Wednesday 22 July 2015

Quote Wednesday - Gaiman


Go and make interesting mistakes, make amazing mistakes, make glorious and fantastic mistakes.  Break rules, leave the world more interesting for your being here
make good art.....Neil Gaiman

Each Quote Wednesday I share a quote with a painting or photograph that I have created. Quotes can be so inspiring and uplifting it is a good idea to meditate on the words and make a point of saying something encouraging about your life! 

Do something great and share your favorite quote in the comments below. Join me next week for the next inspiring quote and image. Blessings!

Sunday 19 July 2015

Word for the Week - Romans 1:17



For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written:  The righteous will live by faith..
Romans 1:17


As you meditate on the scripture and enjoy the image think about the many gifts you have been given, the many challenges you face, and the fruit that will come from the work of your hands. 

Words and images for the week, to bless, encourage and inspire you to be all that you have been called to be. 
What will you do with what you have been given today?

Saturday 18 July 2015

Bearing gifts - Danielle New sculpture



Danielle, is my latest sculpture, made from clay and fabric and in her hands are a tray of what look like pebbles or stones but among them is a diamond.



As I was making this piece I wanted to express how we can be totally oblivious to the treasures that we have within.  We look at others comparing ourselves without realizing that we are comparing our beginning to someones middle or end.


We are all on a journey and along the way we have the opportunity to uncover more treasures that will take us to the next level, it could be that we learn a new skill, uncover a talent or ability and that takes us in a different direction.



These treasures won't often be glaringly obvious, we have to dig around, take our time and many a time 'step out' feeling vulnerable, scared and often out of our comfort zone.


What treasures are locked up within you that are waiting to present themselves and take you on a different journey, perhaps an adventure or two!

 Danielle is part of a series of sculptures/figurines that I have been making, she is currently making her way to the sunny shores of Barbados.  If you would like to commission a piece or buy one that you have seen on either one of my blogs you can email me at amanda(at)realityarts(dot)co(dot)uk



Friday 10 July 2015

Gratitude's and Celebration - New Sculpture - Elouise

For a long time as an artist I have been searching for that medium that would help me feel as if I fitted in.  I went on a journey exploring different mediums and styles, and it took a lot of pushing, and prodding, getting out of my comfort zone and sometimes just trying again.


After a while I became happier with what I was producing, understanding that we all have those moments of feeling as if we are not good enough and that critical voice can stop you in your tracks if you let it.


You can hide that gift, or talent and never embark on that thing that would change how you looked at yourself and your art.


Today I celebrate and I am grateful to all those supportive voices that cheer me on, who encourage and who are leading the way themselves on their own beautiful journey.


This sculpture I have called Elouise, as I was making her I was reminded about the ties that bind us - the ones that are external and the ones which we bind ourselves with.  She is in the process of breaking free and finding her joy and passion which is to dance.




I hope as you step out of your comfort zone you are surrounded by those who are your cheerleaders and supporters and you take that brave step to silence your critics despite the shape or form they make take.

Stay blessed and be a blessing!

Wednesday 8 July 2015

Quote Wednesday - F Perl


You are not in this world to live up to other people's expectations, nor should you feel the world must live up to yours....F Perl

Each Quote Wednesday I share a quote with a painting or photograph that I have created. Quotes can be so inspiring and uplifting it is a good idea to meditate on the words and make a point of saying something encouraging about your life! 

Do something great and share your favorite quote in the comments below. Join me next week for the next inspiring quote and image. Blessings!


Tuesday 7 July 2015

Camille - Sculpture


Camille - Mixed Media Sculpture

My latest sculpture is called 'Camille' and this sculpture really speaks to me about holding your piece, being confident and assured in how you carry yourself.


You are a light in the darkness, do not be afraid of your gifts and talents - as a message that we all need to hear.  


I experimented with different materials that brought together her clothing. I had also crocheted some flowers and combined them with a product called 'Powertex' that hardens them and used this within the piece.  She measures in at 22cm and weighs 2.2kg.



I have managed to complete quite a few sculptures that I am looking forward to sharing here over the next few days.  I have been experimenting with sizes and styles as well, and I think I am beginning to find my flow.  I have promised to place them on my Etsy Store - which is still in the development stage, and because we are moving might have to take a slightly back stage.

Camille, Mixed Media Art Sculpture
I hope you like her as much as I enjoyed creating her. Blessings!

Sunday 5 July 2015

Word for the week - Matthew 7:7


Ask and you shall receive,
Seek and you shall find
Knock and the door will be open..
Matthew 7:7

As you meditate on the scripture and enjoy the image ask and think about the many gifts you have been given, the many challenges you face, and the fruit that will come from the work of your hands. 

