"With eyes wide open, I see the splendor of life"
I have been busy working on projects for publications and have found my self-questioning my process and have to admit that over the last few years I have gotten a little (OK, make that A-LOT!) Set in my ways and perhaps I may have forgotten a few things like:
1. Don't be afraid to be afraid.
2. Push your self to go beyond what you can do.
3. Keep stretching: Don’t limit your self or your art.
4. Continuously think of innovative ways to combining materials.
5. Question your ideas, not your self.
6. Urge your self's to try new ideas and mediums
7. Not all growth happens naturally: know when you need to push your self.
I was reminded when I opened up and read the pages of Liz Lamoreux new book;
Just how much I take for granted my own creative self, my artistic attitude is who I am, I make art because its what I do. However After reading "Inner Excavation" I see how my process could benefit from asking myself some key question and how my standing back and viewing my own process could help me to grow.
Liz's book will guide you through the expressions of photography, poetry/journaling and mixed-media as they pertain to exploring how we not only currently see ourselves, but how we can learn to see new things hiding below the surface. Each of these sub-topics features a different contributing artist (or the author) and includes tips, prompts, meditations and other exercises, along with plenty of full color inspiration.
Last year as I made various pieces of art for "Inner Excavation" I was asked to create a piece of art by using one or more word prompts that Liz shares in her book. I chose to use the question:
my response was interpenetrated into the forum of this dress with my words:
I am please to announce that Liz has agreed to give away a autographed copy of her new book "inner excavation" and as a bonus I will also send the winner a piece of art made by me. All I ask that you do is to leave your answer to my question on this post and I will pick the winner by who's answer I like best. My question for you is the very same one that I have been asking myself:
I was reminded when I opened up and read the pages of Liz Lamoreux new book;
Just how much I take for granted my own creative self, my artistic attitude is who I am, I make art because its what I do. However After reading "Inner Excavation" I see how my process could benefit from asking myself some key question and how my standing back and viewing my own process could help me to grow.
Liz's book will guide you through the expressions of photography, poetry/journaling and mixed-media as they pertain to exploring how we not only currently see ourselves, but how we can learn to see new things hiding below the surface. Each of these sub-topics features a different contributing artist (or the author) and includes tips, prompts, meditations and other exercises, along with plenty of full color inspiration.
Last year as I made various pieces of art for "Inner Excavation" I was asked to create a piece of art by using one or more word prompts that Liz shares in her book. I chose to use the question:
"what do you see when you open your eyes and really look?"
I am please to announce that Liz has agreed to give away a autographed copy of her new book "inner excavation" and as a bonus I will also send the winner a piece of art made by me. All I ask that you do is to leave your answer to my question on this post and I will pick the winner by who's answer I like best. My question for you is the very same one that I have been asking myself:
what do you need to grow artistically?
I look forward to reading your responses! I will pick the winner on December 15.
(Details of dress)
60 comments:
Hey Ruthrae, thanks for the opportunity to enter your fab giveaway. I used to think that because I never went to University and did an arts course that I was always going to be restricted by my lack of knowledge and technique.
I realize that what I really need to grow artistically is to believe in myself and to make the things I enjoy. Make the things that please me and not make for others.
For every person that doesn't like my work there are ten people I haven't yet met that do.
Have a great week.
The encouragement and love of my creative tribe...I am always amazed at the restorative quality of witnessing the creations of others, the validation of being seen and making art in the presence of others. It also helps when I have plenty of glitter glue and acrylic paint on hand!
I need to keep building on my positive outlook to my art. Sadly I go into doubt/negative feelings and feel almost paralyzed - fortunately not so much recently as I just keep telling myself it is just paint and paper....thanks for the introduction to this book and the chance to win - I would so love to read and experience it.
you are the second person to recommend this book... now i must get it... have you read 'art & fear'? what i need is an environment that is less threatening... to follow my muse even when what she has in mind causes me to doubt myself completely...
Congrats Ruth for contributing to this book! It sounds amazing a soul filled journey~
I need to continue to write, create and listen to the whispers of my heart. My intuition keeps pushing me in this one direction; I trust it, but there hasn't been one sign of being published. Something inside me knows I need to stay on this path, but my brain is trying to talk my heart out of it. I know I must listen to the stirrings of my heart and continue
on this journey. Artistically I need to put more of my art on my blog and not be afraid to put myself out there. I don't want to be old one day and wondered "What If"...and I'm going to listen to my intuition, it is rarely wrong~
Thank you for this opportunity~!
