Virtual Gallery Walk- PAJWLH

So today is the first day of our Virtual Gallery Walk! If you are not up to speed about what this concept is... check out my article from last weeks post here about the Virtual Gallery Walk. The name of this exhibit is Artistic Inspiration: Then and Now.


For this exhibit of our Virtual Gallery Walk, we decided to use various forms of inspiration to draw from. My initial thought was to draw inspiration from classic artists, but with this group of artists... the sky became the limit. Our talks went from story books, to music and well... it just expanded. So the focus for this exhibit will be Artistic Inspiration: Then and Now...

Here is what I came up with :)

My initial inspiration was an artist that I was introduced to during my drawing class. I loved my drawing class because our teacher had a really unique approach to teaching us the basics of drawing through varying mediums and artists. One of the artists that I was drawn to was Sigmar Polke.

Here are a few samples of his work, and for more samples click here to view google images.

Upgrade (Lens Painting) (2007)
mixed media on fabric
31 1/2 x 39 1/4 inches
source:oneartworld.com

 

       source: escapeintolife.com

What I enjoyed about his art was of course his mixed media approach to some of his pieces, but also the use of layers through varying effects such as screen print or image transfers and stencils.

Another inspiration of mine is street art... I have become enamored with the use of stencils in street art and the juxtaposition of some of the placement  of art and content. Banksy and Shepard Fairey are the two that come to mind when I think of influential street artists. With street art you are faced with a canvas that is opportune and available. I love that some of the work that street artists create often cover advertisements, or flyers that are stuck to the wall. Mostly just in the way  that it creates texture... not so much in the illegal way it costs communities to restore.

So with this in mind, I set out to create a piece that offered techniques such as stenciling, screen printing and image transfers but that offered the texture of a random surface. I love the look of stenciled street art that has been created over walls that previously held papers, posters and such... the textures are amazing! That was one of the attributes I knew I needed with this pieces. I had planned on screen printing a bit on this, but after I looked at the last layer I laid... I didn't think it was necessary. So this is it :)

Take Hold of your Dreams

Mixed Media 8x10 Canvas Board

Acrylics, Inks and Resin

Supplies: Acrylic Pigments (Plaid enterprises), Epoxy Resin (Ice Resin), texture stamp (Unity Stamp Co.), spray Inks (Clearsnap and Creative Imaginations), Stencil (Creative Imaginations),  Thread (Gutterman) letter stamps sequin and vintage paper (unknown)

Here is a view of the Resin I applied on the piece. I wanted to add lacquered sort of layer, that was sporadic and not completely covering. I considered using a gel or glaze medium, but I really wanted a TRUE lacquered feel that was completely transparent. I chose to use Ice Resin for this result. PLUS the depth that it offers the piece too :)

 This is a downward view of the right side of the piece. I have a cascade of sequin, thread, glitter, inks and paints creating layers and depth across this piece.

 Now if we are friends on Facebook... you might have heard about my "staples" incident... well these are the staples that were stapled to my hard wood floors... thank God they came up :)

 Here is a bit more of the texture, showing the basket weaving that is in the middle section of this piece. 

The idea for this gallery walk is to remind us all that our reason for creating, though it is our own... is the same as those who we follow... Even the greats had our drive, our passion... we are artists... just as they are. Notoriety has nothing to do with it. We create because it is who we are, not because it is who we want people to see us as... It is a part of who we are.

Today for the gallery walk, we also have the wonderful Jen Cushman sharing. Make sure to check out Jen her on her blog. Jen is part of the magic behind Ice Resin, which I am pretty sure that most of you have fallen in love with! You will definitely want to check out what she created :)

PAJWLH

 I am trying to catch up on some prompts since I have been ill the past few weeks. This blog post seemed perfect to add a prompt to. If you are not familiar with PAJWLH... check it out here. This is a free art journal workshop that I offer on line this year.

Prompt: Why do you create? for your family? For yourself? for healing? For work? look into the root of why it is you create. Is this the reason you started to create in the first place? Does it make you happy? Why?

