Collage Diva

AEDM #11 - Wishcasting - Dare!

Jamie Ridler asks in today's Wishcasting Wednesday, "What do you wish to dare?"

I wasn't sure how to answer this question. I began my morning with some journaling and then pulled out some words I had leftover from a collage I was working on from last night. I then pulled out my stash of magazine cutouts and all of a sudden the collage you see above came together. I pulled it together in less than 15 minutes! Well, the cutting and gluing took longer but the design happened in a snap. Isn't that interesting how that happens?

When I look at this collage I see myself as feeling small when it comes to daring. I look up at that powerful and passionate woman who is unbeatable. She isn't concerned about balancing things and in fact is in the clouds with a rainbow following her lead. I know that I am this magnificent woman, even when I have moments of feeling so small. My wish today is to in earnest begin by taking actions to make my dreams come true. I've been reflecting and journaling which has been helpful, but now is the time to ACT! It seems scary, exciting, and the right thing to do at this time.

STOP EVERYTHING!

I just discovered this amazing video by Mccabe Russell about being brave. It is the PERFECT video to go with this Wishcasting Wednesday theme. Thank you dear soul spackle for posting this!

I was inspired to stop what I was doing to go paint a rock with the words "I am brave" on it. Doesn't everyone need a little brave totem?

What do you wish to dare?

Related Links:

Jamie Ridler's Wishcasting Wednesday

Art Every Day Month

AEDM #10 - Vintage Effects

I am infatuated with photos that have a vintage look. Today I decided to play in Photoshop. Here are my first attempts. The photo above is Nubble Light in York, Maine. The original photo is below.

I love tulips. The original photo (shown below) was mediocre, but adding a vintage touch (as seen above) makes it so interesting.

This young man is my dear friend's son. A couple of times a year I treat him to a magical tea party.

Art Every Day Month

AEDM #9 - Berry Photography

I've noticed a wide variety of berries in my neighborhood this year. Wanting to see my teenager get a little fresh air and sunshine, I cajoled him to join me on my walk. When I explained that I wanted his help to spot berries to photograph he said, "What? You want to do berry photography?" His comment was I think his feeble attempt to talk me out of it so he could resume his gaming and social networking. He does know by now that living with a creative sort would require more cleverness than his comment. "It isn't berry photography." I told him. "It is nature photography with an emphasis on berries." He wasn't impressed and reluctantly leashed our dog and in his goofy way said how I was ruining his life. We both laughed as we made our way down the block toward the park.

Now I am not familiar with the names of the plants only that I like what I see. Why is it that in past years I didn't notice the berries? I did a quick search to see if berries had any significance and this is what I found.

Dream Interpretation Berries

If you dream of picking berries, you are looking for a lover. Eating berries denotes erotic desires. It could also mean that you are going to win something. Unripe or dried berries denote impending frustrations and conflicts, and misfortune in love.

Hmmm. There could be some truth to this as I have been feeling more passionate these days and thoughts of having a companion to share the journey would be really great. I'm not forlorn as much as feeling interested in the idea. I'll tell you though that I have more interest in hunting berries than lovers right now. If my path crosses a suitable suitor, bonus.

Let's take a look at the berries I found to see if I'm looking for a lover or if they denote impending frustrations, conflicts, and misfortune in love.

These are looking pretty plump. I love that passionate red color too.

I looked up at one tree that I have walked by for years and today it was the first time I noticed that it too has berries.

These berries were a favorite of mine as a child. I especially adored them in the winter when there was little other color found on snowy days. I would imagine that these are little bells for little fairies.

Look at the abundance and colors here. 

I am particularly drawn to these berries. I think it is for their shape and color. I love how the yellow outer leaves burst open to reveal the juicy red berry. The texture and color is fabulous. I resisted trimming off branches to take home. I think all of the berries I found would make great materials for my Ikebana arrangements.

As I looked back on the interpretation of berries, I remembered that I did win something recently and in fact, it came in on Saturday.

Check out this fabulous crown that I won! It is designed by Alisa Burke and it is made out of canvas. The more I think about it, I have been very lucky. Maybe I'll be lucky enough to even find a new traveling companion.

Have you ever seen purple berries? Well, I haven't. Moon Mama just posted these photos and what a dear one to post them for me! For a little eye candy, CLICK HERE.

Related Links:

Art Every Day Month

Alisa Burke's blog

Ikebana - Lesson 10 Freestyle!

