MUSING ON MUSES

A slut? No, I don't think my muse is a slut. I've heard the muse called this, but.....

Slut (n)--a lazy, careless, or slovenly woman; a lewd or dissolute woman.

The muse after which I chase is spunky, quixotic and often flighty. She is quirky and changeable. At times elusive or downright evasive, she is definitely a tease.

My muse is not lazy, careless, or slovenly. She is neither immoral nor depraved, though at times self-indulgent. Now and then a little crazy, perhaps, but in an endearing, charming and delightful way.

This muse of mine definitely keeps me on my toes and there is never a dull moment with her. Sometimes she is serious and intense and at other times wonderfully fanciful and filled with laughter, even giggles.

I trust my muse to know more than I do as she leads me at times down mysterious paths that seem far too difficult--challenging, beckoning, daring me to at least try. She constantly asks me to use all my senses--to see more deeply, to listen with greater intensity, to touch with heightened sensitivity, to taste the exotic strangeness of flavors, to smell the subtle nuances of fragrance.

The end may not always be in sight, but rather unknown and unplanned. This is both exciting, titillating, and even a little bit scary. Invariably, the risks lead to an opening of creativity. Out of what often appears chaotic comes that wonderful something that each artist seeks.

No slut my muse, but a seductive and intriguing character that I shall continue chasing after. She IS inspiration.

And you muse? Tell me about her....

 

WHO WOULD IT BE?

Who?

Normally, I prefer to use my own images for this blog, but this one seemed to call out to me.  Perhaps it will to you as well.

Having created a space post-festival season to see what will show up, I have found myself spending many hours each day simply clearing out my spaces and ridding myself of long-saved yet unused pieces. Still unsure what will show up, I nevertheless move forward with the clear image that whatever it is will be pretty wonderful.

So what do I answer to the question of who? After a good deal of thought and with the creating space in mind, it suddenly came to me that I would need to sit down with myself. Who knows better what might lie ahead and who better to manifest?

So who would you choose to sit with for that precious hour?

INSPIRATION

One Way just for roads--not art!

So often at the Sawdust Art Festival and in workshops I am asked (as so many other artists are as well) where inspiration comes from. There is no one way, that is for sure. Pablo Picasso said it so well I won't try to top it:  The artist is a receptacle for emotions that come from all over the place:from the sky, from the earth, from a scrap of paper, from a passing shape, from a spider's web. Nowhere does this seem more true than in mixed media work.  The mind of a child is likely a must as well, or at least the essence of that mind is necessary. And, as Picasso also said, inspiration has to find us working. I vote for doing more things like the 50 One-A-Days I did earlier this year. As soon as this festival season is over, I will be right back at it, I think.  I can hardly wait. Why don't you join me?

IT FEELS LIKE SPRING...IS IT?

The days are getting warmer again.  The herons at Dana Point Harbor are building their nests.  Hummingbirds flit about everywhere.  The sound of cooing doves mingles with the rattle of baby crows and the hammering woodpeckers and the shriek of the scrub jay.  Perhaps it is spring. 
Where did the winter go? I think maybe it was spent making plans--more workshops, the summer Sawdust Art Festival, travel plans.... And through it all, the creation of some fun art journal pages.  What a great way to try out techniques and combinations!

Today's journal pages...FUN!

BLOOM WHERE YOU GROW

Bare tree on Crystal Cove bluffs

 The rain stopped as suddenly as it had started on Sunday and so, though I started out to go to the market, I found myself on the bluffs above Crystal Cove for a short walk in the blustery air.  
It occurred to me all of a sudden that I have been putting a lot of leaves in my art work lately.  Could it be because of the many wintry and leafless trees? If the trees are not yet in bloom perhaps it is possible to bloom right on the page as we create a piece of art.  I just seem to be taking this all too literally, perhaps.
But it's fun to think about it.

Leafy pages in Art Journal

PLAY DATE

Nevr-Dull and collage

Sunday morning dawns and I am enveloped in fog here in the canyon.  It is a peaceful feeling to start the day.  I am looking forward to teaching today and having an opportunity to share some of the new techniques I've been quietly trying.  I can already hear the chatter of the students in my head just as I now hear the chatter of birds in the trees. These days bring me energetic joy...and good potluck food :)

I look forward to the sweet, tense moments of exploration as we all find our way on this day of focused creativity.  Bring it on!

OPENING

It is not yet spring, but the Round Robin Art Journal experiences I have taken on (thanks to student Cindy Schaben) are a bit like watching the opening of flower buds.  My heart sings when I open my email to see some of the comments from participants in this monthly experience.

"This is so great!"
"Can't wait to add my two-page spread."
"This is so fun."
"I love the beach scenes."
"My fingers can't stop touching it!!!! I'm dancing in the aisles! Yippee!"

The beauty in all this is that, not only are the participants creating art pieces, they are also sharing the experience, building a community, helping each other, stretching, exploring, and boldly spreading their wings.

If you have not done an art journal, whether Round Robin or solo, I recommend you give it a try.

FOR THE BIRDS

Not at all sure how it has come to pass, but I seem to have birds on the brain since late spring.  Is it because I have spent far too little time in the great outdoors or if the birds are simply sending out some sort of call to me?  At any rate, even the raucous neighborhood crows have had their way with me, making their way into my art in myriad small ways.  A "Fun Bird" of packing paper is making its steadfast way around the Sawdust Festival, spreading good cheer.  The air-dry clay birdies continue to titillate and excite me and prod me to, for some unfathomable reason, enlarge their feet and lengthen their legs on each go-around.  Stay tuned.  Who knows what crazy bird stuff lurks...

The real deal