Words and images for the week, to bless, encourage and inspire you to be all that you have been called to be. 
What will you do with what you have been given today?

Friday 3 July 2015

Gratitude's and Celebration Journal - The Journey - Week 80




It has been a while since I posted in my Gratitude's and Celebrations journal my last post about travel, not that I didn't have anything to be grateful for but there were so many changes taking place, I was finding it had to get mostly the things I wanted to get done.


For those of you who read my blog and have seen the Barbados posts you will know that we are making preparations to travel and relocate for part of the year.  I had started another blog specifically to talk about the journey and our experiences, but again there were so many things to do that it slipped, but I will start sharing more about it soon.

The Journey - Gratitude's and Celebration Journal
Many can relate to changes, some for the good and some a lot more challenging.  Today I celebrate and I am grateful for the changes that come and give us a new perspective on life.  
I hope for those of you who find yourself in a season where change brings those type of challenges that seem to turn your world upside down that within the change you find peace

I am on a creative journey in my journal and hope you come along and join me. Why not start your own journal, keep it as simple or complex as you wish, but do something!


Gratitude and Celebration Journal


Wednesday 1 July 2015

In the News - Sickle Cell Awareness - Josh and Ahisha's Story

I wanted to share this video that my stepdaughter Ahisha made to explain just how blood disorder Sickle Cell affects lives. Her husband Josh suffers from it and is in and out of hospital. It can be quite a stressful experience that a crisis can put on the whole family. They have a 3 year old and often when Josh is taken to hospital Ahisha shoulders the responsibility of keeping the family going, as well as running back and forth from the hospital.4678978_1432333879.6019_funddescription.

In support for those with Sickle Cell that affects mostly the Afro Caribbean community, Ahisha started a sponsorship page to give blood and more - (she is terrified of needles), and there needs to be more people coming forward to give blood, you never know when you might need it yourself.  It is important that we all do our part regardless of our race, so step out today!




If you can't give blood, you can support Ahisha and sponsor her, read a bit about her story on 'Ahisha gives blood'. 

Why Donate to this cause?

They will be using the donations to buy staple foods and health supplements to give directly to patients in Hammersmith Hospital hematology department.

They will receive things to help them deal with the long term effects of the medications they need to take; especially whilst in hospital on poor quality hospital meals.

Ok, so what you waiting for! hop along to Ahisha's page and donate so that others who are suffering can be helped, go along to your nearest hospital or blood drive and give blood yourself, you could be saving someones life.

Stay blessed as you are a blessing!



Quote Wednesday - Ray Bradbury


Stuff your eyes with wonder, live as if you'd drop dead in ten seconds.  See the world.  It's more fantastic than any dream made or paid for in factories...
Ray Bradbury

Each Quote Wednesday I share a quote with a painting or photograph that I have created. Quotes can be so inspiring and uplifting it is a good idea to meditate on the words and make a point of saying something encouraging about your life! 

Do something great and share your favorite quote in the comments below. Join me next week for the next inspiring quote and image. Blessings

Wednesday 24 June 2015

Quote Wednesday - Nathaniel Hawthorne

Happiness


Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued, is always beyond your grasp, but which , if you will sit down quietly may alight upon you.
Nathaniel Hawthorne

Each Quote Wednesday I share a quote with a painting or photograph that I have created. Quotes can be so inspiring and uplifting it is a good idea to meditate on the words and make a point of saying something encouraging about your life! 

Do something great and share your favorite quote in the comments below. Join me next week for the next inspiring quote and image. Blessings!

Monday 22 June 2015

Mixed Media Art Dolls - 'Red'

As part of Material Mondays I am continuing to share my mixed media art dolls and I completed a couple more dolls that add to the collection of mini dolls in the series.  I am beginning to find my feet in terms of the design and how I want them to look.  I find that there are so many different techniques I want to do, It is just to find the time necessary to get them to the point where I am ready to let go and see it as complete.



I decided that I didn't want to create art dolls that looked 'perfect' but ones that reflected our imperfections and differences, and who as in our own lives need to be proud of who we are, making the best of our lives.



Red comes in a full length red and gold coat with white and gold buttons down the front.  Her blue floor length dress is finished off with a jeweled broach.



The way that I have been approaching making the dolls is in the same way that I would do a painting, and thinking about the layers, and the stories that I want to come out, and as you look into the eyes you can relate to some part of her story.

