Daily Visual Journal : Daily Gratitude - rain

I love rain! I woke up this morning and the sky was gray and the air felt wet. Thunderstorms are amazing!

Daily Visual Journal : Daily Gratitude for my mom, sunshine, and support

I wasn't sure if I wanted to continue sharing my gratitude journal - not sure why, just thought posting it everyday was too much or a waste of time - who really needs to see these anyway. I think I often talk myself out of setting new (good) habits. I start something with the intention of bettering myself, but then quickly decide that it's not working or it's a bad idea or I forget about the new habit all together (like my idea for training for a half marathon).

I started this habit of daily gratitude with the intention of increasing my joy. If I can wake up each morning and meditate on something that I am truly grateful for, then that should carry on throughout my day, right?

Today I was reminded that this is a good habit, something worthwhile to share, and that others are finding inspiration from what I'm sharing - thanks Jolie!

Daily Visual Journal : Daily Gratitude - friends

Grateful for friends and kindness in general. I'm always reminding myself and my kids to be kind because you never know where someone is coming from - you don't know what's going on in their life. I am grateful that the friends I have are not petty or judgmental - they are kind and understanding.

Daily Visual Journal : Daily Gratitude - dreams

Daily Visual Journal : Daily Gratitude - Growth

I am grateful for the opportunity to grow in my art and career - but also grateful for the literal growth of nature - the healing power of nature

Daily Visual Journal : Daily Gratitude

I have been working on a simple new Daily Visual Journal : Daily Gratitude. My original Daily Visual Journal has not been daily lately - I have been creating art everyday, but not in the style of my DVJ (I will soon, I swear). However, I had this little box that I wanted to use for something and then I had the idea of making small visual reminders of gratitude that would fit inside.

I started by creating lots of small cards that would fit inside, about 2 x 3 inches. I used watercolor paper that was painted on but not used for anything, so it had cool colors and patterns that would make a nice background. I also used some old manila file folders that I painted with gesso and some old poster board - I will need more cards eventually, but I think I started with about 40, which is enough to get me started.

After a few days of creating the cards at different times, trying to work it into my schedule, I decided that I wanted to use these as a type of morning meditation. So, I am choosing a word for the day - writing it on the card (adding more details or decoration as I want) - sitting quietly, breathing, and focusing on the word and what it means to me. I am also writing the date on the back with a short sentence about the reason for choosing the word.

This process is helping me to slow down and focus at the start of my day. I'm going to start sharing them here, feel free to join me in the process, I would love to see the gratitude you share.

Process to product - Thread Lace Composition #1

I have been working on new fiber pieces for my upcoming two-person fiber show in June at Live Coal Gallery. This series emerged out of a desire to translate my work into something more three dimensional. I can't remember exactly how I came up with the idea - I'm sure I was inspired by something I saw or another artists work, but nothing specific. Just like the idea that in art nothing is new - all art has influences whether you realize it or not - no one lives or creates in a vacuum. Also, no one can create anything exactly the way you do - no one else can have your personality - no one else can have your exact life experiences - all of which are embedded in the art you create.

adding some hand stitching after the initial machine stitching

before the finishing process

close up detail before the finishing process

Thread Composition #1 - mounted in hand made 8x8 inch shadow box

My son took this picture of me next to my piece at the opening of Detroit Artists Market All media show :)

Art Quotes

"If I Could Say it in Words There Would be no Reason to Paint" - Edward Hopper

"An Artist is not paid for his labor but for his vision" - James Whistler

"To be an artist is to believe in life" - Henry Moore

"The essence of all beautiful art, all great art, is gratitude" - Friedrich Nietzsche

Biannual All Media Exhibition opens this Friday!

Detroit Artists Market Biannual All Media Exhibition

runs from Friday, April 18th through Saturday, May 23rd, 2014.
Opening Reception: Friday, April 18th 6:00pm – 9:00pm

 

my piece, Thread Lace Composition #1, is included in the show

3 ways your purchase makes a difference for kids through art

"Art therapy is the therapeutic use of art making, within a professional relationship, by people who experience illness, trauma, or challenges in living, and by people who seek personal development. Through creating art and reflecting on the art products and processes, people can increase awareness of self and others cope with symptoms, stress, and traumatic experiences; enhance cognitive abilities; and enjoy the life-affirming pleasures of making art." ~ American Art Therapy Association

Art therapy and Art education are great ways to reach children to improve their cognitive, perceptual, social and emotional development and to improve their creative problem-solving skills, provide creative self-expression, and decrease stress levels (which leads to improvement in other areas).

I am developing an art therapy and art education program for children and adolescents and I need some help to build this program. I currently travel to clients homes for art therapy and art education services, but I would be able to serve more families if I had an office / studio space. I would be able to include group services, workshops, and art classes for toddlers, elementary age kids, and adolescents. Given the chance, I would also love to provide family art classes, art therapy sessions, and workshops. Individual services are paid for by the clients, but I could use a boost to get a studio space up and running. The funds raised for the art therapy program will help purchase art supplies, cover office / studio costs, and add to a financial assistance scholarship program for art therapy services. The possibilities are very exciting - I am saving a percentage of my income to help build this program, but I need more help from you to make it happen. 

Here are 3 ways that you can help support my art therapy for children and adolescents program (and receive your own benefits at the same time):

Art Collectors: purchase art for yourself or as a gift and 5% of profit helps support art therapy services for a child or adolescent in need. For purchases totally USD 1000.00 or more the percentage donated to the art therapy program doubles to 10% and I will pay your shipping costs. You receive one of a kind art and the great feeling knowing you are making a difference for kids through art. This offer includes commissioned work, follow this link for details on ordering a custom piece of fiber art. Follow this link to purchase from my Etsy shop (my new website shop is currently being programmed and should be ready around the end of April 2014).

Artists and Art Therapists: become a member of my online art workshop center and 5% of your annual membership fee will benefit the art therapy program. Also, purchase any "goodie bags" or kits and 5% is given to the program. Follow this link for more information and to join the workshops. You receive all the workshops (.pdf files, videos, and private forum), the community, the inspiration and support, and the the great feeling knowing you're helping kids and families through art.

Everyone: donate to the Art Therapy program and 100% of your donation supports the art therapy for children and adolescents program. You receive the great feeling knowing you are helping kids through art.

"Community" (available on Etsy)