Summer break is upon us. Officially starting on Friday. This Memorial Day weekend found us busy with new goat kids (15 so far from 7 does, 7 more does to go), a fun resin workshop (Lori Winter is a wonderful teacher). An exciting but disappointing 2-2 tie for the Colorado Rapids vs the Seattle Sounders (this being our third year as season ticket holders). And lots and lots of rain. Yesterday was a great day for movies and naps!
No big plans this summer. I'm hoping to catch up with some neglected housework, a garden ransacked by a my wild band of hens (I had no idea that they were so messy!), some fun little outings with the kids (library, movies, hikes, the zoo, swimming, fun play with my new friends at The Eaton Early Learning Center...) and a trip to OK to the American Kiko Goat Association's Annual Convention. I realize that this doesn't sound as exciting as say going to Hawaii but Matt and I will being gone for 4 days by ourselves! We've not had time like this since having Morgan and Madelyn. He has signed up for some workshops and I have already Mapquested the antique shops in the area.
One of the things that I had hoped to do this summer was do art, art and more art. I'm finding myself in a creative rut right now. I think I'm bored and don't feel like I'm growing creatively. I'm not sure if it is poor time management or constant distractions that are stifling me or the fact that I always seem to play it safe when I create (everything looks the same). Not that I don't like the finished piece but feel I need to branch out. I love collage and mixed media and feel that I have found my creative niche but want to bring more to it. I do think I am on the verge of a creative change but can't seem figure out what that is. I suppose I just need to listen to my creative voice and not try to force it...
Last Saturday afternoon found me taking a Resin Charm workshop with the amazingly talented and incredibly patient Lori Winter at The Creative Underground. It seemed to be just the kick in the seat I needed to get me downstairs to work. I used resin to create the free form shape over the photo. It is hard to tell, but I have layered the photo, sequins, Caran d'ache Neo color, tissue paper, beads and stitching within in the resin. Working with resin was a true test of my patience. I had to wait (at least a day) in between to create the thin layers I wanted. I can't wait to try this again with more layers and more objects. I'm amazed at the clarity. It truly is glass like. Thanks, Lori, for the kick I was looking for!
There is a lot for me to smile about. This just happens to be what is making me smile right now! Just before taking this pic, I asked him "What makes you smile"? His answer..."Ahhh, It's just you, mom".
