Exceptionally Talented Artists Bare Their Souls As They Explore Vast Landscapes

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1. The 2009 Paws for Charity Art Book by Paws for Charity and various, amazing artists including Michelle of mkc photography is one of the Wildcard entries for the Blockhead Radio Artisan Challenge this week so let's show our support! http://blockheadradiolive.com/wildcard


2. Jodi Horgan's Black and White Art Pendant won last week's jewelry category on Blockhead Radio's Artisan Challenge which means it's in the Weekly Challenge this week so let's show her some support as well! http://blockheadradiolive.com/artisanschallenge


3. Next week, I will be hosting a forum discussion about the Thursday Sweet Treat project with the 2nd graders. I will let you know the date shortly. Thank you for your patience. I am more than a little excited about this!!


4. Many apologies for the delay in getting the new site up. I had a few setbacks but it will be up soon. Many thanks to all of you who have shown me so much love, support, and encouragement. I can never express what that means to me. I am deeply humbled and thank you from the bottom of my heart.



I'd like to start today's unveiling by thanking Amanda of Persistent Green for creating this incredible theme. (Please join me in a round of applause right now...LOL...I know you are sitting at your computer but she can totally hear it!) This week's theme moved me in a way no theme has before. I felt as though I learned a great deal more about these talented artists that I have come to adore. Just when I thought I understood the heart, passion, imagination, and depth of each artist, I discovered a whole new realm within them, within their soul and I fell more deeply in love. For that, I am eternally grateful.



The magic of this theme and this community as a whole is that each new work has the power to transform beliefs, ideas...entire lives for the better. This theme did that for me and, if you open yourself up to the possibility that we all have a magical landscape of beauty inside that needs to be shared and explored, then this theme will do the same for you.

These powerful, professional, amazing artists created landscapes filled with beauty, joy, splendor, love and magic. Please join me in exploring the most exquisite landscapes of the soul




Michelle Ciarlo-Hayes, creator of mkc photography, created this unbelievably touching piece titled, "Memories of Spring".

"Taking this photo was a way for me to hold on to the beautiful memories I have of my grandmother: when I read the theme, I thought instantly of her, how she is intrinsically part of my landscape, part of my soul," said Michelle. "The blue of the sky reminds me of her eyes, the pink blossoms are the same color as the lovely dress she once made for me, the white the color of her wavy hair (I've written a bit more in my blog this week: all are welcome to stop by if you have an extra few minutes)."

http://www.mkcphotography.com/
http://www.mkcphotography.etsy.com/
www.mkcphotographybymichelleciarlo-hayes.blogspot.com/

Kelsey, creator of CaffeinatedFrenzy, created this absolutely unforgettable landscape.

"I really enjoyed this week's theme," said Kelsey. "I had more ideas to include than this, but not enough time for it all. I don't know how one would really define landscape, but I decided to give it a loose definition of places, chose a few places that inspired me, and worked from there. Each piece represents a different place, I put them all together to form one landscape of my own soul.:)

A parking lot on a rainy day: Cirque, scarflette.

Somewhere in India: Colorful stuffed elephant.T

The Island of Socotra: Quirky tree.

http://caffeinatedfrenzy.etsy.com/

Jenjen Furer, creator of Gotta Love Mom, created this truly stunning work, “Just Because I’m Me”.

"It’s been a crazy ride, and yet I’m at peace," said Jenjen. "As I was sitting in my family room with my family, a view just reminded me of what makes me “me”.

Due to time constraints and some of my limited artistic ways and means, the only thing I can do (every week) is take pictures with my beat-up Canon Elph digital camera. And hopefully with the help of some creativity I hope I can capture what’s in my soul. My mind thinks in images and hopefully I can translate such images in words that will make you understand who I am.

I took a picture of my backyard and my door in the family room , multiplied it by three and then combined it with the other photos of the past and the present.. I played around with it to make the colors vibrant – just like how I’m starting to live my life and hopes the future brings.

