Amyma's Art Ramblings

I feel the way I feel

2009-06-19T13:17:00.005-04:00

My friend Debbie had one of those goosebumps kind of connections recently. We were talking about our experiences in the past of being told "You shouldn't feel that way." Now, if you felt a shiver go up your spine just now, you are tracking with me.
We feel the way we feel. There is no should or shouldn't. It just is. I think I still struggle with this old tape sometimes. It was good to know I am not alone in that struggle.

As a result of our conversation, I felt inspired to journal a bit on one of my canvas sheets.

I added a little color. More to come. This will turn in to something. It felt good to spell it out.

Are you feeling it?

I don't have a catchy title.

2009-06-07T13:30:00.003-04:00

I started off trying to write an inspiring and poetic blog post. Then the phone rang, and it was my mom. Then, my son needed my attention so I could try and guess the lyrics to the tune he was humming. It was the theme from Indiana Jones... no lyrics. Then my husband interrupted me to tell me that he is taking the kids on a bike ride and leaving me.....alone? So no inspiration folks. Sorry, I am heading in to my studio.
Oh! The earrings are on my etsy site. You can follow the link in the sidebar to get there. Click on the image to get to my flicker site to see all the new stuff that is not yet listed on etsy- sneak preview style. Oh, and stay tuned for a giveaway announcement in the next few days.

Join me this Saturday for this Special Event!

2009-06-04T13:30:00.000-04:00

The Carolina Mixed Media Art Guild is pleased to present an Indie Business Breakfast in Raleigh, NC on Saturday, June 6, from 9 am to Noon, entitled:

How to Use Social Media to Leverage Your Brand and Attract More Paying Customers For Your Business!

CMMAG member and artist extraordinaire, Lisa Stewart, CREATIVEGoddess of ECStewart Designs in Raleigh will be the featured speaker. She is an award winning designer and illustrator who, along with her husband and business partner, creates an extensive line of sophisticated images that are licensed on all kinds of elegant home accessories and personal products designed to enhance the lifestyle of the sophisticated customer. Lisa is a graduate of Western Michigan University's School of Graphic Design and Fine Arts.
Through the years, Lisa and her husband have become intimately familiar with the challenges artists and crafters face when seeking to make the most of the financial opportunities that flow from their gifts. Lisa and her work have been featured in dozens of magazines and news outlets. Lisa will share from her experience and answer your questions about everything from maximizing online sales to achieving favorable publicity. If you want to learn how to use free and low cost social media tools to entrench your brand in your niche market, you need to follow Lisa's lead! She can help you turn your artistic talent into a vehicle that will help you enjoy your craft while also living a lifestyle you have always dreamed of.

What's an Indie Business Breakfast, you ask?

About Indie Business
Indie Business is where independent business owners connect, collaborate and succeed. We share tips and how-tos, and use the latest branded new media tools to create new relationships and expand our spheres of influence.
Indie Business Breakfast is hosted by Donna Maria Coles Johnson, founder and president of the Indie Beauty Network and Indie Business Media. Known as the Chief Executive Indie and the Original Lifestyle CEO, Donna Maria is passionate about empowering people to maximize their potential through small business ownership. You can follow Donna Maria’s entrepreneurial journey at http://www.indiebusinessblog.com/. You can also connect with her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/IndieBusiness and on Facebook at http://companies.to/IndieBusiness

Interested? Intrigued? Inspired? Join us!

Click here to register. Tickets are $20 in advance, and $25 at the door, and don't forget your business cards!

If you're a CMMAG member, we'll have an area dedicated to showcasing examples of our work, so bring something fabulous to show off. Note: if you're planning to bring something, please arrive at least 20 minutes early to ensure your work is displayed properly.

See you there!

Whee!

2009-05-23T16:54:00.003-04:00

I have had an idea in my head for a very long time of a cuff type bracelet made from my painted canvases. With all the moving and deadlines and such over the past year, I just have not been able to set up my sewing machine and play with it. At Art and Soul I saw a similar cuff type bracelet made with a different material with a way cool closure that I knew would be perfect for what I wanted to make. Today, I finally had the time to sit down and try it out. I have to say I am very pleased with the results. It is probably a good thing that I had to wait so long to play with this concept. I have constructed and deconstructed it many times in my head, so my first effort seems pretty solid.
What do you think?

