the usually aloof...

always crabby...

sometimes cuddly...

corgi....

Toby.

Artistic Journey…

My entire life has been about art.  My earliest memories of childhood consist of the smell of crayons and the squishy texture of fingerpaints between my fingers.  When I am not sewing, or painting, or taking pictures… I'm thinking about sewing, or painting, or taking pictures.

I am currently participating in the most amazing workshops given by  artist,  Alisa Burke.  Deeply inspired by her vision and artistic philosophy, I ventured into her realm with much anticipation.

Burke demands  that her students search their soul for their muse, seeking "real time" inspiration through passion, surroundings and life experiences  (rather than looking for inspiration through books, magazines, or the internet.)

A concept so basic, yet in this day and age with the availability of images and information - so easily dismissed.

Coco Channel once said, "only those with no memory, insist on their originality."

As a graduate student of world literature, I saw that to be so true, as everything I read - and as a student of music, I recognize verbatim beats, bars or melodies - taken from somewhere else.  Even T.S. Elliot was a thief - for as he stated in the Sacred Wood,  “Immature poets imitate; mature poets steal.” 

In one of her lessons, Burke speaks fondly of  a professor from college who greatly inspired her.  He shared with her his philosophy about being "authentic," and what it takes to truly create "authentic" art.
He told her she should not watch tv, or even listen to music  - while creating.  He went so far as to suggest putting the distance of time between reading or studying about art history - before stepping into the studio.

This concept, this notion of being authentic really struck me.  So much of my stuff is based upon what I absorb from experiencing the creative output of other. Never really thought about that I, at times - am totally guilty of this.  I LOVE LOVE LOVE pinterest.  I adore having my coffee early in the morning and pouring over pinterest - absorbing like a sponge  what people all over the world are taking pictures of or creating.  And without a doubt - that does influence my work. Probably more than I care to admit.

 Post-Impressionist painter, Paul Cezanne said, "Whoever the master is whom you prefer, this MUST only be a directive for you.  Otherwise you will never be anything but an imitator."

"A directive," - I will be thinking a lot about that now as I work through my lessons, finding my muse, my passion.  I am going to focus on what inspires me - what "stirs my soul."

So much here in North Carolina - "stirs my soul." The ocean, the mountains, the woods surrounding my house - Gizmo(!) - the list is endless.  Hence the previous post and slideshow.

I am going to take my camera, sketchbook and paints  - outside - field trips here in Raleigh, over to the Outer Banks, and then on to the Blue Ridge Mountains….

I'm going to focus on the pieces, the sights, the sounds, the colors of North Carolina  that "stir my soul."

Then, I'm going to bring those images and those rough sketches back into my studio and start working with them - in a way I've never done before.

C'mon Gizmo - let's go.  My muse awaits!
(Click HERE for information on Alisa's workshops .)

Lazy Sunday....

.... Corgi style.

Corgi Thursday....

Just after a  bubble bath....

a sleepy (but clean) corgi.

Two hours later... 

a perky (and ready to play) corgi!

See Gizmo.....

...even though we are not together, I AM thinking of you.

Good Morning OBX....

So happy to see you this morning.

No, Gizmo & Toby couldn't make it.   They stayed home this time.

The August sand is just too hot for their little paws.

Oh, stop it.

I'll make it up to you.  I promise.

Longing for Cooler Days...

Me too gizmo.

Corgi Sunday....

Oh Gizmo.....

How you make me smile.

I do love you so.

WALKING OFF THE HOLIDAYS...

Spent the last 48 hours cleaning, purging, reorganizing and taking down most (not all - left the Christmas tree up) of the Christmas decorations.  It's time for a little fresh air and decompressing.

NATURE INSPIRED KINDLE, NOOK & IPAD COVERS

Ocean.....

Sea....

Woodland...

Visit my  shop on  ETSY  to view my latest creations.

Aurora Borealis....

Beautiful nature inspired textiles - created from hand dyed batik fabric, wool felt, organic cotton batting, German threads - inspired by my  the pages of my sketchbook.

http://www.Clevelandgirlie.etsy.com

Cape Hatteras, OBX Dog, Corolla Wild Horses and Life...

 I just recently realized how much the ocean is a part of who I am. 

It feeds my soul in a way that nothing else can.

Lifts my spirits...

...and reminds  me

that I am just a small part

of the larger scheme of things.

I am going to make a conscientious effort

to remind myself of that.

What a beautiful planet
we live on, and I am so
grateful for the role I
am playing in this
grand production.














(Click HERE to learn of the Corolla Wild Horses.)

The Simple Life....

My man, my dog and the sea.  Perfect.