Every week, every entry seems like an addition to my “book” (No More Tears…), and with all your inspiration and motivation, one day it’ll be complete."


Just Because I’m Me

I am who I am for YOU gave me LIFE,
I am who I am for the joys that make my heart sing.
I am who I am for the struggles I had to bear,
I am who I am for the pains I endured,
I am who I am for the sorrows I complained about,
I am who I am JUST BECAUSE I’M ME.

I am who I am for my PAST that molded me,
I am who I am for every wrong path I took,
I am who I am for the memories haunted me,
I am who I am for the stars I reached,
I am who I am for the tears I shed,
I am who I am JUST BECAUSE I’M ME.

I am who I am for my PRESENT that keeps me at peace,
I am who I am for the pleasures of motherhood,
I am who I am for the daily hugs and kisses,
I am who I am for the pins and needles of anxieties,
I am who I am for the love of my husband
I am who I am JUST BECAUSE I’M ME.


I am who I am for the FUTURE that’s approaching,
I am who I am for the dreams I hope to fulfill,
I am who I am for the opportunities I yet have to seize,
I am who I am for the wonders full of astonishment,
I am who I am for the love that keeps multiplying,
I am who I am JUST BECAUSE I’M ME.

My soul, my being, my entire goal
All connected
So powerful,
So intense,
So passionate.
My family, my own self, my very purpose
Is a treasure that’s in my Past, my Present and my Future.

http://www.gottalovemom.com/

Amanda, creator of this theme and Persistent Green, created this simply exquisite 6 x 11.5" watercolor painting titled, "Internal Landscape".

"Many thanks to Natasha, again, for allowing me the honor of creating this week's theme," said Amanda. "As I searched for the accompanying quotes and images, I was struck by how many different interpretations an artist could have on such a classic subject--landscapes. I've never enjoyed creating them because I let myself get boxed in by the traditional, representational idea. This week, I wanted to challenge myself to create MY landscape--the lay of the land according to my heart, my soul. No surprise, then, that I turned to riotous color, fluid lines, and texture (if only simulated this time)."

http://persistentgreen.etsy.com/

http://persistentgreen.blogspot.com/

Janie, creator of Lifeartdesigns and MyPolymerClayCanes, created this unforgettable, radiant, moving piece titled, "Love is Patient, Love is Kind."

Love is Patient, Love is Kind...

"My entry this week is actually a work in progress for a custom order," said Janie. "It wasn't due until the first of next month, but when I saw this week's theme, I knew this box was meant for it. And after the tragic loss that Nastasha and her family experienced, I felt I had to do it. So, I stopped everything else and worked on it. A daughter is going to give this to her Mother for Mother's Day. She hasn't seen it yet, so I hope that if she does, she will forgive me for showing it here first.

Landscape of the Soul...I picked this box because I believe that the landscape of our souls are based on the love or lack thereof that we perceive or receive (or don't) from the second we are born until the day we die. Everything we do, believe, and perceive is flavored by love and creates the ever changing landscape of our souls.

The verse of I Corinthians 13, "Love is patient, love is kind..." is my favorite and the one my husband and I used for our wedding vows. I photographed the box on black satin to visually express my condolences to Natasha and her family. I hope this expression is okay...it is done with love.

It is my hope and prayer that for anyone who is alone and feels they have no love of another on this Earth, that they will know that they will always have God's love forever and will never really ever be alone no matter what."

http://www.lifeartdesigns.etsy.com/

http://www.mypolymerclaycanes.etsy.com/

Salvaged Expression created this wonderfully awesome piece.

"I'm submitting this piece as a bit of a work in progress rather than waiting for the mini monthly 1. because I really missed TST and 2. because I just want to share this piece! This drawing was actually inspired by 3 friends and the landscape of their combined souls," said Salvaged.