The cord is waxed linen. It is wrapped around the canvas disks in a figure eight.

The longish beads are paper beads I made from magazine pages that I wiped excess paint onto as I was painting.

This is the underside.

Here is what it looks like laid out.

So, I will wear it for a while and gauge the comfort.

It is so fun to get an opportunity to play and try something new. I have been so caught up in production work lately that I just have not had time to play. Production work bores my socks off. I am quite tired of making paper earrings. Don't get me wrong, I love that people want to buy them, but I am ready to conquer new terrain and come up with my next fabulous thing, or just lose myself in art play.

Fly By

2009-04-22T21:09:00.005-04:00

In the spirit of being regular with my blogging, I am flying by in the midst of pre-show insanity to show you what I have been doing.

These are my paper earrings. I paint papers, and then collage with them, and seal them heavily. These will get a little hole punched in them, and will have sterling silver ear wires. Cool?!?!?

Oh, and just for kicks, the following is my messy table with a small canvas in process on it.

...and the view out my studio window, which should make someone insanely jealous. Will it be you?

A note from Joanna

2009-04-20T17:33:00.003-04:00

Thanks everyone for your prayers for Ron and Joanna. What I didn't mention in my previous post is that Ron was recently laid off from his Job, and thus has no insurance. Keep up the prayers!
Here is a note from Joanna that I copied from their chip-in page.

How do I find the words to express what all these beautiful souls are doing for us? Ron is in a child-like way right now (a side of him that is new to me) and when I told him about this, I wish you could see his reaction. Makes me want to cry just writing this.

How will I ever thank everyone ? My prayer is that God will bless each person who has contributed. I wish I could physically hug each one and thank them in person.

In so many ways this all does not seem real to me. My brain keeps trying to grasp the whole scope of what is happening. I keep hoping I will wake up and it is not true.

My love and appreciation, and from Ron too.

joanna

Prayers for a friend

2009-04-17T16:23:00.002-04:00

I just heard through the art community that our dear Joanna, who has been through so much just learned that Her husband's brain tumor has returned and he needs immediate surgery or he will only have one month to live. Will you please join me in praying for Joanna and Ron? Also, if you feel led, could you please contribute a little to help them get through this tough time. Their finances have taken such a hit over the past years with Joanna's illness. They could use the help just to live in while Ron is receiving treatment, not to mention more medical bills. Thank you!

Look in the right column for a chip-in widget where you can contribute.

Here is what Joanna said on her blog...

"Oh my, how do I even say this. Ron's neurologist explained to us, as we viewed his MRI scans, that this tumor is massive, compressing the brain stem and 4th ventricle. Ventricles in our brain carries the CSF Fluid. That is my understanding. This is what the doctor said:

Ron needs immediate surgery. He has maybe a month to live before the ventricle would be cut off and he would die.

Talk about feeling like a mac truck hits you. I thought I was going to completely loose it. When you hear news like this, you want to faint and not connect to the truth, just like when I heard that my mom was dead. It brought that familiar pain back.

After the doctor's visit we went to the social services office. The quickest Ron could be covered will be next Thursday, a WEEK. A week seems like eternity right now. They handed me more paper work that I have to do and bring back in the morning.

Ron's doctor wants him to have his surgery in San Francisco. We have a nephew who lives in the city, so hopefully I could crash on his couch while Ron is in surgery. Oh my, this is so big to even think about and put into prospective.

If Ron is not eligible for medical treatment, then he will not be able to have the surgery.

Please please please continue to pray. Again, our faith is strong, or at least Ron's is. I keep reaching for the phone to call my mother. It just seems way to big to me and hurts so very much. I have to be strong for Ron. He is hurting over me hurting. And I understand that from when he got the news about me. We have both been on the other side of the fence."

Hooked on Portraits

2009-04-13T22:27:00.001-04:00

So, I think I am hooked. I am hooked to portraiture. I am telling myself this does not need to mean that I will quit creating my whimsical mixed media work. I can do both, right? I hope so. At any rate, I am nearing completion of my second portrait in my Monday night class. Frank gave me a lot of help on this one, bur most of it is me.

New shop at 1000 Markets.

2009-04-13T00:37:00.005-04:00

I have just opened a new shop at a venue called 1000 Markets. It is a lovely site. It is in sneak preview mode just now, but will hopefully go live very soon. I am glad to be getting in early. Click on the screen shot of my page below to visit my shop. Browse around the site and see some of the other amazing handmade goodness available there.

