i'm not sure exactly at what point i decided i dreaded going to art class in elementary school. one day every week we had to file down to the art room, where mrs. saukus was sure to point out that we didn't color in the lines well enough or there was still too much white showing through or remark, "that's a horse?". she was way too serious to be an elementary school art teacher, rarely smiled, and just generally didn't seem happy. and, being the people- pleaser that i was {and still am} her whole demeanor intimidated me. art intimidated me.
i don't have a lot of natural talent in drawing or creating new projects. it doesn't come easily to my very linear, analytical brain. music i seem to get. art, not so much. i become frustrated easily because having to let go and think "artistically" seems too tedious and tricky. it's not me inherently. don't get me wrong, i'm envious of the right-brainers. i wish i didn't get cringe every time nemo asks me to "draw something, mama!" i'm really good at tracing and coloring...i sing praises for paint-by-numbers...give me something that's already there and i'll be happy to add to it...but, a blank canvas? this leads the problem-solver in me to fidget nervously and scowl as i attempt to erase mrs. saukus' sourpuss face from my mind...
that said...i've recently begun an art journal in hopes of combining the written word {which i love} with thoughtful visual images {which is where the work comes in!!}.
so, here is the cover of my new art journal (a cheap mead composition book i purchased at a yard sale for 25 cents)...entitled "for your information..." i'm pleased with my little collaging skills and this new creative venture.
3 comments:
Wow. I am speechless. When I first looked at your post, I thought you posted a picture from an art magazine. Then I started looking closer and recognized the rub-on font that you used. (Making Memories, right? I think it's called 'Heidi') Anyway, you did a beautiful job. REALLY good collage. My old roommate from Chicago was into this type of collage and it reminds me of her work. You do have a talent. Don't let our old art teacher make you feel inferior. I have the same hangups too, and I blame her entirely! I HATED art and never thought I could be capable in that area. Well, humpf. Just keep doing what your heart knows to do. Keep creating. It's beautiful.
Now, if I could get Julie back over here on this side of the US to take some pics of my girls, I'd be all set. I'd settle for something knitted though, I guess. I'm still jealous that she can knit and I can't. (Yes, that's a hint Julie, if you are reading this!) :)
Michelle - I told you Melissa was hinting about wanting something knitted!!! After Christmas, my dear...after Christmas. Which is also my mantra right now, incidentally...
Additionally, it's unfortunate that you were dissuaded from art b/c of your "linear" brain. Really, so much of design and art is so technical and really requires such thinking. This image of the free-spirited let-the-paint-fly is really erroneous. If it's something you enjoy - do it!
Post a Comment