This month Component of the Month challenge was set by Jenny in the Art Elements team. Jenny produced some beautiful polymer clay heart beads and cabochons.
Out of the cabochons above I choose one like the centre that lovely soft ivory/white with gold flecks.
My original idea was bridal, but 'love unrequited' kept sticking in my head and the image of a bridal piece of jewellery just wouldn't work for me.
I have been experimenting with art journalling which I do find a challenge. I have HUNDREDS of sketch books that I have scribbled and doodled in over the years, some have messages and diary style extracts next to them but the whole adding mixed media is completely new to me. I came across a lovely quote 'when the world says give up, hope says try one more time' and it really hit a nerve with me. My whole life has been a fight for survival on almost every level, whenever I feel like giving up something happens, a spark burns in me and anger gives me strength to not be beaten and try again.
My heart had found its muse.
The Chinese coin is one that I had in a box at the back of the wardrobe, I have had it for years and it is supposed to bring luck, I can't even remember where I got it from. The playing card is representative that life is a game of chance - a tarot card would have worked here too.... - the shells, beautiful shell creations in bronze clay and ceramic and made by Lesley the former and I think one of the other members possibly Cathy, I wish I would stop losing the cards to say who did what! Shells remind me of living by the sea and as a child holding the shell to your ear to hear the wind and maybe your future dreams. The skeleton leaves are signs of death in Autumn but also that when Spring comes they will live again.
It is unfinished. I wanted to do so much more but mixed media is a struggle for me I want it to be so full of ideas and drama and things to touch and read and colour.. but my control freak artist side wants to just use line and structure. I do love the idea of this though and I love how the heart inspired it. The quote inspired me to finally stop procrastinating and print my doodles as cards and prints you can find them on my FB group page which you will need to join and eventually in my Etsy shop - link on the side of the blog if you want to come and find me :)
A list below of all those that joined in the challenge so grab a cup of tea and join me in blog hopping to see what other creations these hearts have inspired.
Guests:
Art Elements team:
Love this Laney and spooky that we both went in a similar direction with our hopeful hearts. I think you should persevere with the mixed media - you're doing great. OH and both the shells are mine. :0)
ReplyDeleteheheheh I did wonder if they were both yours :) I love them :) thank you for the helpful words I will keep going ;)
ReplyDeleteThis is a great mixed media collage. I love the theme & the pieces you used to put this together. Please keep exploring this-it is a lot of fun!
ReplyDeleteMixed media journal is a mystery to me but I love the little details that contribute to the whole picture - the heart and the world around it, our endeavors and favorite places to be. And the texture of the leaves mirroring the texture of the heart is a nice touch!
ReplyDeleteIt's really lovely Laney and the quote is just perfect!
ReplyDeleteLove the quote and the meaning behind your design... love the cards too! :D Keep going with the mixed media, it's looking fabulous!
ReplyDeleteI am always in awe of mixed media journal pages and yours is no exception.
ReplyDeleteLove. Love. Love. I love that you went out of your comfort zone - I love that it inspired you to release the sketches! And I speak your language of symbols - I was reading and nodding along as you detailed the meanings behind what you chose. My advice? Call this piece done and tack it up on the wall in the studio - or the house - so you see it, and respond to it often. Hugs. I'm just tickled. Thank you
ReplyDeleteI think it's a lovely mixed media piece. The heart really sits very comfortable in there x
ReplyDeleteI would so love to do some mixed media but find it difficult to get started. Maybe one day when I get the urge to do it. So much to do... so little time!!!
I love your mixed media with all the little details, and the beautiful quote!! I love words!! And the heart resting on the 2 of hearts, so beautiful!!
ReplyDeleteI love that you went out of your comfort zone, as well, although you are so talented as it is! I really love the quote too!
ReplyDelete'when the world says give up, hope says try one more time'
ReplyDeleteSuch a wonderful thought and so expressive of your heart interpretation. I agree that you need to display it so you can see it often
Mona
It's so pretty and heartfelt Laney, I really think you should have it framed when you finish.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this! Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean with the control... I needed and still need to let it go myself, just to go on without overthinking (writing this down, I believe this applies not only to my creational process but to me in general ;) ). Regarding to art and mixed media... of course there are a lot who tell you, learn when to stop.... but for me it worked best what Christi Friesen had as an approach: Sometimes more... is more... To go over the top (even with a lot of failures) helped me more and I actually enjoy it more now, than careful consideration.
ReplyDelete