Love of Art Blog Party

Our Fly Tribe is hosting a Love of Art Blog Party.  It's February, so it has to be "love".  And it's tax season, so I'm a bit short on time.  But yes, I believe in love -- love of art, that is.

It was just a little over a year ago that I with tiny steps began this creative journey, and it has truly been a blessing.  I have had so much fun trying out different techniques, viewing all of the fantastic art out there, getting to know some absolutely wonderful artists, and just piddling.  It has truly been good for my soul, and I don't want to ever abandon my need for the creative again.

These ATCs are ones that I made for our Fly Tribe February ATC swap.  I did a series using a photograph of my maternal grandmother. 

She died at the age of thirty from cervical cancer, and I have always been drawn to this haunting photograph.  I don't know if it's unhappiness or sickness or maybe just the pose of the times.  But it felt good to put her on my ATCs knowing that she could be traveling as far as Australia. 

There is a lot of Love of Art sharing this week.  The link at the top right takes you to more posts.  Enjoy and do your soul good.

Free Birdie

Lots of art thoughts, but little actual art these past couple of weeks.  I've been busy working.  I spend a lot of time working and I'm thankful that I enjoy it.  Much of my work I consider a puzzle to solve -- and I love puzzles.  Sure, there are days when it's a chore, but I try not to let that define me or my work.  And this brings me to my "Free Birdie".  (I said in this post that you would be seeing this birdie again.)

I truly believe the sentiment I used on this piece.  I believe that it is our thoughts that make us free.  It is so easy to imprison ourselves with thoughts of what we can and can't do.  We create cages with negative thoughts and negative self-talk.  "I'll never _____, and I'll always be _____."  Who has not had that thought with the blanks filled in with whatever zip through (or maybe even constantly replay!) their mind?  I wish you a day as free as this little birdie.