At the centre of your being you have the answer, you know who you are and you know what you want ~ Lao Tzu

Tuesday, July 19

Virtual Coffee Tuesday - The Lovely and the Not-So-Lovely...

Wow! It's been a week already?! Where do the days go???

I know a week is a long time in politics - especially this past week with all the phone-hacking-NoW-Murdoch-police-bribing scandal developments, but it's a long time in Blogland too...

It's been a real up-and-down week in my patch...

So, to start with 'The Lovely' of the post title... I got this beauty in the post last week from the lovely, talented Jo over at Gemheaven


It's a style she calls a mermaid's purse, but this one's extra-special to me, as I provided the stone...


Since the stroke, I haven't been able to wear my gorgeous carnelian Da Vinci ring and it's been languishing in a cupboard for four years... Then earlier this year, I read on Jo's blog how she does custom work and often refashions stones... Isn't she clever??? And aren't I clever to reuse and enjoy an old favourite?

And I want a pat on the back, or at least for you to raise your coffee mugs...

Ta-da...


Now, I'm not going to show you my art cupboard... ah-hum... but I do have a tidy desk and space to make things :)

Here's a couple of close-ups...


My favourite photo of Marilyn by the wonderful Magnum photographer Elliott Erwitt. I know his shot of her standing over the air vent in that dress is the more famous, but I love seeing the bookish side of her more:)


And the tools of the trade :)
A little bit of card that says, 'aspire to be' - can't remember where it came from... and a  miniature by the multi-talented Cathy Cullis which reads 'another deep day'... just to inspire me and remind me what is important...


And a wonderful set of gouache paints, which I never got to use before the stroke... It's a medium I've always wanted to try, and yesterday i did...


I did a page in this wonderfully recycled journal made by artist Julia Reyes. I love it's grungey look and the fact the pages are made of paper bags :)
I didn't feel at all 'precious' about spoiling it, as I made this collage yesterday...

(you can click on the photo to get a clearer look)

And so to the Not-So-Lovely part of the week...

I have been feeling rather under siege... vulnerable... threatened... I don't feel I can talk about here, but I can show this page... made while i just let the images come as i rifled through my stash of collage materials...

It certainly isn't fine art, but it is a raw and honest expression of how bombarded i feel...
and I am proud of the fact that, for once, I didn't worry about making a 'nice' picture... I just immersed myself in the process and was truly surprised at what came out...

So, how are you?
Has it been a good, or not-so-good week?
Have you made anything?
Expressed yourself?
Or just laid back and had fun with the kids... :)

Our kids break up for summer on Friday - finally! And hopefully, we're off to see the last Harry Potter film on Friday night to celebrate...

And do join the others over at Amy's!!

9 comments:

Lyndsay said...

I'm sorry you're struggling... I hope the art helps as an outlet for you.
And I hope you enjoy the Harry Potter movie. I think we might go too to beat the heat for a while!

Unknown said...

What a nice clean Art space you have.. My desk right know as we speak is pilled high.. I need to clean it off before I start another project.. So sorry to hear how you are feeling.. I hope it goes away soon.. That does not sound like fun..

Jennibellie said...

Pat! Pat! Pat! Very nice cleaned up art space and what a clever idea for your ring - love how it turned out. Sorry for how you're feeling at the moment, hope some light is instore for you soon but I'm glad you started making art without worrying about the outcome - it's the expression that will help ease burdens even for a short while so keep at it and I hope you feel better soon.

Moomser said...

I am so jealous of your tidy, clean desk! I need to get me one of those!

Susan said...

I think art journaling & blogging are both wonderful ways of growing through things "and" helping to deal with challenges in our lives. Have you read The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron - it's fantastic I highly recommend it (and it's available at most libraries).

Sending you a big bunch of sweet peas !!
xoxo Susan & les Gang

Gem said...

Love the photo of Marilyn, it's gorgeous. Thanks for your comment and feedback, I will look into this xxx

The Bodhi Chicklet said...

Making art is all about personal expression and it's the feelings that come through that makes you able to call it art, without that it's just a pretty picture. I hope you will be able to catch a break once the school summer holiday starts. I know I have been more frantic in different ways since my son has been home. But I'm not complaining because the weather is fine. Congrats on your tidy up, it always feels good to get things in order, doesn't it?

JReyes said...

Art therapy is the best way to be happy I think! Love your space.. inspiring. And I absolutely love too see what are doing with the sketchbook...

Have a wonderful day!
-Julia

Geri said...

So happy to have you join in over at artsee bloggers!