Sandy Steen Bartholomew's Blog, page 25
November 6, 2013
Part Two: Zip Lines and "Summer Luvin'..."
Summary of the last post: climb up mountain, jump on zip line, new experiences, whooo-hooo!, crash into trees, pick pine needles out of teeth, climb up new mountain. Repeat.
I promised to let you know how the date turned out...
If you follow the zip-line analogy... here's my journal entry from last night:
Well. Now I know what THAT feels like.
I promised to let you know how the date turned out...
If you follow the zip-line analogy... here's my journal entry from last night:
Well. Now I know what THAT feels like.
November 4, 2013
Zip Lines and "Summer Luvin'..."
As I mentioned in my last post, there are so many things that I write about, but then am not sure if I should post them. Since I am feeling a teeny bit more confident today than I did yesterday, I will take a little leap and post this thought I started back in September when I was in Santa Fe and then continued in Providence... then shelved.
In Santa Fe (September):
There are groups of men EVERYWHERE here in Santa Fe. In the restaurants, bars, super markets, in packs in the park and standing around in parking lots. It's almost creepy. In my real life, I rarely come into contact with a "man" never mind a group of them. And they are usually in suits, somewhere near an office. My world is filled with women. Which is fine. But I am remembering that... before... my real friends were always men. I like talking to women and I am finding it easier to form bonds and find common ground now. But when I checked into the hotel here, I found it so easy to strike up a conversation with Abel, the desk clerk. I know his family is in Jordan ("Oh my gosh, I was in Jordan a few years ago! How come you haven't gone home to visit? It's such an incredible place...?) He hasn't returned because his family wouldn't approve of his tattooed arms and the trip is incredibly long. Very true! It wasn't until I was dragging my bags up the stairs that I realized he had been seriously flirting with me: "I will make you dinner. I'm an excellent cook!" Mmm-hmm. That was his response when I asked where I could find something to eat at 10:00pm on a Wed. night.
It had been about 25 years since I had a proper date. I guess I wouldn't recognize flirting if it knocked me in the head... which it did. This summer. Back to that in a minute. First I want to talk about zip lines.
Just after Santa Fe:
The only zip lines I have been on in real life are the one's in people's back yards. Those are fun, but safe. The big scary ones that start up really high in the air and end in the trees? Those are the ones I am thinking about. I realized that I approach every one of my big experiences as if it were a zip line adventure. This year alone... teaching at TangleU, Zentangle Workshops, retreats, Art Camp on Mayhew Island, and now, this Santa Fe retreat... I work really hard preparing, climbing the mountain, with travel prep, class prep, and blogging. I get to the top, breathing hard and nervous/excited. Grab onto the handlebars and launch myself into the void. The excitement and terror are equally intoxicating. I meet amazing people, learn incredible things - I keep my eyes wide open as I scream my way down the mountain!
And then... smash into the trees! I barely have time to pick the pine needles out of my teeth before I am climbing up another mountain.
Despite the fact that I love meeting people and learning things... the crash ALWAYS comes at the end. When I return from camps or classes, I feel so exhausted and depleted and... lonely... that I could cry for days. It doesn't really make sense, and it never stops me from going for another ride. But I think the excitement and the camaraderie - and the intensity in just a few days or weeks - makes the contrast at home so much more severe (thus the trees whacking me in the face). As a severe Introvert - I don't really mind being "alone" - I crave it - but I don't have a reliable way to recharge my batteries or even a helmet to wear while flying down the mountains!
If you are still reading, we can go back to the flirting part...
In Providence (October):
I just watched "Grease" on Netflix while eating take-out sushi and drawing icons for homework. This movie came out when I was in 5th grade and the boy that made my heart thump was named "Danny". We girls would sit on the playground wall outside Pine Street School and watch Danny and his friends do daring tricks on the stair railings. Ah, love. I just couldn't stand the other girls singing - at me - "look at me I'm Sandra Dee. Lowsy with virgiiiiiin-iteeeee!" Seriously? I was 10! Girls are so cruel. I loved that movie but I was always pissed at Sandy for just tossing it in and changing herself completely just so Danny would like her. He didn't deserve her. He was such a wimp! He would never stand up to his buds and defend Sandy. His image was more important than how he felt about her.
But I do like the beginning where they are singing about their summer romances... "Summer lovin' had me a bla -ast. Summer lovin' happened so fa-ast...!" And it got me thinking about my own summer romance...
A guy walks into a studio... yes, the beginning of a classic joke? But very few guys ever walk into my studio! I had a class going on and didn't pay much attention to him until he asked us some questions and we began to tease him mercilessly. He didn't leave. He kept asking for more! He did give us some great ideas on how to attract more men to the Open Studios too - serve beer and wings and keep a broken lawn mower out front - a sure thing. We all missed him as soon as he had left. :-)
A few weeks later I received an email asking me if I'd have dinner with him. Honestly, it scared the bee-jeezus out of me. No one has asked me out in 25 years! And there was some really yicky stuff going on right then in my life (again, I can't write about it). So I finally responded to him and said "my life is a whack-a-mole game and I can't risk endangering anyone else".