"My friend and I both work in the environmental industry where she locates wetlands including the habitat of the very adorable and much endangered Bog Turtle. Now this same friend and my SO are both getting into beer brewing and have been discussing it passionately for the last couple of months. I was inspired to create this drawing I call Benny, the Beer Swilling Bog Turtle in the fond hope that my friend would make a swamp water brew sometime or just hang it in her cube and laugh. The bog turtle is relaxing in his slightly disturbed habitat sipping one of my husband's brews which has been marked with wetland flagging tape, a clear sign of my friend's passing. I was apparently successful since both want to use the drawing which I've been busily cleaning up and coloring digitally for easy label printing."

http://salvagedexpression.etsy.com/

Maureen, a talented artist, created this stunningly beautiful piece.

"This week's prompt--Landscape of the soul--tugged at me," said Maureen. "I had a nearly instant idea of what I wanted to do, but couldn't see how it related to the prompt. As the week progressed, I realized that the prompt was calling me, oh so gently, to finally inhabit the landscape of my own soul. I'd fallen deeply in love with watercolor several years ago. But I had no courage to work in this medium outside of the class, in my own home. Fear of failure blockaded me. In recent weeks, I've been able to start playing some, with splooshing color on paper, with helping my sister's 2nd graders fall in love with watercolor. Finally, this week, I was able to let myself try something that was other than wholly abstract. I used professional grade paper and brushes, and leftover paint from the $1.00 paint sets I used with the 2nd graders. I think it is the first time I have signed a piece of art this year. All of this taking place in me is aided by the incredible community of artists and art lovers here at TST. Thanks to all of you.******And a last, big-as-humanly-possible hug goes to you, Natasha, for all you do here. Your kindness and generosity are boundless."

http://aquamaureens.blogspot.com/

Marja, creator of Glass Elements, created this striking, awe-inspiring piece titled, "Piha - My Favorite Landscape."

"This week's theme inspired me to step out of my comfort zone and embrace a technique I just recently learned - photokilnforming," said Marja. "The process involves selecting a photo or image, transfering it onto glass and then sandblasting to create a relief of the photo. The image is then brought to life by painting the relief with high fire enamels and subsequently firing in the kiln. For this piece, I've also slumped it into a gentle curve so it can stand on its own."

"The photo that I used for this piece is of one of my favorite places and definitely my favorite landscape - Piha Beach in New Zealand, where I married my husband in 2006. The piece is simple, yet elegant, and brings me undefinable joy, just like the memories of my wedding day."

http://glasselements.etsy.com/

Giraffelabel created this exceptionally fabulous RUTHIE bag.

"I love the proust quote "...having new eyes." I feel like most of my pieces come from being able to see one thing, but imagine what it could be," said Giraffelabel. "I guess that is what most of artwork is. Some people (the artists) can see what could be, and some people just need a nudge in the right direction. And, after reading the theme for the week, this fabric just completely stood out to me. I love the colors, the flowers, the leaves...these are the things I like to see in a beautiful landscape."

http://www.giraffelabel.etsy.com/

Felicia Kramer, creator of Another Bright Idea, created this incredibly stunning piece titled, “An artist’s landscape of the soul”.

"As I worked, I wasn’t conscious of what kind of a message I might send with the images I chose; I truly just played with layers," said Felicia. "But now that it’s complete, I see it as a reflection of my artist’s soul – real and surreal, light and dark, colorful and subdued. Sort of like a favorite quote by Walt Whitman: “Do I contradict myself? Very well, then I contradict myself. I am large, I contain multitudes.”"

http://anotherbrightidea.etsy.com/

Let me just say that I loved this theme and started working on a piece shortly after it was unveiled. However, that piece was put on hold for now as another was begging to come to life. One afternoon, I sat here staring at the prompt, then went to work on getting Janet Davies piece up. Somewhere between staring at the prompt, re-reading the incredible response to Monday's post and reading Janet's words, I had an idea that needed to come to life.