Congratulations on your inclusion in Liz's book Ruth. Your poetry dress is wonderful and the quote you have used is certainly a truth.As for growing artistically well...
Courage... to cast aside the voice of doubt,
to learn something from all who cross my path,
to embrace each challenge regardless of my fears,
and determination to see it through. I will grow.
To grow artistically i need to create without worrying about the outcome but rather to be in the moment and enjoy the process. I also need to dare, to trust and to do.
Thank you!
What do I need to grow artistically? Beautiful question.. and thks for the chance to win!
For me, I need drive. I need a committment I make to myself.. to take chances more.. to learn more, to grow more, to make new and exciting connections, both in real life and online, I need to spread my wings more. Because ultimately, it's all up to me. Me. Me. Me. I am the maker of my own future. It's the daily choices I make. Those are what will turn me in the direction I was meant to travel all along. xo
Thank you for this opportunity.
I know immediately what I need. I need to accept the permission God is giving me to create without feeling that I need to justify it by hoping it can be profitable financially. I can create and grow and spend the time and some money even if it never makes a dime. I can say that, but I need to completely accept it
What I need to grow artistically is more time. I am finding that the longer blocks of time I have in my studio, the more ideas and creative directions present themselves. Like many working adults, the blocks of time that we have to engage ourselves artistically come in short bursts between dinner and bedtime and weekends between errands and cleaning. On the weekends, I will hide away in my studio and the longer I stay, the more energized my creative mind becomes. I'm the type of person who learns by having my hands in it all. I definitely brainstorm away from the studio but it's being involved in the process for longer time spans that is helping me grow.
Margaret
I need to hole up in my studio. I need time. I need to say no to other requests. Easier said than done, huh?
wonderful book, thanks for sharing it! you are right that after awhile, we do tend to take things for granted, thus resulting in less than 100% from what we normally give.
question: What do you need to grow artistically?
i'm going to have say that i need "inner peace". when there is all sorts of drama, turmoil, illness, chaos around me, i cannot think, process or create. I need calm and quiet with little interruption. i find when i have a tranquil environment around me, i get much more done and feel happy doing it.
xoxo,
kecia
Hi, Ruth! Thanks for the giveaway chance and always sharing your beautiful work. Somehow I need to figure out how to keep the creative side of my brain on all the time (even when doing the dishes) instead of waiting for time in my studio. Great question!
Have a wonderful day!
Mindy ;o)
Hmmm....well my creative muse took a vacation after I was in a serious car accident last March. I had a brain injury, a torn rotator cuff, and whip lash and was confined to bed, the couch, or appointments. Although I am doing better now, something is keeping me from moving forward with my creativity. It's quite irritating after being so proliferative all these years. Maybe that book would be a source of inspiration for me. Maggie Tomei
Thank you for this opportunity!
Like Nike tells us, "just do it"!!
I cannot compare myself to others, or think it may not come out the way I want, or think no one would want what I create...I need to just make time to get in the studio and do it! I love to create and I love how creating makes me feel!I will treat myself more often!
I am participating in a Bible Study that asks, "What would you do if you had one month to live?"
Thought provoking, huh?!
"Do what you love. love what you do!"
Debi
Ruth,
I will be very honest in saying I am very frustrated with that question.
I know i love to and do pore through blogs, zines, and books for inspiration.
Yet, over the years I've observed how "real" artists(by my definition), go a step further. They are very in touch with nature.They choose a more organic approach to inspiration, rather than just another person's idea.
I long for that.
This isn't to say artists can't be inspired by one another's work. Not at all. (It's like bouncing ideas off of one another, similar to brainstorming.)
Or taking a similar idea and then adding your own twist.
But, when i do this I just feel, it's not mine.
And i think artists(again by my definition), truly long for an individual voice.
That may be what sets artists apart from "creative" people.
Maybe i am only a "creative" person, but my desire is to be an artist. To seek inspiration from my memories, the truths i have learned and continue to learn, and the creation that lies all about us.
To really push myself beyond just admiring someone else's art.
How do i get there? i am not sure.
I have a lot of alone time, now that my kids are all in school. But, i find i am lonely rather than liberated.
An artist would probably give his/her right arm to have the solitude i have.
Maybe what i need the most is others around me. I thrive among people.