That's original, right? Strangely, that didn't scare him off. He said he was ex-Navy and nothing scared him. :-) Sweet. (I think he lied, because, as it turned out, I scared him). Still, in the next few weeks, we had a TON of fun! Pig roasts, road trips, motor-boating in the dark under the stars, meteor showers, drinks in bars, pubs, and that pig roast... I drank more in those three weeks than in my entire life! It was a mini teenage rebellion (I've been putting mine off for too long!) I had climbed yet another mountain, and flung myself into the void on yet another zip-line. But this time, I had an adventure-companion. And he was sweet and funny and amazingly creative. He was a grown-up gifted-kid, just like me. And my kids liked him. And I liked his kids.
Yes, you noticed the past-tense, right? Just as I realized I was about to go crashing into the inevitable trees at the end of the zip-line, I looked over and he was just... gone.
So it's been a few months and as it is with all my exhilarating experiences, most of the ache fades and I remember the great stuff. Now I am thinking of the whole adventure as a really tough assignment for one of my classes (the relationship one). Whatever the reason for it ending - and I have plenty of choices - I learned an awful lot about myself. I may not have a clue what I want to achieve in life, but I have a really good image of what I want in a partner-soul mate: humor, imagination, creativity, respect, admiration, self-respect, loyalty, friendship, love, and most importantly - I want to be not only ON his Priority List, I want to be in the top 5.
In summary... the zip-line experience (in art and love!):
There's the anticipation, the terror the first day, falling in love with the other "characters", making new friends, learning new things about myself and other people, realizing some of my assumptions were wrong, experiencing some disappointments, discovering new strengths and talents, realizing the end is here, the wrenching pain of returning to "real" life, the terrible loneliness, the fabulous memories... then planning to do it all again!
Note: I have an update on the summer romance, but I may wait a little to say anything... ;-)
In Santa Fe (September):
There are groups of men EVERYWHERE here in Santa Fe. In the restaurants, bars, super markets, in packs in the park and standing around in parking lots. It's almost creepy. In my real life, I rarely come into contact with a "man" never mind a group of them. And they are usually in suits, somewhere near an office. My world is filled with women. Which is fine. But I am remembering that... before... my real friends were always men. I like talking to women and I am finding it easier to form bonds and find common ground now. But when I checked into the hotel here, I found it so easy to strike up a conversation with Abel, the desk clerk. I know his family is in Jordan ("Oh my gosh, I was in Jordan a few years ago! How come you haven't gone home to visit? It's such an incredible place...?) He hasn't returned because his family wouldn't approve of his tattooed arms and the trip is incredibly long. Very true! It wasn't until I was dragging my bags up the stairs that I realized he had been seriously flirting with me: "I will make you dinner. I'm an excellent cook!" Mmm-hmm. That was his response when I asked where I could find something to eat at 10:00pm on a Wed. night.
It had been about 25 years since I had a proper date. I guess I wouldn't recognize flirting if it knocked me in the head... which it did. This summer. Back to that in a minute. First I want to talk about zip lines.
Just after Santa Fe:
The only zip lines I have been on in real life are the one's in people's back yards. Those are fun, but safe. The big scary ones that start up really high in the air and end in the trees? Those are the ones I am thinking about. I realized that I approach every one of my big experiences as if it were a zip line adventure. This year alone... teaching at TangleU, Zentangle Workshops, retreats, Art Camp on Mayhew Island, and now, this Santa Fe retreat... I work really hard preparing, climbing the mountain, with travel prep, class prep, and blogging. I get to the top, breathing hard and nervous/excited. Grab onto the handlebars and launch myself into the void. The excitement and terror are equally intoxicating. I meet amazing people, learn incredible things - I keep my eyes wide open as I scream my way down the mountain!
And then... smash into the trees! I barely have time to pick the pine needles out of my teeth before I am climbing up another mountain.
Despite the fact that I love meeting people and learning things... the crash ALWAYS comes at the end. When I return from camps or classes, I feel so exhausted and depleted and... lonely... that I could cry for days. It doesn't really make sense, and it never stops me from going for another ride. But I think the excitement and the camaraderie - and the intensity in just a few days or weeks - makes the contrast at home so much more severe (thus the trees whacking me in the face). As a severe Introvert - I don't really mind being "alone" - I crave it - but I don't have a reliable way to recharge my batteries or even a helmet to wear while flying down the mountains!
If you are still reading, we can go back to the flirting part...
