Art Slam

Last night, the new and improved Wacom Penscrappers site went live. I already shared with you the news about the new Bamboo Craft which I am enjoying more than the previous one. Working with Wacom has been excellent. They truly allow me and the other eleven artists complete creative freedom to do our thing and showcase their product. You can’t beat that!

Here are the other Penscrappers. Make sure you check them out and their amazing work. This year, we all will have video lessons within our profiles. I am looking forward to learning some new things I can do with my Bamboo tablet. There is a contest going on and Margie Lundy is hosting the first month. So, make sure you visit frequently to see what is new.

I took a major step in creating a clearing in my life. I recently let go of some things I have held onto for a long time. While difficult at first to do so, I found the process of letting go rather liberating. I did not realize that various events from the past  had such an influence on my present. Granted, some things I had forgotten about, but when confronted with them again, I could remember and feel the sadness of some of those moments. Letting them go was necessary.

My past is not my story. Not my current story, anyway. The great thing about creating a clearing is the clarity that comes with it. I do not dismiss my past, as the growth I have gained from it is invaluable to me. Instead, I am using what I have learned to create a new story. One where I am not so dependent on others for the outcome to be to my liking. I am learning to yield when needed and push when the time calls for it. I am learning to be more aware of what the clearing is opening up for me. That awareness is where my new story begins.

Other Posts to Enjoy:

• Recurring Themes and Colors in Art and Life
• The Treasure of a Story
• The Evolution of a Name & a StoryWeaver

This is one of the spreads from my business plan journal. I did not finish it because I changed my mind about the original concept. Even still, doing a business plan this was an excellent exercise. I was able to get my ideas out and organize them in a way that made sense. This is something I will be doing again in the very near future to help me keep the online classes I am developing on track. A little bit of planning never hurts.

I came across this page purely by accident this week and this drawing reminded me of some of the best shoes I ever had. I miss them dearly. Just about as much as I miss drawing on a regular basis. I figure if I can fit in twenty minutes of drawing for the next 21 days, I can reestablish the habit. Definitely doable.

Five things I am enjoying right now:

• Rollip – you can create Polaroid images like the one above at this site. I think it is a wonderful idea. Granted, I would love to have the film to go in my old school Polaroid and shoot myself, but I do not.
• Journal Spilling – Diana Trout’s book is simply amazing. I have been enjoying my copy of the book and especially love the wit and humor she uses when she writes. This book truly makes working in an art journal doable for beginners and offers something new for seasoned creatives.
• Bakerella – This site is clever, cute and I love seeing what new creations she has come up with. Mini cakes on a stick…love!
• Wacom Bamboo Fun – I know I mentioned it earlier in the month, but now that I have had a chance to use the new tablet and the touch technology, I am beyond impressed. It is slick looking, smaller than the previous tablet which makes it portable and there is a place to store the pen. I love it!
• Gap Body Gear – I received a surprise in the mail from Brand About Town for attending the Shutter Sisters Suite this past July. I had no idea what was coming and was delightfully surprised to find some of the softess lounge wear I have ever worn. I would like to thank them so much for giving me a great excuse to wear my cami, t-shirt and fold over pants anytime I like.

The word, sanctuary means a sacred or holy place. That is how I see my heart and my relationship with God. I had a place I would spill whatever was on my mind, a sanctuary of sorts that I have used for years. It was a comfort, familiar. When what is familiar to you changes, it can be uncomfortable. You almost feel lost because your familiar became your routine, your habit. I am not much on coincidences, but I believe that when something changes your familiar, it is not always a bad thing. It may seem like it at first, but in the end, there is opportunity for growth and a new understanding.

I have a new understanding and I am learning that sanctuary does not have to be a physical or material space. It can be spiritual and it can live in your heart where it is always safe and there is peace.

I am loving coming up with my own affirmations. This is definitely a favorite and a good one to start the weekend. This new journal is truly becoming a joy to work in.

I started a new art journal a month ago. It is much smaller than what I normal journal in and it is very simple in design. For this one, I am creating my own affirmations. I am a huge quote collector, but rarely do I collect my own words in this way. The pages are very simple in design. Sometimes, art needs to be uncomplicated, calming and that is exactly what this new journal accomplishes for me. It is a new sanctuary.