I hadn’t taken my morning walk in a few days and had a lot on my mind. One of them, what to do next for art. I wanted something quick and simple.
I have smoke stamps software and use them for many things other than just smoke. I see many different shapes in the stamps and this is what I came up with today.
Do you see what I see?
Plumes of smoke doth not fill the air
They lay, foretelling the vision
Of the mind’s eye
The subject and the artist
Subject and Artist
Since my last post, I have been working on those four canvases that I had no agenda for at the moment. Of course all of that time was not spent on them. I had to get some ‘me’ time in there somewhere.
I play Animal Crossing New Horizons and for some time, like a lot of people, had not played for months. Then I find out a new update was on the way with some features that really sounded intriguing. So I decided to fire up the game, kill some cock roaches, pick weeds and get ready for the update. All while my villagers are telling me how much they missed me and how I must have ‘fallen off the edge of the earth‘ (not really, but they did give me a word or two about my absence and my snooties gave me mean looks).
One of the new features is having the option of villagers inside your home. I have found on a couple occasions, hard to get them out once they are in for the visit. Sometimes they will follow you from room to room and really make themselves comfy with book reading…in every room. I’m either ready to quit the game or finish up on some of my daily tasks, they seem to have no intention of leaving. I realize by now that continuing to talk to them in hopes they will say it’s been fun but time to go on their own, never comes. So I do this…
That was a few days ago and I had to do it again a couple days later with another villager.
The update is nice. It has made the game fun to play again. Maybe I’ll share more adventures ahead although I’m not good at staying on top of that. I play, not share…but we’ll see.
I currently have no idea what these will look like as a finished project. My main goal here is motivation. To get back to this or what other crafts, ideas or writings that will come across my mind. I’m constantly throwing ideas about something around inside my head, but I have a bad habit of mostly not jotting it down or better yet, pulling out my phone and taking notes or photos.
I’m one of those who thinks I won’t forget that idea…how wrong have I been over and over again (stubborn). I’m old school. When I grocery shop, I have a hand written paper list. Now I have upgraded to a list on my phone when I intend to do a larger than 5 item shop. That’s something, right?
Well, I will work on these and as soon as they are finished I will be sure to share.
OK, so the world must really be flat and I fell over the edge.
It’s been almost 3 years since I’ve written anything here. I’ve been a stranger on most of my social media apps as well. A lot has happened and I was witness to it all but decided not to address any of it in writing because I’ve been in a place…a space. Floating after my free fall from the edge of earth, again because it must be flat…at least it must have been three years ago.
But during this past year, I’ve done a lot of thinking, searching and a lot of nothing as well. I tried keeping busy in some way or another. I added a new platform to my Instagram account to focus on just my artwork and found a community of like minded souls that helped to fuel my ambitious, artistic appetite. They helped me to realize the importance of knowing that art is as different as people.
It is what you make it to be. It gives each of us an opportunity to “See Things For What They Can Be”.
I really want and need to get back to what I love. I know it won’t be easy. I’ll have to push me. Get mad at me. Motivate me.
At this moment, right now, I’m angry with myself and that’s a start.
Now if I can just hang on the edge long enough to muster the strength to throw my leg up, I can get the rest of me back on solid ground.
Sometimes listening to good advice and taking that advice and running with it can be a good thing.
A few weeks ago I was showing some of my artwork to a fellow coworker. When we came across my logo, he suggested that I remove the yellow and oval from the design. After some discussion he said keeping the oval would be ok but the yellow really had to go. At the time I thought it was a bad idea as I really liked the way it looked. I’m at times, all about color and having some colors standout.
So I get home and start tinkering with it. First thing to go was the yellow. I didn’t like it that way so I gave the oval the old heave-ho and to my surprise, I liked what I saw.
I will probably make other changes to the logo such as words only in the future. Like me, some may like the oval but until I hear otherwise, this is it.
I can’t believe it’s been over two years since my last post. So what has been happening in my life during this time? Well I’m very thankful and blessed to be alive and able to bang these keys. I have recovered very nicely from my heart valve repair and regular, well somewhat regular doctor visits are a part of my life these days. Some of you may want a play by play of why I have been silent for so long, but I really don’t want or think it is necessary to bore you with not so dramatic details. Instead, I’d rather focus on now and what is ahead.
