Bad Art

Bad Art

(penned to NaPoWriMo’s prompt Day 8 - 

write a Ekphrastic poem using link to Museum of Bad Art)

no need to travel to the Museum of Bad Art

i have created my own!

just step out to the patio and view hangings 

on the side of my home.

it’s a mere collection not a gallery

showing  to questionable applause

six originals available for viewing

in house artist proud because….

each painting reveals a memory

each painting represents trust

step by step following the teacher

while sipping dipping the brush

“no, not in the wine,” we laugh

and smile our way to create

the masterpiece of the moment

sipping dipping and learning 

           to appreciate….

the better art of Monet and Van Gogh

the hours true art requires

my masterpiece is definitely bad art

but only took two hours.

(the one top right was done 

a night out with Daughter Maureen)

years ago was our first attempt

to drink paint and follow along

the bonding far surpasses

the reality of artwork done wrong.

with Louise the bumblebee I created 

hers was proportionately done right

reminds me of a best friendship

Louise has passed into the “night.”

more memories from artwork

i cannot conjure up

have not done it for awhile 

but you can be assured 

there’ll be a space to hang my bad art

if given another chance

to create the very best memories 

with    just     one     glance.

Nature Journaling

I struggle to even sketch a leaf! 

When asked to draw a piece of observed nature, I cringe.

I have never enjoyed drawing.

I follow a successful artist using stick figures and am motivated.

When I try to emulate, I fall flat.

Why would I sign up for the above class, you ask?

😵‍💫

Because I would like to teach “Nature Journaling for Non Artists” at the senior center.

My only credential is that I am a master gardener recently certified.

Also, I am a writer. 

I am going to attempt to become a successful non artist/nature journalist.

🤗

I heard of this course through a blog I now follow. 

It was highly endorsed. 

Although I avoid zooming, I thought that this experience would be beneficial. 

The fact it occurs on Sunday afternoons appeals to me. 

🌺

So I am “in” and donating money weekly.

I will keep you posted regarding all progress.

And most importantly, I will attempt to incorporate what I learn into my weavings.

🥰

Tapestry Turmoil

Tapestry Turmoil and Solution Sought with Many Cliches!

What to do? 

What to say? 

I am discouraged and dismayed that this weaving project is not a success-in-the-making for me.

I am working with a mentor through American Tapestry Alliance on a project to weave a self-designed tapestry. 

I am “over my head”. 

I am “out of my comfort zone.”

What to do?

I want to weave as I go - - create as I weave - - and this is NOT the proper process for beautiful tapestry weavings. Perhaps it is the process for enjoying The Journey and not allow The Destination to control my experience.

For me, The Journey is prime consideration. 

My Saori loom is waiting for my next row, my next unplanned amusement, my next insertion of a twig or a ribbon. 

And so what shall I do?

My mentor is an award winning expert. I am a beginner, having to read and reread Rebecca Mezoff’s book to “meet and separate” my yarns, a basic technique.

“Honesty is the best policy.”

This is Truth and Wisdom. 

I shall be honest. I shall explain that I am ready simplify my loom

       simplify my weaving

             simplify my creativity energies

The Journey becomes my reason to weave.

Waking up in the middle of the night and looking at my ill-formed attempt on my Big Sister loom with a flashlight is not a positive. Lying in bed and wondering what flashy yarn I can weave with in the morning, what object I can attach, what one new technique I can incorporate…..that is my dream.

I am thinking of selling Big Sister to a weaver with different dreams…..

….to a weaver who will appreciate the extra heddles I ordered because I didn’t know what a heddle was.

….to a weaver who will not have lice every other row because she will know how thick a weft to use with her warp.

….to a weaver who will coddle Big Sister as her BFF and not as a “thorn” (you know that cliche).

It’s possible that I can still be a weaver.

The photo above is my current project. It is not what my amazing mentor is expecting. I don’t want to disappoint. I just want to weave freestyle and enjoy my mistakes. 

….and that’s my weave wrap-a-long today!

Coming Around!

Christmas came and went. It was wonderfully uneventful,  as was the New Year.  I have been nesting, going out to lunch a few time with Hubby and then flitting from one project to the next. 

With the purchase of a new Mac computer, I am set to enjoy a couple upcoming beadisciple classes, reconnecting with my poetry e-circle, pulling up weaving videos that are awaiting my perusal and maybe zoom once a month with Story Circle Network.

The saori loom has the beginnings of a weaving on it but I am removing my first efforts and reorganizing the warping threads. Yes, mistakes are acceptable in Saori, but it just looks too sloppy and taking out a few rows is no big deal.

Reading….. always reading…..”The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel is confirming my Christianity. “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot is an upcoming read for the senior center book club. I am enjoying both books.

Weaving projects are numerous and I should be focusing on the tapestry, beginning a small sampler to teach myself a new technique and just practicing the process. Saori will always win my adoration, I am quite sure. It is a create as you go process, or rather, it can be!

The cold weather is coming. Birdbaths are freshened, food replenished and I have ordered a bird bath heater. Such joy Hubby and I experience having these wanted guests in our backyard. Best Dog Ava doesn’t bark, just watches and enjoys the company as we do. I never thought I’d be a birder, but then I never thought master gardening would be an accomplishment either.

And so 2025 begins, hopefully less worldly commitments so my chosen commitments at home can be accomplished. As the Lord leads……

And now for a “spiritual” sharing - 

                                            Q

Photo taken in November 2024, Blanco State Park.