Click on the image or click HERE to be taken to the video of some of my work, hope you enjoy, blessings for the weekend.
Saturday 25 January 2014
Friday 24 January 2014
Gratitude's and Celebration - Week 29 - You are precious..
You are Precious
When you think of something being precious, you think of something being valuable, we have to remind ourselves that our lives have a purpose. Whether you believe it or not there is more to your life than the life that you are currently living. There is more that you can learn, more that you can see, there is a world out there waiting for you to visit.
When you look at your surroundings the place that you live are there any undiscovered places that you haven't been yet? Often people who visit on holiday see more of the country than those who live there. I often make a promise to myself that I will get out more after coming back from holiday, go out every day and really take everything in. But I guess because we have it around us all the time we can take it for granted.
Page before completion |
How precious is your life? Since my brother passed I have seen my own life in a very different way. Each day is special because you don't know if it will be your last, but rather than worrying about it you have to live it to the full, making sure that you use all the gifts, talents and abilities that you have.
Reminding myself that life is precious helps you to focus on the things that are important, the relationships you have with family and friends. It was Roberts birthday yesterday he would have been 46 years old, I celebrate the life he had, the love he shared and the legacy and memories that he has left behind, and I am grateful to have known and been loved by him.
What opportunities are coming your way that could make a difference to your outlook on your life? I would love to hear from you and share what action you will be taking. As this week draws to a close have a blessed weekend! If you want to see how I made the journal (click here) Blessings!
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Wednesday 22 January 2014
Peace - Memories of Home
Being in a supportive environment is important to our growth as individuals, not everyone has had that opportunity and as adults we try and create an environment that will nurture and bless our children and indeed ourselves.
Peace
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Monday 20 January 2014
Material Mondays - Sewing, Weaving, Crochet
Thought I would share one of the projects I have worked on from Soul Food. My current one is from the session led by Jeanette House. Whilst it is not fabric it uses sewing and crochet.
Night |
Sunrise - first stage weaving |
I took two separate pieces of water colour paper and applied different mediums and then cut holes in one and used the other to weave in-between the sections.
After it was weaved I added some shapes which turned out to be two ladies, and then the rest flowed, with the stitching I wanted to show the horizon line and then added some other elements.
I made some mini crocheted flowers and then got carried away with the details for the hair and the rest followed.
I really enjoyed working with the different elements and then adding the sewing and making the mini flowers, and at some point I hope to work on some larger pieces.
What I am trying to take from each is an element of the technique that I can use to inform my own work, and also just to be able to play -
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Friday 17 January 2014
Gratitude's and Celebrations - Week 28 - The doors are opening....
The doors are opening, are you ready to walk through?
The page before completion |
Paying close attention means that I have to take my time, be persistent as things won't happen on their own, to see things through to the end while maybe not being in familiar territory, a different way of doing things, different outlook, but with one step in front of the other.
I am going into the second week of Life Book and Soul Food and just finished a week of Explorations in Collage. Each of the courses have their own challenges, In Life Book and Soul Food we have been working with a number of creatives who are sharing their techniques. The main thing for me is to take what I need from each and see how it can inform the work that I do. I have been doing things I haven't done in a while, not realising how much I enjoyed them, and with Experiments in Collage III, I am coming into contact with a range of artists that I really admire and working with collage in a different way. I will share some of the work tomorrow.
Gratitude's and Celebrations Journal - The doors are opening |
One thing that I am mindful about is making sure that when distraction and feelings of 'what am I really doing' strike, especially in those times where you need to get past a barrier of thinking, is to have some strategies in place that will put me back on track and re-motivated. Having a page where I can say what I celebrate and am grateful for is a great reminder that often pushes me forward. I know that those thoughts will come as I learn more techniques and try and grow and develop even further.
I celebrate the lives of those fellow artists and creatives that are on the courses with me and look forward to new relationships, interactions and collaborations. I will walk through the doors knowing that I have worked hard, and been persistent to get to where I want to go and I am grateful for the ability to be able to take part in the variety of courses and to really take the time to grow as an artist.
What opportunities are coming your way that could possibly make a difference to your outlook on your work? I would love to hear from you and share what action you will be taking. As this week draws to a close have a blessed weekend! If you want to see how I made the journal (click here) Blessings!
