Art Felt

Resolve

Today I resolve to......... ?
Today I resolve to..........appreciate my family more. After no contact with my soul mate whilst he was trecking the Kokoda Track, I had time to realize how amazing he is, and how much I perhaps take him for granted. Well Done on your incredible journey. Many of us know not much of the incredible story of

Kokoda , which is such a significant part of the history of Australia. I must confess I was guilty of this. Through my husbands preparation for his trip to walk the track I have learnt a little more of a bloody battle fought and won against all odds that saw 6000 Australian casualties and out of a force of 20000 Japanese, 13000 lost their lives. The tack is walked by many today as the history of what took place there is remembered and honored. The track for the most part is in jungle and vertical. which only reinforces the determination of those that fought there, and of the amazing fuzzy wuzzy angels .

Some Adjustments

To use the words of a iconic Australian poem, "there was movement at the" blog........ And about time too. I have the most patient friend in the world   who spent the best part of one of her precious child free days, with me and my children who were already on holidays ( how does that work? the higher the school fees the more holidays!) helping her technology challenged, blonde, getting more senior by the moment friend! There was some overdue tweaking to be done, and it wouldn't have been possible with out her. Thank you my dear friend, you continue to take the inspiration out of the studio and into technology. Not once through the process did I hear so much as a sigh as she added the blog banner she whipped up without access to any of my photos other than those on past posts, no eye rolls did I see as I tried not one or two, but many different colour combinations before settling on the current ones. I am indeed lucky. Thank you Ursula.
I can even leave you now with photos that look centred! Who would have thought that by unticking the "wrap text" box one of my greatest frustrations would be solved! I am a reluctant learner of technology, but understand that if I don't get on the bus I will be left wayyyyyyyy behind. I feel constantly frustrated and limited by my knowledge and can't believe the speed with which my children move around this technology, but as my wise husband says " they are natives to the technology, we are immigrants" - I guess I have a little more of the local lingo to pick up yet!

On an enjoyment note this is a must see film moving and though provoking with some  wonderful acting.

OK, so maybe I haven't got the centering perfect yet, but it is a start. This amazing box of colour comes all the way from France. They are the most wonderfully flavoured sweets . They taste like the smell of flowers. I just think they are divine. They were a gift to my daughter from some friends who have just returned from Paris. They said the whole shop was lined with boxes of different colours. They taste as good as they look.

Sunshine of My Life

On a cold Winters day 15 years ago a ray of sunshine came into our lives. I don't think either my husband or me knew just what that meant and how wonderful our already blessed lives were to become.
Everyday our daughter gives us such joy, love, laughter, happiness and gratitude by simply being herself. She makes such a difference to so many and manages to light up even the dullest day. We are truly blessed you chose us. Keep on shining  and making a difference. xoxox we love you , Happy Birthday!

Part Two Retreat

As hard as I try the details start to blur, but the big picture remains. Thats why the camera is handy to capture the frenzy that builds when taking a class at a retreat. I tried to take time amidst the  slapping on of paint, the mono printing, the layering, the looking and the listening, so here are a few views of work in progress and artists in the throws of from Misty and Traci's classes.

The Retreat That Was Part One

 It always with mixed feelings that I both go to and return from an art retreat. It is always a busy time getting ready to exit the house and to leave the family - it is sad to be away from them, but enriching and fulfilling to immerse myself in the creative world I feel so passionate about for a time. Then, there is the return home, which although brings joy in being reunited with the ones I love brings perhaps a smidgen of resentment as I am catapulted back to reality and removed from the peace and timelessness being totally focused on creating brings  over three short days.
All that said, I wouldn't have missed the artistic journey retreat for the world. This year it was in my second most favourite city Melbourne. The Cathedral had a wonderful Neon sign up that said "Imagine Me and You I Do"  As my roomie and  dear friend Ursula and I headed off from the city to Swinburne it was visible as the sun rose and as we wearily returned at dusk it still shone.

