Something Wickedly Warped this way comes...

The other day, I was bored out of my mind....actually, no, that isn't right.  My mind was flooded by a flurry of creative ideas.  Honest to God, it was like a download on a computer.  I couldn't stop the pace.  I love when that happens, and hate it at the same time.  So many wonderful things are on the to do list for 2013.  I plan to get started as soon as possible.  In the meantime, I was fooling around with some distortion affects on my computer.  I came up with some really cool images that I have decided to call Wickedly Warped Art.  I plan on making prints of these for sale.  I have a few already listed in my etsy shop.  Not all are swirly.   It was so much fun, and it gave me such a different perspective of my artwork.  Hope you like what I've done.

Questions

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or whatever it is you may celebrate.  I had a wonderful Christmas this year.  Things are beginning to quiet back down, and as always with this time of year, I begin to think about next year.  What do I want to create?  What do I want to do?  Actually, I've come to realize those questions are simple.  I ask them of myself all the time.  The true questions have always been a bit more complex.  For years, the big question was who am I?  I didn't realize the voyage of self-discovery was taking place until I was knee deep into it, and then I suddenly realized I was changing and growing.  Of course, my art began to change as well.  The later half of this year became about...what am I?  My job situation changed dramatically this past year.  It will change again June 2013, as unemployment is looming ahead.  I'll admit I am a bit unnerved.  I'm not sure what do with myself.  What do I do next?  Where do I go from here?  Everyone says...well, you will have more time to focus on your art.  True.  But, art needs to pay the bills.  So, once again, I am riding the wave to see where it will take me.  I'm ready.  In the meantime, here are a few Wee Whimsy creations. The first is called Kisstletoe.  The second is called, Gift.  The last is a work in progress, and it is called Waiting. The last seems appropriate.  Blessings to one and all!!!

Have a holly jolly mushroom....

And....another 6 months have officially gotten away from me.  Sorry folks.  I've been quite busy with art and shows this year.  Hoping I can get better at blogging.  It is so difficult to find a few minutes in the day.  Several creations have come and gone.  I will just add my most recent work in keeping with the upcoming holidays.  I just finished a Santa Shroom ink and watercolor image.  This little guy is based on my line of sculptures I created a few years back.  I decided to do a bit of 2D art. I've also added a new Whimsy.  This one is a Wish Whimsy.  Prints are available through my etsy store at http://www.innerfae.etsy.com, and if you visit my website, you will be directed to other merchandise that is available.  I just wanted to take a moment and thank everyone who continuously supports my art.  Thank you so much for your kind words of encouragement, and your generosity.  It means a great deal to me.  Magical blessings for a wonderful Holiday and Joyous New Year!!!!
Trish

Burnt Nuts, the Green Man & Reiki

This is what happens when time gets away from me.  I have a lot to talk about. I've been super busy lately, and it seems my creativity is skyrocketing.  Several projects are in the works.  The first is a Greenman image.  I have been working on this for over a month now.  I recently completed the drawing and now I am on to the ink and watercolor version. I hope you like how he is coming along.