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Wednesday 15 January 2014
Holidays - Memories of Home
Holidays
I guess it is too early to start to talk about holidays,
daydreaming about fun times in the sun, the sand beneath my feet and the waves
lashing around bringing with it the cool breeze of a Caribbean afternoon. We begin the year and already 2 weeks into
January, a fresh beginning, new start, and a chance to do all the things that
you dreamed of and a few that you didn’t.
I often take a glace back at where I have come from as a reminder of not
only what I have left to do but also of where I want to go. Our dreams do not drive themselves and while
the ‘good things come to those who wait’ – reminds us about patience, no one
will be knocking on your door with the man/woman/career/house/car of your
dreams anytime soon.
Dreams
This year one of the things I would like to see materialize in 2014 is the ability of being able to work from anywhere in the world on one
of the many creative pursuits that I currently have in motion and be able to
impact the lives of thousands, tens of thousands (ok lets think
big) Millions! All this to be done through art and creative expression!
I want to get up with the sun shining,
hearing the tropical birds outside my window, with the trees swaying, and start
my work after having a morning swim at the beach that is a stroll away from my
house. After my fruit smoothie with a
combination of pawpaw, sweet & sour sop, mango, golden apple, pear, and banana
the fruit from the trees in my garden I go into my art studio and start work on
a selection of the large canvases series for an upcoming exhibition. There is a distant sound of steel pans that
sound as if they are coming towards the house, strange to hear them so early in
the morning, but a great accompaniment to my creative flow. I make a mental note to order some more
paints, the steel pans getting closer, as if they are now outside my
window.
I reach for the latch on the
window, but instead find myself turning over in bed and reaching for the mobile
phone, now at its top volume after having the snooze button pressed for the
final time. My throat dry as I call out
to my son to get up and get himself sorted for school, and wonder how many 6 or
8 legged fiends I consumed while sleeping!
Working for yourself
Being self employed at the moment means that every day is a
work day, the dreams keep me motivated, and the mild weather we have been
getting gives me the necessary ‘breeze across my face coming from the Caribbean’
feeling. Looking back in my teenage
years I never dreamed I would be calling myself an artist and have worked and
connected with a range of inspirational and encouraging individuals, if you
asked me after my degree as I launched myself back into the ‘corporate world’
that I would be sharing my journey and encouraging others I would have signed
and said ‘in an ideal world’.
Caribbean inspired |
As I look
forward I see that I have come a long way, yet the journey has not completed –
far from it, there is still so many adventures waiting to be experienced and it
begins with today and what I decide to do or not do, but choice there has to be
made.
What have you done with your today, and what will you do
with your tomorrow. Have you already
found yourself defeated from those promises you made on the 1st
January or are you taking a slow and steady pace with your eyes on the
prize. Do leave a comment. I would love to hear what big and little things you have planned I hope you continue to join me on my journey over the weeks, as I share my mixed media houses and look back to the memories of home. I look forward to hearing about some of your own memories. Blessings and peace to you!
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Friday 10 January 2014
Gratitude's and Celebration - Week 27 - Action
Time to take action
Page before I began |
I guess that I have just adapted to the changes dealing with what is necessary at the time and putting things in place so that she can have an easier time as possible. She now has to use a wheel chair as walking has become difficult. It was while we were coming up the 20 stairs to her flat that it dawned on me how difficult it is becoming for her. I encourage her to lift her feet and take a step chattering at how well she is doing and let her know that there is a lovely cup of tea and biscuits waiting for her, she moves slowly but we eventually get there, she says she is looking forward to the biscuits.
I am grateful for the time that I get to spend with her, despite her decline still has a strength and resolve about her that see's her get up and with one step at a time hold on to her life.
We never know when we will take our last breath and I celebrate mums life, that gave me life and encourages me to move forward whether going through the ups or downs of the circumstances that may come my way.
I would love to hear from you and share what action you will be taking. As this week draws to a close have a blessed weekend! If you want to see how I made the journal (click here) Blessings!
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Wednesday 8 January 2014
Excitement - Memories of Home
Well, it is the first day of the year and I wish you a very Happy New Year. I hope you enjoyed your celebrations seeing the new year in and where ever you are.
Welcome to Memories of Home, if you would like to find out more information about the series, Click here
Being in a supportive environment is important to our growth as individuals, not everyone has had that opportunity and as adults we try and create an environment that will nurture and bless our children and indeed ourselves.
