It is done! What began as night pacing (see my December 6, 2009 blog post); has culminated into the finale.

I am now in that stage where the crescendo has ended. I have the feeling of not being anchored; I am adrift, until I delve into the next project.  Of course, I’ll sketch and create, but it is a different energy than being possessed by a painting screaming to get out!

Sometimes the best way to describe the creative zone, would be mania, crescendo, then an anti-climatic feeling sets in, finally a sadness that it’s over; and then peace,

but…then it starts all over again.

Remember to nurture your body, mind and spirit and being adrift may mean letting go of control.

I want to thank you all who continue to support me, I feel loved. Peace to everyone.

(Mixed-Media/paper – “O’s Totem” – 22″x30″ Copyright 2010 Indigene)

I had a long commute to work today as a passenger. I was tired of the radio, and watching other cars, go by. I looked in my handbag to see what I could find, so that I wouldn’t fall asleep! I’m not usually my best with sleep lines on my face from odd head positions while napping with no pillow.

Rummaging through my big tote bag yielded a Christmas catalog, a six-inch ruler, scissors, a couple of pieces of watercolor paper, my KOI pocket field sketch box with water brush, a glue stick, micro-pen, and a graphite pencil.  I knew today was the only time I was going to have a small chunk of time to do an illustration for the prompt for Illustration Friday, the word for this week is “hatch”.

Honestly, with the holidays around the corner, and everywhere you look you see festive houses, streets and stores, the festivity has a way of imprinting itself on your mind! And the IF prompt, for me anyway, only flashed pictures of eggs, hatchback cars and spring.

So here it is, an illustration for “Hatch”!

I hope that everyone’s creativity and ideas hatch into some wonderful real life scenarios for 2010.

Peace to you all.

I decided to combined my illustration from last week, “idle”, (which I didn’t post to IF), with this week’s word, “modify”.

I dream of having “idle” time, it’s not something, I’ve ever had a lot of! So it was very difficult for me to come up with an idea. But, I remember when I was little, I enjoyed taking long baths, and I would hear many complaints from my brothers and sisters, about spending, “too much time in the bath!”, so I finally centered on that idea, coupled with the fact, that I’m such a Mama Bear.

In a day or so this week, I will hopefully repost this illustration, in color, that will be my modification. You choose whether you like the “idle” line drawing or “modified” with color.

I’m hoping to have some idle time to modify it! :)

I hope you all decide to make take some idle time, and modify that time with peaceful results.

My daughter looked at what I did for this week’s prompt and gave me that teenager’s rolling of eyes and said, “Hollow tree, I mean Mom, really!”

Good thing, I’m not hanging onto her every word! :)

Being creatively blocked right now, has left me wanting only to work with little or no color, back down to the basics. So now, I’m concentrating on simplicity.

I work at a place with over (150) variety of trees and when I have a chance to notice, I notice the beauty in the hollow of the trees. I see all the beauty of the lines and curvature, but it is in the hollowness that tells the depth of a tree’s life. It is what makes you come closer to examine it, to ask the how and the why of it. Hollowness in and of itself tells a story. We just have to be willing to listen.

Be still, quiet and breathe deeply and fill your hollow space with peace and serenity. Peace to you all.

When I think of the word “drift” I automatically think of walking aimlessly, trying to find a place to call home. I guess that’s what a “drifter” is. But it’s not a word I hear often, but when I do, it has a sinister connotation to it.

But, I choose not to claim the word drifter as negative, in my romantic mind, a drifter is someone destine to walk finding solace in the walk and having no place that calls them home. Home is where they are at the time they are drifting through.

Let your feet, heart and mind drift, it’s call peace.

Thank you all for your wonderful messages and prayers!

These are somewhat difficult times for me in so many areas and I need some time to just think, weep and process.

I just wanted to say a “BIG THANK YOU” to all those who have written and/or called me. Please forgive me for not getting back to you in a timely fashion. I have taken some time off and expect to be back soon. Thank you again!

May peace surround you and all that you touch.

I get so nervous at my own exhibits! As an introvert, it just about makes me quake in my boots! There were so many wonderful people gathered there, who asked thoughtful questions, ate good food, shared their opinions, enjoyed themselves, bought art and other collectibles!

It was a successful night in every sense of the word!

It was such a soulful experience to be surrounded by family, friends, patrons, collectors and new acquaintances!

Thank you all for an amazing experience.

I’ve posted these pix for all the folks who wanted to come but could not, I wanted to share some of the ambiance of the evening. Enjoy!

(c) All Photos courtesy of Barbara Broadnax.

Subtraction is an odd word to illustrate, especially while living in a culture where “more” is considered better and I see daily how that’s  taken over the top! Maybe taking away is an answer, not a punishment.

My thoughts on Illustration Friday’s word, “subtract” led me to the image of a Geisha, where I subtracted the background, to make you more conscious of the individual. The simplicity of beauty is evident, but a paradox, in the way I’m using it, since Geishas, wear many  added layers of clothing.

So in this image, you can think about the addition of many garments or the subtraction of environment. There’s a lot to ponder in a paradox…or not!

Whether you subtract from life or add to life, it is the living that must be done.   Happy Week…Peace.

From the time I was born to now, there have always been wars; but there were also people who were trying to end discrimination, and trying to be good stewards of the earth.

There were so many causes, “voices” trying to be heard.

I remember going to various churches, and back then it was the only time I felt calm during those tumultuous times in the USA.

As soon as I heard those voices singing, whether it was gospel songs, hymns, chanting or folk songs, it was those voices that gave me peace.

So, when I dream of peace, there are always voices involve. My most common dream is a wonderful saxophone playing on its own and voices of people from all over the world singing, in their own languages and these harmonious voices sends chills through me and brings me to tears. Maybe it’s naive and idealistic, but…

Yes, I have a dream…too…to live to peace in a diverse world community. It’s a prayer that I hold close to my heart.  It’s time…to lift every voice and sing…Peace to everyone, everyday in every way.

There have been so many great posts to my blog! I’ve tried to thank everyone. Sometime a girl needs a warm and fuzzy and the internet can’t give that. But this is one of the best renditions of…hugs, peace and love I can give right now.

A Big Thanks to: http://atomicvelvetsigh.blogspot.com/
For starting the love fest!

Big Shout Out and I Love Your Art Blog To:

http://ascenderrisesabove.com/
http://www.danijones.com/
http://dancingelephantstudio.com/
http://www.kathyhareillustration.com/
http://lynettesartblog.blogspot.com/
http://robertabaird.blogspot.com/
http://studiololo.blogspot.com/
http://painteddaisies.blogspot.com/
http://valgalart.blogspot.com/

Much love to all the blogs I visit! Peace & Blessing to you all!