I began to think about the idea of "landscaping". I thought about the ways we work to plant new flowers and then trim and care for them throughout the year. Don't our souls need the same type of nourishment, the same love, the same attention and care? In the last week, I've come to realize that we, as a society, need to take better care of ourselves and one another. We need to create special moments where we remind those around us how much we love them...but how? We can't call our loved ones at work over and over to say, "I love you," for they would surely get fired. We can't waltz into our child's classroom whenever we feel like it and tell them we think they are wonderful, gorgeous beings because we'd be quite a distraction to the teacher not to mention very uncool to our kids.

So, I created these. Here are 10 "Remember" notes. Each are roughly the size of business cards and contain a little message, an image, both and, in some cases, a blank space so you can write something all your own for the person you love. Then, stick them in your child's lunchbox or under their pillow. Drop them in your spouses or partners book or paper as they leave the house. Send one to a friend inside a card or a box of chocolate. Or simply leave them in public spaces for people to find. People can save them in their handbag, their wallet, wherever as a reminder of how much we love them. They can see it anytime they want...it's our little gift to them.

Creating these pieces helped me to turn confusion into something positive. I literally began to feal joy and love ... it was wonderful. Thank you for the inspiration, Amanda, Janet and every beautiful soul here.

http://www.doodlestar.etsy.com/

Here are samples of the "Remember" notes. On your left, you will see the front of the card and then the image directly beneath is what it says or looks like on the back.

Carrie Guzzino, creator of Wash My Cloth, created this exceptionally fantastic purse titled, ""Marcel's New Eyes".

"I was inspired by the very first quote: "The only real voyage ofdiscovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having neweyes." ~Marcel Proust," said Carrie. "In having new eyes. I have been working on purses that aren't your run of the mill shape and design. Crocheting the bag and then building onto that base to create a sculpted purse has become a focus of late. For this purse, I took a basic purse, which women use and need, then mixed it with something not usually associated with humanlife. The flow of the snake wrapping itself around the bag and forming the handle was my version of a Dali painting.

http://www.washmycloth.etsy.com/

http://www.weavergirlguz.blogspot.com/

Patti, creator of Peacoxcreations, created these beautfully done cards.

"Thought it was great that "Landscape of the Soul" coincided with Earth Day so I couldn't resist the Emerson quote, "Earth laughs in flowers"! I created two greeting cards to express his thought," said Patti. "And then when I had my fun stamp out, I did a couple more cards that have a "Happy Retirement" stamped inside as well. I hope they will inspire folks like me, who retired long ago, to really enjoy their lives."

http://peacoxcreations.etsy.com/
http://patti-peacox.blogspot.com/

Bird, creator of Crow Tarot, Kitty Hawke, Cat Bird Crystals, and One Earth, One Tribe, shared this beautifully inspiring work.

"With a theme like that, channelling seemed very much the appropriate thing to do for this week. :-) Once again, a Guide's Roundtable on the topic, tho' this time augmented by quotes as the prompts. All quotes are from The Quotations Page (www.quotationspage.com/).

Benedetto
In the attitude of silence the soul finds the path in a clearer light, and what is elusive and deceptive resolves itself into crystal clearness. Our life is a long and arduous quest after Truth.
Mahatma Gandhi (1869 - 1948)

Well, the path does not HAVE to be long & arduous. That is a choice, as any other. But the Quest... that is a true thing. The search is the thing, the Journey, that creates the landscape of your soul. The hills, the valleys, the mountains, the plains, the fertile seas and seemingly barren deserts – all are a part of your Journey, both here and in the higher realms in which your soul resides.