In closing(wheww, that was long!), a new friend is headed my way this week to learn a bit about jewelry making, etc. This could be the answer to that question. Another artist/creative person alongside me. I am looking forward to her visit. And i pray that God has great things in store for both of us, both artistically and spiritually.
sincerely, marilyn
In order to grow artistically I need to connect with the creative child within. She spent hours and hours with a box of crayons and a pad of paper. She wasn't obsessed about having the right crayon or the perfect paper. So first of all, I need to get back to the experience of PLAY.
As a grown up in order to grow artistically, I need a connection with other other artists who are willing to collaborate and share ideas and help one another grow through encouragement and honest criticism.
OOOh! I hope I win the book. Thanks!
ArtL8dy at e14studio
My initial reaction was that I need time but I think that is a cop out. I probably need 'application' just to get in there and explore and play, and not be afraid to make mistakes.
What do I need to grow artistically? That is a question that truly requires some thought. To be quite honest, I have never really given that question much thought.
Inspiration is one of the first words that pops into my mind. To be inspired to actually put your heart out there for the world to see. For to me, my art is my heart. I create things I love and I put forth my best efforts.
Courage has to be a factor as well, for the same reason that it is your heart, your soul that is out there for others to accept or reject. Courage to be different, to express what is inside you, that must be shared with others. With that sharing, comes the interaction with others. The more diverse that group is, the more they can collaborate and bring forth a new form of expression. The expression is the subject, of the words that must be spoken from the depth of of your soul. From one heart to another.
I would need all these things to grow artistically, not an easy answer. Really not an easy thing to do. We all get in a comfort zone, a safe place. The challange is to move beyond what you know and to listen to your heart.
Debbie
What I need is to find a way of getting the ideas that are in my head out into a form of textile. I have loads of ideas but just don't know where to begin. I would really love a copy of hte book to see your work and also to get me to the place I want to be as a textile artist
Hi Ruth, oh goodie a giveaway. The book looks wonderful, thanks for showcasing it. What do I need? It turns out more times than not, I need to reach deep down inside, and find what makes me happy, and pull that out, set it on my workstation, and be reminded of it. I find that if I stay focused on what I love, not what others might like, the creativity flows, and I allow myself to grow, experiment, and push. Thanks for asking the question! Riki
Lots of things inspire me creatively. But meeting people and being creative with them in a social setting is the best ever! Meeting new artist friends and create with them, along side with them, is the best of the best of my two favorite things in the world. meeting new people, creating and traveling. Oh, yeah, I guess I forgot that. Traveling to workshops or art-retreats to meet like-minded. I do it once a year, travel half across the world, and live on it, until the next time.
In between these rare meetings, I do find a lot of inspiration and a sense of community with other blogging artists all over the world.
Woops, here is my comment that I put on fb, duh, why did I not think to reply to the blog! Just following the crowd! Here is what I need to grow artistically:
I need the courage to just create, without the need to control the outcome. The courage to just follow my instincts and not care if it turns out perfect, if it sells or has "a place" somewhere. I need it not to be about income or outcome, but just the process of creating!
Unfortunately when I really look -- I tend to separate the details and see the faults.... I need to learn to step back a bit and appreciate the whole.....
I need to stop waiting for approval and encouragement from those around me and ignore my own self doubts. I need to move past my procrastination and outside my comfort zone and jump right in.
To grow artistically i would need to be more open. To go out at least once a day to let me inspire by natures beauty around me and then come home and work.
Not think so much but work.
oh Ruth......... and your work is more then beautiful!
XXXm
Congratulations Ruth for the inclusion in Liz's new book and Congratulations to Liz for the new book!
I love you question! I think for me it is to do with space and acceptance. The mental space to allow myself to develop, learn and grow.
The acceptance to let art into my heart, I spent a long time denying the artistic side to my nature and it was only the love of my wonderful partner that helped me to realise that I was artistic. I feel very grateful to be on this new journey!
Thanks so much for the chance to win!
In order to grow artistically I need to forget about all the rules, the traditions, walking the paved road. Instead, I need to carve my own way of thinking, be more spontaneous and authentic, uninfluenced and true to (only) myself.
I also need to experiment more and just relax and play with total abandonment.
Thanks for the opportunity to take time and think RR!