The original photo was provided by my friend Molly Stanton http://www.elvenelysium.com/. In the image is my friend David Shane Odom who is wearing one of his amazing Greenman mask designs http://www.mythicalmasks.com/oddiments_files/main.html.  I stumbled upon the photo of Shane on FB, as we are mutual friends and felt compelled to draw it.  For a while now, I have wanted to do something that would compliment my Mother Nature image, and knew this was the one.  It turned out to be much more difficult than I ever imagined.  The leaves were a complete labyrinth and the mask was very intricate.  Nevertheless, I plugged away and took my time.  I even created little vlogs of my progress, which was something new for me as an artist.  Putting myself "out there" as an artist on video was intimidating to say the least.  I didn't want to come off as preachy, or make an ass of myself.  If nothing else, it gave me ideas for other projects, which I will get to in a moment.  Prior to the Greenman, I had been in a bit of an artistic slump.  I wasn't really creating anything new, just going back over some older works in a newly discovered ink/watercolor medium-now my medium of choice.  I was satisfied at the time, but itching to create something wondrous.  That is when I began taking my first Reiki Level 1 class.  Reiki is something I have had an interest in for a long time.  For years, I have suffered from an autoimmune disorder, which at times has left me sick and often depressed.  I have always been interested in self-healing, and remember vividly as a child laying my hands over my stomach to ease stomach pains. Therefore, it is not surprising to me I would be interested in it today.  I was also going through a transition in my work place environment.  The career I had loved for many years was ending due to funding.  This was very difficult on me.  I loved what I was doing and felt in many ways it was a calling, just as my art.  How lucky I was to have been able to make an impact in a child's life.  I couldn't understand why it was being taken away from me.  I cried for several days, allowing myself to feel the loss and emotion of the situation.  Then I decided that even the bad stuff in life is a learning situation.  I needed this door to close, because something wondrous was right around the corner.  Bear with me, as this will be a long post.  I have much catching up to do...As I said, I began Reiki 1. I received my first attunement, which was utterly amazing.  I actually didn't think anything would happen, and was blown away when it did.  I literally felt as though a champagne cork had been released.  I was the bottle and my head was the cork.  Suddenly, everything was brighter and clearer.  I practiced each day, feeling better both mentally, emotionally and physically.  I also began creating again.  This time my approach was more patient and intuitive.  I worked when it felt right, not because I felt I had to finish.  The results were significantly different...others may not see it, but I knew it was there.  When I finished the Greenman drawing, I went for a long walk around our local pond, which is surrounded by trees and all forms of a nature.  I had a long talk with the Universe, curious as to where my life might be going.  I needed to know I was supported.  When I went home, I found a black walnut shell on my front stoop.  It was split in half.  I contemplated where it had come from.  Did we even have a black walnut tree near our house?  Suddenly it hit me.  The black walnut was my answer.  I rushed upstairs and researched walnut symbolism.  I found this interesting link for those who would like to read more...http://www.floweressencemagazine.com/feb08/walnut.html.  But, what I got from it was a passage about transition, soul path and healing.  I am now carrying this walnut with me all the time as a talisman of sorts.  I went on to Reiki 2, and witnessed my creativity surge forth once again.  I suddenly had the urge to burn wood.  This is amusing, as I have never done this before. My store for those who wish to visit- http://www.etsy.com/shop/BurntWoodOfferings?ref=ss_profile.  I am burning images on wooden acorns, boxes, etc, and find it quite enjoyable.

I am now in the midst of studying for Level 3.  I am also working on an art book.  Mind you, I will have a very good editor.  I am hoping to release it in the fall.  I also have a number of interesting images floating around in my head.  Each one is waiting patiently for their turn at the canvas.  I'm not worried about where things are going.  I'm riding the wave to see what is in store.  I'm not fearful.  I'm curious.  Like Alice falling down the rabbit hole, I know I will land eventually. 