In this week's Ikebana (Japanese flower arranging) class I was able to select the materials to use and arrange them any which way I choose. Today it was freestyle. I felt prepared as I reviewed every arrangement that I made so far and studied the lessons in the book. I felt like I had a good grasp of the material and could then empty my mind and work intuitively. Before class I took a walk - it was a beautiful autumn day. Lately I've noticed a lot of berries in my neighborhood, more so than in previous years. Perhaps I'm just growing more observant? 

I love the feeling of a canopy and wanted to convey this in my arrangement. The material I chose was eucalyptus and rose hips for their contrasting colors. I was drawn to the main eucalyptus branch for its strong curve - I knew this would help me to achieve that canopy look. The rose hips reminded me of the berries I had seen in my walks.

Set against a black background you can really see how the color of the dish matches the color of the eucalyptus. 

What this arrangement doesn't show was the work that went into it. I first started by cutting the largest branch and placing it in the front left position - my thinking was that I want to emphasis the curve by placing it at a diagonal. The branch is thick and had to be cut at an angle. But no matter what I did it wouldn't stay in the holder. I pushed and banged on it hoping that more pins would hold it. I ended up bending most of the pins in that spot to a point that it wouldn't hold anything. Fortunately my teacher has a pin straightener. I pulled everything out to begin again. My frustration was only mild, much to my surprise.

With the pins now straightened again, I trimmed the end of the branch and tried again. It looked like it was going in and then it would fall out. Talking to the branch I said, "fine, let's try you in the back top position." Much to my surprise it slipped right in and was sturdy! I realized that I was forcing the branch in the wrong position and I wasn't listening to the branch. I know it sounds crazy but I really do believe that each element of any design has an intended place - one where the energy flows, one where everything fits gracefully - this is what is called the elegant solution. The rose hips then fell into place.

I absolutely love how the arrangement looks when I look down on it. I think this may be my favorite arrangement at this angle. Notice how the kenzan (the holder) is hiddened. The balance between the berries and the main branch shows great movement. I love the lines in the bottom of the dish swirling around adding more movement. Even the orange spots in the dish (look in the upper right) coordinate with the rose hips. This dish is so much fun to work with. It has a way of complimenting each of my arrangements.

Look at the arrangement from this angle. I love it!

See the second tallest branch? I have my teacher to thank for guiding me in the direction of adding it. I cut all of the leaves to emphasize the line and I picked this particular branch as it had a curve that follows the main branch. The rose hips too have a similar curve. By placing materials with the same line strengthens the line that I wanted to emphasize. This shot also gives you a good glimpse at the kenzan (holder). Notice how those pins look all nice and straight. I'm laughing now thinking about how I was wrestling with the branch and squashing those pins. It is a good thing the kenzan is so sturdy.

While sitting in the workshop and drawing my arrangement I noticed the shadows of the seeds on the Eucalyptus leaves. Isn't this simple arrangement filled with so many details?

What this lesson taught me is to listen to the material - to really observe the lines and to work with the natural inclinations not against them. I also learned that I have a lot of practice and many more arrangements that I need to make. I can see just how much I have learned and I'm delighted by how this arrangement turned out.

Next week I begin my next round of classes and I will move from the shallow dish to the tall cylindrical dishes. I think each week I will continue to practice on my own what I've learned with this Moribana (low dish) style so I can practice my skills. Stay tuned for more of my adventures with Ikebana.

To learn more about where I am taking classes visit: Ikebana Flower in Nashua, New Hampshire.

Creative Every Day - Art Every Day Month Challenge (AEDM)

AEDM #7 - Managerial Tools + Leadership Skills

I am really having a great time working through the book, "The Creative Entrepreneur" by Lisa Sonora Beam. This journal page was created by cutting up a Honduran bill and placing the pieces along the page. The topic is on managerial tools and leadership skills. One gift that I have is how much I enjoy public speaking. I think this skill will set me apart from other artists and teachers. I've been commended on my dynamic, fun, and energetic style. I've seen people leave my talks energized and eager to take action. I know this will serve me well as I pursue my dreams. One area that I know I need work on is the administrative stuff. While I enjoy researching and writing proposals, I need to work on being more disciplined with developing budgets and good accounting practices. My plan is to schedule a set time each week to focus on this area. I have some really good skills in this area but I also know that I have a lot to learn. The second part of my journal page is set aside for identifying my mentors and guide. There isn't enough room on this page for all of the journal writing so I will likely make an envelope or pocket. I also need to identify people for my business advisory circle. Although I've been living in this area for 5 years, I haven't connected with other entrepreneurs. Another goal is to seek out the resources in this area. What is most exciting is that I have a vision, for the first time in five years. This vision may change as I work through this process, but for now, I'm feeling pretty excited as I explore and define my true path.

