Well, I definitely want a blog of some sort--not sure if art is the right subject though.
I do have a secret project I am working on....but I am going to see if pans out before I reveal it publicly.
The thing about the artist in me is that she picks what she wants to work on when she wants to work on it. She also takes rest and rejuvenates. You see, even if I have ideas for several projects, it doesn't mean that I will always be working on one.
Sometimes it's because I don't have the funds to complete a project, or because I get close to the end of a project and the finishing requires some big decisions, which was one benefit of the mini mosaics; but, often I am in the middle of working on one and I just want to immerse myself in it.
I think that if I had a room dedicated to my art, where I could have many projects going at once--without having to put away the materials each day--I would create more often.
My daughter has been trying to convince me to get one of those loft beds from Ikea and I have resisted. I am still trying to keep my bedroom looking somewhat like a bedroom..organizing everything so pretty (but it still gets messy).
However, I set up a card table in the room temporarily for Santa's workshop and I really like having the extra work space.
The idea of being on a top bunk doesn't thrill me either. But if I do just use the bed for sleeping.....I'd probably sleep earlier instead of surfing the net or watching TV in bed. And, I bet the cats wouldn't be up there crowding me, but maybe they would...
I do need a new mattress. I can feel the springs in mine. So maybe I will look into it since I will eventually have to spend money on a mattress. I was kind of holding out until I could afford premium quality--but that could take a while.
The whole room can be a studio/office with a loft bed for sleeping...hmmm.
If I did that I could get a comfy chair under the bed to sit in while I do my crafts. That would eliminate me needing to do my stuff in the living room and messy that room up too. Of course, it does have the big TV. I guess I will have to get myself a flat screen for my room.
I can dream!
For now, without the ability to sprawl, I tend to stick with one medium at a time. Right now it's Christmas presents and getting Santa's workshop streamlined for high production.
I have been in planning mode and not in blogging mode. Not sure I can post pic of what I am working on because they are, after all, Christmas presents. Who am I kidding....I have three subscribers.....maybe I'll post them in some way.
Back to the workshop!
Friday, November 18, 2011
Friday, October 7, 2011
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
California Haiku
Meant to give you more than just six words...so here's a haiku.
Snow in the mountains.
Below 70 in the house.
It's wintertime here.
Snow in the mountains.
Below 70 in the house.
It's wintertime here.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Discovering the Essence of Lisa Kirby
I have learned a lot from this project about my artistic endeavors although it's only been a short time.
Most of all what I have learned is that as an artist I have many mediums I like to work with and I like to be able to bounce from one to the other when my creative juices are flowing in that medium.
For instance, I have been writing lately. My 6 Word Memoirs, several pantoums, a few haiku's, and today I worked on a screenplay--I believe I have written at least one (and usually more) 6 Word Memoirs daily for a couple weeks, but I am actually saving those for another project. I even had another surreal idea the other day--I love when one of those just pops into my head.
I set up my soldering iron so I could just turn it on and use it whenever I wanted, but "having" to do a whale every night made it so I had to focus on being creative with the whale, rather than creating a cool necklace or stained glass something.
Sometimes I want to create something physical and sometimes I want to write.
Here we go! Again!
I am going to do something creative every day and I will share it here. I plan on doing mosaics, whales, jewelry, paintings, poems and whatever else suits my fancy.
Oh yes, and I may be blogging more--beyond just posting photos of my creations.
I'll give you 6 words today as my creative task--written just for this project:
Discovering the essence of Lisa Kirby.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Missing my Little Mosaics
I was digging through my goodies tonight and I realized that I missed doing my mini mosaics. I don't really have time (or maybe the energy --clean up time) to do one right now, but I may do another soon.
I did see a beautiful lamp that inspired me to do something with a lamp that I have sitting next to my bed. Mosaic the bottom and then make a stained glass lampshade for it. Only thing...I like the lighting in my room to be bright and the glass really dulls the light a bit. hmmmm
I did see a beautiful lamp that inspired me to do something with a lamp that I have sitting next to my bed. Mosaic the bottom and then make a stained glass lampshade for it. Only thing...I like the lighting in my room to be bright and the glass really dulls the light a bit. hmmmm
Monday, September 12, 2011
A Good Use For the Internet
I complain about technology sometimes. Like how we use the Internet and email too much and how that technology has created this instant gratification lifestyle. I complain about how my daughter is socializing online when she is out shopping. And I complain about the drama ridden reality shows. Not saying I am not guilty of any of these things--except the socializing online when I am out of the house, and I only watch the occasional drama ridden show.