A Taste of Deception

Well, Mercury is out of Retrograde, but I am still feeling the affects.  I've been plagued by a shoulder issue for over a month that is slow to heal.  After going to several doctors and feeling as though I was loosing my mind over the whole thing, it has been determined I have tendinitis.  I thought for sure I was dying at one point, as the pain was excruciating and went all the way down my left arm.  I immediately thought, heart!  Turns out, I may have done this to myself in a variety of ways.  First, as a Libra, I have a tendency to jump head first into something full boar.  I began a regimen of yoga, as a way to get fit.  So, I have determined that exercise on the whole is bad for you.  Then, I began working with a lovely pair of shop owners.  While making jewelry for them and getting ready for Earth Stock (which has been postponed until 4/29 due to weather), I may have overworked my shoulder due to pushing too hard.  Those that make jewelry know we tend to sit in terrible positions, for long periods of time and subject ourselves to repetitive movements.  I'm certain this has only served to aggravate the condition.  During it all, I pushed myself to finish and ink and watercolor image of Snow White.  It is an image I drew last year, but have only recently decided to ink and color.  The reason is two fold.  One, I used to paint digitally.  Nothing wrong with digital painting.  I love it, but wanted to get back to a more traditional form of art.  My inspirations are primarily illustrations in ink and watercolor, and I felt a calling to explore this side of myself.  So far, I am happy with the results.  The other reason is I am submitting this piece to a juried art show.  If chosen, it will be featured along side other artist's interpretation of Snow White.  The cool thing is the show is in Detroit!  I won't be there, but my image will.  This will be the first time I have done anything like this and I am jazzed to the max.  Now that everything is just about done, I can take my work hat off for a bit and connect with the spirit.  My energy is zapped and I am physically, mentally and spiritually drained.  Been contemplating much these last few weeks, where I'm going, what I am doing, and who I am.  Scary stuff!  I feel a calling to explore a more natural path.  I've been looking into taking courses on Herbalism, Reflexology, and Reiki.  Of course, the practical side of me says go back to school and get your SLP in Speech.  But, the soul part of me is screaming for the healing arts.  Will have to see who wins out.  Anyway, here is a look at Snow White A Taste of Deception.  I've posted the original digital painting and the ink and watercolor painting for comparison.  Which do you like better?  The ink & watercolor is first and the digital is second.  I went with a different look on the hag than the digital.  I wanted her color to emerge from the mirror, as she is doing.  What is behind the mirror is the shade of the mirror.

Snakes, yoga, cats, and Mercury Retrograde

Well, it is Sunday morning.  The house is very quiet.  I am in my studio, looking at my drafting table covered with prints and a mish mash of jewelry findings.  I have a show in about a month and I've got to get my butt in gear.  I know some of you out there follow astrology, so you know we are knee deep in the Mercury Retrograde haze.  For those unfamiliar, it is a period when all sorts of havoc tend to occur.  Lucky for us it only happens 3 times a year, but just as unlucky, it lasts for 3 weeks at a punch.  All sorts of wonderful things can occur, and most have to do with communication breakdown...or breakdowns in general.  My husband is not a big follower of Astrology, but he understands the Retrograde and gets just a freaked about it as I do.  I think I am rubbing off on him.  Most people can expect their computers to have problems, perhaps their cars, or mishaps with what they say or write.  But, like the word implies, Retro is a time to go back and rethink, revise, and reinvent.  Basically, it is the time to sloooooow dooooown.  Often, we have no choice in the matter.  At least that is my perspective.  I can't tell you how many times during the Retrograde Haze that I have been sick, or I am awaiting supplies that get lost in limbo land somewhere, my printer runs out of ink at the worst possible moment, or I just can't think of what I want to do next.  Fun times.  Just a few more weeks folks....hang tight.

So, I started a new me regime.  I began a primarily vegetarian diet.  That means, so meat during the week.  I still have the barbecue on the weekend, but I think I may be giving that up as well.  I really don't care for meat in general.  I stopped drinking red wine during the week.  Although, technically, that is not bad for you.  But, being 42, the extra calories were going to my ass, and I hated falling asleep at 8 pm at night.  I also started yoga.  I did it years ago and don't know why I ever gave it up.  Boy am I out of shape.  But, in the short time I've been at it, I do see improvement.  I can now touch my toes.  I've been trying to meditate more, and reading a slew of books on connecting with my soul.  I just finished a book by Penney Pierce called Frequency.  I highly recommend it.  In fact, I wish everyone on the planet would read this book.   Speaking of yoga, I came across this adorable video about yoga and wine....very funny.  It is by Harold's Planet.  Def worth the watch!!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxPuyrfHA3o&feature=player_embedded

