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!