Creative Prompt: Use a stencil, image transfer or silk screened image.

I am pretty excited that this is the start of this fun artsy adventure... I have chosen some good girls that are amazingly talented... I am so glad they said yes and that you get to be a part of this with us.

So enjoy this gallery walk... I will be your tour guide if you get lost, just hop back over here... am I will guide you to the right part of the exhibit for the day. We will be doing this from October 1st through the 5th... I am sure you will have a blast, pick up a few artistic inspirations that will get your creative juices flowing!

See you tomorrow :)

~Liz Hicks

9/11/2001- PAJWLH

Yesterday I woke up and could feel that it was 9/11.

9/11/2001 I remember this day so well. I was newly wed and expecting our first child. This was the day that we were going to go into the doctors for our very first baby appointment. What should have been a day full of hope became a day that I will never forget for reasons beyond imaginable.

I remember the series of texts and phone calls I got during this time. Friends telling me they were ok, friends worried about family members who later on were found to be ok. It seemed like such a time of uncertainty even the thought of driving to the doctors office which was 10 minutes away seemed scary.

Suddenly what use to be normal, now was not so certain. I think life comes at us with a certain force in which we learn to deal with things on a day to day basis taking certain liberties for granted. On this day I knew that safety was one of those liberties I had taken for granted.

Through the passing of days I saw a certain camaraderie in people begin to emerge. It seemed that everyone realized at the very same moment that life was precious. That nothing is for certain and that each day is a blessing. I saw churches coming together in support opening their doors to everyone to unite in prayer for our nation. Strangers helping strangers for the sake of humanity. At this point we were all equal, people seemed to look past what differences or labels that the person next to the carried and saw each other in one simple form. Human.

As tragic as the events were, from this came a mutual respect for human kind. A certain vulnerability that joined enemies and friends alike as a human race. I have to say, I still remember this. Through the years as safety became more apparent, I have seen this sense of camaraderie seem to dwindle. But still to this day, I remember the only good thing that seemed to come from this horrible incident was that we united as a nation, and the world knew this.

This is one of those things that I miss from 11 years ago. Of course I wish 9/11 never happened. I thank God every time that I see the pictures of the babies who lost their fathers in the events, never to have met them. I look at my son, now 10 and think, why were we so lucky to be spared? I can't help but think of this when this day rolls around. I just can't.

So in an effort of remembrance, I ask for you to take a moment and reflect yourself.

Journal Prompt: What does FREE mean to you? What of this day do you remember most? Do you remember fear? Love?Compassion?Unity? Do you still feel that way, or has time changed your perspective.

Creative Prompt:  Use red, white and blue... it can be bright bold colors, solemn colors, vivid colors, you can even mix them up... just get creative with these three colors.

 FREE 8x8 Altered Canvas

Adhesive: SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L Paint: Folk Art (Plaid) Craft Foil and Glitter: Clearsnap Letters: American Crafts, Stars: Fiskars (punches)

Another story I found about remembering is this article here from Mamiverse CEO Rene Alegria in regards to undocumented immigrants that perished in the attacks at the world trade center. It never occurred to me how hard it would be to find someone who had no identity in the US. Her accounts of this event are beautiful and I highly recommend you take the few minutes to read her article.

I pray that this journal prompt finds you in peace and that your 9/11 was a beautiful day of reflection.

~Liz Hicks

PAJWLH- Share YOUR Message...

So today is Valentines Day. I thought for today I would share a little project that I made for my husband James for last years Valentines Day. In recent years we haven't really celebrated Valentines Day in the traditional sense. We tend to stay at home and watch a movie or find something that we both enjoy. Since we have moved to Colorado we are kind of out here on our own and although we have an excellent support system out here of friends, going out just hasn't been as important to us. It seems that what is truly sacred is our time together. So as mundane as it may sound to just stay home and enjoy a movie alone... we enjoy it and thoroughly look forward to it.