You create this landscape as you live your life, every moment reflected in its nature, its creations both here & beyond. The exciting thing about this is that if you do not like the landscape that is surrounding you at this moment, you can easily change it. Imagine yourself in your inner world, walking along a path. What surrounds you at this moment? Are you feeling dry, barren of inspiration? You might see a desert, where life teems, but in struggle. Picture it blooming, becoming a lush plain of green grass & flowers. Or whatever else signifies creativity to you. Revel in this new landscape, bring its essence to you – what does it taste like, smell like? What sounds are in the air, what sights do you see? As you grow this lush oasis in your heart, picture it spreading throughout your whole life. Revisit this landscape as often as you need, whenever you are feeling in need of refreshment. Make it a part of you & let yourself bloom! :-)

Bright Blessings & Good Fortune! :-)
-Benedetto, Angel, and High Guide of Light for Bird


Muse Adriata
Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures.
Henry Ward Beecher (1813 - 1887), Proverbs from Plymouth Pulpit, 1887

Yes, this is truth. You cannot create other than what you are. You can imagine things other than you are, and explore them in your works, but even so, they will still contain what you are. This is not a limitation. It is a signature, if you will, marking a piece as uniquely yours.

You can learn a lot about a person, by watching and studying their creations. Including yourself. Life is a Journey of learning who you really are, and why you have chosen the things you have chosen to be. Life is a Journey of exploration, of adding bits and pieces to your soul's wisdom, like sewing jewels on a dress, and just as sparkly, and as precious. ;-D

Don't be afraid of what your works might tell you about yourself. Remember, nothing is carved in stone. Just as stone wears away over time, so too you can choose to change anything about yourself that you no longer wish to carry with you.

But at the same time, be careful of changing yourself to be what you think the World will want you to be. The World does not care who you are, other than that you should be your truest Self. All things exist somewhere, and all beings exist somewhere. So you have the freedom to be exactly who you wish to be, beholden to no-one but yourself.

Bright Blessings & Good Fortune! :-)
-Adriata, Muse & High Guide of Light for Bird



Lady Coco
Man is his own star and the soul that can render an honest and perfect man commands all light, all influence, all fate.
John Fletcher (1579 - 1625), 1647

Humans are indeed their own selves, whether called star or soul or pizza or any of the other names that have been invented for the essence of a being. It is a striving, this desire for perfection, and tho' it is known that true perfection will only be achieved at the very end of days, a form of perfection can be achieved in this world.

It is a worthy thing to strive for, this perfection, although it is also important to remember that it should remain a striving. A descent into obsession is not a useful thing.

As you seek to achieve this perfection, and indeed the more you come closer to it, the more you will find that your outer world will change to reflect this new inner world you have chosen. So in that sense, yes, you do indeed find that your world is literally yours to create.

So create it well, dear ones! :-)
Lady Coco, High Guide of Light for Bird

Jeremiah
Develop interest in life as you see it; in people, things, literature, music - the world is so rich, simply throbbing with rich treasures, beautiful souls and interesting people. Forget yourself.
Henry Miller (1891 – 1980)

True, true. If you concentrate only on yourself, then that is all you will see. By doing so, you miss out on all the beauty that surrounds you, the beautiful variety that is the prime source of all. Both you and your works are diminished by this.

The landscape of your soul becomes featureless and barren – a vast empty wasteland spreading as far as the mind can experience.

So, experience Art & Life & Joy! Get out into the world and revel in all it has to offer you! See everything that is happening around you – the joy, the pain, the living, the dying, all the cycles that surround you in endless patterns of rebirth & variation.

Bright Blessings & Good Fortune! :-)

-Jeremiah, Muse & Guide of Light for Bird

Talismans by Crow Tarotfound athttp://www.crowtarot.etsy.com/

Our Other Etsy Shops

http://www.kittyhawke.etsy.com/

http://www.catbirdcrystals.etsy.com/

http://www.oneearthonetribe.etsy.com/

Did these works touch your soul?

Please share your thoughts, ask the artists questions, leave a comment and some love here. Then, go visit these artists at their shops and blogs, share some more and tell a friend! Thanks so much for visiting!!