Unplanned Obsolescence

 After years of [somewhat] adequate service, I recently bid farewell to a key member of my team here in this studio. I was not prepared to part ways. I spent several months and dollars seeking a resolution. But the matter simply could not be resolved favorably. 

Tuesday: Things I Make for Me

 This one is a little different. Because this TIMFM post is about something different I make for me: space.

Ways and Means

No one asked, but I feel this is a valid (and necessary) PSA. I'm an artist. I sell my work online and locally. I also create content around my work. I take pictures and videos, I write and edit all of these forms of content myself.

The Seeker: Tech-knowlogy

My 14-year-old niece recently declared "You know a lot of stuff!". 

This was after I'd told her something I thought might be useful for her to know in life. I don't remember what tidbit of info I'd given her that particular time...

To Do or Not to Do

I don't have a creative crystal ball. I don't, as a rule, always know how I'm going to complete a creative project or task when I take it on. I often just have a "gut" feeling, which prompts me to get rolling with it.

The Lost Art

Is cursive writing dead?? I recently learned (wow, I'm late to this news) that my 13 and 14 year old niece and nephew were not taught cursive writing in school. Like, they never learned something that was a required part of my elementary curriculum.

An Ode

I've long felt that part of an artist's (of any discipline) job was to move people to see the world around them from a fresh perspective. And since color, texture, and pattern have always stirred the muse for me, I'm sharing this.

Inherited Creativity

I am a multimedia artist. I've spent many years charting my own creative course. And it's definitely a unique one. But I come from a family of creative people (on both sides) who left me a creative birthright and some tools to help me along the way. 

To-Do: on Tasks

Are you a list maker? Some might call me a hardcore list-maker, lol. But I need to ensure I don't forget to do certain things. And that might have stemmed from my years-long habit of jotting notes and making sketches when I had project ideas but didn't have time in the moment to execute them. My

first and foremost!

pet peeve is thinking of something important to me and forgetting to do it, or even forgetting what it was I wanted to do.

Connections

I've recently mentioned here and across other social media that I'm finally getting the ball rolling with both my dormant YouTube channel and Patreon feed.

 

I'm thrilled to be flexing some creative muscles that I wasn't sure I was ready to use. But in the process of creating new content in new ways, I'm realizing that it's not a far cry from what I've already been doing, and actually feeding my inspiration to create even more. It reminds me of a quote attributed to Pablo Picasso: "inspiration exists, but it has to find you working", meaning, you don't gain inspiration being idle, you start, and then the ideas start flowing. Crazy, right? 

Monday on Target- Focusing!

The other day something made me realize that I forgot to plan. Yeah, that sounds pretty silly.

Many of us are good at setting goals and putting new things into practice, like exercise, reading, starting a garden, etc. But then we get busy and sometimes lose sight of what we meant to do and why we started.

I've had success with something that I'm sure many people dispel as "hokey", silly, or pointless. But for me, it's been effective- I've seen results. And with new developments in my personal and professional lives, it occurred to me that I was falling off in one area in particular. One that seems to affect all the other areas. My vision boards. 

Passionate Harmony

The other day as I was prepping veggies for a pretty little salad, an image came to mind. It was inspired as I thought of how my passions often sort of overlap into and feed each other. As some might be well aware, if you ask any type of artist or creative person, they will likely tell you that they have other interests that may exist in harmony with their creative work. And actually, isn't that true of everyone, not just artists? One might be able to quickly discern from my blog, website, and social accounts that I'm an artist, and painting, sculpting, creating is pretty important to me. But some of my other passions include growing, prepping, [and eating] fresh, organic
food. building things and organizing, and snapping pics. I also love physical activity, and staying fit. And all these things seem to prove pretty useful to each other on a regular basis. I like to think that that's not accidental, and that we each have a toolbox of things we like or do well. And often the seemingly unrelated tools are used together for unique or special results. What are your passions and tools?

💡 One Tip Tuesday: Roll Call

I'm so ashamed (okay, not really ashamed). I started One Tip Tuesday a few years back, with nothing but good intentions, but other things got in the way of those good intentions. 

But it's never too late to amend one's ways and to try again to get it right. So I'm recommitting to this, because I have a laundry list of things I'd like to share on the creative, DIY, and art fronts. In many years of building, tearing apart, and rebuilding my studio, the work I do there, and my approach, I have managed to create shortcuts, time savers, and my own favorite approach to everything from making things, planning things, and being organized while doing those things. 