So with that said, I am currently beginning a new line of Graphic Art Designs that you can take a peek at here if you would like. Some my new designs are still off the charts from conventional designs as were some of my old ones, but I like to be different and they mirror a lot of what I liked to do back when I doodled with pencil and paper. The time away has given me more of a perspective in toning down on what I had been designing.
I see so many artists’ works and I admittedly am very envious of what I see and it has held me back for so long because I felt I could never compete or my works would never be appreciated. I had to set all of that aside and realize that there are so many ways people see art.
I See Things For What They Can Be
I have had this line on my Twitter for a few years now and it really fits what I am into today. I dropped the “I” from that line in hopes many will see how something is different but can still be appreciated especially with my artwork.
I have gotten I lot of good feedback as I have revealed some of my products on t-shirts, coffee mugs, and canvas prints. The link above is one of the stores I currently have online, the other is being revised to service different products for my brands.
Why two stores you ask? For me it is the best solution available at this time as I am laying the foundation.
I’m guessing by now you want to see something I have designed. OK, how about my logo.
The name of the design that looks like a boat is, “It’s A Boat”. It was designed from a circle that I had no idea what it was going to be until it started taking shape, and that is how a lot of my designs come to be. It reminds me of doodling and that is why I have so much fun with this. Giving a name to some of the designs is more of a challenge than the art itself and people have asked what in the world is that. Some don’t see what I see and I sometimes don’t see what they do. Another example:
Again, the design on the left is one continuous line. Sometimes I’m working a design for days before I come up with anything. I actually made a clock out of this design. Anyway, I digress. After making the clock, that I have in my cubicle at work, hardly anyone saw the figure of a man…let me take that back…no one saw the figure of a man. Someone saw a baseball cap I never saw and a couple people saw a ladies high heal shoe that didn’t pay attention to. My main focus was the figure of the man.
I wanted to market the man’s figure without the rest because I knew it wouldn’t be accepted as is. Any movement of a line re-configures the design and I lose the man or other parts. So I had to break this guy away from the rest of the design. As you can see he turned out very well standing by himself I think. The design on the left was originally called “Chillin” and after the breakaway, I changed it to “I Got Time”.
My grandson Samuel saw me in this t-shirt and said : “Peepaw, I wish I had a shirt like that because that is really cool.”
I said: “You really like this Samuel?” He said: “Yep”
I told Him he could have one but I couldn’t get it to him at that moment but I would be sure to get him one.
Now, I’m really picky. I like the design but wasn’t crazy about how the outer glow on the shirt, although it looks great on screen and on paper. So I went to work and revised the design a little and came up with what you saw above and on this shirt.
No that’s not my grandson, that is my son who didn’t want to be in the shot. I’m pleased with how this turned out and pretty sure anyone who buys this will be as well. Samuel doesn’t have his yet and I’m hoping he won’t mind becoming a celebrity when he gets his.
If you decide to visit my store, you will see more of my unusual designs and more are added almost daily and more products are on the way.
Thanks for stopping in and taking the time to read and thanks in advance for stopping by my store and stay tuned for more.
As I mentioned in my previous post, I had a post op follow up with my Cardiologist yesterday. The good news is he gave me the all clear to go back to work. I knew he would but actually hearing the words and holding that paper in my hands made it so much better.
After I left there, I went to my job to finalize my return to work. I had to call HR and fax the paperwork. Karen needed to know if I had any restrictions pertaining to my duties and I told her I’m not allowed to lift anything heavier than 10 lbs. So if lifting a pen or moving a mouse on my desk and shuffling paper or tapping keys on a keyboard counts…I’m well within the perameters.
I’ll tell you what may be my biggest challenge…staying awake at certain times during the day. Right now I get sleepy sometimes late morning or mid afternoon. It will probably take some fight within to overcome and I know it will not be easy. I’m already trying to make the adjustment but I’m losing the battle. I have to remember that I am still healing and this need to sleep will be with me for awhile.
So am I going back to work too soon? Not at all, because the longer I stay home the more I fall into this routine that is sleeping whenever. Once I start working more I will become stronger to make the adjustment.