With this piece of art, I really wanted James to know just how much he meant to me (us). Beyond just our couch dates and watching movies together... I knew at this point that this phrase was exactly what he needed to hear. This art came at a time when I new that my husband really needed to be reminded that when he went to work, those of us who he left behind appreciated it, and that we looked forward to his return. Sometimes it is tough for a husband and daddy to leave his happy little family behind. I really wanted James to know that his absence was not in vain... and that his sacrifices for his family were appreciated.

Supplies used: Mod Podge and Acrylic Paints- Plaid 

wire, sequin and gems- Art-C Mixed Media Exploration (LYB)

metal embellishment, Oil Pastels, Charcoal and China marker vintage paper- Unknown

 

 

 Although Valentines Day is the day of LOVE, I think it is important to remember that we all express and receive love it different ways. For some it may be the simple words, some it might be actions, gifts... others it might just be time. Whatever it is that your loved one needs this is a great day to remind ourselves of their importance in our lives and how we can strive to bless them each day. Valentines Day is a simple reminder... that we are blessed with loved ones each day.

So whatever it is that you have to give... Send it out. Share it. Let your message be sent. This is a great day to remind ourselves of what it is that we have to give/offer to our loved ones and to this world. Our presence is so specific to this world and we can never forget that our presence is so very necessary and important to more people than just ourselves and those around us. Our lives, even the simplest lived... impact so much more than those around us. Share your message today, to all that are around you. Let them be blessed by what and who you are so that they may bless others in return.

get out and GIVE:

LOVE.HOPE.FORGIVENESS.KINDNESS.JOY.HUMILITY.TENDERNESS.AWKWARDNESS.JOY.

PEACE.HAPPINESS,LAUGHTER.HUGS.ADORATION.GLEE.ENCOURAGEMENT.HEART.KEEPING AN OPEN MIND.AFFECTION.APPRECIATION.BLESSINGS

What ever it is that you have to give today...let it be a gift to someone. Let this day be more than just love. Let it be a reminder of just what a joy it is to give to someone the amazing gifts that we have to give... without expectation of return... just because that is who we are. Be who you are. Proudly.Willingly and lovingly. There are some very special people out there that depend on it :)

This piece of art now hangs by our doorway so that even our children can be reminded that we love them so, and that anyone of us that leaves the house... it is noticed.

I hope today is a blessing to you, that you escape from the normal hustle and bustle of Valentines Day and are reminded that we all have a very special gift to give.So much more than LOVE...

~Liz ♥

It's time for some Holiday Hoppin'

Welcome to the first day of the Spellbinders™ Paper Arts Holiday Hoppin’ Blog Hop! Spellbinders, along with SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L are showcasing their newest products just in time for your Holiday crafting and gift giving. Lots of creative ideas are in store, as well as prizes galore! Each participating company has generously donated towards the prize package listed on the Spellbinders Blog. A total of two identical prize packages, one for each day, November 18 and 19 will be given away! To enter, just leave a comment on a participating blog! Comments in the first 48 hours of the post are eligible. One commenter each day will be randomly selected as the winner. Winners will be announced on November 22, on the Spellbinders Blog!

Be sure to see all of tomorrow’s Holiday Hoppin’ blogs for inspiring projects and another chance to win!

Here is my project to share, Today I am using Spellbinders S4-296 Nested Hearts die template and SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L Crafty Power Tape. I used these beautiful nested heart dies (3 total in the package, I used the medium sized for this project) to create this beautiful ornament.

To create this ornament, simply use the nested hearts die and cut out 10-12 of your desired sized heart (use only one size). From here paint them as you'd like (or leave them the patterned paper that you use, for this I use ClearSnap Smooch Spritz in Sea breeze to colorize my white (smooth) Bazzill cardstock. After they have dried, use the Crafty Power tape to adhere each side together to another folded heart (you will line them up gluing the wrong sides, left to right of the next heart.) When you have your desired fulness, simply close the two sides of the ornament, making sure you insert your twine to hang.