Cats...I think my cat has a demon inside it.  Seriously!  Every night, around mid-night he becomes possessed.  He begins running around the house, jumps on and off the bed, and makes a general nuisance of himself.  I am a sleeper.  In the 16 years I have been married, my husband knows not to disturb my sleep.  Joxer (my cat) has not learned this lesson.  He's been with us for 8 years and should really know better.  So, each night, Joxer and I do battle.  He starts his thing and I grab the water bottle.  I chase after him, squirting and swearing like a mad woman, while he runs behind furniture, and hops gates to get away from me.  Eventually he ends up in the basement.  I have to lock the door and block it with a gate to prevent him from breaking the door down.  Believe me, he's done it before.  Last night, I decided to put him in the basement before heading off to bed.  I felt bad, but mama needs her sleep.  Perhaps a few nights of this will teach him a lesson.

And, on one last note...Snakes.  Yesterday, was St. Patrick's Day.  The legend goes, St. Patrick drove the snakes from Ireland.  Well, I found one in my basement yesterday.  It was a garden snake.  No biggie, but I would like to know how he got in my house.  Perhaps he was taking cover during the Retrograde Haze.

Sorry, no art this week.  Mercury and all....

General disclaimer...
(I do not own the rights to any of the images listed, and I'm not sure who they belong to as they came from a search).

Air

Just finished up the drawing for Air.  Think it would also make a good image for the sign of Libra.  Hope you think so too!  Original drawing is now available for purchase in my etsy store.
  http://www.etsy.com/listing/93346263/original-drawing-air

Air

The last few months have been nothing but a roller coaster.  At some point I may vent it all, but for now I just need a bit of air.  So, I started working on a new elemental piece tentatively titled, Air.  The image features a she owl with two crows beneath her.  The faces blend together into an optical illusion forming another owl.  I plan several other air images emerging from the top of her head.  Surrounding her is a gnarled tree in the shape of a V..a crossroads perhaps.  I've been working on the piece for a week and will work on it all day tomorrow.  I hope to finish the original drawing by the weekend.  Will post progress images soon.  Below is what I have so far. 

Two Special Coupon Codes

I am currently running two special coupon codes in my etsy store....

Shop for Valentines Day this week!!! January 29th-February 5th, use coupon code LOVEBLING upon check out and receive an extra 30% off handmade JEWELRY ONLY!! Coupon code CANNOT be used in combination with any other coupon code in the store! And remember, all jewelry ships FREE within the USA! [link] CANNOT BE USED TOWARD ANYTHING ELSE IN THE STORE.  JEWELRY ONLY!!!

And...For a limited time, use coupon code HEARTSAFIRE and get extra 20% off for anything in my etsy store. [link] can be used towards prints, original art, sculptures, etc.  However, it CANNOT BE USED IN COMBINATION WITH ANY OTHER COUPON!

New Art/Old Art

Just finished up a new ink and watercolor piece.  Actually, it isn't new.  I created the image, Oceania last year.  I am just now getting around to giving it some color.  I decided to do something a bit different and perhaps a little radical.  The image is not the original and yet it is.  I have the original drawing for sale in my etsy store.  What I decided to do was duplicate the original onto 9x12 watercolor paper.  I then painstakingly went over in ink.  I then used watercolor pencils and gouache paint to give it color.  My intention is to create 5 of these pieces.  So, that being said, they are limited edition and rare.  It took me several days to complete this from start to finish.  I do not know when I will begin the second of the five limited pieces.  It could be a month from now, or a year.  But, my intention is five total and then no more.  The first one is available in my etsy store.  In my opinion, the first is always the best.  Prints are available of this image as well.  That being said, you can expect certain pieces to retire soon and other ink/watercolor limited edition originals to emerge.  Please go to http://www.innerfae.etsy.com to get a closer look at the image, as I have several detail shots posted.

At last!

