Cutting-Up’s Artist Blog

Do you ever mess with your own images so much you can no longer tell if you’ve created something cool or just a gigantic mess? As the artist of my company, I’m the ‘go-to’ for ad creating and there’s a huge sense of self-burdening responsibility for the ad art to: ‘do’ well, reflect well on everyone who has an investment, as well as maintain the original intent - to uplift and connect.  It can be a painful process… especially for someone engrossed in the art itself.  I can move the smallest image to the right, no to the left, no try up, down, down, down… until my toes tingle as well as my numb backside.  I will ache… but, like a mad scientist, unable to stop.  And, God forbid the short lead or quick deadline.  Oh, shazam! 

No doubt it would be even more difficult to not be the one creating the ads, as there’s an absolute certainty noone would take the same doting care, as if it’s their own appendage, or give the same meditation to the project while away from a piece…  Of course some say it’s the ultimate self-absorbsion.  I’m not blind to that… but, it feels like the message is meant for someone in particular, designees of the universe who unawaringly (is that a word?) await.  And, that’s an important part of my soul’s passion and seems deserving of the cost of heart and time… and sleeping toes.  I couldn’t possibly work this hard doing something I didn’t care for so much.

So, returning to the matter at hand, when does one single image suffice in giving enough reflection of your entire line and when is a complilation of collage just too much?  I do recognize, as a collage artist, I love getting lost in the layers, hints of images, and pops of color.  On the other hand, I treasure simplicity done well too. 

I suppose, in the end, we all create whatever it is we create - life, love, music, dinner, art (kraft or craft, ha!)- as it’s that which we simply must do - and we keep putting it out there… offering our works, as an extention of our hand, in hopes of connecting with the other… to share our perceived gifts.  As for me, I delight when the connection is made manifest, and right there my gratitude for some small ability to tune into answering the call of my heart consumes me… I’m in awe, not only for the universe’s micaculous validation before me in the events that unfold bringing to form a situation or person who has found something self-personifying in the art, but also for the huge feeling of loving creating so much that I am blessed with the feeling of “I have to do this… and I want to do this”…  And, if we’re doing that, aren’t we giving all?  Well, it may not be worth a set dollar value, but it’s certainly worth walking this earth in gratitude, delight, & a sense of purpose.

Well, call it procrastination; but, I did not mean to write so much.  Blogging is a trip. Thanks for joining me on the adventure… whoever and whereever you are.

These photos were taken at my boyfriend’s parent’s lake house in Texas.  It was absolutely as relaxing as it looks.  As the weekend closed and we were saying our goodbyes the little flying squirel peaked out of its cabana in the tree.  I was overjoyed to snap this photo as he watched to oversee our departure. (The red gerber is the corner is from the front of my house… it’s the bloom from the picture Monday entitled “A Week of Promise.”  Gorgeous! Isn’t life beautiful?!

Blessed and grateful for the good-natured creatures that share my craft-cabin. Here Jacques amuses with his alter-ego personification… ”Cat-Man.”  Well, I guess maybe you had to be there…?

I admit it… I’m addicted to ribbon.  I literally have a visceral, mouth-watering, eye-dilating response to the colors and textures combining… (Same for great cookies but that’s another post). 

As a rule of thumb, encouraging someone with an addiction isn’t a good idea.  And, one day before our tour of markets were to begin,  Colleen and I were discussing the display when she suggested that I buy some ribbon to tie on our hangers to show our t-shirts… “You know,” she said, “the way you do ribbons… Just put a few ribbons on a couple of hangers.”  I could feel the smile run across my face as I envisioned the mounds of colors as I went tripping through the aisles of the hobby store… 

My addiction soon became apparent as Colleen began to tussle with metal hooks tangling in loops of gathered bows while working with customers.  And, my duty became spending morning moments prior to each day’s market entranced in the reworking and tending my lovely stands of color - - in the delight of my stupor!