New Stuff! and a question

2009-04-10T14:02:00.006-04:00

I have been loving my oil painting class and all the things I have been learning there. I am still creating my whimsical acrylics and collages though. The new skills I have acquired are bringing new depth to my works. In the last few days, I have felt compelled to create some more strict collage pieces. Here are the results.

Now, for the question. I was working on the background for another floral in this series, and I really love the background on it's own. What do y'all think. Can this be a stand alone piece?

Two New Oil Paintings

2009-03-23T21:57:00.004-04:00

I am meeting myslef coming and going these days. The good news is that I am being artistically productive. The bad news is that if you drop by my house is not likely to be clean.
I am still enjoying my oil painting classes with Frank. This first painting is inspired by artist Alice Williams. A number of us in the class were interested in learning her technique, so we each painted different versions of her paintings. Don't freak on me, this is pretty common practice in learning art techniques. even the masters copied each other.

The next painting is a potrait of Daniel, who we met in Ethiopia. I love this one. I think I might enjoy portrait painting.

What do you think?

Waking Up

2009-02-08T10:27:00.005-05:00

I finished it. I am very pleased. I am learning so much in this class. I have learned alot about capturing light and shadow, mixing colors, using complementary colors to create contrast, loosening up, emplying some Picasso tricks and some cheating secrets I ain't telling. Best of all, I have learned that I do have a natural talent for art, that my success thus far is not just a fluke. I feel confident that I can continue to learn and grow and produce better and better paintings. The only struggle I am feeling just now is how to take what I am learning and apply it to what I have already been doing. Or should I just chuck it and go another way? At any rate, I am on a grand adventure and I am grateful to God for gifting me with it.

I have had some happy company over these last weeks....

Flynne and her cat.

Jennifer and her dog.

Sarah and her rock.

Everyone has come away with beautiful paintings, and are starting new ones this week. So, more to come.....

All about my friend

2009-01-21T12:18:00.003-05:00

I don't have anything new to report about me, or rather no time to report it.
There is a wonderful interview with my friend Jeanne Rhea on the Carolina Mixed Media Artists Guild blog. You should read it. I particularly love the part at the end where she writes President Obamas speech about the arts for him. Check it out here- http://carolinamixedmediaartistsguild.blogspot.com/2009/01/january-member-interview-jeanne-rhea.html

Oil Painting Class

2009-01-16T22:25:00.000-05:00

I have never tried oils. Can you believe that? So, I am taking a class with local artist and friend Frank Pierce.

My hope is to gain a better understanding of capturing light and shadow.
I have never been a realistic painter, but I think that is because I never thought I could. I am learning that I can.

I am painting an image of sunflowers in a clear glass vase. I wanted to learn how to paint the glass and the stems in the glass as well. So far so good. I am pleased with what happened during my first evening of painting.

what say you?

More fun with friends

2009-01-03T23:59:00.007-05:00

I do love a party. Lucky for me Jean Skipper (pictured above) at Artist Alley in Southern Pines throws a party on the first Friday of every month. I look forward to the "First Friday" Opening all month long. It is a marvelous opportunity to interact with customers and collectors in a festive, social atmosphere.

It is also a great time to hang with my art buds. Below is the talented and funny Penny Arrowood who makes th most kickin" body products and candles.

This past Friday, Jean had an "Anniversary Extravaganza." The place was packed. Even some of the local media from Pinehurst Magazine were there. Speaking of Media, congrats to Jodi Ohl
(pictured below) who has an article out in the new Cloth, Paper Scissors.

Debbie and Nanette were there!

Dontcha wish you had been there too?

Play Time with the Girls!

2009-01-02T13:18:00.004-05:00

Last Tuesday my dear friend, Jodi, invited me over for little creative play time. I really needed it because my studio is not yet functional in the new house. I have been itching to create. I didn't do much. I just worked on some of my painted paper earrings. The best part of the evening was just relaxing with creative friends.

My friends Nancy and Nanette were there too. We talked and munched and created, and just generally had a blast. We all resolved to do this more often. I plan to hold them all to it!
Creative community has been so important to me in the last year. I have grown tremendously because of my art sisters. We encourage each other, and hold each other accountable. Mostly it is just good to surround myself with people who "get it." So yay for my art sisters!

I am so lame!

