 |
|
|
| |
|
Boy, tissue paper is the bomb. I realize I'm a huge dork for saying that.
And I don't care! It's just so nice to do a sketch, half of which is good
and half of which is rotten and be able to keep the good parts. Yeah...
I think I'd marry tissue paper if I weren't already taken.
Speaking of which. This weekend is our first year anniversary. I can't
believe a whole year has already gone by...Wow. It's been amazing.
To celebrate we're going out of town for a three day trip to southern
Indiana. The plan is a little wine tasting, a little nature hiking, and a
little forgetting about normal life. Back Tuesday! See ya later alligator!
I wear an apron when I paint. I tend to get paint everywhere. Nothing is safe.
My hair, my nose, my shoes. The apron helps a little.
Earlier today I went out to get the mail and a woman was walking down the
street with her baby and her dog. She gave me the most peculiar look and
didn't say hi when I said hi to her. Instead she picked up the pace and walked
on by like she didn't see me. "Hmm," I thought..."that's weird."
Then I looked down at my apron and realized I had red paint splattered all
over me. It looked like I slaughtered something very big and very messy
just moments before she strolled by.
Oops. Sorry lady. It's paint. I swear.
Got the music turned up loud. Working on a bunch of new paintings
for the two shows I got coming up in May. May, which is less than
one week away. Feverish. Working. Totally alive with it.
My brother recently introduced me to the music of Jack Johnson.
I'm head over heels. For me it's the perfect music to work to. I sit
down to draw, push play and just watch the hours tick by...feeling
calm and optimistic.
Things I'm Grateful for Right Now
Illustration Friday: Daring
Daring. This topic brought up a lot of different visuals for me. But I
kept coming back to the idea that you can dare to do something
that is kind of scary, something that doesn't come naturally to you.
And of course, that brought up roosters (what?...I don't know...just
go with it). Roosters are not built to fly, but I thought it'd be fun
to show that this particular rooster found a way to do it anyway.
Living in Indianapolis and need something to get your creativity flowing?
I recommend checking out The Animation Show 2005 at Key Cinemas
(Keystone south and Hanna). It's playing through Thursday the 28th. It's
fantastic! I'm still reeling...
Studio Makeover
It's done and I'm so happy with it. My old studio had beige walls and I was just
tired of looking at them. So, I decided to do something bright and colorful. I've
been collecting things for a bohemian look for some time now. I just find myself
drawn to them. Compiling them all in a room just made sense. I researched a
little bit about the bohemian style and found out that it comes from a rejection
of minimalism and a return to artistic freedom, often decorating on a shoestring.
I'm all about artistic freedom and shoestring decorating.
Anyway, enough talk. Onto the pictures!
Illustration Friday: Reinvent
Okay, this was totally Brianna's idea. She suggested that I do my illustration
for this topic based on my own reinvention, using one half of an illustration I
did with my old style and adding the second half using my new style. So,
that's exactly what I did. Pretty interesting results. Thanks for the idea, B!
Whew! I'm quite exhausted. I just now finished my studio makeover.
Took about four days and a lot of sweat and elbow grease. But it's
done. And I'm totally in love with it. Pictures coming shortly...
Idealized Self Trick
Sometimes when I start a new project I feel overwhelmed by it. It's a huge
mountain I must climb and I'm not sure if I can do it. It truthfully scares me.
I mean...what if the other times when I have been creative were all just
freak coincidences? What if all that juice is gone and I'm nothing but a
boring shell now? These thoughts go through my head...And I can finally
recognize that it's perfectly natural to have this happen. It's normal. But
I still don't like it.
So.
So, I use a trick to try to battle that feeling. I call it my Idealized Self Trick.
I picture myself as I would like to be: always brimming with ideas, the
creativity just oozing out of my finger tips, coming up with concepts that
communicate clearly. Then I ask myself "What would my Idealized Self
do in this case?". What kinds of ideas would I have? What concepts would
I start playing with, knowing that something will eventually shake out of
it. Even if it takes a few tries, it always does.
For some reason, picturing what my Idealized Self would do helps me
clear some of the cluttery crap in my head. It sorts out ideas faster. Helps
me let go of ideas that are dead ends a little easier (even if they'd make
a pretty picture).
Tomorrow I'm starting on a new project. It's very small but I know it's not
an easy one. And I've been scared of it. And I'm just going to stop. Because
tomorrow morning I will use my Idealized Self Trick and the answer will
come to me. I know it will.
I think I'm finally getting into it. Finally settling in and becoming
a part of something I've always wanted to be. I am not holding
back any part of me. And for some reason that's really freeing.
For some reason I feel like that gives me permission to say what
I feel needs to be said, to joke around and not be afraid to look
dumb, to be completely myself. People can take it or leave it.
And that's okay with me.
I read something (I can't remember where) that said that you
should not save up your good ideas. Spend them every time.
Use them all up. Because once you let them go, new ones take
their place. New ideas that are better or go beyond the old ideas.
I think this is another step in this rapid evolution I've been
experiencing. And I love having the opportunity to do the best
that I can. I don't always like the outcome, but I feel good in having
created something nonetheless. I think it's an exercise in letting
go...something I'm always struggling with.
Spend the ideas.
Let it go.
Yeah, feels good just to write that.
There is such an energy going around right now. I'm not sure
where it comes from. But I feel that it's positive. And that there are
some really kick ass things coming in the future that I just need
to let get here.
I'm probably not making much sense...I apologize. I am just trying
to get some thoughts out before they are gone. Using them up.
Oh, I feel like I just hit the penelopian lottery. I feel relaxed and wonderful.