To accent I used some printed sheet music craft sheets by Donna Salazar and punched out stars using a star punch.

Here is a close up of the folds and attachments, now if when you fold the hearts and attach them together doesn't quite match up, no worries... you can accent the edges with a little paint (I used Folk Art by Plaid) to hide the mis patched seams.

Thanks for taking a peak today, make sure to leave a comment to be entered into the Spellbinders giveaway. Also I will continue to share some homemade gift ideas through out December, so I hope you will come back and join me!

Visit all of today’s Holiday Hoppin’ blogs:

Latisha Yoast

Judy Hayes

Kazan Clark

Ashley Cannon Newell

Holly Simoni

Debbie Olson

Heidi Blankenship

Sherry Cheever

Linda Duke

Laurie Schmidlin

Cheryl Marie Walker

Jill Jacobsen

Jennifer Priest

Christina Klauer

Jodi Sanford

Leslie Miller

Mimi Leinbach

Robyn O’Crowley

Sharon Harnist

Liz Hicks

Sarah Hamer

Christie Bryant

Wendy Sue Anderson

Anary Baumgarth

Jenifer Dove

Gina Krupsky

remember... simply leave a comment on my blog or any of todays blog hop participants to be eligible to win the Spellbinders Holiday Hoppin’ Prize Package ! One winner will be chosen from all the comments on all the blogs participating today. Comments made in the first 48 hours of this post will be eligible to win. Winner’s names will be published on the Spellbinders Blog on November 22, and they will have 48 hours to reply to Spellbinders to claim the prizes.

Thanks again!!!

~Liz Hicks ♥

Fly...

It's funny how it is so easy to give someone advice yet so hard to take the same advice that you give.

I guess it all depends on where you are in life... and where you are headed. I created this for our fun little blog hop between myself and Rebecca Gawryl. This prompt was "What encourages you" and the product prompt was paint.

I guess what encourages me is possibilities. Knowing that even if things go completely wrong... they seem to work themselves out. I had a friend once tell me:

"Things always work out in the end... and if they haven't worked out then it isn't the end"

another friend told me:

"It is never to late... never ever...


This spoke volumes to me, and in all reality it really helps to take the pressure off of things always working out perfect. Or having to hurry things along because fear is pushing you to do it before time runs out. And the truth is that... things tend to work out, maybe not exactly how you had envisioned them... but they work out. Taking that first step forward towards your goal is the toughest... but if along the way there are loved ones to support you, goals to reach and possibilities.... that seems to be a pretty good start.

So here is my page... it is actually a canvas (I got a little adventurous!) It is called FLY

FLY... It's OK Really

products used : Plaid Paints (Folkart Pigments) and Mod Podge, Sakura Glaze Pen (black), Font-bohemian typewriter

I think sometimes we need a friend to remind us that we can do it. That we can achieve our goals... that we can strive for good things and not feel guilty or vain. I believe that in each and everyone of us is a God given ability, it is not the same in all of us, it is unique...but never the less it is important for this world to see it. So if all you need is permission to let this ability out and share it with the world, then this is it. DO IT.

Remember this... you are one of a kind... created perfect in who YOU are... it may not be what the world exhibits as perfect, but none the less you are just as important. And that goes for your goals, your strengths (and weakness's) and everything else that this world may be telling is not enough, futile or worthless. If you believe in it, then let it develop who you are to be in this world.

So from my heart to yours... it's OK to Fly... really it is... even if you have to take a break here or there. It is OK to soar... truly it is what you are meant to do. There is nothing wrong with having goals and trying to achieve them. As long as you are able to balance your everyday life... why not? There are possibilities out there waiting to be experienced... and although things may not always work in the way you thought they would, at the end of the day... there are still opportunities for blessings to shine through what you are doing... whether it is you receiving the blessing or sharing your story unto someone else to bless... you were made for this... and anything else that may come your way...



~Liz ♥