Excitement
Mixed Media House |
Growing up there was always excitement that came over you when the New Year celebrations had passed and everything had settled down. You were back at school, it seemed like everything was made new and you had a fresh slate to try and experience new things.As kids we were always excited about the year to come, you
had different celebrations coming up, birthdays to celebrate and you hoped that
this year you got at least one thing on your wish list.
Being older the New Year and the first few weeks is of the
year still fill me with excitement and it is all about that feeling of
newness. I have got the spring and
summer months to come and look forward to making plans. I plan the things I want to achieve for the
year and armed with my diary look at lists and balance schedules. Another thing I feel compelled to do at the
start of the year is a spring clean.
This is currently at the top of our list and we are planning to get rid
of a lot of things that are just cluttering up the home and not being used,
trying to find a good home for them. We also see courses starting and it is an
opportunity to learn new things and get those brain cells moving.
What fills you with excitement about the coming year, have
you got something specific planned, ideas that you are working on or are just a
thought without a form at the moment?
Speak life into these ideas and give them legs this year, and remember
to share how you got on!
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Tuesday 7 January 2014
Course Review and Insights - Life Book and Soul Food
Life Book and Soul Food are in progress and as I said a few days ago HERE the focus for Tuesdays on the blog for 3 weeks out of the 4 will change slightly as I share insights and Ahha moments from the courses that I am doing, while sharing some of the work. In an ideal world I would just be doing my work on the courses, but the reality for most of us is that life still goes on in the meantime. There is no pause button, so being realistic you can’t get everything done at once, it just isn't possible and choices have to be made.
In both courses we have already had quite a few videos to watch and techniques to try out, while we battle with the ‘Critic’, and mine tells me ‘I don’t have the time’ and that it isn’t necessary to grow or stretch myself, and by no means climb out of my comfort zone. My critic is the one who wants me compare myself to other artists as I sit up watching anything on sky tv – flicking through the channels until at least 1am rather than be in my studio space being creative, perhaps what the critic needs is a holiday with a roller coaster ride of adventure to shake it up a bit!
Within all the chatter and the noise the still small voice says ‘don’t be afraid, everything will be alright, you can do all things, I will give you the strength, step out in faith, your steps will be ordered and when you can’t stand, I will carry you, standing in the gap for you!’
What I‘ve been doing so far on the courses is thinking about what I am learning from each contributor, what is it that is an encouragement to my own work and the processes that I use. There isn’t always going to be something, but even doing something different from the way you would normally do it will help you come back refreshed.
A couple of things that I am trying to do is be freer with the techniques and playing with the materials, thinking about colour and how I use it in my work and whether I can be bolder experimenting more with the materials that I have.
In Life Book Tam did some useful exercises around the colour wheel and i thought about the different ways I use it and how I can experiment with colour more within my work.
My Encourager |
Be strong in heart because miracles can happen
This image came out for me as that gentle reminder that I just need to be who I have been called to be through my work.
In Soul Food, Mystele shared with us how she uses her gelli plate, I don’t have one but have been improvising with a Perspex plate using the tools I have and I created a few backgrounds which led to this image;
Fly |
The perspex is hard and it dries quite quickly, so I’ll continue to experiment and see what I come up with over the weeks.
Yesterday I spent time watching Gwen Seemels contribution
working with coloured markers and pens and working in layers. I’ve been using Promarkers pens and more recently Spectrum Noir and revisited a page I did
Love yourself.. |
And thought that I would spend more time working with the pens as I quite enjoyed it. I had stopped using the Promarkers because I felt that I’d hit a wall, but again just needed to push.
I intend to do more pen based images. What also resonated with some of the things she said was about layers and self portraits. Over the course of around 20 years I have only done 2. I guess with all the faces I have done over the years there is a little bit of me or my personality in each.
Doing self portraits really gets us to look at ourselves and we need to do this from time to time. We can be too hard on ourselves, and walk with the perception of what we think others are seeing and then depending on your frame of mind see yourself how you think others are seeing you or how you think they think you should be seeing yourself! ((Really).... – did that make sense to you?).
I only want to see myself the way God sees me...
I want to see the gifts and talents I have been blessed with used to bless others. My word for the year which I’ll remind myself of again is ‘attention to detail’ – what exactly can you hear, see, smell, feel, taste – and being present, all of me in every situation. I want to see the seeds that I planted and tended last year bear fruit this year. I am looking for growth, change, sometimes it will be uncomfortable and awkward, sometimes I’ll share, sometimes not, but we are going to see new opportunities, doors opening, new techniques learnt and we will be speaking of miracles. I don’t want to be the same or do the same things that I did last year and I plant to work hard to see those things come to pass.
