Monthly Archives: January 2014

Immersed in Clay Shard Creations

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ART always takes me down the unexpected road and surprises me with discovery of a new creative passion.   What started as a small experiment in air dry clay mold making, quickly exploded into a happy obsession.  I fell into a creative whirlwind of little clay faces and miscellaneous clay shard pieces impressed with designs gleaned from objects around my house.  I love it when the door of imagination flies open and you realize there are no boundaries – creativity is truly endless.

Taking my love of painting into the mixed media realm, found objects, feathers, shells, beads, fabric, along with the clay shards  are all incorporated onto a painted background that enhances the art piece.  Starting small, (2×2 Clay Shard Vignette below),

Clay Vignette

Clay Vignette

I have expanded up into bigger pieces and bolder presentations, such as this Quan Yin, Goddess of Compassion, on painted canvas.  Feathers, shells, little star fish and crystal beads are all incorporated to create a sense of cosmic airiness and earthly connections.

Quan Yin, Goddess of Compassion

Quan Yin, Goddess of Compassion

There was, and still is, a lot to learn–what works, what doesn’t.  Each piece teaches me something new.  I start with a general idea, then listen while I work.  The piece will intuitively inform me of how it wants to emerge.  When I ignore my inner muse, the piece just doesn’t come together–as what happened in the beginning with the piece shown below.  I started to lay it out — but it just didn’t “feel” right.

Clay Shard Piece in Progress

Clay Shard – piece in progress

I left it for a while, resisting the temptation to toss it.  I experimented with additions and different presentations, until it all fell together into a unique presentation:  “Angel Among the Tulips” .   The background fabric gives it the warmth I felt was missing.  Enhancing the frame edge with the same metallic blue as used in this piece further tied it all together.   Be patient, don’t give up, listen to your inner muse, keep creating until it feels successful in representing your creative spirit!

Angel Among the Tulips

Angel Among the Tulips

Copyright, Maria Doglio © 2014

Special thanks to Lyn Belisle for her “Making Faces” workshop:  www.lynbelisle.com  and Kate Langlois, who pointed me in her direction via Roses on My Table:  www.katelangloisart.com; rosesonmytable.ning.com

 

GETTING MY FEET WET

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Getting My Feet Wet – Transitioning into Full Time Art

January 12, 2014

Holidays are over, decorations are in the middle of being packed away.  The suitcase, back from travel, is reluctantly unpacked, already missing family visited.  The Nutcracker stands at attention on the table next to my notebook, watching me type.  Soon he will slumber for another year, while I wake up to a new way of being.

I have dipped my toe into the pool of creativity long ago, but never fully submerged both feet into the art world – until now.  A new year, a new beginning.  I rejoice at my timing.  The process is slow.  I am used to being a weekend artist.   Now freedom of time to indulge in my art has been given to me seven days a week, if I so choose.   It’s a bit disorienting, sometimes overwhelming, but as time moves, I am starting to get used to all this time on my hands, to do what my hands love best – CREATE ART.

After just finishing two paintings started last year, I am taking a reorganization break.  Cleaning house – sweeping out all of the old energies of 2013.  Then on to my Art Room – adding new shelves and things to better accommodate all of the projects and paintings still swimming around in my head.  I’d like to put some color onto the walls, but that will have to wait for summer and a bigger downtime.  Afterward, I will light my sage and drum my way through each room, inviting the muses of creativity to play with me.

I am not sure yet how it will all flow and unfold.  Just like creating any piece of art, you start out with one idea and then you find it has taken you on some unexpected turns.  I let my intuition lead the way and allow my muse to speak her voice.

My art world is very eclectic.  I try out many things – painting, stencil design, textile craft, hand crafted air-dry clay works, and one of a kind crafted pillows are all currently on my creative menu list.  My paintings cover a wide range of subjects; some are purely visionary, coming from a much deeper, otherworldly space and usually with a message.

All art is a unique message that expresses the essence of our being, our playful side, our serious side, our emotional, mental and spiritual sides.  The joy of this type of expression is limitless.  So here I am, crossing the “bridge of possibilities” into the land of “anything goes”.  I invite you to travel with me as I journey along this winding path of creative exploration.

© 2014 Maria Doglio