Related Links for More Inspiration:

Creative Every Day - Art Every Day Month Challenge (AEDM)

"The Creative Entrepreneur" by Lisa Sonora Beam

 

AEDM #6 - Joy Diet #7 - Play

What a week! This week started the Art Every Day Month challenge and I've been having a blast. The journal page above was created digitally by scanning painted papers, a notebook, and an image. Photoshop is the best tool for layering. Meanwhile, the blog book group hosted by Jamie Ridler is on chapter 7, "Play" by Martha Beck. Once again I found myself unimpressed with the writing style but pulled out key ideas for further exploration. The idea of finding your "real" career by noting your reaction to a major tragedy is not really an indication of where to pursue your career as much as it is an indicator of where your core values lie. Understanding your core values is important as it underscores your happiness. For example, I'm service oriented so my desire to teach is in alignment with this core value. Pursuing a career in say selling products that I think have no value would make me miserable as it doesn't serve my customers well. I offer a great exercise in exploring your core values in my vision journal online workshop. While you may know what your core values are from your reactions to a tragedy, it doesn't tell you which career to pursue. This takes some more work and I share an exercise further down in this post that can help you if you are feeling stuck.

When I read about Beck's attempt at Tai Chi Chu'an I imagined a very awkward nervous, spastic woman trying to go with the flow. Her explanation of the Hungarian- American professor Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi's work was lacking. She doesn't really explain the work and goes off on a tangent. It was a matter of synchronicity when I was blog surfing not 24 hours after reading the chapter when I came upon an article by Owen Waters republished on Teesha Moore's blog about this very topic. As I read the article I kept saying, "Aha! This guy gets it and explains it better than I or Beck can." If you are intrigued by the topic of FLOW, creativity, synchronicity, and the like, I highly recommend reading the following blog post, CLICK HERE. You'll also see how to pronounce Csikszentmihalyi's name.

And while you are on Teesha's blog poke around to her recent posts as she offers some fabulous new videos demonstrating her unique journal style. I'm looking forward to playing some with her techniques this weekend.

I agree whole-heartedly with Beck on making play a priority in our lives. This week I started working through the book, "The Creative Entrepreneur" by Lisa Sonora Beam and you can see my first journal page HERE where I look at what has HEART + MEANING and the second page HERE is where I look at FLOW + PROFITABILITY. 

One exercise that has served me well over the last 20 years is to write down three accomplishments in the last year. Write each one down on a separate piece of paper. These do not have to be work related accomplishments (i.e., buying a house, organizing a bake sale, setting up a new blog, etc.). Select accomplishments where you felt really jazzed. For each accomplishment answer the following:

What did I do?

What skills did I use? (Include hard skills like using Adobe Photoshop and soft skills like organization)

What did I like doing?

What did I dislike doing?

What was I commended on by others?

Now put your papers side-by-side and circle any repeating items. Notice your reaction as you compare and contrast your answers. You'll find some really good clues as to what you enjoy and where you will want to spend more of your time. All the while really notice what brings you joy, that heart beating, internal fireworks feeling.

A fellow Joy Dieter (I'm sorry I can't find the original comment!) left me a great suggestion. Whenever you feel joy, stand up, and spread out your arms and exclaim "Joy!" I loved this idea as it reminds me of my favorite character from the NBC show Heroes. Pictured above is Hiro a character who does just that only he exclaims, "Yata!" Which I believe translates as "I did it." I've been doing this only I haven't been as brave as Hiro, I've restrained myself a bit. I think I'm going to try it this week, be brave that is, in freely expressing myself and feeling the joy throughout my entire body. 

I hope this week brings you many occasions to spread your arms and exclaim!

{soul hugs}

Kathryn Antyr, Collage Diva

Check out these links for more information and inspiration:

Jamie Ridler's The Next Chapter Blog Book Group: The Joy Diet

Creative Every Day

AEDM #5 - Beauty Within

Here are some recent photos that I took for my friend's Web site. Click here to see how they were used on www.loveyourskin.org. I am so happy to see that my photographs will serve her well. Maureen offers the best facials. It is so relaxing and nurturing and she uses high quality organic skin care. You can find Maureen in Manchester, NH. I highly recommend her!

I had so much fun taking the photos and I'm so delighted to see how the Web designer used them for Maureen's new Web site. Isn't the name of her business great? "Beauty Within" would make a great journal prompt.