But I have found a good use for the Internet and some useful things about talk shows--not so much reality shows--although I do think that Undercover Boss is a show that does some good.
There are so many sites out there that encourage people to "do" something-- to create something everyday, to make a list of goals and accomplish it, to become healthier, etc.
And that type of encouragement is actually happening on TV too. I watched a story about an amazing principal on the Ellen show today. And the message from Ellen was to encourage other principals to do what this one does. Wouldn't that be amazing???!!!!! If every single student had encouragement like that, our world would be better than anyone could ever imagine. Watch the segment--it made me teary.
I actually got sucked into a Dr. Phil episode--sort of--okay, I didn't change the channel. He is not one I usually watch cos I'm not a big fan. But this episode was about starting a weight loss challenge with an audience. The people included in this challenge were told that people would be looking to them for encouragement. Now that is a beneficial 15 minutes of fame.
Anyway, I am going to create a page on this blog that has links to sites that encourage people. I'll start with a few that I have discovered recently. If you ever need encouragement for something, maybe you can stop by and find some.
If you know of one, send me a link and I'll check it out.
But I have found a good use for the Internet and some useful things about talk shows--not so much reality shows--although I do think that Undercover Boss is a show that does some good.
There are so many sites out there that encourage people to "do" something-- to create something everyday, to make a list of goals and accomplish it, to become healthier, etc.
And that type of encouragement is actually happening on TV too. I watched a story about an amazing principal on the Ellen show today. And the message from Ellen was to encourage other principals to do what this one does. Wouldn't that be amazing???!!!!! If every single student had encouragement like that, our world would be better than anyone could ever imagine. Watch the segment--it made me teary.
I actually got sucked into a Dr. Phil episode--sort of--okay, I didn't change the channel. He is not one I usually watch cos I'm not a big fan. But this episode was about starting a weight loss challenge with an audience. The people included in this challenge were told that people would be looking to them for encouragement. Now that is a beneficial 15 minutes of fame.
Anyway, I am going to create a page on this blog that has links to sites that encourage people. I'll start with a few that I have discovered recently. If you ever need encouragement for something, maybe you can stop by and find some.
If you know of one, send me a link and I'll check it out.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
101 things in 1001 days
I've never been much of a list person. My best friend and daughter live for them, but not me--at least up until now. I love spontaneity; and, the structure of following a list seemed counterintuituve. I've made lists before, but missed the key element of looking at them again and checking things off.
Recently, I happened upon a blog post at Eat Your Career that led me to research the 101 Things in 1001 days project or DayZero Project. I liked the idea of having nearly three years to complete the items on the list.
Without committing myself to the project, I decided to create my list--then I would decide if I wanted to commit to it.
I had already missed days on my Whale A Day project and I wondered if I was setting myself up for failure with this much larger list. The truth is, the list existed long before it hit the paper and the "failure" was present even without it being on paper.
The first round I wrote nearly 50 items. Some were particularly lofty and I contemplated removing some of them--could I really accomplish all of them in a little less than three years?
As I took a few days to compile my list, I came to realize that I have more than enough tools in my spiritual toolbag to be successful and I incorporated the use of those tools into the list--#77 is one of them; and I have already completed #79 to help me be successful.
I have committed. You can read my list here if you like. My start date is 9/11/11 and my completion date is 6/8/14.
I'd love to have encouragement, which is why I am doing this publicly.
Cheer me on!
Recently, I happened upon a blog post at Eat Your Career that led me to research the 101 Things in 1001 days project or DayZero Project. I liked the idea of having nearly three years to complete the items on the list.
Without committing myself to the project, I decided to create my list--then I would decide if I wanted to commit to it.
I had already missed days on my Whale A Day project and I wondered if I was setting myself up for failure with this much larger list. The truth is, the list existed long before it hit the paper and the "failure" was present even without it being on paper.
The first round I wrote nearly 50 items. Some were particularly lofty and I contemplated removing some of them--could I really accomplish all of them in a little less than three years?
As I took a few days to compile my list, I came to realize that I have more than enough tools in my spiritual toolbag to be successful and I incorporated the use of those tools into the list--#77 is one of them; and I have already completed #79 to help me be successful.
I have committed. You can read my list here if you like. My start date is 9/11/11 and my completion date is 6/8/14.
I'd love to have encouragement, which is why I am doing this publicly.
Cheer me on!
Thursday, August 25, 2011
What am I Doing?