Red - Mixed media Art Doll

Hope you like her, 


Friday 19 June 2015

Doodling Fun


Messing about with pen and ink and just playing with what ever will come out onto the paper.   I find that (and I am sure I have said this before) doodling is a great way to take your mind of things, or even work through them when the need takes.

This one started out as a few lines 



I then started adding some shapes and patterns elsewhere on the page


I haven't quite completed it, but decided that I would dip in and out when I felt like it and see where it takes me.  It is sometimes nice coming to a page that already has something on that you can if you wish do something

What are you doodling at the moment, do you like starting with a fresh page or will you add to a piece in progress?






Wednesday 17 June 2015

Quote Wednesday - Michael John Bobak


All Progress takes place outside the comfort zone!
Michael John Bobak

Each Quote Wednesday I share a quote with a painting or photograph that I have created. Quotes can be so inspiring and uplifting it is a good idea to meditate on the words and make a point of saying something encouraging about your life! 

Do something great and share your favorite quote in the comments below. Join me next week for the next inspiring quote and image. Blessings!

Sunday 14 June 2015

Word for the Week - Mark 11:24




Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it and it will be yours
Mark 11:24

As you meditate on the scripture and enjoy the image ask and think about the many gifts you have been given, the many challenges you face, and the fruit that will come from the work of your hands. 

Words and images for the week, to bless, encourage and inspire you to be all that you have been called to be. 
What will you do with what you have been given today?

Saturday 13 June 2015

Repurpose and recycle - Time to create!

Creating sculptures with recycled materials 

Having got the bug for creating figures I am experimenting a bit more with materials to enable me to use more recycled materials.

The basis for these figures is clay and once I have got the posture I set about working on dressing the figure.

It is great when you can find materials and a style that you enjoy working with, and unlike drawing a character you get a better sense of the story that comes with the completed figure.


I found a gentleness and calmness about this particular figure, but also a strength.  



She is finished with bronze effect paint and sequins for decoration.  I hope you are inspired to experiment as well, and see where it takes you!  Blessings

Wednesday 10 June 2015

Quote Wednesday - Frederick Terral


You may not be a Picasso or Mozart but you don't have to be.  Just create to create.
Create to remind yourself you're still alive.  Make stuff to inspire others to make something too.  
Create to learn a bit more about yourself - 
Frederick Terral

This quote is currently one of my favorites - that we should create to inspire others to create has been something that I hope I achieve when I post here on my blog.

Each Quote Wednesday I share a quote with a painting or photograph that I have created. Quotes can be so inspiring and uplifting it is a good idea to meditate on the words and make a point of saying something encouraging about your life! 

Do something great and share your favorite quote in the comments below. Join me next week for the next inspiring quote and image. Blessings!



Wednesday 3 June 2015

Quote Wednesday - Marc Chagall


'If I create from the heart, nearly everything works; if from the head, almost nothing.'



Each Quote Wednesday I share a quote with a painting or photograph that I have created. Quotes can be so inspiring and uplifting it is a good idea to meditate on the words and make a point of saying something encouraging about your life! 

Do something great and share your favorite quote in the comments below. Join me next week for the next inspiring quote and image. Blessings

Monday 1 June 2015

Material Mondays - Sculpture Figures 1

Allowing myself loose on working with clay has led me to try some more complex pieces, and experimenting with other materials such as powertex which is a fabric hardener.  I have been able to use several different mediums to create this sculpture.  I really love the way the fabric gathers and holds its shape.



I have also incorporated jewelry, gems, and flowers which helps with the overall effect.



Using the different materials gives you different textures, which then show through when you apply paint


I am really pleased with how she turned out, she stands around 12 inches tall.


She comes bearing flowers and is looking for a good home so if you are interested in purchasing I will be putting her up in my Etsy store



Sunday 31 May 2015

Word for the Week - Psalm 86:17




Give me a sign of your goodness that my enemies may see it and be put to shame, for you, LORD, have helped me and comforted me.  Psalm 86:17

I posted this image and scripture before, but felt someone needed a reminder, even me..... Our Lord is with us even when we sleep and slumber.

We are all going through changes of some sort and very often the changes can be difficult, we want to return to the ways that we knew.  Press on, keep going for just around the corner you will see the benefits of making the changes, of being uncomfortable for a season, and you will realize that all the difficulties are actually lessons along the way to be embraced.

As you meditate on the scripture and enjoy the image ask and think about the many gifts you have been given, the many challenges you face, and the fruit that will come from the work of your hands. 

Words and images for the week, to bless, encourage and inspire you to be all that you have been called to be. 
What will you do with what you have been given today?
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