The operation I had is very commonplace these days, but for me this is major. If I didn’t have the surgery, I would have developed health issues in the future that would be difficult to overcome as I grow older. I am truly thankful that God brought me through all of this and allowing me to heal at this rapid pace.
The doctors are telling me I am in good health. My heart is strong, my lungs are clear and my blood pressure is good. Still, I know anything can happen in life, no matter what foods we eat or how much we exercise. I am blessed to have this opportunity for new life and I hope I can live up to the task.
Yes I did it again…I vanished and no excuses will be made. I’m just gonna write this post because I feel like writing for the first time since my last post.
Most bloggers have an idea what they want to do with their space once they get it going. Some, like myself are all over he board with theirs. I get ideas and like to run with them. I like to diversify and to show what I consider my talents. I’ve written poetry, tried my hand with art. I still have many ideas I want to make a reality.
I believe I’ve stated this before….I’m really bad at social media. When I first started I was very active with mine but my drop off has been like a deep water slide. I know social media is needed if you have an idea or brand you would like to promote these days. I know it is imperative that people know who you are, whether they can trust you, how long you have been on the radar. These are important factors.
I have so many thoughts swimming around in my head I don’t know where to begin. I have tried to keep up with bloggers who post everyday, some several times a day because I thought this is what I needed to do. Then I remembered when I first started this blog, I did it for me. What I was writing is what I wanted to write, for me. I write so I can look back on my life to see how far I’ve come, improvements I’ve made and mistakes as well. If I have gaps between posts, that has to be alright with me. I shouldn’t feel guilty, even though I do. If my posts don’t have readers, I need to be ok with that. Yes it’s nice to have followers, but the world doesn’t come to an end if I don’t. You know what though?….it is in my nature that I know people enjoy what I put out…caring….go figure.
What’s next? I have no clue….well, might have an idea or two.
Is it in the early of the day?
The center of time which dissects the whole?
Maybe the dark of the night where light is deep
In the far reaches of the universes
It matters not when the mist is made known
Or the ingredients that causes this event
As in the laughter of children at play
The loss of one loved so deep
Viewing a moment as the heart swells
And the mind absorbs all that is before you
Overflowing with emotions want to express
These are eyes that do not run as the falls
But wet just enough, to become misty
Struggling through the ups and downs of everyday life can be exhausting, exhilarating, eventful, and rewarding…just to name a few ways of describing the twists and turns that have come, gone and also awaits us. Getting knocked down by circumstances in which we have no control can suck valuable reserves from our very being, taking with it the desire to continue on with our ventures, our goals, fulfilling our dreams.
I think it is important to hold onto dreams that some would say to lay aside and move on. I say move on with those dreams for the encouragement of hope. Many businesses today have gone through exactly that in reaching what they have achieved thus far. Some will continue to struggle to stay afloat and in doing so, changes are on the horizon. For some, success comes so easy, it’s as if they don’t even have to try.
I envy those who don’t give up so easily. Those that choose to take a breath and collect themselves and get their bearings again to find that direction, the path that will lead them to that place of achievement, the threshold of success.
I guess you can say that I have taken that breath for a moment or two….to get my bearings….to see the sunrise and feel it’s warmth. To see the hope that are my dreams. The dreams I didn’t allow to stay behind when the mountains were too wide to venture around but seemed to steep to climb, but was my only path while the storms raged during my climb. Well, maybe it wasn’t that bad…nonetheless…
We are not alone with the bumps in the road.
I have a new follower on my blog today and I went to her blog to see what she was up to and read this post that to me, was captivating. The name of her blog is Honey and the Baker. I found it to be an encouraging read. I know many people are on roller coaster rides in life, but this post came to me just as I was thinking of the ups and downs of my past few months. So at least from that post, I can relate to the Baker. I’m sure is going to be just fine.
So now, I am getting my groove on again and looking to get my brand going with some changes on the way. I can’t allow my long hours at work to be a deterrent anymore. I have to get past that. I’m not alone. I have my dreams with me.
I would love to have you check up on me to see my progression.
#whatruworkinon
Whatr U Workin On 