It was brought to my attention tonight that maybe I wasn't clear about the project I was doing. I showed a picture of the mannequin that I was going to start working on, but then I changed my mind and began work on a mosaic that I have been thinking about for a over a year. I'll post a new pic this weekend of some of the work. It's actually going quite a bit faster than I anticipated--always nice. And...so far I am actually pleased with how it looks. There is a small section where I will most likely scrape glass again--the glass I used for it really just doesn't work in that section. But it is a small section and I know it will look much better with a different glass there.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
Stuck!
I am sort of stuck on this project--the Clean Water project.
I intended to do it all from scrap glass; and, I picked some of my favorite pieces that I save just for special projects to use in certain areas of this mosaic.
Only one problem with that. Not enough! Oh, I have tons (okay pounds) of scrap, just need more of a particular style. Can't really afford to go get new glass, but this one is an important piece.
I have two options. Go buy more glass or scrape the canvas and add in other glass of similar tone and mix them all together.
Dilemma!
I was leaning more toward scraping before I thought of the silicone that would stick to the bottom of some (most likely many--just trying to be an optimist) of the pieces that I scrape.
I still may scrape though, because I could improve on the appearance of these two sections greatly if I made the glass flow a little differently. Of course, I don't want to waste any of the glass that I have laid thus far, because that is some of my favorite glass, and of course some of the most expesnive.
Oh the choices an artist must make. Tee Hee.
What is nice, is that I am willing to wait for the right answer.
I have learned a lesson from thinking about how to solve this: When working with scrap, cut all pieces similar in color and mix the batch of glasses together so they are randomly placed in the mosaic.
I intended to do it all from scrap glass; and, I picked some of my favorite pieces that I save just for special projects to use in certain areas of this mosaic.
Only one problem with that. Not enough! Oh, I have tons (okay pounds) of scrap, just need more of a particular style. Can't really afford to go get new glass, but this one is an important piece.
I have two options. Go buy more glass or scrape the canvas and add in other glass of similar tone and mix them all together.
Dilemma!
I was leaning more toward scraping before I thought of the silicone that would stick to the bottom of some (most likely many--just trying to be an optimist) of the pieces that I scrape.
I still may scrape though, because I could improve on the appearance of these two sections greatly if I made the glass flow a little differently. Of course, I don't want to waste any of the glass that I have laid thus far, because that is some of my favorite glass, and of course some of the most expesnive.
Oh the choices an artist must make. Tee Hee.
What is nice, is that I am willing to wait for the right answer.
I have learned a lesson from thinking about how to solve this: When working with scrap, cut all pieces similar in color and mix the batch of glasses together so they are randomly placed in the mosaic.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Permission to Pause
Although I have no desire to pause currently, another silent agreement I made with my artistic self was that it was okay to start a project and then pause for bit--that I could take a year to complete it if that is what I desired.
Admittedly I haven't read much of the text in my massive Dali book that my daughter got me for Christmas, I have perused the photos and the captions that include dates. My conclusion, from not reading the book, is that he would take years for some of his pieces, and within a couple year period he would create separate pieces that were similar to each other.
I also decided that I would continue my small mosaics, and I could use them to practice visual techniques for my larger mosaics.
Admittedly I haven't read much of the text in my massive Dali book that my daughter got me for Christmas, I have perused the photos and the captions that include dates. My conclusion, from not reading the book, is that he would take years for some of his pieces, and within a couple year period he would create separate pieces that were similar to each other.
I also decided that I would continue my small mosaics, and I could use them to practice visual techniques for my larger mosaics.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Scraping the Canvas
Part of the silent agreement I made with myself when I began on Clean Water, was that it might not be perfect or look anything like I want it to, but that didn't matter. I could reproduce it again until I got it right if I wanted--using the lessons I learned making the one before.
That idea came to me from Art & Fear and was reinforced by seeing that Dali repeated his art at times.
I decided that I could always scrape off areas that I didn't like what they looked like and start them over. I realized I had done that for two custom pieces I created as presents. Although I hate the idea of having to scrape the glass off without disturbing surrounding areas, I realized that it is unlikely that any artist relishes the idea of scraping the material from their canvas to fix an error; and, that perhaps it is part of the process.
I'd much rather spend my time getting to the end of the piece so I can finally meet it, but I'd get more pleasure from something I didn't cringe at each time I looked at it.
PS....Happy Birthday to Jaime--the sister that God forgot to give me!
That idea came to me from Art & Fear and was reinforced by seeing that Dali repeated his art at times.
