"HARD CAST BLUES"

Two days ago, in order to heal a torn ankle tendon, a hard cast was placed on my left leg. If I had been given the gift of music, this current challenge would probably cause me to pen a tune titled, "Hard Cast Blues." Anyhow, for the next four weeks my mind is being challenged to find some means of creating art around the cumbersome cast and crutches...did I mention while keeping my leg elevated?

O.K. so my plans include continuing the new series with "box art" pieces that I began a few weeks ago..."Dancing Divas". "Box art" is the term I created about 8 years ago to explain the process of recycling discarded comsumer packages into art. The process involves cutting up a cereal box for example, drawing on top of the existing images, then re-assembling the designed pieces into a new artwork. Earlier images posted here utilize that method of art. Well, here's to the next 28 days of creating to the tune of the "Hard Cast Blues".

ART-A-PALOOZA EVENT

Well, I can finally say that it's over...or is it the beginning of something new? Did actually unveil eight new dance pieces that are funky, fun and colorful . "Dancing Divas" were received very well...hopefully will post some shots of this artwork soon. The "Divas" will eventually make it to my website and for anyone familiar with past work especially the Praise Hands and masks might recognize some of the same recycled materials being used in a whole new way.

Yes, I know it's the wee hours of the morning but my mind and body say let's get to the studio and create! This weekend's Art-A-Palooza event at Hair Structures Salon was an incredible experience for me. To be able to spend the weekend with some of the most talented artists in Columbus was a high. For those of you that think your creative juices can only flow in the privacy of your own studio...you don't know what you're missing until you get with other sistah's tuned in to their own particular gifts. WOW! Thanks DJ for allowing me to come into the experience...Antonette, I love my doll and I'm grooving to the music right now, who mixed that? Lisa, love your bounce and wonderful jewelry especially my yellow ring...Voszi, can't wait to strut the Queen's stuff when I wear my beautiful new outfit...Benja, you're going to get me in trouble with those beautiful handbags, but most importantly your sweet potato pie is serious...Nikki, can't wait to see the canvas, your work is beautiful. DJ your jewelry's off the hook. Attalah, love my crocheted locs hat...can't wait to get the red one. Oh yes, for those of you unable to attend have you noticed that I came home with something from most of the artists? It's a joy to wear and have each others work.

God Bless,

Well, yesterday I realized that next weekend I signed up for not one but two days of vending at the Art-Palooza event over in Whitehall at DJ's salon. Guess I need to work a little faster. Have decided to include some of the pieces left over from last years' exhibit "Seeds of My Heritage" but also look forward to introducing some new pieces and less pricier ones.

ARTIST HIBERNATION SYNDROME

Well, while responding to someone else's blog I end up starting one of my own...go figure!
It's the 2nd day of December and the snowflakes falling outside my window are whispering the onset of what I'd like to call "Artist Hibernation Syndrome". As far as I know it's not fatal or contagious(maybe someone would like to verify that) but merely a season of creativity that I experience every year about this time.

Does it have anything to do with the holiday season? Could it stem from the fact that as the temperature takes a dive outdoors my inclination to run around outside declines? Has it anything to do with the purchasing and storing of supplies (that made me think of a squirrel storing up for the winter) that's occurred all summer? Guess it has something to do with all the aforementioned but most importantly I love this time of year and have always looked forward along with our children to "snow days". A time to stay indoors and work non-stop on whatever art work has escaped me during the summer months. Things slow down in the winter and rightfully so. If that canvas sat since the onset of spring teasing me with the prospect of what was to come upon its completion, then now is the time for me to pick it up and begin creating.

So for all of my friends(artists and non-artists) who may wonder what has happened to me over the next several months since I may seem to have vanished. Or to those who question whether I've moved away because I'm not answering my phone(especially those who know my personal schedule)...rest assured that I am fine and simply enjoying my artist hibernation.

God Bless!