In Providence (October):
I just watched "Grease" on Netflix while eating take-out sushi and drawing icons for homework. This movie came out when I was in 5th grade and the boy that made my heart thump was named "Danny". We girls would sit on the playground wall outside Pine Street School and watch Danny and his friends do daring tricks on the stair railings. Ah, love. I just couldn't stand the other girls singing - at me - "look at me I'm Sandra Dee. Lowsy with virgiiiiiin-iteeeee!" Seriously? I was 10! Girls are so cruel. I loved that movie but I was always pissed at Sandy for just tossing it in and changing herself completely just so Danny would like her. He didn't deserve her. He was such a wimp! He would never stand up to his buds and defend Sandy. His image was more important than how he felt about her.
But I do like the beginning where they are singing about their summer romances... "Summer lovin' had me a bla -ast. Summer lovin' happened so fa-ast...!" And it got me thinking about my own summer romance...
A guy walks into a studio... yes, the beginning of a classic joke? But very few guys ever walk into my studio! I had a class going on and didn't pay much attention to him until he asked us some questions and we began to tease him mercilessly. He didn't leave. He kept asking for more! He did give us some great ideas on how to attract more men to the Open Studios too - serve beer and wings and keep a broken lawn mower out front - a sure thing. We all missed him as soon as he had left. :-)
A few weeks later I received an email asking me if I'd have dinner with him. Honestly, it scared the bee-jeezus out of me. No one has asked me out in 25 years! And there was some really yicky stuff going on right then in my life (again, I can't write about it). So I finally responded to him and said "my life is a whack-a-mole game and I can't risk endangering anyone else".
That's original, right? Strangely, that didn't scare him off. He said he was ex-Navy and nothing scared him. :-) Sweet. (I think he lied, because, as it turned out, I scared him). Still, in the next few weeks, we had a TON of fun! Pig roasts, road trips, motor-boating in the dark under the stars, meteor showers, drinks in bars, pubs, and that pig roast... I drank more in those three weeks than in my entire life! It was a mini teenage rebellion (I've been putting mine off for too long!) I had climbed yet another mountain, and flung myself into the void on yet another zip-line. But this time, I had an adventure-companion. And he was sweet and funny and amazingly creative. He was a grown-up gifted-kid, just like me. And my kids liked him. And I liked his kids.
Yes, you noticed the past-tense, right? Just as I realized I was about to go crashing into the inevitable trees at the end of the zip-line, I looked over and he was just... gone.
So it's been a few months and as it is with all my exhilarating experiences, most of the ache fades and I remember the great stuff. Now I am thinking of the whole adventure as a really tough assignment for one of my classes (the relationship one). Whatever the reason for it ending - and I have plenty of choices - I learned an awful lot about myself. I may not have a clue what I want to achieve in life, but I have a really good image of what I want in a partner-soul mate: humor, imagination, creativity, respect, admiration, self-respect, loyalty, friendship, love, and most importantly - I want to be not only ON his Priority List, I want to be in the top 5.
In summary... the zip-line experience (in art and love!):
There's the anticipation, the terror the first day, falling in love with the other "characters", making new friends, learning new things about myself and other people, realizing some of my assumptions were wrong, experiencing some disappointments, discovering new strengths and talents, realizing the end is here, the wrenching pain of returning to "real" life, the terrible loneliness, the fabulous memories... then planning to do it all again!
Note: I have an update on the summer romance, but I may wait a little to say anything... ;-)
November 1, 2013
When you care enough... to not say anything.
I disappeared. And I plan to do it again really soon.
If you have been reading this blog for a while, you know that usually means that there's a lot happening... that I can't blog about. Well - I DO blog it - but only in my head. I write incredibly long, very thoughtful posts. ;-) Sometimes, there are even pictures or drawings to go with them. Someday, I will be THAT kind of person who is brave enough to say what she thinks and not give a flying fig newton what anyone else thinks. (Oooo... fig newton.... See? I still care.)
I would like to tell you about some interesting things I learned about myself - and other people - this summer. And what I have learned from all these classes I took this year. Can you believe it is November!? At the beginning of this year, I decided that I needed to go back to school. I researched online options for MFAs - nothing excited me. So I put together my own program with Surface Design, Illustration, Mermaids, Fairies, Inktense pencils, writing, nutrition, and relationships... I'm missing a few in there I think? But you get the idea. And every thing finishes up next week. I made it. Almost. I did what I set out to do. Now I have to process it all. Then figure out how to show you what I learned.
Back to flying fig newtons...
Art is hard. What I do may not seem like a "real" job to some people, but it can be even harder since there is no easy path to follow. There are stereotypes hitting you from one direction and the economy from another (Art may be the first thing cut when times get difficult, you can't eat a painting. But Art is the only thing that remains when a civilization disappears). And then there are the internal debates - trying to please the client, altering your style and values to fit the demand, fear of failure. And job insecurity...