Related Links

Beauty Within

Art Every Day Month

AEDM #4 - Creative Entrepreneur - Flow & Profit

I'm working through "The Creative Entrepreneur" by Lisa Sonora Beam and today's journal page looks at two things: gifts + flow, and value + profitability. I've been nurturing my gifts now for about 17 years or so. I remember looking at computer software catalogs and captivated by the beautiful Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator boxes. As I read the descriptions, I thought about how I would love to know how to make beautiful pictures using these tools. It was about five years later that I found myself not only using them but teaching the basic skills at a local college. Thinking back I've been drawn to beauty with a desire to interact with it and share it. When I'm looking through a camera, time stops. I feel the flow when painting, designing, and writing about my experiences. It is like it just pours out of me. My son observed that when I'm writing as I am right now, I have a smile on my face and even my body sometimes sways. I laugh and imagine that I feel this flow like Stevie Wonder feels his music. Although I am an introvert, I do love public speaking be it in a small classroom or at large conferences. Just yesterday a colleague was commenting on how much she hates public speaking and what a great job I do with it. As I look at all of my gifts, I realize that I've practiced and nurtured every one.

The second part of this journal prompt is about value and profitability. This is a tough one for me to answer. I'm still defining what it is that I have to offer. As I look through the comments and e-mails, I can see that what I offer has value for others. I've spent some time in the last six months looking at what other people have to offer and where I fit in. There are teachers out there who do an amazing job at teaching art techniques. There are others who are amazing coaches. My focus is on self-exploration and self-expression (like what the coaches offer) with a secondary emphasis on the visual and artistic methods (like the art teachers). How does this take shape? I see it in workshops, classes, eBooks and books. I definitely have more work to do figuring out the value and profitability of my work.

WISHCASTING WEDNESDAY

Jamie Ridler asks, "What do you wish to experience?" Yesterday I came home for lunch and when I stepped outside to head back to the office, I felt the sun on my face, the wind blowing, and the sound of leaves crunching under foot. At that moment I missed the days when I was self-employed and had a more flexible schedule. I spend too much time sitting in front of a computer and not enough time interacting with people. I spend too much time with my fingers on a keyboard and not enough time with a paintbrush in my hand. What do I wish to experience? Teaching. I see myself not in a traditional classroom or public school but rather in my own studio.

What do you wish to experience?

Related Links for More Inspiration:

Creative Every Day - Art Every Day Month Challenge (AEDM)

Jamie Ridler's Wishcasting Wednesday

"The Creative Entrepreneur" by Lisa Sonora Beam

AEDM #3 - Creative Entrepreneur - Heart & Meaning

I've been eager to work through the book, "The Creative Entrepreneur" by Lisa Sonora Beam for a few months now. I plan on working through as much of the book as I can during Art Every Day Month. This first journal page looks at what I truly desire -- what has heart and meaning for me. I love teaching, creating, and connecting with others. I thought back to when I was a child and what I loved to do --My top three activities were playing school, cutting paper, and playing 'Let's Pretend.'

What are three things that you loved to play when you were a child? Are there elements of that play in your work today?

Related Links for More Inspiration:

Creative Every Day - Art Every Day Month Challenge (AEDM)

"The Creative Entrepreneur" by Lisa Sonora Beam

 

AEDM #2 - Full Moon Dreamboards

This morning with the extra light from daylight savings time, I was up early and enjoying my clean and organized abode. I saw the full moon last night while out walking my dog and I knew it was time to work on some dreamboards. I made three collages this morning - each one started with a quote. This is day two of the Art Every Day Challenge month and found this quote perfectly speaks to where I'm at - a new beginning: "Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending." Maria Robinson. There is my friend the turtle again who keeps showing up in my collages and artwork reminding me that it is okay to take my time and that I have the protection I need to meet the challenge. Isn't that an amazing sand castle?

"To know what you prefer, instead of humbly saying 'Amen' to what this world tells you you ought to prefer, is to keep your soul alive." Henri Matisse

In this month I will be exploring my interests as I work through the book, "The Creative Entrepreneur" by Lisa Sonora Beam.

The last quote is perhaps the one that is the most powerful one.

"Women lose their lives not knowing they can do something different...I claimed myself and remade my life. Only when I new I belonged to myself completely did I become capable of giving myself to another, of finding joy in desire, pleasure in our love, power in this body no one else owns." - Dorothy Allison

Wow! Don't you love it when you find a quote that speaks your own truth. I think many of us can relate to losing ourselves in our roles and relationships. This month too will be a time of rediscovering and celebrating the authentic *ME*

Related Links for More Inspiration:

Creative Every Day - Art Every Day Month Challenge (AEDM)

Jamie Ridler's Full Moon Dreamboard Circle