2009-01-01T20:16:00.005-05:00

Happy New Year!

Is it just me, or can the beginning of a new year be just a tad intimidating? There is alot of talk about resolutions, and goals, and intentions. I am going to admit that I am not the best at keeping commitments. I mean well, but my disorganized and distracted state of being often gets the better of me and I miss my mark. So the thought of setting goals or announcing intentions for a new year makes my palms sweaty. I want to be deliberate, but I don't want to set myself up for a fall. It's a conundrum I tell ya.
So, I have set some soft goals for this year:
First, I want to be more organized with my time and resources. I spin my wheels alot. I want to do that less. I have some more specific plans on this topic, but I am not going to announce them to the world in case I crash and burn.
Second, I want to be quieter and gentler. I have a bit of an Irish temper, and tend be a bit of a loudmouth. It serves me well in some instances, but for home school, not so much.
Third, I want to take better care of my body. I got a good jump on it last year, so I just want to continue the trend.
Fourth, I want to be a better friend. I have reconnected with old friends this year, and bonded with new ones. I want to make that a priority in my life.
So, that is what I am dreaming of accomplishing this year. I know it is all well within my reach. Cheer me on, and hold me accountable friends!

Chaos and Peace

2008-12-28T01:07:00.003-05:00

What an incredible year this has been! There have been so many transitions in my life. I am happy to report that in spite of all the upheaval, I am happier and healthier at the end of 2008 than I was at the beginning. I intend to stay the course in 2009. I am sure it will be a crazy ride once again, but entirely worthwhile.
In 2008 I grew tremendously as a mom. I made the decision to home school this year based on what I felt was best for my kiddos. I knew that I would be sacrificing alot of my prized quiet time alone, and frankly that scared me. We forged ahead though. The result has been that I am more peaceful and less busy, and my kids and I are growing stronger in our relationships with each other. They are learning and growing more respectful and self- disciplined. I count this as a good decision.
Also this year, we moved, twice. We left our peaceful home in the country, and have settled in a 1970 brick ranch in a subdivision. So far, I count this as a good decision also. We are closer to everything, and their are lot's of kids around for my kiddos to play with. The house needs work, but I am looking forward to the challenge. Check back in a couple years to see if I still feel that way.
Another major change is that I have lost 30 lb. I feel stronger. I have more to lose, but I feel confident that I can keep it up.
I have grown tremendously as an artist, and have had some modest commercial success. I have come to some important understandings about what I want to accomplish as an artist, and what I don't need to do. I am looking forward to more wonderful growth in 2009.
I have loved and received love this year. I have reconnected with old friends, and grown closer to new ones. I have drawn closer to God. I have cleared hurdles, and torn down walls, but also erected new boundaries where needed. I turned 40. I am at peace. Bring it on 2009!

Another Post about almost nothing

2008-12-15T17:12:00.003-05:00

Nothing artsy to report. Wait, that isn't true. I will be at Artist Alley doing a demo this Saturday, and hope to have new earrings with me. Stop by if you are in the area.

What is making my socks go up and down is that there are 6 kids playing in my new yard. Part of why we moved back to town was for the kids to have other kids close by. We found them. Laughter is such a glorious sound, isn't it.

Hmm, I Dunno

2008-12-12T19:03:00.003-05:00

I really have nothing much to say. I am at a creative standstill until we are settled in and the studio is set up.
I am in such a state of flux. I am looking forward to getting in to paint up to my elbows.
am looking forward to the new year and new adventures. I am excited about the wonderful community of artist that has been growing here locally. I am excited to be back in Southern Pines. I am feeling very much at home in this house.
Good space. That is where I am today.

Still kicking. and Seven things.

2008-12-10T10:58:00.004-05:00

I am sitting amongst piles of boxes again. This time it is because we have moved in to a new home. I have not posted in the interim, because I have just been too stinkin' busy. I am too stinkin' busy now, but I am posting because I am looking for a creative way to procrastinate, and because Jeanne tagged me.

So, here are seven things you may not know about me.

1. I turned 40 last month and it is no big deal.

2. Like Jeanne, I don't mind discussing things that many people are uncomfortable discussing. My caveat is that everyone in the conversation must be nice to each other. I don't have mainstream viewpoints and opinions about things, so people tend to get mad at me for what I believe. I am not threatened by or offended by what anyone else believes, I just believe what I believe. Which leads me to...