Don't get me wrong, I'm absolutely not touting myself as some sort of expert. But I do want to share (for anyone who is interested) things I've figured out along the way that have made my life easier. I actually would like my whole blog to take something of that tone. BUT the purpose of OTT (WHOA- I just made it an acronym! And we're on our way!!) is quick tips in short posts that I share, that can be reshared, and that I can refer back to myself. These are meant to be no-fuss quickies that I hope will have value, based on my own experience, not on things I read about something I have never tried. So, for instance, this will probably be the single longest OTT, as I'm rambling about my personal ground rules. Going forward, comprehensive info on any of the tips will hopefully not be necessary, as this will just be a couple pictures and a short paragraph. That way, hopefully, I can stay on track with it. And I can still answer questions in comments. I am still shooting to do longer posts on specific projects and techniques, but those would be something separate. 

If you already follow my blog, you may know that I struggle to find time for ONE post a month. Don't worry, you won't suddenly receive twice-weekly post notifications with ads and begging for shares, lol. Like you, I don't have a bunch of time to devote to blogging or reading blogs. But I am hoping to achieve more reasonable consistency, without writing useless fluff.

All that said, here is the first in the new chapter of One Tip Tuesdays. Today I'm sharing some of the useful rolled stuff I try to keep on hand in the studio.  Here's a shortlist:

• Clear Plastic Wrap- great for lining molds to make pulling items out when they're dry easier. Also great for stretch wrapping items together, no hair dryer required.

• wax paper- ball up into shapes for sculpture armatures, use as homemade transfer paper, wrap leftover clays short term, disposable palette paper

• GLAD brand Press'n Seal- cover leftover paint in pots or on a palette to use later, seal small parts onto bigger things so they are visible and won't get lost, short term patch for rips

• freezer paper- create a non-stick work surface, draw on the non-coated side like banner paper

• banner roll- mount onto a curtain rod to create a continuous sketch area on a wall or table, use to create a smooth, seamless backround for pictures, use as a heavy duty wrapping medium- stamp patterns for custom paper

• dollar store brown wrapping paper (in print or plain) wrap things big and small, crumple to fill boxes or bags, make gift bags, cover salvaged boxes, books, or cans for storage

• thrift store fabrics- keep on hand for all kinds of quick projects: patching things, covering things, making scented sachets, covering things, adding layers to projects, photo backgrounds

The possibilities are endless. I don't think I  even covered half. And having these around for a last minute or unexpected project makes my life easier.  Hope this tip gives you some inspiration to make yours easier, too. Feel free to share your own uses in comments! Rock and roll! (sorry 😛)

SmARTphone Scores

how old could it be??

I love random beauty of pretty much any variety. As an artist, I absorb inspiration constantly from everyday life. I stumbled onto a quiet little spot the other day, of what seemed to be otherwise unnoticed beauty, and I had to explore and take a few pics, allergies be damned.

For me, color, texture, and light of certain qualities draw me in, cause me to take notice and make mental notes. Thankfully, in this day of smartphones, I can do more than that. My phone is currently full of pictures like this, serving a purpose similar to a sketchbook. I have a whole folder in my phone devoted to photo references. I look at them as valuable gems to reference for sculptures, painting details, and more.  

 I love using technology to facilitate creative inspiration and work. Since I seem to use it for so much of that, I'm thinking I need to start calling it an ARTphone. Maybe even leave off the phone part, if I'm being realistic, (who makes calls anymore, lol??). Hey - it could become a thing! Off to take more pics...

 

Lost Compass

Ugh. Left my studio in a bit of a hurry today without my sketchbook because I just couldn't find it. Feels almost like being without my phone, or say, my arm. Okay, I'm being a little dramatic.

But I am reminded how important that dog-eared thing is to me. More than just the catchall of my (sometimes innermost) musings, ideas, and dreams, my sketchbook acts as a compass. A reminder (which I frequently refer back to) of what I hope to accomplish or express. It's things I feel poured through me into physical manifestation by Holy Spirit, my running water captured onto pages, if that makes any sense.

Lol- yeah, that's a lot of weight for a bunch of spiral bound paper. But I pretty much feel that way about all my sketchbooks. All of which I've hoarded since I started drawing as a child.

I still gain insight into my creative evolution flipping through the old ones. Sometimes it's an opportunity to revisit old ideas using skills or techniques I've gained since.

So when I find my sketchbook again, as I carry it from one spot to the next, maybe I won't toss it on the floor, balance it on a ledge, leave it in a pile of papers, prop my cup of tea on it, or whatever, like I've always done!

Photo Finish

Ugh. The season I've been avoiding seems to be nearing. Most of the pics seen on this blog, on my website, in my stores, etc. were taken with my trusty little Canon point and shoot (the rest with my cell phone cam). I've enjoyed it because its quick, convenient, and I don't have to concern myself with extra steps or adjustments prior to just snapping pictures.

But I knew the time would come when I would have to bite the bullet and invest in a DSLR camera. Lately I've been finding myself yearning for more from my images (i.e. depth, color range, minute detail). The thing that bugs me most about this is that if I make such an investment, I will need to commit to learning the ins and outs and all the bells and whistles. Otherwise, why waste good money? Why does that bug me? Because it means carving time out to do that learning. Time that I would rather be spending making things, or planning to make things.