Let me encourage you as you face your own journey, to really see yourself, who you really are, the whole you, not a fragmented image. It is not an overnight transformation but a slow and steady pace, a get you up early and stay focused pace that calls on you to be here in the moment right now!
If you are talking either Soul Food or Life Book or any other course that is great, it would be lovely to hear how you have found the course so far, share your insights. If you hadn’t taken the step yet, it is still early days and you don’t need to worry about catching up. Whatever you do today do it with meaning, passion and intent. I am looking forward to sharing other insights with you along the way. Blessings!
I intend to do more pen based images. What also resonated with some of the things she said was about layers and self portraits. Over the course of around 20 years I have only done 2. I guess with all the faces I have done over the years there is a little bit of me or my personality in each.
I only want to see myself the way God sees me...
My Heart Overflows |
When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings an crowned him with glory and honour...Psalm 8:3-5
I want to see the gifts and talents I have been blessed with used to bless others. My word for the year which I’ll remind myself of again is ‘attention to detail’ – what exactly can you hear, see, smell, feel, taste – and being present, all of me in every situation. I want to see the seeds that I planted and tended last year bear fruit this year. I am looking for growth, change, sometimes it will be uncomfortable and awkward, sometimes I’ll share, sometimes not, but we are going to see new opportunities, doors opening, new techniques learnt and we will be speaking of miracles. I don’t want to be the same or do the same things that I did last year and I plant to work hard to see those things come to pass.
Planted by the River |
Let me encourage you as you face your own journey, to really see yourself, who you really are, the whole you, not a fragmented image. It is not an overnight transformation but a slow and steady pace, a get you up early and stay focused pace that calls on you to be here in the moment right now!
If you are talking either Soul Food or Life Book or any other course that is great, it would be lovely to hear how you have found the course so far, share your insights. If you hadn’t taken the step yet, it is still early days and you don’t need to worry about catching up. Whatever you do today do it with meaning, passion and intent. I am looking forward to sharing other insights with you along the way. Blessings!
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Sunday 5 January 2014
Learning - Creating in Faith
Your life is your message to the world.
Make it inspiring...Lorin L Lee
Learning
Learning comes in many shapes and forms in a formal setting
or non formal and every day we are learning new things about ourselves as we
reflect on our lives and experiences. How have you done so far with all the things you said you
were going to do at the beginning of the year? Granted it is only the first week, but you
need to hit the floor running, or perhaps you already have and all we can do is
look at your dust as you whizz into the distance...
‘For I know the plans I have for you’, declares the Lord, ‘plans to
prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future – Jeremiah
29:11
Organisation
I am currently surrounded by lists and schedules as I
slightly run after myself in doing the things I want to do. I had a great flurry of action towards the
end of last year and now in the New Year schedules are still to be finalised,
courses have started and I am wondering where the week has gone so far. I am mindful though about keeping up with all
the things that I have committed myself to do and in the midst of it still
enjoy the process.
God
had planned something better for us so only together with us would
they be made perfect... Hebrews 11:40
Having made the decision to cut back on my posting for
Tutorial Tuesdays, Material Mondays and Recycled Projects, I will be sharing what
I have done in the classes and what it may have brought up creatively for
me. I am also looking forward to the
growth and the insight which should come with learning new information. I already know that I resonate towards more
structured way of working. I like
knowing what is planned for the next week and what I am working towards. It stops the wandering from one thing to the
next as you get more and more distracted.
I learnt that I need to just go with wanting structure among the spontaneity
of the creative practice.
Creative Sundays
Next week Sundays will see the beginning of my Creative Sunday’s
posts – Expressing your creativity in a spiritual environment. I look forward to sharing each week and
producing a video of the process – as part of getting myself out of my comfort
zone and moving forward. My word which I
shared for the year is ‘Attention to Detail’ which for me will require me to be
more focused and disciplined as I am asking a lot of myself this year.
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed..Proverbs
16:3
Attachments
I am also learning about my attachments and my ‘you never
know when you can use it’ mindset, we are spending time over the next few
months to declutter the house. My
husband is more ruthless and when we talked about it last year I was all fired
up caused it seems so far away. This
weekend he went and got the boxes and made a start and I have found myself
justifying why it is alright for him to get rid of his things but some things (all
of my things) need to stay. I am realising
the more I have been thinking about it that there are some strong emotional
ties that I will need to deal with alongside the excuses that are already
preparing themselves at the back of my mind.
