The Substance of Things Hoped For...

It's been 4 days since I last blogged and I have been chomping at the bit to get back to it. Time just has not permitted it much. So what has happened in the last couple of days you ask? I am so glad you did! I finished that scarf that I started this blog with. It's not perfect, but it looks pretty jazzy for my first time knitting. I will attach pictures to this post a little later. I have also started another painting, which sparked the topic for this blog.

During my quiet time with God, I read and studied Hebrews 11:1 and some supporting scriptures. I really prayed that since I am sure that this creative/art/craft thing is a gift from Him, that the correlation between it, Him, and the world would be made clear to me. As I read the definition of faith (the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen), it was clear to me why I go through struggles at times creating...turning a vision into reality. So, I equated a blank canvas to faith. A blank canvas is exactly that...blank. There is no image, no tale, and no story. It is what I hope for that becomes evident as I apply a medium of my choice to the canvas. The hope that once I start, I will finish. The hope that the particular piece being worked on turns out how I envisioned it would. The hope that the materials used would cooperate to achieve the desired outcome. It's not seen on that blank canvas, but definitely hoped for.

With that said, I continue to have faith...faith that the evidence of the things not seen will become crystal clear as I keep hope alive for the substance (ministry) that I know God has blessed me with, creativity.

Have a wonderful evening all!

Be blessed!

Today's Work

In light of me being somewhat lazy today, I have gotten a lot of work done. I managed to stretch and gesso a canvas and almost finished knitting the scarf that I started this blog out with. I'm excited because despite me not doing work in the past or feeling unmotivated to do work in the past, I have been able to move forward this year. I have been able to start more projects within 3 weeks than I have in years. I am determined you all....simply determined. Have a good one!

Be blessed!

Getting Old

I had the energy tonight to do a little blogging, so I thought that I would do so before the fizzle...well, fizzeled out. I had the opportunity to hang out with some good friends of mine this evening; friends that I had not seen in a while. We ate dinner, played some games, shared laughs/stories and watched a little "def comedy jam". As the 11 o'clock hour started to approach, jackets went on and a flurry of goodbye kisses blessed cheeks. It was then that we realized that we are, getting old. For those that used to attend dance parties, clubs, etc., you know that you didn't arrive at your destination until 11pm or midnight. Now, as I approach the age of 30, I can hardly keep my eyes open past midnight. Yes, it is all so funny how lives change and priorities shift...all for the better of course. Well...ta ta for the night.

Be blessed!

Jewelry

I wanted to get a range of things for you folks to see. I haven't made any pieces in the last couple of months, but will be doing some really soon. Here are two shots of some of my stuff. You all have a wonderful evening.

Be blessed!

Mona Lisa Unveiled

I read an article today about da Vinci's infamous Mona Lisa painting. It seems as if they have finally discovered the woman behind the ever so slight grin. Here is the skinny...Mona is Lisa Gherardini. She was the wife of Francesco del Giocondo, a wealthy Florentine merchant. Experts say that there were notes scribbled in a book that is dated October 1503 that confirms that Lisa was the model for sure. But is this finding such a good thing? The way I see it is it can be a major loss to the art community. It somehow takes the sense of mystery out of the painting...something that most artists and non-artists alike relished. Not only is the mystery gone, but also the sense of one being able to imagine who this mystery woman was. Imagination is half the beauty of a piece of art. What does the painting depict? What was the thought process behind the painting?..etc, etc. Let's keep the mystery in our work artists. Let's keep our audience wondering about our story and making up their own.

I liked Mona Lisa better when I didn't know her smile.
Be blessed!

Studio Space

My studio space is actually really good when I think about it. I don't have a sink, but I do have plenty of space with a concrete floor that can withstand all sorts of mishaps. To the right you will see what my space looks like. I still have a lot of cleaning to do, but who has time to clean, when there is work to be done. Also, I should mention that I took these pictures with that new Canon that I talked about a couple of posts ago. I have been reading its manual. I am amazed at how crisp the images are coming out. TS says that is what I will get with a 10 megapixel digi cam. I say....FABULOUS! Until next time....

Be blessed!

Purpose

The first definition of purpose in the dictionary is the reason for which something exists or is done, made, used, etc. I sometimes struggle with purpose...my purpose. I am quite sure of some of the things that God has meant for me to do, but not all by far. The difficullty is not always the knowing, but the doing. Ahhh...I can only pray that I carry out my purpose and that staying on course with my creativity is a stepping stone. Have a good night all remembering the following simple, but profound quote with my twist added. It's not success that makes one joyous, but joy that makes one successful.

Be blessed!

Pores

I did nothing much today, but knit...as I still was not feeling 100%. I am figuring that it must have something to do with me going outside with a wet head. Scientist say that you can't get sick that way, but my mother swares otherwise. It kind of makes sense that it may. Your pores are open and germs aim to get in any way that they choose. On that note...have a wonderful evening!