I find inspiration in the everyday. My problem is *motivation* to put those inspirations into art!! I jot down lots of note to myself of projects that I would like to do. Fortunately, lately I have my two oldest daughters to thank for *motivating* me to actually sit down at least once a week and create something (or at least start something). It is a beginning, as I had put off my art to become a *mom* once again to my 5 year old. Now that she is in school full time I can finally find the *time*! Congratulations to you both on the book and thank you for offering the chance to win a copy! You are an inspiration also!!
well done for getting your art in this fab new book. To answer your question is easy:
A love of life and a belief and determination that you can lead a creative life...
good luck to everyone!
that's a loaded question right now. as i practically stopped making anything all together. i hasn't bothered me much. that has been the hardest part of it all. i've not missed it. so i have not been fighting it or questioning it. i've accepted it as the place i need to be. and have been growing in other ways, which in turn, fuels me creatively. it's just that my creativity isn't being funneled into two dimensional visual arts. instead, it has to do with how i interacts with others, how i sing while i am walking down the path, the rhythm of my shoes with the leash of my dogs. simple beauties in every day life. i know that i am fueling myself. i needed this time away. i needed to step back and regain my love for my art which was being replaced by the voices of others and self-imposed pressures. so, right now, to grow artistically, all i need is to be me and to accept that process as enough.
i'm going to cry now. i wrote a book and when i logged in the box ate my comment.
I need to look around me for inspiration. I need to trust my instincts and stop doubting my ideas and the possibilites of what I do. I need to run with scissors, draw with paint and write with a big pen. I need to gather inspiration from Mother Nature - trust Her as she knows the Truth about every design trick there is...I need to live my art. I need to Be Free and Forceful in my art. I need to Be Me.
What do I need to do to grow artistically? I need to banish the nagging, utilitarian voice from my mind, "What are you going to do with that?" It echoes from everyone who asks me what I make when I spend a lot of time in my studio. When I do manage to do this, I can make a "grace" tassel just to remind me of my many blessings or a small quilt with scraps from my grandmother's sewing basket to remember her and honor her. Thanks, Ruth, for the opportunity and for making me think about this important issue. Thanks also for telling us about the book; I know it will be great.
Oh gosh - I'm not sure which is more inticing - the book or something you made!
What do I need to grow artistically? Right this minute my life is so busy helping with my grand children. I need to have some time with nothing to do but create art. I am getting frustrate with life at the moment. I have always been creative but I am afraid if I don't make the time to keep the skills I have been working on for the past 4 years that I will lose all that I have learned and it will take me forever to get back into the groove.
Ruth your artwork inspires me and each time I see something you are working on it makes me want to run to the craft room. Unfortunately each time I try I trip over a toy!
Arlene
Congratulations to both you and Liz on such a wonderful book..the quesion..what do I need to grow artistically? Honestly I need more discipline. To set time aside each day, and use that time to actually work, practice new learned skills and techniques. To not get distracted or side tracked from working..and oh also patience with myself as I learn new skills and techinques, knowing that as I apply discipline and patience my work will steadily improve..thank you for a great question and a great giveaway too..
The book is lovely. A piece of your art would be fantastic. Pamb
what an inspration you are to me! I need to get out of my thinking head more and let my natural creativeness do her thing! Thank you!
Congrats on jet another publication for you...;-))
This books looks so cool!! A must have, I guess. But wining it would be great, too...;-))
Courage! My Dad taught me a long time ago that courage was not the absence of fear, but the ability to act inspite of what your fear.
Thanks as always for your generosity and inspiration.
What a fabulous book and I love your submission! Very inspiring:) Crossin my fingers!
wow, that was a good question. I think I need to allow myself to make "mistakes" and drift out of the box. Don't worry about the end result but ENJOY the process & journey of each creation. Put my heart into each piece of work.
The book looks AMAZING and I'm a huge fan of your work Ruth. =)
What I need in order to grow artistically is to let go of my inner perfectionist and allow myself to make mistakes, learn from them and move on to the next part of the journey. We are always learning and growing and with each step we take, each mistake we make, it allows us to move onto bigger and beautiful things.
I would be honored to receive this amazing book by Liz. I am a photographer and mixed media artist and this book absolutely speaks to me.
hi ruth,
what i need to do to grow artistically is to run as fast as i can toward being creative...i.e. champing on every thing i can find to learn and be inspired. i also need to stop and ask that other question: what do you see when you open your eyes and really look? and then answer on my own and not look for someone else's answer; face to the wind, just let it blow and lean into it.
Imagination, bits and pieces of this and that...and something to apply it all to...be it a thought, an idea, or a substrate or two!
