Kelly, Jane and Katie

Since I've been creatively blocked lately, I decided to read up on a famous artist who's work I love and interpret what I see into something of my own. A bit of an exercise meant to get the creative energy flowing again. I worked on a few things inspired by some of the "big guys" like Picasso, Chagall and Miro, but I'm still not coming up with anything of my own. Also, I've been reading a few different collage books. One in particular is called Taking Flight by Kelly Rae Roberts. It's all about inspiration. Kelly's art is whimsical and feminine. It's so different from my own work, yet I appreciate her use of color and incorporation of texture. I created a piece following some of her techniques outlined in the book and the piece is working for me, but I just can't seem to complete it. Well, my friend's daughter Katie is going to Cambridge England to study for the next 3 weeks. (Lucky girl!) One of the literature courses is a study of works by Jane Austin. A HA! I figured out just what it needs! I incorporated my favorite Jane quote onto the piece, "Where shall we see a better daughter or a kinder sister or a truer friend?" Yesterday I took it to Hobby Lobby to have a matt cut. The sales girl asked me if it was a print by Kelly Roberts and the another lady said I should give it to someone special. Well, I was thrilled to be confused with Ms. Roberts and proud of the gift I created for special young friend who's off on an exciting adventure. I was so excited about how it turned out and encouraged by the feedback from the ladies at the store that I rushed over to Katie's this morning and gave it to her. She loved it! With a book that inspired me, validation from strangers in the store, and one little excited tear from the daughter of a friend I'm happy to report my creative slump is over... THANK YOU KELLY, JANE and KATIE!

It's not happening today either.

I need to do something to get the creative juices flowing. I spent a few hours yesterday in my little studio and all I could manage to do was clean it up. This morning, the same thing. What's going on? Maybe it's time to get inspired. I think I'm going to spend a few hours this afternoon looking through art books with a glass of wine and my sketch book. I'm hoping that will do it. Wish me luck!

St. Charles was the happening place!

Yesterday I was having a bad day. I was just "off" with everything, or as my father used to say "I wasn't hitting on all cylinders". Oh how painfully true! However, my crummy day ended with a fun night. Tony and I went to St. Charles for dinner with my art friends followed by the opening reception for our first professional gallery show. I think the opening went well and all the art was just amazing! Thank you Melinda and Kersten for choosing Za Za's for dinner. The food was yummy! Sue and Greg, thank you for driving and for not killing me because I was so late. Turkan, Pam and Jim thank you for not throwing things at me for making EVERYONE late. I'm looking forward to the next get together to celebrate how creative we are!

MCS show in St. Charles

The Midwest Collage Society will exhibit 113 original collage, mixed media and assemblage works, by 33 artists, at the Dellora A. Norris Cultural Arts Center in St. Charles. It is running until July 30th. The theme of the show, Paper, Process and Perception, encompasses each individual artists' perception of the world through paper, wood, fabrics and other canvases. I have two small pieces in the show. If you're in the St. Charles area the evening of Friday June 9th, 7:30 to 9pm, stop in and see this impressive show. I'll be there around 8pm. I'd love to see you!

The Dellora A. Norris Cultural Arts Center
1040 Dunham Road
St. Charles, IL
(630) 584-7200
www.norrisculturalarts.com