When to quit...

When a project is coming to a close, I often have to leave it alone for a couple of days in order to have a clear perspective.  When I've been working for hours at a time, I go down that rabbit hole and become so involved with the piece that I feel like it is me and I am it.  So much so, that I honestly can't see it objectively anymore.  I have learned over time and after some major mistakes, that it's best to take my time as I finish a piece and try different ideas rather than just stick with the plan.  Actually, my pieces don't have "a plan" but there's always that moment when I think I know the direction I'm going and I just plow ahead.  This is usually when I find out that the direction I've taken is a dead-end and no matter how I tweak it, it just isn't right.  I'm feeling happy with this new Goddess but only after ripping out a few different ideas first.  It chewed up some time but I think she's worth it!

I've been wanting to use these Keshi pearls for a very long time and this sweet face just begged to be surrounded by them.  Our trip to Maui in November, greatly influenced the color and flavor of the piece.  I see the ocean in her eyes and the hear the sound of the beach when I bead around her headdress.  

Alese...

The Light Bearer

…also known as the Soul Healer, has the ability to infuse her radiant light into the shadows allowing the healing process to begin.



(Alese in German means beautiful soul)

Amets...The Dream Weaver

A Basque name meaning "A Dream"

Amets has the ability to mix reality, desire and potential in order to create the dream the "dreamer" is ready to manifest

Made with polymer clay, glass seed beads, semi-precious stones, pearls and Shibori Ribbon.

Shibori Ribbon

While this piece has been completed for quite some time, I haven't been able to find the photos I took to show the progress until today.  Working with the ribbon added another dimension to the process and one I want to try again some time soon. 

Shibori Ribbon

I found a wonderful Shibori ribbon pin by Ann Ricotta soulshine-studio.com which I purchased on her Etsy site.  I was intrigued with the design and could easily see how I might be able to incorporate it into one of the wearable art brooches.  I started a new "Day Lady" pin and as I play with the ribbon, I like the way it creates unexpected opportunities as well as a bit of mystery as it surrounds the face.  Can't wait to give it a try once I finish embellishing her headdress!

Finally...

I've decided that my chief job as the artist is to "listen" carefully as I am constantly reminded that my ideas are only suggestions and the less I hold on to a specific outcome, the more likely I'll like the end result.  

Changing Direction...

I've given up on the wood beads; I hate giving up but the fact is the face is really the one who decides and she just wasn't having those irregular, organic things around her head.  Even though she looks like she's been dug up out of the sand, she has this air of "bling" in her essence that must be satisfied.  I'm starting to like the feel of it so I guess I'll just keep heading in this direction and see what emerges!

OOPS....

I thought I had the perfect bead to surround this face but no matter which way I turn, nothing works.  I love the wood beads; irregular and organic in nature they seem to complement the face AND the frame in which it will live.  But as hard as I try, no other bead wants to live with it - making the ability to design the rest of the piece almost impossible.  Sooooo.....it's time to start over!  But what to do????

Nope...not quite; looks a bit too contrived.  She wants something unique but I'm just not getting the picture.  I think the wood beads are going to have to go - just can't seem to make them work.  DARN!

No matter what I am doing, I have always liked working at a fast pace, as it allows me to get into a meditative rhythm making me feel one with the action.  I have been known to "overthink" things and so this type of "doing" pulls me out  

of my thoughts and gives me a peaceful feeling.

Bead weaving, however, isn't something I can do "fast" as that not only leaves me unhappy with the outcome, but can result in many hours of "undoing" what took hours to do in the first place.  Instead, I've learned to slow my pace with deliberate and mindful movements as I watch and calculate the in and out of the needle as it pierces the fabric and attaches each bead into place.

Then, before I know it, the time to "think" is upon me again along with questions like;  which new beads should I choose, what colors, sizes and shapes will add to the overall essence and which ones will try and dominate; taking the piece in an entirely different direction? My mind inevitably loops around in circles as it tries to decide; pulled this way and that like a kid in a candy store who can't decide which colorful piece of sugar to pop in her mouth.

Coming to this place over and over again, I've come to the conclusion that "thinking" isn't quite the way to answer these questions.   Instead, I find that "feeling" or "sensing" which beads want to be included and where they want to be placed allows me to share the responsibility of the overall design with them and in doing so, gives the piece it's own energy, esthetics and unique personality.