Because I have months of time to think about this invitational show at North End Gallery in February, I’ve had lots of time to plan around a theme.  Something I usually don’t do and something that is not a favorite thing of mine to do.  I get two pieces.  I want them to reflect where I am in my art travels at the moment.  Where I am is mixed media – which is to say, anything and any media goes.  Throws the whole world open.  And that’s great but it all has to, in the end, come down to two pieces.

I am not used to this process.  And it has absolutely opened doors for me.

For one, I am taking a  LOT of time in the cocoon stage.

Which I would not have named such without this great newsletter piece by Cate Prato, editor of on-line Cloth Paper Scissors magazine:

I have a tendency to view my art projects the same way [as the phases of a ubtterfly’s life]. The beginning phase where I come up with the idea (Hey, I’d like to be a Monarch butterfly!) and pull all my resources together (I’ll need black and orange paint and markers, maybe some tissue paper or fabric, gel medium and found objects . . .) is very exciting.

The final phase (Hey, check out this gorgeousness I made by myself!) is full of satisfaction and self-admiration.

The middle part, translating the idea and supplies into the work of art, is where I often get frustrated and lose interest. I suppose it’s because although the additions of layers and marks will ultimately lead to my goal, they don’t seem like much while I’m working on them.

But, as with the butterfly, this intermediate phase is where the magic happens.

 As I have mentioned before, I have always been a finish in one sitting person.  Apparently Art Journaling has changed that dynamic for me.  And clay – which requires I be patient, like it or not, until the clay dries and through the firing sequence (where I can’t even *see* what’s going on! – just like a cocoon).  And while I’ll admit to on-going impatience, I will also say that I am not acting on that feeling.  Instead, I am allowing the space to open to new energy and letting it all swirl together.  And I’m LOVING the outcomes!

All of that is by way of saying that today’s Art Every Day Month offering is yet another piece of Beautiful Swimmer – it is in process.  I want dangly beads on the same side as the shell, which is the point of the white metal pieces.  They will hold the dangling beads.  This will ultimately be a headpiece for Beautiful Swimmer.  I’m thinking (but not sure yet) that maybe there will be some small glass tiles on the other side.  I don’t have to know what’s coming.  I just have to wait in the silent creativity of the cocoon.

Wylde Women’s Wisdom

Here are some of Traci Bunker’s tips for a successful metamorphosis.

• Don’t get bogged down in trying to find the right picture or piece of ephemera or art supply to add to a page.
• It isn’t about making a pretty picture or creating a great piece of art.
• Don’t have a preconceived idea of what you’re going to do before you start.
• Use the products, items, and techniques you are drawn to.