Where Mom Was

I was inspired by yesterdays Creative Jump Start video. Artist Birgit Koopsen used an interesting paint technique to create a whimsical polka dot collage. I loved her art piece and her story about knowing she was home when she saw her cat waiting for her in the window.

During the summers while I was home from college I worked at a supper club as a waitress and would drive home late at night on the dark country roads.  There was a point when I came over the hill on Gibbs Lake Road when I could see the yard light....I was almost home.

My heart would melt just a little when I also saw the light on in the corner of the dining room.  That was my mom's spot... with a stationary rocker, big baskets of books and magazines, and treats tucked in little hiding places.  When that light was on I knew she waited up for me....eager to help me count my tips.

"Home was where my mom was."

I intend this to be a double page but I was intimidated by the lettering.....that's usually where I mess it up. I stopped after "HOME" and added the rest digitally for the picture above and will finish it up when I have a little more practice....or nerve.  

Show's Over

As of today my "stacks" art show is officially over and I'm pleased to report that I sold 28 pieces. I do have things left so I'll be looking for ways to get them out into the world to anyone who might enjoy them.

Today's jump start project was a little watercolor snail who carries her home with her everywhere she goes.

Homescape

Already the Creative Jump Start  videos have become a part of my morning routine....I love watching artists create. I'm pretty sure I'll keep up with the 10 minute videos....but I know for sure I won't keep up with an inspiration project each day.

I did spend some time yesterday working on my take on day three.  Andrea, the artist of the day shared interesting techniques using waves of watercolor and other media combined with words describing what "home" meant to her.

I'm calling this one my "homescape." I love watercolor....but really struggle with it. I tend to overwork it turning it to mud. So I'll keep watching the videos which are gently pushing me to practice and play....and that's a good thing.

Creative Jump Start

Sometimes you just have to take a leap of faith and do something new....so I just started an on-line class called "Creative Jump Start."  It's more of an "artistic journey" than a class....like a creative shot in the arm...and that's just what I need.

Every day for the month of January there will be a 10 minute video from 31 different artists sharing mixed media techniques, words of wisdom, and their take on the theme "My Home is My Castle."

I love all things hearth and home....and I've learned that a little structure is good for me...so why not! There's no pressure to keep up...the videos will be available for a while so I can weave it in when it works.  Although I can't share the content of the course here....I can share my projects and my own thoughts and reflections when I feel I have something to say.

My take-away today was just begin. Don't worry about making a work of art, use what's on hand,  and have a good time.

It took me back to my childhood home on the farm and a silly game we played called "hide behind the three trees."  I wrote about it a while back in this post.

I played around with some collage trees, remembered other silly games we played, and reflected a bit on my childhood home where the outdoors was our castle. It's a start!