Dear Ruth, I don't want to sound unreal but for me, I need people like you! You and other artists like you are so inspiring to me. I need to see how others can do their art so I can too. You are so naturally talented to be able to put it all together and I need to learn that too!. Yes, it takes time and work, I know it is not easy but every time I see what you do it gives me more hope to keep trying and I have so much fun. Thank you.
Ruth,
It has taken me 50 years to realize that I AM an artist. I have always found beauty where others do not. For me to grow I need to surround myself with the art and talents of those amazing artist whom I admire so much. I am eager to do so with open arms. After all these years, having finally committed to the passion within, I finally feel - COMPLETE.
Aleta
I need to silence my inner critic - I grew up in a home where creativity was not encouraged - in fact, it was criticized - it has taken me quite a while to acknowledge that I am an artist but there are still times......thanks for the chance to win this great book!
I beat myself up continually and insist that everything that I create is pointless and I lack talent. I am such a perfectionist that nothing gets past my critical eye. I am my own worst enemy...I need this book!
This is my first time here but I have glanced at your book "A Charming Exchange" at Michaels and read one project I was interested in . Then I ventured to Indigo and again read about your dyeing fabric technique on the dress in "Somerset Workshop Autumn 2010".I just realized my wish list at Amazon also contains your book "Layered, Tattered and Stitched: A Fabric Art Workshop." Now I know who you are, nice meeting and thanks for a chance at the book and art.
First I just have to say this bit…I'm one who really takes notice of obscure things…haha. I opened my daily planner aka scribble note book to February 07/2010…Just after reading about your #7 project…strange….just had to write that here, anyway apart from this coincidence, this is my answer to your question.
Like a newborn macaque imitates a human's tongue protrusion, the imitation of life is what inspires mankind.
It's what inspires artists, It's what inspires me!
It is the basis of an artist's journey, from there , embodied by serenity, love and peace, the magic of creation begins.
•*´¨*¸*.•*´¨***~^..^~*Annabelle¸.•*´¨*¸*.•*´¨* * *
p.s. I will try the Taso Passion tea application to some of my old fabric and work it into a soldered charm as well as try the polymer clay technique ….. Something Gothic, old and worn. Thanks for the inspiration.
Wow! What a thought provoking question!!! Confidence immediatley sprang to mind but then I thought a bit more and have come to the realisation that I really just need to open up my heart and let all that is inside me: my dreams, my hopes, my beliefs, my faith, my emotions, all come out in their unique way that makes me-me. And then that's when I need the confidence to put it onto paper, or canvas or whatever, and only then will I grow to become who I really am as an artist! Thanks for provoking these thoughts!!! xxx
What I need to grow artistically is patience, time, good supplies and the inspiration I receive while looking at blogs and magazines. A trip to the local scrapbook store always pulls Ms. Muse out of hiding, too.
SuZeQ - kosec@sbcglobal.ent
What do i need to grow artistically? Mostly what i need is to give myself permission to feel. my art always comes from my life experiences, my feelings, my loves and hates. right now...i am blocked. my father died 6 weeks ago and i have been holding myself rigid ever since. i need to take a deep breath, think of the wonderful memories i have of him and with him and then...take the plunge into my studio again. i need to give myself permission to create without judgement, with tears in my eyes and with my heart on my sleeve.
I find that the sweetest artistic growth comes from acts of courage. This courage could be in the form of saying yes to a color you don't usually reach for. It could be the push to work past a "mistake" and transform it into magic. It could be the writing of a personal declaration and then taking the small and big steps to be true to your heart. For me, I need courage to grow artistically and see the possibilities I can create.
this is a great question to ponder. Being a busy mother of three little ones the first thing that springs to mind is TIME, uninterupted time that is. I have always been self taught in many medias and I have so many new things I want to try and become good at. For now I have added collage to my book-binding which I am enjoying.
My first thought was the same as DebsArt.....all I need is TIME! Time to play instead of just time to work. Both necessary in my life, but the work always seems to take precedence.
If I'm lucky enough to win, I can be reached through my blog at http://artfuldreamer(dot)blogspot(dot)com
There are so many things I need to grow artistically, but I really can some mine up with one word.
Confidence
My lack of confidence is holding me back on so many levels. If I could build up that one part the clouds would part.
All I need is myself and my feelings! When I am quiet and alone and working and thinking my feelings of love and connection and kindness to my inner artist start to dance and sing inside me and then I just join in the dance. The magic starts to work its way outside of my soul and I know that I will create art in my life forever no matter where I am.
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