I've been busy

February and March have been seeing a creative outpouring from me.  I've been spending almost every spare moment in my art studio.  I'm lucky to have this extra room in our house that lets in lots of light all to myself.  It's usually a mess but that's okay.  I thought I'd show some of the fruits of all this creativity.  I hope it demonstrates all the fun, experimenting and playing I've been doing.  I tried my best as an untrained photographer to capture these but alas, I've been using lots of metallics and whatnot and it's quite reflective.  So naturally it's all better viewed in person.  But for now, this will do.

As yet untitled acrylic on canvas.  14"x14"

postcard-sized watercolor and water-soluble crayon

detail of above

And here are a series of hanging "tiles" that I did using plaster and board:

"Empty swing" Acrylic and ink on plaster and board

Acrylic on plaster and board approx. size 4"x 5"

Acrylic on plaster and board

"Nail and Bone" Acrylic and mixed media on plaster and board

I will probably pay for posting this...

I am posting this without asking permission of my husband of now 6 years.  Yesterday was our anniversary and while we didn't do gifts for each other, I considered this a gift.  It is a composition assignment he had to write and turn in yesterday.  Had me in tears I tell you.  Enjoy...


 Significant in more than words (by Jeremy Chea)

 I have served with many significant people who deserve to be addressed in this essay as much as any other person.  Friends who have been to hell and back in their life and career who have showed me perseverance can take you anywhere.  However, taking all of those people into consideration I have to chose the one person who has supported me, opened my mind to a whole different world and most importantly to coincide with the date of our anniversary; I chose my wife and best friend, Amanda.   To start this I need to start at the beginning.  I was stationed at Eielson AFB, Alaska.  I had one year remaining on my enlistment and while I was home visiting my friends, I met an amazing person.  Within two weeks of talking and emailing, it was apparent this person was THE person.  For one year, we helped each other through the daily agony of not being near one another.  Where other people may have given up and moved on with their life, she continued.  We saw each other three times during the one year period and each time it was amazing.  She never complained about the distance, only commenting on how strong our relationship would be in the end.  And even though she was the sole cause of the most horribly emotional year of my life, she helped me through it and I knew that she was the last person I would ever date.     I freely admit that I am an introvert and a hermit.  This did not fit well with Amanda’s lifestyle or her personality.  Early on she began getting me out of my comfort zone and experiencing things I had never experienced before.  Bringing me to environments that I had previously tried to avoid.  Opening my mind to experiences I had never felt comfortable in.  We have traveled to places that I had never heard of or had never considered visiting due to my fear of social contact.  She has forced me to come out of my social cocoon, which I thank her for each and every day.      My decision to finally attend school was not an easy one.  It is something that I had delayed for a very long time and unfortunately the decision to start back came at the most inopportune time... after the birth of our daughter.  In a time when Amanda needed my help more than ever, she accepted that my decision was the best one and kept the dissatisfaction to a minimum.  Through every night of homework or each night of being gone to attend class, combined with me still having a full time job to support our family.  She has happily supported me in every way possible.  She has given me quiet time to write papers or take tests and she has shown a genuine interest in my success and my hardships during this period.  Regardless of the situation, Amanda has been the strong point in my life.  She has kept my mind clear and focused.  She has done her best to get me out of my comfort zone and experience new and exciting things, which I never would have done in any other circumstance.  Most of all she has supported me in the advancement of myself and my career.  And while she will make a comment about not being able to change a person, I beg to differ.  She has changed me and continues to change me each and every day.  For the better.              

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

Inspired by Soulemama

  

Have a happy (and yummy) weekend!

Main Street, U.S.A.

I didn't grow up in a small town.

Where I live now used to be a small town, especially if you hear about what it was like when my grandmother lived there as a young person.  It's grown into more of a suburb now...and the growth seems to be never-ending.  For the most part I'm not complaining but I do like to visit the quaint 'Main Streets' of the nearby small towns.  They are usually beholden to some fine treasures.  Whether it be a country cookin' diner, a flea market or a tiny coffee shop such as Scoops and Grinds.

My friend and neighbor Jane and I had some catching up to do the other day and that place sure is becoming a favorite of ours.  Ice cream and coffee?  I think so.  I've even had an informal little craft night gathering there before because I love it so.

 

Here is a rendering of mine of the shop.  It's a work in progress.  I will post a photo when it is complete.

Oh and here's my cutie pie lunch date Jane:

Full of love

"Be Mine" by Amanda Chea (Valentine gift for her husband)

I used to sneer about the idea of Valentine's Day.  It just felt like a day to make lonely people feel bad about themselves.  But now I don't see it that way.  And its not because I'm no longer lonely.  Although being on this side of things is what made me see the world a little bit differently.  Today is about love.  And not just romantic love.  Everyone deserves it.  Everyone needs it.  We all have the ability to learn to love the one standing next to us, the ones different from us, the ones we may have given birth to, the ones far away in another land that we haven't ever and won't ever meet.  So even if all you share with someone today is a passing smile, I hope that you are reminded what love is, what it should be and how it can be shared.  Even in the small ways.

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

Inspired by Soulemama

  

Have a happy weekend!

C'est fini...finally.

I thought I would share this painting that I just finished.  It might not be everyone's cup of tea but this is what I love these days in painting.  I started this when I was pregnant with Molly and like many other things when you have a baby, got put on the back-burner.

Well, the mood finally struck and I found the time (thanks to a lovely sitter I can't say enough good things about!) and now she is complete.  My husband is glad...he's been gently nudging me to finish this for awhile now.

I'm learning to appreciate abstract art a lot more these days.  The freedom it gives you.  The fun and experimentation.  You can just let your mood guide you. 

Well, finishing this painting opened up the floodgates to a whirlwind of painting and creativity so I imagine I will be sharing more artwork soon enough.