I decided that I could always scrape off areas that I didn't like what they looked like and start them over. I realized I had done that for two custom pieces I created as presents. Although I hate the idea of having to scrape the glass off without disturbing surrounding areas, I realized that it is unlikely that any artist relishes the idea of scraping the material from their canvas to fix an error; and, that perhaps it is part of the process.
I'd much rather spend my time getting to the end of the piece so I can finally meet it, but I'd get more pleasure from something I didn't cringe at each time I looked at it.
PS....Happy Birthday to Jaime--the sister that God forgot to give me!
Friday, August 19, 2011
Started My Clean Water Mosaic
So, I did begin on my Clean Water (working title for a mosaic) piece that I came up with at least three years ago. A series of surreal paintings popped into my head one night--like a flash. I wrote down the ideas as they came and then the next would pop into my head, and I would write it down.
Since I am not a sketch or oil painting artist, I was concerned about how I was going to complete these. I got some oil paints and began to play a little. I painted a mountain, or was it an island? Anyway, I got praise from several people about my first oil painting. There was one person.--One!--and I don't even remember who it was, but he/she couldn't even make out that it was a mountain, or an island and kind of chuckled about it.
I haven't painted (except disappointing attempts at journal spilling with watercolors) since.
Anyway...so I decided that I could definitely do it with mosaic. They wouldn't necessarily fit the images I saw in my head that were worthy of being compared to Dali or Kush, or Moore, but perhaps one day when I perfected oil painting, if ever, I could attempt to get the clearer picture on paper.
This mosaic project, that began as a mosaic-a-day, has gotten me started on my "real work." (I haven't stopped doing the smaller mosaics, I just won't be doing them daily.)
So, with reading Fear & Art and being inspired by a skull-a-day, I am beginning to trust in my artistic ability.
Since I am not a sketch or oil painting artist, I was concerned about how I was going to complete these. I got some oil paints and began to play a little. I painted a mountain, or was it an island? Anyway, I got praise from several people about my first oil painting. There was one person.--One!--and I don't even remember who it was, but he/she couldn't even make out that it was a mountain, or an island and kind of chuckled about it.
I haven't painted (except disappointing attempts at journal spilling with watercolors) since.
Anyway...so I decided that I could definitely do it with mosaic. They wouldn't necessarily fit the images I saw in my head that were worthy of being compared to Dali or Kush, or Moore, but perhaps one day when I perfected oil painting, if ever, I could attempt to get the clearer picture on paper.
This mosaic project, that began as a mosaic-a-day, has gotten me started on my "real work." (I haven't stopped doing the smaller mosaics, I just won't be doing them daily.)
So, with reading Fear & Art and being inspired by a skull-a-day, I am beginning to trust in my artistic ability.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Tempered Glass Heart
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Bluetini
Two for the price of one. So, I used this one for my Whale-A-Day blog too. Cheating? No!
At first the whale wasn't showing because using the black mastic really changed the color of the glass surrounding it. But a little bit of white grout helped bring it out.
I am definately learning.
I am definately learning.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Still working with new medium
I did start a mosaic two days ago. A small one. You know I went and bought all my supplies and now I can't find my caulk gun. Not like it is small. I am hoping it is buried in the trunk of my car that needs to be cleaned out. I will do a thorough search tomorrow and will find it.
I needed to use the silicone to finish this mosaic. Funny, I finally bought my mastic to use and the two mosaics I come up with in my head, I need my silicone. I am using the mastic on this project too, and that is turning out to be very messy.
I think mosaic is a somewhat messy artform, but using the mastic is super messy, especially since it is black. Not sure I am liking it so far. It certainly changes the color of the glass and does limit the glass I can use in a mosaic, which I don't like so much. I am not giving up on this tool yet, I will keep playing with it.
I needed to use the silicone to finish this mosaic. Funny, I finally bought my mastic to use and the two mosaics I come up with in my head, I need my silicone. I am using the mastic on this project too, and that is turning out to be very messy.
I think mosaic is a somewhat messy artform, but using the mastic is super messy, especially since it is black. Not sure I am liking it so far. It certainly changes the color of the glass and does limit the glass I can use in a mosaic, which I don't like so much. I am not giving up on this tool yet, I will keep playing with it.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
New Focus
Well, this 365 mosaics isn't working for me. I still want to mosaic, but I don't want to force myself to create something everyday...although maybe I should.
So, rather than doing a small mosaic everyday, I am going to start on one of the projects that has been in my head for years; and, the one that I sketched out just before I began the 365 Mosaics project. since the blog's url is LisaKirbyArt, I think that I should be able to create whatever I want.