Sometimes I drive myself crazy trying to find myself.  Ever do that?  I've been creating for as long as I can remember.  I started out in clay...actually, I started out by making wreaths and decorating glass balls for Christmas.  But, as an "artist", I began in clay.  Way back in 2004 I started by making mushrooms.  I still make them, although not as often.  That is another blog all together.  I then bridged off into jewelry design, which I still do.  It is a good bread and butter item for me at shows.  After that I experimented with watercolor paints, but will admit that I lacked the drive to perfect what I was doing.  I delved into digital art, which I love, and still use.  However, my true love has always been drawing.  I love to draw, and always have.  So, a few years back I bought myself a nice set of Derwent pencils.  Loved it!  But, I stopped there.  If I wanted color, I painted digitally.  I know some people think digital painting is not "real painting".  I'm not here to argue anyone's beliefs.  All I have to say is, don't judge a book by the cover.  It is hard, HARD!  Anyway, I will get into debates about this at another time.  Actually, the purpose of this blog is to say, at last!  I think I may have found an art form that really speaks to me and gives me the best of both worlds (drawing & color).  I bought myself a nice set of fountain pens and a set of Windsor & Newton Inks to go with a set of Derwent watercolor pencils my parents gave me for Christmas.  The other day I sat down and began to use the inks and pencils.  Let me tell you.  I have never been so motivated!  I felt myself immerse into an orgasm of creativity.  Yes, I am using the big O here-LOL!  Fellow artists will know exactly what I am talking about when that happens.  It is an extraordinary feeling.  An AH HA moment.  First, I have always loved the idea of using inks.  It just screams of another time to me.  I have a beautiful old ink well I purchased years ago, and always imagined who might have used it...the letters that may have come out of it, or perhaps the drawings ;).  I've only begun the journey into inks, and watercolor pencils, but I feel it is a relationship that will last a life time.  Below are two images.  Both are available in my etsy store.  The first is called, Where balloons go.  I imagine there are children up in heaven just waiting to catch all those lost balloons.  The second image is from a series of holiday illustrations I just finished up.  Originally, I scanned the original drawing and painted them digitally.  This is the pencil original redone in ink and watercolor. 

You are what you...