Jo and Jacky did a mega job and provided a wonderful group of inspiring and  talented artists.   Misty Mawn Nina Bagley Traci Bautista, and our own home grown Ro Brun   strutted there stuff over the weekend.
What a treat it was to finally meet Misty. Misty's was the very first blog I ever discovered, I fell in love with her work and her gentle soul . Misty "s class was an absolute pleasure to be in. I felt so blessed to have the opportunity to share in her generous and inspiring teaching. Misty, gives as a teacher when you think that she couldn't possibly have any more tricks or techniques up her sleeve, she does so with grace, modesty and a gentle warmth, she is a treasure. Thankyou Misty, for all you gave.   Traci is such a professional - her class was action packed as was Mistys and bursting with colour. This is a gal that knows the business and I am sure is one of the hardest working people in the business.  I didn't  get to be in a class with Nina this time - I still have an unfinished piece from Perth! I left that to the nimble fingered, but had the pleasure of sharing some of her wonderful southern humour and good company, Nina is such wonderful company and I look forward to reading more of her wonderful words as she continues her journey back to the southern hemisphere.  It was wonderful to see Ro again. This is one talented lady who knows a thing or two about time management. She is so generous and  totally oozes  colour and creativity.  (OK, so it looks like the photos are placing themselves! sorry, I'm sure you can work it out)                                       
I have so much more to share - of both the classes and the streets of Melbourne. Ursula and I managed to fit a whole lot in in a considerably short space of time. Ursula as always was wonderful company and a top room mate - she is slowly, but surely training me in the "less is more" packing method. I still have a ways to go. Fortunately my dear friend is patient as well as talented and generous, and, I must add tolerant! I leave you with her awaiting our taxi on exit from the burbs of Sydney - no prizes for guessing which bags are mine, and which are hers!

Crusade Number 19

In  True "better late than never" fashion, I finally get my act together to join the now finished crusade called "CUT IT OUT" a journey into stencil cutting. There are some amazing  examples of serious stencil cutting.
I must say my contribution was done in a half hour window. I borrowed Ursula's stencil burner. I have cut many, many stencils in my time as a screen printer - but have never used the burner. When I saw my crude results I kinda see why! Anyway - thank you Michelle for once again providing an amazing tuition and some almighty inspiration.

More Cake?

Another piece of cake anyone?
The cake canvas' continue. Mmmm what flavour next?

I have approached the cake series thus far with no pressure or expectation and have enjoyed the journey. It has provided the often needed reminder for me to stop over thinking the whole thing and just go with where it takes you. I think I have a cupcake or two to go! They are a bit of fun and actually finished which is often not the case for me.

A Piece of Cake!

                                  This piece is called "Layer Cake" it is 30cm x 50cm

It's been a looooong time since I last posted a painting!

I seem to have a bit of a theme going since completing a page in an Altered Book Round Robin I am currently participating in. It inspired me to explore a little more in a cakey kind of way!

There is a lot of layering in the background to create depth in the painting. I just love Goldens fluid matte medium, it gives the paint a transparency that allows each layer to still be seen as more are added on top. the challenge often comes for me when painting the actual detail! I often get so close to completing the work, then leave it where I can see it everytime I go into the studio. I find I can view it a little more objectively and then put the finishing touches on, or should I say icing!

More cake to follow! and, how to have your cake and eat it too!

I'm Glad You Were Born

                                                                           
When I was 16, I had met my soul mate! I didn't know it at the time, I actually didn't know it for another 10 years. The universe had some plans for both of us in life lessons before  destiny was to bring us together.

Today  I celebrate the birth of that soul mate, without whom I cannot imagine my life. He is loving, strong, understanding, caring, romantic, compassionate, humble, talented, magical, gifted, passionate, tolerant driven, dependable generous and a dream maker. He is a wonderful, father, husband, and friend  totally unconditional in his love for his family. He is our rock and of that we are always certain amidst life's uncertainties.

We celebrate his life and dreams and look forward to all that having you in our lives brings. Happy Birthday Babe, xoxoM

De Low Down

When a friend and fellow artists makes reference to a certain person that hasn't updated here website since January - It must be time. When I last sat here to update this neglected blog, I was a one armed typist that couldn't be bothered and then, just got out of the habit for a bit. But, I have been doing some stuff. All be it amidst the muddle of family life and building a new house, in fact, as I sit here now I am trying hard to block out the jack hammering as they remove the old pool, heading out for the day has great appeal! Last month I had the good fortune to  take another workshop with the  guru of gunk  ,  liquid nails being his drug of choice, and boy did the gals in this class get down and
dirty! Thankyou to   Janine for making this possible. Michael is a wonderful teacher who went above and beyond given that we stayed in that workshop room pretty much from dawn till dusk. Great to meet a great group of ladies and to have such an agreeable roomie . 

Photos - my unfinished "blook", Me with my hand liquid nailed to the "blook", The gang, Michael telling us a story!