Some days I feel like doing mosaic, some I feel like dong other things, so I don't want to not do the other things because I have to create a mosaic (they do take hours).
I will use this blog to just express my artmaking and to show you my art.
I will continue to do my whale a day. (although I missed two days in a row--not making that a habit).
So, rather than doing a small mosaic everyday, I am going to start on one of the projects that has been in my head for years; and, the one that I sketched out just before I began the 365 Mosaics project. since the blog's url is LisaKirbyArt, I think that I should be able to create whatever I want.
Some days I feel like doing mosaic, some I feel like dong other things, so I don't want to not do the other things because I have to create a mosaic (they do take hours).
I will use this blog to just express my artmaking and to show you my art.
I will continue to do my whale a day. (although I missed two days in a row--not making that a habit).
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Art needs time to breathe
Well, another day without a mosaic. Tomorrow is the day. I swear! I am going to mix the black acrylic paint into the entire tub of white mastic and then it will be on like Donkey Kong. I am no longer afraid of the new tools and am ready to conquer them.
My head was all over the place yesterday, I wanted to journal, I wanted to draw, I wanted to mosaic, and I wanted to clean my closet. I drew...and then played my seek and find game on my computer to just mellow the head.
This was a stressful week, and an irritable one too. I think I am coming out of it though. Soooo looking forward to the weekend.
My head was all over the place yesterday, I wanted to journal, I wanted to draw, I wanted to mosaic, and I wanted to clean my closet. I drew...and then played my seek and find game on my computer to just mellow the head.
This was a stressful week, and an irritable one too. I think I am coming out of it though. Soooo looking forward to the weekend.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Mosaic Something
I've been a little busy. These mosaics take hours, so some days I just don't have the time. But I am beginning one (and hopefully finishing) tonight for posting tomorrow.
I know today, when I was conjuring up an idea, a title of "stress" seemed appropriate, and I could somewhat picture what it would look like. But that was today; this is tonight.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
New Tools and No Art
I bought some supplies last night. Pre-mixed mastic, pre-mixed adhesive/grout, black acrylic paint to color my premixed stuff, non-sanded grout that needs to be mixed, craft sticks, clear silicone and a good sponge for mosaics.
Then I got home mixed some black paint into my white mastic/grout (oops, meant to do just the mastic) and realized that when you use mastic, it will cover the lines drawn as a guide for the mosaic design.
So there I sat staring at my mixed mastic and no design in my head. Learning curve with the new tools.
No time today to figure out the new tools--have a busy day planned. Tomorrow perhaps.
Then I got home mixed some black paint into my white mastic/grout (oops, meant to do just the mastic) and realized that when you use mastic, it will cover the lines drawn as a guide for the mosaic design.
So there I sat staring at my mixed mastic and no design in my head. Learning curve with the new tools.
No time today to figure out the new tools--have a busy day planned. Tomorrow perhaps.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Spiral Star Mosaic
Like!
I know I am a little behind in my mosaics....but I'm not sure they can be rushed.
I took two photos of this because the one shows the iridescent glass better and the other photo is clear. I'm going to have to get better at the photography of the mosaics.
Don't know if I am going to grout this one or not. I made the pieces fit close together so I wouldn't have to, but there is space and I think I might prefer grout between them.
Next week I am going to shop and get some mastic, a syringe, grout (pre-mixed), craft sticks and more silicone. Woo hoo!
I took two photos of this because the one shows the iridescent glass better and the other photo is clear. I'm going to have to get better at the photography of the mosaics.
Don't know if I am going to grout this one or not. I made the pieces fit close together so I wouldn't have to, but there is space and I think I might prefer grout between them.Next week I am going to shop and get some mastic, a syringe, grout (pre-mixed), craft sticks and more silicone. Woo hoo!
Friday, July 29, 2011
Green Dreams Mosaic and the Whale
Well, I missed Thursday. I started a mosaic--a small, 2.5"x2.5" because I had a busy day. Small. I could finsish...bla bla bla... Beware of small things.
I finished it this morning.
I would tell you that it doesn't fit the vision in my head and I knew half way through it that it just wasn't right--which is why I didn't finish it, but also didn't want to be up till 3 or 4 am finishing it.
Guess I told you. :) It will be the last (with concerted effort) not to explain my art anymore--unless it is the inspiration because I like to give credit to the muse.
I read last night in my Fear & Art book that it is common for artists to defend their work, but that is not what creating is about. No excuses, explanations, or defense--just the art.
