while anxiously awaiting the next bout! The old Artists Block sometimes strikes with a vengeance. I've learned to look at myself as a flower bulb; to blossom I must rest, to rest I must blossom....It's that full circle thing...more about that later. I have a circle fetish/fascination...what can I say.
For now, it's Spring...let the growth begin.

People in the West are always getting ready to live. Chinese Proverb

2006-03-13T03:52:00.000-05:00

A collection of bones .
Necklace design with bones.
A few of my treasured charms from years of collecting.
I've been holding on to the bones and charms for some time now. I've decided to incorporate them in to a necklace for myself, which is something I rarely do. Time to enjoy them and not just keep stashed away. Lately I have been thinking a lot about the fact that my time here is limited. I have so many ideas, hopes and dreams. Now is the time. I realize that the future is fictitious, it does not exist. The only time that is ever real is the present. The past is gone, the future remains to be created.

Local Gypsies

2006-03-13T01:34:00.000-05:00

Being the fashion guru's that we were, Diana and I break away from our caravan long enough for a brief photographic glimpse of the winter warmth must-haves . Even as a small child, I often felt drawn towards the random "gypsy" look. I am quite surprised to see the hat/scarf combo of "restriction", as the sight of a turtleneck still causes immediate shortness of breath and a sudden urge to tug at the neckline. I wonder...Do I still make that face when frustrated and uncomfortable...? Did I dislike the fur on Diana's coat, as much then, as I do now...?