Be blessed!

I Couldn't Resist!

Hey All! I know that I said that I would be posting the series that I am working on when I get done, but I thought that I would post at least one panel now. I thought that it would be a good opportunity to get some painting on this page. This is not the most recent panel, but the first panel that was done about 6 months ago. The series is about children...yes...my beautiful niece and handsome nephews. Children really inspire me so. They have so much character at such a young age. It really boggles my mind sometimes just how intelligent they are. They say funny things like, "Oh snap", "My brain told me to do that" and "I am like Joseph". They say endearing things like, "Jesus loves you", "Do I look handsome today?" and "Don't cry...it is okay". They simply just are...something us adults have lots of problems being. They have no problem stating the truth and enjoy life to the fullest minus the worries. If we could all take lessons from children, we would be so much better off.

Be blessed!

Thought Provoking Writing

I did a lot of writing today. I actually started the process of writing my artist statement. It doesn't seem like it should really take all the steps that I am taking, but the process that I have been following does make for some thought provoking writings. Writings that could actually be used in some of my pieces. I have been forced to think about phrases that describe my work, why I chose art and how did I get started. It's interesting because while I was involved in the arts when I was young I never really thought that I would be an artist. I always pushed for Vetrenarian. I actually started off on a Zoology track at college, but quickly realized it wasn't for me. My creativity was being stifled and once I made a commitment to my art I was liberated. I can truly say now knowing Christ that it is a gift that He has given. It all made sense later when I realized that art in any capacity was the thing that made me tick. Quite frankly, the more that I share the gift (put my thoughts on canvas with paint, on paper with pen, through the lens of my camera, threads of knitted/crocheted yarn, the movement of my body or via the sound of my voice) the more I receive to share. Moral of the story...use your gift/talent. What ever you put out...you are sure to receive in return. I would encourage everyone to read Matthew 25: 14-30 from the best Book ever. The story really encourages us to be productive in whatever God has gifted us with. Enjoy!

Be blessed!

Nothing...but Polenta

I took a break today as I wasn't feeling up to par. So, there was nothing done physically in the aspect of the art realm, but the brain is always ticking. I actually took some time to try to find some art magazines to subscribe to and in the midst, I found a show that I think I will enter. The good thing...entries are not due until May 2008. The bad thing...each entry is 13 dollars (if my memory serves correctly). You can submit as many slides as possible in each category, but who can afford 13 bucks a pop. I will submit perhaps 3 or 4 and pray for the best.

In other news...I made some polenta the week of Christmas. I sent a phone pic to my friend Jennifer. She is a vegetarian and mentioned that it was one of her dishes. I was interested, since the main ingredient is corn meal. I love grits...so why not polenta. The recipe was easy and I made chicken and green beans to go along with it. There was a chance for the polenta and chicken to do a photo op and the camera phone did it no justice. Here it is...I know that it looks good, but don't drool on your keypads. LOL!

Be blessed!

I Am Exhausted

LORD knows that I did not want to blog this evening. However, I really want to make a concerted effort to blog my daily progress. So, I spent about 3 hours painting this evening and actually finished one panel of a five panel series that I am working on. I actually won't post pics of it until the project is finished (I have 2 more panels to go). The medium is acrylic, which is actually not my medium of choice (due to it drying so fast). It does prove to be easier to use when you don't have a place to dispose of oils properly. Plus the clean up is so much faster. I got more of my scarf knitted today as well. I am a far cry from being done, but Rome wasn't built in a day, now was it? Well, it's time for me to hit the bricks, get my beauty rest, hit the sack...however you choose to say...going to bed!

Hasta Manana-Lord willing
Be blessed!

Hmmm!

I must admit...I don't know how to use the Rebel SLR that I just brought to well. My naivety said that it was just like a manual 35mm. To my surprise, there are way more options than I would ever use on my manual Yashica 35mm, which I happen to love. I thought I would step into the present century and actually be able to view the photos that I took on the spot. For as much as I hate to do so, I will be reading the manual.

Having said all of that, I decided to post a pic about a new craft venture...knitting. Since I wasn't able to get the shot that I wanted with my new Rebel, I used my faithful Canon Powershot. So, here she goes. I actually crochet, but never thought I would have the patience to knit. I will definitely post the finished project, whenever that happens.

-Be blessed!

The Beginning

I've decided that I am going to make a concerted effort this year to do this thing right. So, that means that I am going to be blogging my progress and success as an artist here. Hopefully I will have those that will be able to cheer me on in my journey, but have made up in my mind that if no one comments, I still need this to keep me focused and on the ball. I will be blogging daily...some long and some short...some will be about the fine arts and some will be about the crafts. However, they will all be about me delving into the host of creative thoughts that swim within my mind...one that God created beautifully. So, enjoy...and comment if you choose.

Be blessed!