I also read that an artist must go with whatever is calling to them at the time. I have so much calling on me all at once--mosaic, screenplays, my whales, the idea for a children's book that just came to me (yeah, me, can you believe it, a children's book--go figure), oh, and let's not forget that my kiln called to me just the other day. It said "fire me up!"
So, I will (maybe) do another mosaic today, but I am going to focus on my whales for now. I had an idea come up the other day and I haven't pursued it because it scares me. IT requires me to draw, and that is where I feel I lack the most, but the idea is aching to itched, so tonight I give myself to the whale.
I finished it this morning.
I would tell you that it doesn't fit the vision in my head and I knew half way through it that it just wasn't right--which is why I didn't finish it, but also didn't want to be up till 3 or 4 am finishing it.
Guess I told you. :) It will be the last (with concerted effort) not to explain my art anymore--unless it is the inspiration because I like to give credit to the muse.
I read last night in my Fear & Art book that it is common for artists to defend their work, but that is not what creating is about. No excuses, explanations, or defense--just the art.
I also read that an artist must go with whatever is calling to them at the time. I have so much calling on me all at once--mosaic, screenplays, my whales, the idea for a children's book that just came to me (yeah, me, can you believe it, a children's book--go figure), oh, and let's not forget that my kiln called to me just the other day. It said "fire me up!"
So, I will (maybe) do another mosaic today, but I am going to focus on my whales for now. I had an idea come up the other day and I haven't pursued it because it scares me. IT requires me to draw, and that is where I feel I lack the most, but the idea is aching to itched, so tonight I give myself to the whale.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Feng Shui Hail Mary Mosaic
I am applying some feng shui to my newly decorated (almost) room and I needed something to go into my fortune corner, so I whipped up this mosaic.
I used a long-saved fortune from a cookie, some foreign coin (keeping the stuff I can actually spend LOL but I think that the foreign coins will spur my travels), the word "millions," an OX for prosperity, a fish (to represent a koi fish-improvising), and of course a crown, and some gold chain.
If you click on the picture it gets bigger. The fortune reads: You will never have to worry about a steady income.
I used a long-saved fortune from a cookie, some foreign coin (keeping the stuff I can actually spend LOL but I think that the foreign coins will spur my travels), the word "millions," an OX for prosperity, a fish (to represent a koi fish-improvising), and of course a crown, and some gold chain.
If you click on the picture it gets bigger. The fortune reads: You will never have to worry about a steady income.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Star of Riches Mosaic
I found the string of rhinestones in the street during a walk somewhere in downtown Long Beach.
The night before I had been perusing my Mary Engelbreit craft books and was inspired by the black and white checks in the book.
Monday, July 25, 2011
#6 Sunday Mosaic
Oh yea, the tiles are also from a broken bowl that she had made for my daughter years ago.
Can't wait to grout these!
Sunday, July 24, 2011
#5 Sun Time Mosaic
I did empty and smash a drawer full of broken dishes today. Amazing how much less room they take up when smashed. Now I have a bunch of stuff ready to be put into my mosaic. Let's see what I create today.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Mosaic #4
This is my favorite so far. I think I am getting the hang of the small medium. I'll call it Burst of Love. 
Over the years I have purchased and/or found small objects, like the heart in this mosaic, that I intended to use one day in some art project. I am beginning to get past the thought of "saving it for just the right thing."
I've probably had this heart for years, but was reluctant to use it because I didn't want to waste something so cute on a project that might not turn out so well, and because I never really had a plan for it. These objects might just come in handy in setting a theme for the mosaic of the day.
I just reorganized my craft stuff. But that was days before I decided to embark on this journey. Now I will spend some time over the next few days tweaking the arrangement for ease of use. This heart for instance was tucked away for use in my paper crafts box. Time to dig out these little gems so they can finally find their way into some art.
Day Three
Okay, so I am a little off on my dates and my posting. I started this mosaic on the 21st and finished it on the 22nd. A little late, but it was a busy day. I'm going to have to get into a rhythm with these and figure out what to do on days that I have little time. I'm guessing bigger pieces.
This one still needs to be grouted and also needs a better photo in the daylight. I'll take another pic tomorrow.
I made the anchor in honor of a mini reunion of sorts for the drill team that I was in during 1975-1978 -- Mariner's. It had a big impact on us girls, and it was wonderful to see Kitty who guided us through many successes during this time in our life that was part of the foundation of our lives.
It is a little difficult to post pics of "unfinished" artwork (since this one needs grouting still), but I did the mosaic and need to post it. Mosaics can not be glued and grouted on the same day.