Last year I did a 30 day de-cluttering challenge and so I know
that I can do it I guess admitting how I feel is the first step to moving on, and there is a limit to how many books you can
hold onto and read, or how many clothes you can keep, although since starting
creating recycled projects I find a use for quite a lot of things, mainly
boxes, packaging which I will have to limit or make sure that what I make goes
to a good home (am I justifying again??).
Making the way...
At the end of the day I know that I have done
it in other areas and I will have to just work through it. I know that God has much more for me this
year - there are new adventures to experience, new environments to be in and
new things to learn and sometimes you have to let go of things. You can’t take these things with you, you
have to make the most of them while you are living and share what you have with
those who are in a less fortunate position.
Let us step into 2014 knowing that we did all the things that we needed
to do, we stretched ourselves, we were more than we were last year and we made
a difference in the life of at least
What are your plans for 2014, where are the
changes going to be made in order for you to move forward?
Psalm 121 1-4– I lift my eyes to the hills – where does my help come
from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip – he who
watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will
neither slumber or sleep
Friday 3 January 2014
Gratitude's and Celebration - Week 26 - Miracles
Miracles Happen Every Day!
We are just 3 days into the New Year. Do you remember what you did around this time last year? I know many made promises to themselves of things they would do, try to achieve or try to change. How many have see these things come to pass?
Often we look for the miracles in life to be massive things that take our breath away. Winning the lottery, getting that dream house (out of the blue) or landing that job that you know you aren't qualified for but they liked you. I am sure you can think of other things that are massive that you might count as a miracle. For some these things have been their reality and they are looking for the next big thing.
Gratitude's and Celebration page before completion |
Miracles Happen.... |
Me aged 9 and Robert aged 5 |
I celebrate all those fun times we had as children and the fine man he grew up to be.
Robert is dearly missed |
Miracles are happening every day, if you are having a hard time in seeing them, look out your window, step out of your front door, take a breath, feel the breeze on your skin, put on some music and dance - knowing that you are at this moment pain free - even if it is just for a moment. Make a promise to yourself this year, if it is the only promise that you do make for yourself, and that is to live each day from today with passion, see the big and small miracles that are coming your way, and do not take one more day for granted.
Miracles happen everyday! - Gratitude's and Celebration Journal |
Wednesday 1 January 2014
Garden - Memories of Home
Welcome to Memories of Home, if you would like to find out more information about the series, Click here
Being in a supportive environment is important to our growth as individuals, not everyone has had that opportunity and as adults we try and create an environment that will nurture and bless our children and indeed ourselves.
Garden
With the new year brings exciting changes for all. I took time yesterday morning to spend it in the garden seeing what needed to be cut back in preparation for the spring, what needed to be cleared. I really enjoy this time as what you do now can impact the development of the plant and prepares it for the next stage of development.
When we were smaller we lived in a flat (apartment). We had a balcony which was small, but no garden space. My mother loved plants and had a wide array of houseplants dotted around the home. She would take her time walking round to each tending to them applying water and removing the dead leaves. She seemed in her own world and would often be humming or singing a song. Watching her and spending time in my own garden I realise the therapeutic benefits that she enjoyed as she spent time with the plants.
When we were smaller we lived in a flat (apartment). We had a balcony which was small, but no garden space. My mother loved plants and had a wide array of houseplants dotted around the home. She would take her time walking round to each tending to them applying water and removing the dead leaves. She seemed in her own world and would often be humming or singing a song. Watching her and spending time in my own garden I realise the therapeutic benefits that she enjoyed as she spent time with the plants.
I too find it relaxing, regardless of what I am doing even if it is getting rid of fallen branches. It is a lovely feeling to know what will be coming and how the plants will take shape as the weather gets milder. I have a plant that produced bright yellow flowers in the spring and yesterday noticed that one of them had decided to come out early and give me a visual taster.
I would love to hear what type of plants you have in your own home environment that allows you to be comfortable. I hope you continue to join me on my journey over the weeks, as I share my mixed media houses and look back to the memories of home. I look forward to hearing about some some of your own memories. Blessings and peace to you!
This is the plant in its full glory and the flowers will last until the summer. It truly is lovely to feast your eyes on it. Whether big or small do you have a space to grow plants, what is your favorite plant you have grown?
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