While it's not my main focus, I do enjoy taking photos. Photography facilitates a lot of other work I do, so it's a necessity for me. I took photography as one of my elective classes in high school (35mm, enlargers, smelly chemicals and all) and enjoyed that. I love learning new things... but this is a broad, encompassing level, which I don't feel I have the focus to absorb yet. Still, I feel it's important for me to start planning. Luckily, I like to spend plenty of time procrastina- uh researching steps like this so I can make an educated decision and feel like I'm doing the right thing for my work (and my purse).

So I've put it out there. Guess we'll see how this plays out. Hopefully I'll have a plan of action by month's end, and have it executed (new knowledge, equipment, and all) by the end of the year, if not sooner...

An Artist's Tools

Where I go to play when it's not sunny outside... (let's be real- I go here to play almost every day).

color around my studio

Low Tech/No Tech

I'm SO not a tech head. Meaning, though innovation interests me, and I do things like write code and tinker with prototypes for my own designs, I'm usually the last on board for new gadgets. I haven't played a video game in years, I don't have a flat screen (who cares?), and I still sometimes use CDs and non-blu ray DVDs. Don't judge me. That stuff doesn't usually excite me. What does excite me are gadgets that improve my life, make me more efficient, etc. Yes, I do have a fairly recent phone. I use that and my laptop for my work. But for most other stuff, I allow the masses to try stuff out, sometimes for years before I break and buy. I would honestly rather have another book, or art supplies than zip zing zoom. 

Now that I've said all that, I will shamelessly admit that something came along that challenged my [old fashioned?] sensibilities. Enter Google Glass. When I first heard about it, I was instantly intrigued. As someone who loves the idea of hands-free multitasking, instant photo referencing/research, and hopes to get rolling with more technique sharing, this new concept sounded awesome. Check out the video:

Before you could say contradiction, I found myself signing up for Google's "Explorer Program" to buy and try this strange new technology. Last week, (after a few weeks' wait) I received an email from Google. An official invitation to purchase a pair of these space age specs while they are still in the testing phases. And after a quick look, I slowly backed out of the email, not completely certain that I wasn't being filmed like someone browsing in a brick and mortar store, being beckoned to open an account and sign a limb away. I haven't looked again, so I'm also not certain the email didn't self destruct. Let's just say, these special glasses are being valued higher than the most expensive trip I've ever taken (overseas!).

So I've snapped out of it, and am back to my old low-tech ways. At least for now, lol. They're not off my wishlist, though. Maybe on my vision board...

An Artist's Tools

Okay, a bit on the obvious side today, but, these are some of the most important tools I've ever used or will use in my work. That being said, I've been a little busy with other creative matters and haven't posted as often as I would like. But I was inspired by a conversation I had the other day with a fellow creative, who told me that in attempting a new technique, she had followed steps I posted here a while back and had some success. I loved that, and I want to share more. I will admit that I have a few sets of photos taken of creative processes to share more techniques, but I haven't made the time to edit them or write the posts. Shame on me. But I am committing to completing one technique post here by this time next week. If I don't fulfill that commitment, you have my permission to write me an angry email. In the meantime, since we're talking about creative tools and inspiration, please go check out my new handmade supply shop, Muse. It's been up and running (albeit a little under the radar) for about a week now, while I tweaked and made sure everything was in place and operating properly. I'm mastering juggling so many different projects I want to do these days! Muse joins my website as an exclusive collection, the first of several specialized niche collections I'm excited to be building. It's an answer to what I've learned some people visit my site to find, and hopefully what they're looking for.

An Artist's Tools

In this edition of An Artist's Tools, I am highlighting tools that fall on the opposite end of the spectrum from the very first edition of AAT. I guess this thing will be all over the map, depending on my moods and the tools handy for photographing. The first post featured my most basic drawing tools. Today I'd like to share the mini marketing and sales kit that fits right into whatever purse I happen to be carrying on a given day. Pared down over years of trial and error (and a few missed opportunities), here it is:

 1. Handy mini measuring tape, great for supply and part measuring when shopping for specific projects, also good for measuring a space for art installation. 2. Square card reader with custom QR code sticker, so customers can pay with a card or cash, receive a receipt via email, and then scan the code with their device to visit my website instantly.
3. Folding pocket stamp with my phone number. I don't include it on my cards because I loathe talking on the phone (and the lack of paper trail with phone conversations about projects!), so I only stamp it when absolutely necessary. 4. Mini pen 5. Business card case. 6. Smart phone with a mirrored screen cover, to make sure there's no spinach in my teeth. ;o) 7. Mini notebook.

"Be proactive!"

card swiper with sticker, close up

That's it. Ready for (almost) anything.