Spelling JOY

About a month ago I decided to purge the magazine pile.  A fun afternoon activity, mindless really.  I casually flipped through each one before tossing it into the recycle pile.  I pulled this from Country Living Magazine in March of 2007: 

"How do you spell joy?  Joy springs from creativity.  So, tap into yours.  See in new ways, work in new ways, and delight at being unique.  Creativity is all about new beginnings.  Spell joy your way-and follow it with your heart. "

This school year has really started me down a path of renewal for what I am doing as an artist.  New products are being made, painting compositions are spilling into my sketchbook, the sewing machine has made its debut on the art table and jewelry inspirations are tacked to the window.  Yes, it's a time where following my heart is an easy ride.  And joy, well if you take a peek at any of my work you can see that joy is something I do not have a problem sharing.

So tell me, how are you spelling joy right now?

Being Creative

"Creativity is inventing, experimenting, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes, and having fun."

Mary Lou Cook

I've always considered myself creative. An artist, well that came quite a bit later in life. In fact, I still get a bit giddy when I say what I do for a living to those who ask, "what do you do outside the home?" I love the reactions. In some situations it's like deer in headlights, others it's disbelief that you can make a living making art, and others it's really? An artist? Hummm... I bring this up because yesterday during my quiet time at Barnes and Noble reading my favorite magazines and having coffee, I read about an artist that basically told my story in her article. I guess we are kindred spirits. It was great. It was inspiring. I really feel like right now I am on the verge of something.....you ever have that feeling? Like something really good is about to happen. My creativity is on overload right now. I can't get the paintings done quick enough before I want to make another. My studio time is just fun. Doors are opening and I am jumping in.

I found the quote above in one of my inspiration magazines, La Vie Claire. If you've never picked it up before, do. The photography alone will take you to new dreamy places. I just love finding quotes that say how I am feeling, and this one hit the nail on the head for the moment. I've certainly made mistakes, and taking risks in art is necessary. And as far as the fun goes, well I think you can tell in my paintings that this comes quite naturally for me.

At this moment I have 15 new paintings all started around me, the one on my art desk is another bike. This time it's going to be blue and it's on the beach. I'm going to add some collage in the composition too. I am really liking the paper and paint combination. Lily, the silly dog is in my lap and Ellie, the robust cat is sleeping on my sketchbook in front of me. It is going to be a great day. It just is.