I caught up with my list enough this morning to spend two whole hours at
my favorite antique store, browsing for new studio furnishings and getting
ideas. It was very inspiring... Also this morning I presented a piece I've
been working on for one of my sweetest clients and she loved it. And, as
if I needed more wonderfulness...I came home and made myself a
summery lunch of tomato and cheese sandwiches and Vanilla Cream
Soda and ate it outside in the sunshine. Whew! So satisfied...
Wishing you a wonderful weekend.
Best Advice Journal Update
* * * * * * * *
EXTRA UPDATE: all three of the journals have been located. The first
one is at person three. So, they are still alive! And I'm breathing a
huge sigh of relief!
* * * * * * * *
So far I've found 2 of the 3 journals. They are from lists two and three.
The fourth person on those lists should be getting a journal this week.
I think list one is dragging...
So, please please try to keep the journals a maximum of one week!
(Otherwise we'll never finish this project.) Maybe if you are later in the
list you can have your idea ready so that when a journal gets to you,
you already know what you'll do. :)
Also, I'd like to ask that when you receive a journal that you email me
and let me know. That way I can keep track of them and not stress out
about it as much. Thanks!
I can't wait to see what everyone is doing with the journals!
Illustration Friday: Alone
Keep the suggestions coming! I just wanted to post my interpretation
of the topic "Alone". When I read a good book, my surroundings seem
to disappear and I find myself alone. Mmm....good books....
Okay, okay. I should be working. I have a ton to do. But I needed a quick
blog break. I have a question for you. I am really really needing to re-do
my studio space. I need a lot more storage and a lot more table space.
So...do you know of anywhere that sells this sort of stuff (cheaply, too).
I was thinking IKEA, but if you know of somewhere just as cool... please
let me know!
Thank you for any suggestions!
The Show Report
The show....The show was fantastic. I had such a good time. And I was
totally exhausted by the end of the night. I think I talked more than I ever
have in my entire life. I'm still a little hoarse. The place was packed. Lots
of familiar faces and even more not-so-familiar. I met some really cool
people including a few from my "internet life" (Hi Diong!). I talked with
people about my work and answered questions and took compliments
(I've been working on taking compliments gracefully). And I sold two
of my paintings. It was such a rush to write SOLD! on my tags. Such a
feeling of accomplishment and gratitude. I know they are going to good
homes. :)
The night lasted about 5 hours. Five hours of standing and pouring
wine for people and trying really hard to hear what people were saying
as they walked by my wall. I refrained from cupping my ear and looking
like a complete dork. hee...
Anway, I'm really happy with the way things turned out and hope to be
a part of a lot more shows this year. It was a great experience. And, of
course, I took some pictures for you. (I apologize...the space was a little
weird for picture taking...but I think you can get a feeling of the night.)
Enjoy! Click here for pictures!
Some Ugliness and Some Prettiness
Ugliness:
This is what my studio looks like right now after my whirlwind
of getting ready for my show (tomorrow!). Yipes. How do I find
anything at all?
Prettiness:
This is the magnificent magnolia tree in my front yard in full
bloom. Wow...I am in love with this tree!
Wish me luck at my show!
xo
Illustration Friday: Travel....and other things
I'm back! I'm relaxed. I've taken some of the beach home with me in my
pocket and I'm going to look at it all day long while it rains outside my
window, greening everything up. Work it rain.
I came home last night and made a big mistake. I checked my email.
A zillion emails waiting, calling for attention. Questions to be answered.
Things to attend to. Whew. I got a headache immediately. And then
I resolved to tackle it today. While I get ready for my show WHICH IS
IN TWO DAYS! AAAHHH! I have so much to do before then. One thing
at a time, lope. One thing at a time. I keep chanting that to myself.
Anyway, I got in just in time for this week's Illustration Friday topic of
"travel". My little brother Mason went on the trip with me and picked
up these paint chips along the way. He likes bright colors obviously.
I think he was feeling the tropical weather and the blooming flowers
when he picked these out. And one night as I sat with my bare feet
and the ceiling fan casting a breeze I started doodling on them. Image
after image. None of them took me longer than about 20 seconds. It
felt good to just spill it out of my head. Little images on little scraps of
color. Sunshine, scuba guy, giraffe legs...I didn't think about them,
I just drew. So that is my interpretation of travel. Just a slew of images
that come in the form of feelings or wishes from traveling.
Click here to see the bigger picture.
More to come after I'm responsible-lope and attend to things that need
attending to. :) Word.
Okay, enough fooling. Of course I'm not quitting...I'm just getting started!
I do have some wonderful news to share, though...
Today my first book, Denise's Mold, written by the ever-so-talened Katrina,
is officially released! It's wonderful. I'm so excited! I have yet to see one in
person (I've just seen the proof), but Kat called me and said it looks fantastic.
There is also a new cafepress store where you can buy Denise's Mold stuff.
Funny Tshirts and bags and things. Check it out!
Ahh...that felt good. Gotta go on my road trip now. I'll see you in a week.
Oh woe is me. I am officially in over my head and can't take the pressure
of the highs and lows of this profession any longer. I am getting out. I've
decided to go back to the world of steady job and regular paychecks and
"Hello, bob's" and water cooler talk. I've missed the safety net of my 401k.
Yep, back to advertising for me. To tell you the truth, I've really missed
being around clever people who make me laugh till my sides split. I've
missed the meetings and the clients and the deadlines and the support
system of an agency. So I'm going back. Goodbye illustration world...
(april fools!) hee hee...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
© Penelope Illustration. Stealing
is not nice. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