3. I am a Christ follower. I don't say Christian, because that conjurs an image of people who are mean-spirited and hateful. That isn't me. I do believe in the Bible as the infallible word of God. I believe we were created by God in his image. I believe that there was a global flood, and an ark, and the dinosaurs were on it. I have very reasonable arguments to back my beliefs up, so feel free to ask. I believe that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," but that a baby was born of a virgin for the purpose of spilling his blood to pay the price of all the sins that have ever been or ever will be commited so that we can be reunited with our Father who made us and loves us more than we can possibly imagine. I believe that human beings will always falter and fail each other, but that Christ never fails.

4. I believe that some people won't get past reading #3, and some folks might even leave mean spirited comments about it, but it's no skin off my nose.

5. I love everyone. Really. I don't LIKE everyone, but I do love everyone.

6. I was a cheerleader in high school. (that may scare the rest of you away)

7. I have a nose piercing ad two tattoos, and a third one planned.

I don't know who to tag.
How about Jean at Artist Alley. She is the only person I can think of who hasn't been tagged!

Moving

2008-09-17T07:21:00.011-04:00

I am sitting amongst piles and boxes, surrounded by mixed emotion. We have lived here for about four years. Adam was two when we moved here. Messa came home to this place. But now we are leaving. The last time I did this, I was glad to move on. This place has been different. But, it is not where we need to be right now. So, we are moving in to town.

Town means a small rental house on a small lot with neighbors closer than I care for. It also means friends for my children to play with, and short drives to their interests and activities. No wild turkey or coyote will cross my yard, but I can get to the downtown historic district for a cup of coffee at Flynnes and first rate people watching in three minutes. Matt will be able to come home for lunch, and in the evenings he will be home at 5:35, not 6:15. There is a little park right up the road that the kids and I can walk to. I can take the dog, and give her the exercise she needs (me too!) My studio space is in the sun porch on the back of the house. I have lot's of natural light, and I will be able to work late into the evening without feeling isolated like I do in my current studio, which is in a seperate building.
So, we sacrifice. We compromise. We know that in a very short time, the kids will be grown and on their own and we can find a spread somewhere that offers the peace and beauty we have loved here.
Now, don't get me started on the whole packing thing....

I'm a reject!

2008-08-14T16:02:00.002-04:00

I just found out that my piece "11 Houses" was rejected by the Junior League of Raleigh for their Town and Country show. That is my second jury rejection. It would be interesting to hear why I was not accepted. Did they hate it? Did they like it well enough but had to cut it due to space constraints? Who knows?
Most interesting is that I am not really bugged. I had a momentary icky feeling, but that is it. I love my art. I have collectors that love my art. I am not really upset that this particular jury did not love my art. I will keep pushing and growing and trying and learning. It is amazing to me that I have come so far in my confidence. Just a few years ago, I would've been scared to even try. I would've been crushed by the rejection. I wonder what has given me this confidence? I think it has alot to do with community. Having associations with other artists who support my vision, and will be honest, yet gentle in their critique is essential in my growth as an artist. I have been a part of online groups in the past, but most recently have put my energies into some local groups of artists. If you an artist, and want to build confidence in your skills and vision, I encourage you to find a local group of artists for support. You will be amazed at what it can do for you. Make sure you don't associate with anyone who sucks your energy, or holds you back though. I have run across some of these in my time as well. Stick with people who have similar goals and vision as you. Good luck!

Thanks Hidu!

2008-08-04T07:38:00.003-04:00

My dear buddy Jodi has posted to her blog about our adventures this last Friday at Artist Alley in Southern Pines. We had a wonderful time. Go read about it.
Here is my Artist Alley wall. Thanks Jean!

I am so grateful for the creative friends I have around me. I crave time spent with adults who get it, who understand why I am at my best when up to my elbows in paint. They inspire me to try new things. They motivate me to push myself creatively and professionally. I would definitely not be having the success I am having without my circle of friends. Thanks Gals! Jean, Jodi, Nanette, Penny, Olivia, Jeannie, Joy, Debbie, and Kathy I thank you!

Another Fly By

2008-07-26T20:49:00.004-04:00

This lovely has been toted to the Campbell House Gallery in Southern Pines, NC for the Fine Arts Festival put on by the Moore County, NC Arts Council. It is titled "Tree in the City." clever aren't I?