memories are powerful plasma
Creativity is genetic; at least I assumed it was in high school. If my mother could paint, I should be able to.
Every life is important, stored up with memories and layered with emotions that reflect where we've been, whom we've loved, what has dented us. I think that's why people feel a strong connection to art-- something sparks and shines a light on who we are, what we think, and Who has authored our stories.
Making art that is meaningful to people-- a map of the lake where you spent your summers, an image of the place where you've finally achieved your dream, a passage that was read at your wedding, colors that remind you of someone you lost-- makes it real to me.
So, this is how it works: an idea percolates or a client purchases a custom order. Using that information, I do a little research online and mark up the layout, usually with a sketch over blue marking paper. If there's any large calligraphy or places I want to remain the color of the paper, I draw on the masking fluid. I paint and wait and paint and wait a little more. Here I have to thank God for things like gravity, absorbancy, evaporation, horse hair, etc. If any calligraphy is required, it comes at the end. If it's a tricky or long piece, I'll write it out on scrap paper to sense the layout; otherwise I just charge in with India ink.
One of my favorite things about Etsy is the interaction with my clients and buyers. I don't ask, but almost everyone tells me a little backstory about who it's for, why it's significant-- and the memories for the giver and the receiver are all very powerful.
Why do I do this? I have been a marketing consultant, a trainer, a writer, a graphic artist, a web designer, an elementary art teacher, a wife and a mother...Passionate about medieval history, education, English literature, Pixar, my family, and the Bible, naturally, I opened an online shop offering maps, poetry, and calligraphy.
Every life is important, stored up with memories and layered with emotions that reflect where we've been, whom we've loved, what has dented us. I think that's why people feel a strong connection to art-- something sparks and shines a light on who we are, what we think, and Who has authored our stories.
Making art that is meaningful to people-- a map of the lake where you spent your summers, an image of the place where you've finally achieved your dream, a passage that was read at your wedding, colors that remind you of someone you lost-- makes it real to me.
So, this is how it works: an idea percolates or a client purchases a custom order. Using that information, I do a little research online and mark up the layout, usually with a sketch over blue marking paper. If there's any large calligraphy or places I want to remain the color of the paper, I draw on the masking fluid. I paint and wait and paint and wait a little more. Here I have to thank God for things like gravity, absorbancy, evaporation, horse hair, etc. If any calligraphy is required, it comes at the end. If it's a tricky or long piece, I'll write it out on scrap paper to sense the layout; otherwise I just charge in with India ink.
One of my favorite things about Etsy is the interaction with my clients and buyers. I don't ask, but almost everyone tells me a little backstory about who it's for, why it's significant-- and the memories for the giver and the receiver are all very powerful.
Why do I do this? I have been a marketing consultant, a trainer, a writer, a graphic artist, a web designer, an elementary art teacher, a wife and a mother...Passionate about medieval history, education, English literature, Pixar, my family, and the Bible, naturally, I opened an online shop offering maps, poetry, and calligraphy.