Inspiration

We do we draw it from? Where does it come from? Are we able to manifest it or, is it just an innate ability that we all have? Inspiration. Its Winter Break from school right now, something I needed more than I realized. Not because I students tire me out, which they do. But, my thoughts and ideas are starting to feel refreshed. In my past I never truly gave it a thought before but, I find myself looking at everything. The details both large and small all matter and how they are the connected or even interconnected? Sometimes I wish I could see a video of my mind. Its like a machine in my head, flood of thoughts and ideas, all coming out in the form of projects that I want to do myself or with my kids. I'm always taking notes, jotting down ideas, asking how did they do that and "what if I did changed it and did that to it?" Yes, I love "what if?" I appreciate all the ideas and inspiration my Facebook friends post and I honestly wish I had time to look at each and everyone of them. Its this type of a connection and the many more that help me with my inspiration. But, what happens when your balance is off? The balance I am referring to comes in the form of mental and physical. The list of these distractions can be endless to our creative world: bills, bosses, timelines, left brainers, inside the box thinkers, memories and so much more. So, I figured the best gift I could give me myself this year (and, no I don't feel like I am being selfish) is to create a better balance in my world. Sure there are going to be long days at work, what seems like unending days planning and prepping for my students. But, what it comes down to is my time and what I do with it to clear my mind. Most recently I started back into yoga, music mediation at night, and just slowing myself down at night before bed. Not realizing it, I have found myself taking a more holistic approach to my health and lifestyle. For example: When was the last time you took 15 minutes listen to music and do a Zentangle? Not sure what a Zentangle is, google it. I even started a Art Balance Journal (or art journal). Its all about my everyday thoughts, health, and creative inspiration that comes to me or crosses my path. I write in it, draw in it, cut and paste images in it, whatever strikes me no matter how I feel. Its about recognizing the good, bad and indifferent. What I've found and something I've always known, I love life, I am blessed to be where I am within it, I am definitely an out of the box thinker, willing to learn new things and grateful for all those that have touched my life. Its all of these things and more that allow my inspiration to come out of me in many forms. Where do you draw inspiration from? What do you do with it when you come across it? Embrace everything around you, take in the energy of life keeping the good and allowing the negative to go about its business somewhere else. I hope you find your inspiration and embrace it. So, allow the creative spirit to run through you and come out in many forms that show who you are!

Follow Your dream it is an amazing trip

So, this last week was utterly amazing. Two snow days, Monday and Tuesday, but from there it felt like a track meet. Wednesday I looked up and it was 4pm. The rest of way thru Friday was a blur. The kids just amazed me with their generous gifs for all of the staff. I never seen anything like it. It made realize how each of us touch our students. Long hours, long days and wondering am I getting through. Well, I am. But, now its Winter break or Christmas break which ever you prefer and the kids are gone and I'm off to do my know art. I have an art show coming up in January at Liberty Street Brewery in Plymouth and all I can hope for is that I am ready. Cause of course I want to do at least two new pieces before then, why sit back and relax when I can pile up more work. But, I love what I do and when you love it, is it really work! Though I don't get to see all my art friends like I want to I often wonder what are they doing to enhance their adventure? I know I'll find out one way or another. With a tear in my eye and the love for I do in my heart I feel so grateful for what I've done, where I've been and where I am going. Of course there will be more pictures posted to my student gallery very soon of all the work they have done. So to all, may you follow your desires that ignite your passions and fulfill your dreams with the creative spirit from within! :)

Possibilities

As I research projects for my younger students I love the ideas that I've been coming across. What does an art teacher do with all of those toilet paper rolls that have been donated to me? You could make simple Martha craft ideas from them, gag. Maybe even stand them on end, glue them to a surface creating a relief sculpture. But, is that fun for my students and myself? What I thought about was and have started developing is turning the toilet paper rolls into marionette puppets! Yeah, thats right marionette puppets. Think about it, long tubes for neck, shorts tubes for legs-even cut the tubes in half attached a piece of yarn in the middle to resemble the knee joint now your studying the figure and movement. Cut up the middle of them, tapper them glue down and paint. The more I think about this and how the possibilities are endless and I love it. Its this type of thinking that provides me as an artist and my students opportunities to get out of the box and explore our ideas. Students don't realize the amount of problem thinking strategies they go through in the visual arts and by leaving my lessons open ended I introduce them to many. All I can hope for is that, as ideas come to me and I pass them that my students they continue to explore every avenue in front of them realizing they have the potential to do anything they want. So, let the creative spirit run through your mind and come out through your figure tips.

The Process!

Discovering the process, does it happen within or is it external stimuli that helps us through the creative endeavor? I feel between talking with friends and colleagues that my personal creative juices have opened up and the the internal process within has opened up. My mind has begun revisited old processes and how they come forward into my new art. But, even more so my students art. Being a visual artist to me is the greatest thing in the world. Imagine being able to see the concept/idea in your head and translate that to an actual piece of art. I love it.

Finding my way

Keeping up with my blog. Yes, I know I've neglected it for some quite time now but I figure I'm entitled to do this. But, with my recent achievements I've begun to feel it is very important to use this as an outlet to discuss my internal and external creative energy. Being the art teacher at a school where all the students are diagnosed with learning disabilities has posed many challenges for me. Am on task with them? How is the art I am teaching enriching their life's? From writing curriculum for my classroom to staying up on the paperwork I feel like somedays I'm going under. But, I know that is not the case-just feels that way. What I've come to know more than anything about myself as an artist and teacher is I can not forgo my "art!" I have felt lost lately, not creating, feeling stifled and a bit unsatisfied. I know this is not healthy and something I need to correct quickly. So, yesterday after several conversations I am a commitment to be part of an art show at the beginning of the new year. The idea of creating new pieces and showing some of my old ones intrigues me. What a way to start off the new year with new adventures. Well, for know I need to get some Sunday relaxing done and enjoy the day in front of me. Relax often and feel free to allow your creativity out!

First painting of Spring/Summer

Well, I finished my first painting of the spring/(almost summer). I made a promise to myself to working on my painting skills this summer and my concentration is going to be on watercolor. Even in my watercolor sketchbook I've been working on form with color, sometimes even only one color. I feel its been working. I'm also going to pay attention to my sculpture techniques this summer and incorporate my painting skills into. First up is to finish my Oaxacan wood sculpture I made a couple months ago. So, much going on at the time with my student teaching that I didn't get the final coat of painting finished. I will soon though. And, to think I need something to distract me from all the job hunting I've been doing. I'll get there. So, for now Draw often and create lots!

Website

Well, its been a long time since I was last here. Finishing my LQ95 Visual Arts Michigan Teachers Certification was a lot tougher then I ever thought, but well worth it. I love what I do and my passion for the arts shows though in my teaching style. But, since finishing my TC I spent the time putting together a professional looking website. So much to put in it at the same time so much editing to do. It will come. Well, tomorrow I start my summer of painting everyday or at least try to. It is my goal this summer to become better at "watercolor painting." So, many have said you should try this and that but, it is watercolor that I am attracted to. I feel the stronger my watercolor skills become the better I will be able to take it into the classroom. Well, I'll let you know how that goes. Its late and I have an early morning workout ahead of me. Create often and inspire everyone!