This one still needs to be grouted and also needs a better photo in the daylight. I'll take another pic tomorrow.
I made the anchor in honor of a mini reunion of sorts for the drill team that I was in during 1975-1978 -- Mariner's. It had a big impact on us girls, and it was wonderful to see Kitty who guided us through many successes during this time in our life that was part of the foundation of our lives.
It is a little difficult to post pics of "unfinished" artwork (since this one needs grouting still), but I did the mosaic and need to post it. Mosaics can not be glued and grouted on the same day.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Day Two
I bought a book while I was in Yosemite titled, Art and Fear -- Observations on the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking. I'm glad I did. I'm about half way through it--taking my time reading it, which is good because what I am reading is sticking with me.
So, when I finished my second mosaic for this project, and readied it for a photograph, I remembered what I read in that book about how art nearly always looks better (sounds better--depending on your medium) in your head than it does in the physical world.
I saw the things that could have been better, what I should have done differently, contemplated removing a piece (which I am still contemplating) and replacing it so it conveys my thoughts when creating the piece, and I thought about pointing them out to defend myself.
I have decided to let the piece stand as is, not to bash or defend it, and just to appreciate it for what it is. Hmmmmm could this be a lesson that is to be learned from this project.
A few years back I created a mosaic that I really didn't like once it was finished. It sat on the shelf for months before my friend saw it and said she liked it. Gladly, I gave it to her. Now, each time I see it at my friends house, I almost regret giving it to her because I really like looking at it when I am there. Don't know where it'd fit in my home. Maybe it just needed the right home for it to come alive.
This was the first time that I used broken dishes in a mosaic. Now I can begin to hack away at the broken dishes that fill a small dresser that I absconded from a trash can somewhere and repainted. Once you begin mosaic, nearly all broken things become worthy of saving.
Now that I have used them, I suddenly am evaluating in my head which of the broken dishes deserve to be preserved for larger "more thought out" mosaics, rather than being used for this year long project. There I go with the thinking thing again.
...by the way the book I mentioned earlier is by David Bayles & Ted Orland; and, thanks to Marisa Zocco for taking the artsy photos of my mosaic for the day.
This mosaic is titled: Friendship
I saw the things that could have been better, what I should have done differently, contemplated removing a piece (which I am still contemplating) and replacing it so it conveys my thoughts when creating the piece, and I thought about pointing them out to defend myself.
I have decided to let the piece stand as is, not to bash or defend it, and just to appreciate it for what it is. Hmmmmm could this be a lesson that is to be learned from this project.
A few years back I created a mosaic that I really didn't like once it was finished. It sat on the shelf for months before my friend saw it and said she liked it. Gladly, I gave it to her. Now, each time I see it at my friends house, I almost regret giving it to her because I really like looking at it when I am there. Don't know where it'd fit in my home. Maybe it just needed the right home for it to come alive.
This was the first time that I used broken dishes in a mosaic. Now I can begin to hack away at the broken dishes that fill a small dresser that I absconded from a trash can somewhere and repainted. Once you begin mosaic, nearly all broken things become worthy of saving.
Now that I have used them, I suddenly am evaluating in my head which of the broken dishes deserve to be preserved for larger "more thought out" mosaics, rather than being used for this year long project. There I go with the thinking thing again.
...by the way the book I mentioned earlier is by David Bayles & Ted Orland; and, thanks to Marisa Zocco for taking the artsy photos of my mosaic for the day.
This mosaic is titled: Friendship
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
This could be fun!
So last night I wrote down some ideas for some mosaics for the project. I felt a little like I was cheating, but you have to write down the ideas when they come.
No rules, no rules!
Then in talking with my best friend - my Road Dog - and being appreciative of our lasting 25 year friendship I got some inspiration for a mosaic. Who would have thunk it?
I already have the title of the piece. Friendship.
Can't wait to see how it turns out.
No rules, no rules!
Then in talking with my best friend - my Road Dog - and being appreciative of our lasting 25 year friendship I got some inspiration for a mosaic. Who would have thunk it?
I already have the title of the piece. Friendship.
Can't wait to see how it turns out.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Day One
Day 1
Today is the first day of my 365 mosaics project. I did complete my first piece and I thought it was ugly (I just threw together mixed scrap from an old project), and that it took too long, so I contemplated doing something else for the projects other than mosaic.
Just from day one I have already learned so much.
1) That supplies and a space must be easily accessible to create without hesitation.
2) A plan would be good -- a plan for the piece that is -- at least a rough idea.
3) I am kind of stuck on rules.
The rule thing....
