When Art Speaks THROUGH You

I'd like to tell you a about a little secret of mine.  My paintings speak THROUGH my soul.  I suppose that's what you call a form of meditation.  When all else is quiet and one is still, then the voice of the soul can be heard.  Well, I suppose I never really afford mine the quiet time it deserves so it finds the best outlet and that is through my art.  

I really came to understand that concept through this encaustic painting of a half of a skull.  I painted in  a workshop where the group was painting rather conservative, contemporary paintings in the fashion that speaks to them.  My soul was SCREAMING at me!  Step out of the safe-zone!  When I started I had no idea that a giant 3-D skull head was going to be placed atop of a pretty significant background.  The  words on the back are DANGER- High Voltage!  A sign I took it of the "risk" I felt I was taking.  Behind the skull is a fire hydrant - a definite note of reassurance that the fire could be put out and all would be fine.  And lastly, directly under the skull ( you can still see inside) is an eye chart - this skull has no eyes but has 20/20 vision - to me a confirmation to BELIEVE in the unseen and to trust my instincts.  The painting did not come together easily.  Infact, at several times in the day I was tempted to "accidentally drop it on the floor" and then claim that there was no use in trying to finish such a ruined piece.  No, my soul was urging me to move forward offering encouragement through drive in the curiosity of what could be a fantastic result.  I HAD TO GO ON.  

I did persevere and I LOVED it.  I wanted to kiss someone!  I wanted to thank someone! I was over the moon with pride and joy!  I looked around at the "somewhat shocked" faces, and realized it was probably more than any one could understand, this conversation I had with my soul - which to me was the most beautiful thing in the world.  What a gift that day was!

The next time you create, I urge you to listen to the suggestions being whispered in the background.  You may surprise yourself to realize that your soul has some pretty profound ideas.

Another day in Paradise

Today I am teaching a tiara class. This is a project that I dreamt up for a 16 years old's birthday party. It is a soldered melange of old jewellery, bit and pieces of rescued materials and wire that sits atop a 6" vent pipe clamp. Genius I know! It's a mazing what you can find at the hardware store win you look at the piles of great home reno stuff as art supplies in the rough. I will also attempt my first video blog or demo tape today so standby. I am about to Crush It!

Only I can judge my art, really. Who is judging yours?

I feel a really creative surge coursing through my veins these days. The dust bunnies are all around my feet, the foggy windows are in plain view and the dishwasher full of clean dishes beckons to be cleaned out and ALL I can think about is art and how I'll get to those duties later!

I have a surplus of ideas right now - things that are calling me to be made. Some call so long and I visualize them being made before my eyes, then in my mind, it already is! I don't even have to get to it because I have seen the results and they are fantastic! Sure no one else can see it, or even buy it, but that make me question, who are we making the art for anyway? I mean really?! When the dust settles who is the "observer" of my art? The answer hits me like a powerful revelation thunderbolt, me! I am the only one that needs to be satisfied with the result. An example of this is this charm in my bracelet -pictured here. My solder is lumpy, my jump rings are all unevenly spaced, and even the frame is crooked (somehow?) - to me, all strokes of genius! To a perfectionist-type jewelry maker - a giant fail! But when I do look at this piece, it satisfies me to know that the art is mine, the thought process was me and the execution of it was uniquely Christina Lovisa. Why would I care what ANYONE thought of it? I really don't! Now, if I was trying to mass produce these for revenue I would care about the observer and change my artistic execution of it.

The same rules apply to taking art workshops. If you are called to get creative, that little muse is speaking, I encourage you to take classes outside of your comfort zone and you will be amazed and what you can produce once you remove that judgment you place on yourself and just accept the results of it. Before long, you'll be embracing the little things that make you uniquely you.

A note about meeting your creative muse

We all have one inside us somewhere. You feel it and know it. Some of us have an incredible time believing that she'll be there when you need her ; when you attend a creative workshop, choosing a killer outfit for a dinner party or simply blogging and writing :)

Well I am here to tell you the truth about muses - she is always present, you don't have to call on her in times of need. She is perched right up in your cerebral cortex, somewhere between your brain and your eyes. I imagine her "nest" is quite stunningly decorated and always avant-garde!

The reason I know this is because mine woke me up this morning going on about muses and inspiration! I was in that pre-wake up haze - my awareness was rising, it was-IS- still dark outside and this little voice started a murmur which steadily rose to a full-on soliloquy which could have been delivered at Carnegie Hall.

I must tell you that I have to go to work and teach a new-to me group of students an INTRO to mixed media class and so I woke up thinking about how I was going to address this new group of students. It was not very long before this voice "took over" my planning, trumping it like an Ace does a King, and declared we are talking about MEETING OUR MUSE - perhaps for the first time recognizing she is there.

After my class today, I will report back on my class. I will be curious to see the reactions and "interactions" taking place between these lovely "couples" meeting for the first time :).

Just got back from Art Camp, now what?

I've been back from ART CAMP with Terri Brush for a week or so now, and i've attempted to start creating jewellery (like we did at camp) several times an for one reason or another I can't seem to get into it. This makes me question, what is it about retreats and classes designed specifically for creating that supports a focused, clear artistic channel? The type of path that is so difficult to get back on once the dust settles and your left on your own, to your own devices?

I will ponder this for sure and report later today my findings. Any thoughts? throw 'em my way...

OMG Computer Dummy, I am!

Ok, So it think this is my 5th attempt at creating a blog. I can't find the addresses of my last two...

I am going to have to blame someone... can't be me.

I have decided this one will stick. It's easy to remember because it describes my life to a tee...

Chris Lovisa Creates!