art and fear

I am reading a wonderful book about art and fear, amazingly called Art  and Fear, by Bayles and Orland. Here are a few quotes that have spoken to me-
Vision is always ahead of execution. Ok, what is that?  Well to me it means, I can imagine a great painting, but when I put paint to the canvas, it is not as amazing as I first imagined. The reason is that my skill is not where my imagination is. This is ok.
A finished piece is in effect, a test of correspondence between imagination and execution.  Oh my, that is a very large thought, but I get it!  Guess I might need to shrink my imagination a bit.  ;-)
And last but not least is this-
The lessons you are meant to learn are in your work. To see them, you need only to look at the work clearly-without judgement, without need or fear, without wishes or hopes. Without emotional expectations. Ask your work what it needs, not what you need. Then set aside your fears and listen, the way a good parent listens to a child.
Lets try that.
I am looking at my Mc Cuddinish man. There are many problems, under his bottom lip all the way down his chin, his nose shadow, his hair, his muddy face etc. But there are a few things right. The main subject is where his streight back has the most contrast... Um, I guess that would be wrong too. I imagine the main subject would be his face, not his very important back. ok. Hie face is placed in a good spot on the canvas (not center, different distance from edges etc)  AND he is entertaining! I like this way too important man, with his little tiny eye, and his very important suit.  Thats about all.
Hope this gave you artsie fartsies something to think about.  Jill

Sweater bag

Sometimes there is nothing as comforting as cutting up your old favorite too small sweater, and making a purse of it. I loved this zip up sweater, and used it. I lined it with some old silky fabric, and a bit of cut up kimono silk. This was fun!

The Silverware Song

The Silverware Song

We sing as we're polishing the forks.

That's why they say that we're the dorks.

We fold, we wipe, we roll them all,

from the very large to the very small.

We smile, we greet people we meet.

The jungle girls just can't be beat.

We bring such cheer from far to near

that it's my pleasure's all you hear.

Yes, we are silly, we are fun,

but at least we get the job done.

And some don't like to sing this song,

so I'll just sing it all day long.

They think that if they swipe the words

off of the wall, it soon shall fall.

But they don't know the song thats planted

in their heart brings joy to all!

fun with cloth

It is so delightful to go into the studio, with a dresser full of interesting fabrics, and just start putting them together. Here is the creation for the day.  Love the kimono silk lining!

Under Monets Tree

Under Monet's Tree

Sitting with the ducks under

Monet's weeping willow tree,

over to the left a batch

of seniors try tai chi.

Then a flock of nine strong geese

floating to the right,

my resting spot at Manito

today brings such delight.

The ducks seem to accept my chair,

they wander back near me.

We sit and watch the breeze weave through,

Monet's lacy willow tree.

A grown man comes running up

to scare the geese to flight,

my ducks and I just take a peek

and snicker at the sight.

We settle back into the breeze,

the quiet of the day,

the overwhelming peacefulness

makes it natural to pray.

So when you have a hectic life,

with stress swirling about,

a spot like this will clear your head,

of that I have no doubt.

new stupid creatures

You know, making these stupid creatures is such fun. There is no right or wrong way to make them, and when have a big "uh oh" really they just become more creative. Had fun making these the other day with my Sarah Moe.

Welcome!

Ink, Paint, and Cloth really is a better description of what this little spot is all about, don't you think?  Wonderful to have you here! Please follow me if you would like to. At this point I feel like a one person parade.  thanks friends, jill