So, when trying to decide on what to commit to create once a day, I struggled. I am totally into mosaic, and I think I am good at it, but they do take some time to create -- especially the way that I create them. I look at them like a puzzle, and puzzles can take time. Mosaic might be too time consuming to create one a day, but it is my love right now.
I knew that creating one a day (small of course) would teach me much and give me opportunity to try new techniques without committing an entire piece to an unfamiliar technique. I also didn't want the act of creating a piece a day to interfere in my larger projects that I have planned. If I create a mosaic a day, will that detract me from wanting to do my other projects....burn out?
I thought, I could do whales as a subject to do everyday. I'm not much of a drawing artist, but I used to be pretty good at drawing whales. I could do that, and maybe it would even be marketable later.
Then there was the idea that there were other things that I wanted to work on, like using the found objects that have taken over my craft/bedroom, trying assemblage, and other glass projects....should I just not narrow myself to mosaic everyday?
It was contemplating the other glass projects that would require the use of my saughtering iron that I realized that supplies and tools being readily available is crucial--if I have to dig it out and find a place to plug it in, it might not get done. This is when I realized my first self imposed rule: If you are going to bring out the iron, it has to be used on a large projects, or many projects all at once. So, to crush the first barrier, I need to find a place for my soldering iron to live and look decorative (or at least artsy) on my desk.
Okay, the rule!!!!!!!!! I had to look up the definition of mosaic to see if I could sneak in some assemblage and the other glass projects into the mix.....could I stretch the definition of mosaic enough to include them? Assemblage is somewhat a mosaic, huh? If photographers could call a bunch of boxes containing pictures a mosaic, couldn't assembling a bunch of objects together be called mosaic? Or should I just say that I will create something visually artistic every day.
Well, that is when I realized that I am a little stuck on rules. And (and I think I read this on 365-skulls too) that there are no rules when it comes to creating art. Well, I guess an art instructor would argue that there are some rules, but anyway, here I go, arguing for rules again.
So, I decided to forget the rules, or at least to work on forgetting rules and to just create something (a mosaic) everyday for 365 days.
I also decided to blog about it because maybe this will keep me on track.
So, here we go!
Just from day one I have already learned so much.
1) That supplies and a space must be easily accessible to create without hesitation.
2) A plan would be good -- a plan for the piece that is -- at least a rough idea.
3) I am kind of stuck on rules.
The rule thing....
So, when trying to decide on what to commit to create once a day, I struggled. I am totally into mosaic, and I think I am good at it, but they do take some time to create -- especially the way that I create them. I look at them like a puzzle, and puzzles can take time. Mosaic might be too time consuming to create one a day, but it is my love right now.
I knew that creating one a day (small of course) would teach me much and give me opportunity to try new techniques without committing an entire piece to an unfamiliar technique. I also didn't want the act of creating a piece a day to interfere in my larger projects that I have planned. If I create a mosaic a day, will that detract me from wanting to do my other projects....burn out?
I thought, I could do whales as a subject to do everyday. I'm not much of a drawing artist, but I used to be pretty good at drawing whales. I could do that, and maybe it would even be marketable later.
Then there was the idea that there were other things that I wanted to work on, like using the found objects that have taken over my craft/bedroom, trying assemblage, and other glass projects....should I just not narrow myself to mosaic everyday?
It was contemplating the other glass projects that would require the use of my saughtering iron that I realized that supplies and tools being readily available is crucial--if I have to dig it out and find a place to plug it in, it might not get done. This is when I realized my first self imposed rule: If you are going to bring out the iron, it has to be used on a large projects, or many projects all at once. So, to crush the first barrier, I need to find a place for my soldering iron to live and look decorative (or at least artsy) on my desk.
Okay, the rule!!!!!!!!! I had to look up the definition of mosaic to see if I could sneak in some assemblage and the other glass projects into the mix.....could I stretch the definition of mosaic enough to include them? Assemblage is somewhat a mosaic, huh? If photographers could call a bunch of boxes containing pictures a mosaic, couldn't assembling a bunch of objects together be called mosaic? Or should I just say that I will create something visually artistic every day.
Well, that is when I realized that I am a little stuck on rules. And (and I think I read this on 365-skulls too) that there are no rules when it comes to creating art. Well, I guess an art instructor would argue that there are some rules, but anyway, here I go, arguing for rules again.
So, I decided to forget the rules, or at least to work on forgetting rules and to just create something (a mosaic) everyday for 365 days.
I also decided to blog about it because maybe this will keep me on track.
So, here we go!
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