Saturday, August 14, 2010

Get back to my fibers and artwork

Finishing my socks

I realize that I haven't been knitting or weaving recently! I recently picked up a pair of socks that I started over six months ago and they still aren't finished.  That makes me sad.  They are full of lace and cables and beautiful, I want to get them finished.  Living a life in balance is hard.  The demands of life with family needs, spousal attention, work and life commitments all take us away from our artistic journey. I want to do these things, but I also want to be a creative individual.

I know for me I always feel better when I can have creative time in each day.  I purposely get up early each morning, to have some type of creative time for myself.  The emails, blogs and facebook have begun to take more and more of my time.  I find that the fiber arts and  painting gets put to the side.  I am not sure how to fix that.  I know all artists struggle with this.  I am not a full time artist and it is not my financial support for life, therefore I don't give it as much importance  or validation.

I have made a commitment to myself this week, to watch less mindless television, to stay away from my social networking "facebook" and concentrate on more creative time with myself.  Can I do it???  I surely hope so.  I don't feel good when I am not allowing my creative spirit to soar!  It has only been a day and the urge to cut the television on is strong.  Hmmmmm something is out of balance here!

I look forward to coming back to myself and my art.  I need that.  Everything in my life is pretty wonderful, so this little area of concern can be fixed.  Living a life in balance is a very hard thing to do, but it can be done.

I went to the art store yesterday, I am fortunate to have a Jerry's Artarama just FIVE MINUTES from my house, how cool is that!  I bought myself some artistic treats.  I was looking for a nice set of watercolor pencils and found them.  I was stirred up with excitement as I carried my little bag out of the store and I look forward to quiet time and experimenting with them.

I am trying to finish my socks before fall and they will be a pair of hand knit socks just for me.  They will remind me of  over coming procrastination and getting things accomplished.  My desire is to live my life more creatively and I am giving myself permission to do so!
Blessings

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

"Serenity"



I was creating this week and was enjoying painting this simple little tree.  As I finished it I was able to take a look at it and the title "Serenity" came to me.  Somehow it seemed to fit perfectly.  It is often hard to work on a piece and then give it the perfect title.
In creating art, sometimes we over do things, over think the process and carry a project too far.  Lately I have been concentrating on knowing when a piece is finished and doesn't need anymore!  That is harder than you think!
Serenity comes in many forms.  A quiet morning with no distractions, the beauty of your  own backyard, the birds singing their melodies, the written word, a quiet bath, a beautiful song, candlelight...I could go on and on.  I have been trying to find Serenity in my life lately. 
I yearn for quiet and am trying hard to not get distracted in the business of life.  Retreating to my studio and painting seems to work for me lately.  I love the quietness when my own inner muse speaks to me.  It is always there with me, I just need to take the time to listen and hear.
So I look at the simpleness of my little tree and remind myself to look for Serenity in all things. I know for me I feel more at peace when stillness is involved.  I truly believe my creative soul is beginning to flourish again, and for that I am grateful.  It has been a while since I have come out to play!!  I welcome the opportunity. 
I invite you to look for the Serenity and stillness in your own life and be grateful when you find it.  Life is one amazing adventure and there is so much out there for us to seek.  

Blessings always to you my friends.