urbanrosary

Change

JoAnnA (you know the one).... from Mosshill Studios.... www.mosshillstudio.blogs.com. She and I have been good friends for something like 30 years! It's kind of scary to think about that, but it is true.  

Several weeks ago JoAnnA phoned and told me of her idea to teach "art workshops" online. I thought it was a great idea!  We spoke about doing a workshop collaboration together.

  

The original plans was that I would visit her in her studio, and we would film a workshop together creating altered bottle art.  I have spent some time with her in her studio and it is such a great set up.  She has such passion and is so good at what she does.  She simply is a natural. Unfortunately, she lives so far away that I didn't know if we could actually make it happen.  

She suggested that I consider creating my own workshop, teaching soldering, and specifically the class on creating devotional altered art bottles.

In my past, I have taught all kinds of things that included arts and crafts, but it was usually hands on, or one on one!  But I started to think how much I would love to do this.  A video workshop!  I started thinking about it alot.  Why not?

On a personal note, along with thinking about my workshop, I have been watching a lot of www.ted.com.  It is a site representing the greatest thinkers on technology, education and design.  I am what is considered at "Tedster" (a person addicted to Ted). At night, when I fall asleep I whisper into my boyfriends (Scott's) ear, "I love Ted so much"....not knowing what to think, he usually displays some type of facial expression that is featured in the photo below....you get the idea....! My point is...that on Ted.com there is speaker after speaker presenting to the public ideas that create CHANGE, and promote creativity on all levels.

Change is happening at a rapid pace, why not ride the wave of something more innovative like a workshop online?  What better way to connect people to their creative spirit?  I watched this happen on JoAnnA's Art Doll Workshop!  So, I am in the process of doing my own "Devotional Art" online workshop.  I am gathering together all the supplies that I need and can offer to my students and fellow creative junkies.  I will keep everyone informed and should have everything up and running soon!

Below, I am featuring one of the Devotional Art Pieces that I could offer supplies for. I have this great connection to a designer that produces these wonderful mercury glass vases with a metal rose attached to it.  They are heavy and range in sizes from 3" to 6" inches. I thought these might work well with the workshop if someone wanted me to supply these as the base for their own altered bottle.  I will also be able to supply chandelier crystals and copper foil too.

A 3" mercury glass vase is featured on the piece.

I found this little quote...

We cannot escape fear.  We can only transform it into a companion that accompanies us on all our exciting adventures, Take a risk a day....one small or bold stroke that will make you feel great once you have done it.

Well....that's all I have for now...in the meantime its back to the "drawing board"....

xo_Cathleen

   

Check out my Slide Show!

Nothing to show

In light of our present situation....our Country's present financial situation....I struggle to hold on to what I have been doing.  I wonder why bother?  And can I afford to take the time?  Today after many bad days, I decided to buy a notebook and once again start on my journey through a book called the "Artist Way".  To give up on my creativity, which is what I have abandoned on many occassions in my life, for many long periods as well.... is to give up on a part of "me".  A big part.  

There are those that do not believe that I am an artist.  That to call yourself an artist has to fall into some criteria or box.  There are those that want to box you in. It makes them feel safe.  Being an artist isn't always about being safe, it is about being adventurous.  Creating art might be about being extreme in expression or maybe crafty and calculating in expression.  Expressing oneself creatively is always risky, risky, risky.  You become exposed on many levels. 

JoAnnA at Mosshill Studios is teaching a great class on making "Art Dolls".  She is loving her new "position" as a teacher.  Teaching and participating in a class is appropriate for some of us at this time.  Because creating art connects us to something inside of us.  Something that needs to be expressed....whatever that is.  There is a story to tell and it creates a magic.  Magic that some us need right now.

Some of us need to be prodded along.  Artist need to keep creating.  It is their calling.  I see people including myself going back to the "land" or the "hand" so to speak.  For instance, a dear friend Gina who works in labor and delivery at a hospital decided to crochet her three grown children blankets this holiday season.  Her children can wrap themselves in her love.  Something from her own hand.  

Another friend tore up part of his lawn and is now growing a "victory garden".  The seed is planted, nurtured, watered.  The plant grows providing extra food for his family.  There is a joy that comes from that, that can not be replaced. 

JoAnnA's classes are leading people to make something with their own hands, creating a connection to themselves.  In the "Artist Way" there are some basic principles to creativity that I am going to share....because presently I have nothing to "show". This is a good place to be, because out of the ashes comes????  I am taking the time to think on these things....

1.  Creativity is the natural order in life.  Life is energy: pure creative energy.

2.  There is an underlying, in dwelling creative force infusing all life....including       ourselves.

3.  When we open ourselves to our creativity, we open ourselves to the creator's           creativity within us and our lives.

That all I have to say for now....

Love, Peace and Hope

Make a Smilebox postcard