I'm certain that most people have heard the statement, you are what you eat.  I'm also pretty certain that most people believe it is a true statement.  After all, if you eat things that are bad for you, you will gain weight, and develop all kind of negative health related issues.  Vice versa, if you eat a healthy and balanced diet, you will look good and feel great.  Pretty simple and straight forward.  Pretty easy to believe.  So, why is it so hard for people to believe the statement, you are what you THINK?   It really is the same concept, isn't it? Now, if you don't believe me.  If you think this is a bunch of mahoo, than let's look at something a bit more concrete, shall we.  We know that every action causes a reaction (Newton's Law).  This is proven.  No one doubts it.  So, if this is the case, we are what we think is pretty much the same concept.  The apple doesn't fall far from the tree does it?  I had a long conversation with someone this weekend about how our thoughts shape our existence.  On the surface, he believes this is true.  But putting this concept into action is a challenge.  I'm no expert.  I will admit,  I have spent several years trying to understand why certain things happen, why certain patterns exist in my life, why I fall down the rabbit hole, and why I often have trouble getting out.  It took me years to realize it was all due to the way I perceive an event, a person, or a particular situation in my life.  I have lived a great deal of my life in fear of the "what if".  Much of this stems from conditioning.  I've allowed people to tell me I can't.  I've taken on another person's fear in a situation and put that into my own.  I've even passed that fear on to others.  I could have chosen to ignore all of this, but I didn't.  So too this person.  He's in the midst of a scenario he has seen time and time again.  Old knee jerk patterns are emerging, negative reactions, beyond my control convictions, I can't say, I can't do, etc.  Excuses are made and control is given away.  Time and time again,  a no win situation is perceived and a screw it attitude is developed.  While I understand life and the people we deal with on a day to day basis can be the cause of great stress, I do not believe it is beyond our control.  I often question why certain people are in the positions of power.  They are in these positions, because we have allowed it to occur.  Now, this person I am speaking of certainly didn't put this individual in a seat of power, but he is allowing this person to have power, because he is relinquishing his own.  He is thinking, I have no power.  I have no control.  I cannot afford to speak my mind for fear of what it might bring me.  Sound familiar to anyone??? How many times have you done this?  But, I can hear you all now....What if I loose my job?  What if I make a mistake?  What if I fail?  STOP IT RIGHT NOW!  SHUT OFF THE VOICE INSIDE YOUR HEAD!  GIVE IT A TIMEOUT!  Yes, something you may not like could happen.  But, did it ever occur to you that when one door closes another opens. Instead of perceiving a situation as hopeless, or negative, change your conception of it.  Change the way you perceive it.  Play the outcome in your mind in a positive way.   If you can conceive it, you can achieve it.  That is the beauty of thought.  If you want to live your life believing the voices, believing the negativity, falling down the same hole, etc, more power to you.  That is your choice, and thus the power of your intentions.  You thought it into being.  This world is is a world of your choosing and will continue to lead you down the road you choose, because you inspired the thought process.  It was and is your intention.  When you give the power of your thinking away, you give yourself away, and you give your control away.  Let go of fear.  Release your thoughts of negativity.  They do not serve you.  Embrace the power of your positive mind.  Anything is possible.  Furthermore, forgive yourself of what you have done to others, what you have done to yourself, and release it.  Let it all go. What kind of life do you wish to live?  Do you want to live a life of limitations, because somewhere along the line someone, or even you told you your thoughts were foolish, your dreams are foolish.  If we change the way we think and perceive our world, we can ultimately change our world.  But, you have to start with what you think and how you think.  Own your own thoughts.  Stop listening to the negative voices inside your head...the ones that tell you, you can't, what if, I'm not good enough, I can't afford to, I don't have enough money, or I need money to get from A to B. You are what you think....so, think yourself into the life you want to have.  Think yourself into the kind of person you want to be.  Think and achieve!

Happy New Year

Happy New Year everyone!!! I'm very excited about 2012.  I think this going to be a magical year for us all.  I feel it deep in my gut and I always go with my gut.  I'm not a believer in the dooms day theories, which have been circulating for a number of years.  Personally, I think it is a bunch of BS and a way for people to make money off of fear.  Screw that!  Yes, our planet is changing, and yes we are changing...waking up.  But, I pretty darned sure we will make it past 12/21.  As my mama always said, "You could walk out in the street and get hit by a bus tomorrow."  So, don't sweat it.  Off my soap box.  Now, what is on my agenda this year?  I've been refocusing and doing some introspection.  We Libra's have a knack for that kind of thing.  I've been setting some short-term and long-term goals.  I've created a wish list of sorts, and hope everything comes to fruition.  Yep, there are some pretty big wishes on this list, but anything is possible if you believe.  And, as always, I am thinking about my art and what I want to do next.  I'm always trying to find myself, and I think I may be on track this year...let's hope.  I'm stepping away from the world of clay for a bit and working a lot with paper.  There are many reasons for this, which I might go into detail about later, but for now I've become rather fascinated with papier mache art and sculpture.  I've got some interesting things in the works coming soon.  I'm also delving deeper into my passion for circus/carousel themed images.  I think you will see more of this in sculpture, but also in 2D imagery.  I've also just purchased a set of artist inks and nibs.  Should be interesting to see what comes out of this.  I've always wanted to get into pen and ink, so I'm very excited about the prospect of where this could lead.  I plan to continue my Fairy tale themed art images and motifs, as well as some new Enchanted Mushrooms.  Keep an eye out for those.  New jewelry designs are in the works, but I am thinking of more eclectic pieces, that are a bit other worldly.  Not sure how much traveling and shows I will be doing this year.  I think that may once again take a back seat until the economy improves.  Like last year, I plan to focus a good bit of my energy on improving my skills and exploring my imagination.  This is our year!  Let's make MAGIC!!