It's easy to forget our personal goals too. I found myself judging my accomplishments and thinking "I haven't published any real books this year - what have I been doing with my time?!" I had to list the places I had taught and the ebook and the trading cards... and then I remembered that my goal had been to LEARN this year! And not everything I learned this year came from a class - but I definitely gained knowledge!
I've been pushing myself and trying on different hats - some got flung across the room - and decided I don't like hats... and agonizing over assignments and people and places and things. And what I have come back to is that I suck at all that stuff. But when I slurp up everything I see and then percolate and then just toss it up in the air - I am happy.
Example: Planning an excursion out "there" with my kids is hell. Walking in the dark, holding hands with my daughter... dumping all the Halloween candy on the floor, picking the best of the best (with a glass of milk) and snuggling while watching E.T. - that is bliss.
Example #2: Sketching and sketching and researching and scanning and wracking my head to come up with a clever solution to an illustration homework assignment... Hell. I remember why I quit.
Walking around the entire outside of my son's High School desperately searching for an unlocked door... in the dark. Finally sneaking in as a student ran out... then slipping into the auditorium just as a bunch of red-dressed flapper girls take the stage... ah? Ah. Just stop, Sandy. You don't need to be anywhere else. Yes, Alex, I am happy to wait another half hour while you rehearse... besides, I see something that I would LOVE to draw...
Anything Goes PS - Yeh - THAT makes me happy. :-)
If you have been reading this blog for a while, you know that usually means that there's a lot happening... that I can't blog about. Well - I DO blog it - but only in my head. I write incredibly long, very thoughtful posts. ;-) Sometimes, there are even pictures or drawings to go with them. Someday, I will be THAT kind of person who is brave enough to say what she thinks and not give a flying fig newton what anyone else thinks. (Oooo... fig newton.... See? I still care.)
I would like to tell you about some interesting things I learned about myself - and other people - this summer. And what I have learned from all these classes I took this year. Can you believe it is November!? At the beginning of this year, I decided that I needed to go back to school. I researched online options for MFAs - nothing excited me. So I put together my own program with Surface Design, Illustration, Mermaids, Fairies, Inktense pencils, writing, nutrition, and relationships... I'm missing a few in there I think? But you get the idea. And every thing finishes up next week. I made it. Almost. I did what I set out to do. Now I have to process it all. Then figure out how to show you what I learned.
Back to flying fig newtons...
Art is hard. What I do may not seem like a "real" job to some people, but it can be even harder since there is no easy path to follow. There are stereotypes hitting you from one direction and the economy from another (Art may be the first thing cut when times get difficult, you can't eat a painting. But Art is the only thing that remains when a civilization disappears). And then there are the internal debates - trying to please the client, altering your style and values to fit the demand, fear of failure. And job insecurity...
It's easy to forget our personal goals too. I found myself judging my accomplishments and thinking "I haven't published any real books this year - what have I been doing with my time?!" I had to list the places I had taught and the ebook and the trading cards... and then I remembered that my goal had been to LEARN this year! And not everything I learned this year came from a class - but I definitely gained knowledge!
I've been pushing myself and trying on different hats - some got flung across the room - and decided I don't like hats... and agonizing over assignments and people and places and things. And what I have come back to is that I suck at all that stuff. But when I slurp up everything I see and then percolate and then just toss it up in the air - I am happy.
Example: Planning an excursion out "there" with my kids is hell. Walking in the dark, holding hands with my daughter... dumping all the Halloween candy on the floor, picking the best of the best (with a glass of milk) and snuggling while watching E.T. - that is bliss.
Example #2: Sketching and sketching and researching and scanning and wracking my head to come up with a clever solution to an illustration homework assignment... Hell. I remember why I quit.
Walking around the entire outside of my son's High School desperately searching for an unlocked door... in the dark. Finally sneaking in as a student ran out... then slipping into the auditorium just as a bunch of red-dressed flapper girls take the stage... ah? Ah. Just stop, Sandy. You don't need to be anywhere else. Yes, Alex, I am happy to wait another half hour while you rehearse... besides, I see something that I would LOVE to draw...
Anything Goes PS - Yeh - THAT makes me happy. :-)October 14, 2013
Irresponsible, procrastination... Ah, Bliss!
What I did today...Slept obscenely late, in a big fluffy bed. Did not shower. Did not check emails. I DID get dressed. Went outside. Soaked in the sunshine and the architecture and the noise. Walked over to the big-ass Mall.Walked every single floor of the mall.
Visited Papyrus, Crate and Barrel, and lots of other shops I don't have in NH and slurped up the ideas and colors.
Finally ate breakfast at 1:30pm.
People watched. Saw GRAVITY at the iMax theater... In 3-D! ... OMG! (Really puts my own "bad day"s into perspective). (Thanks Dad for recommending it).It made me miss my daughter. Took sushi back for dinner. Watched 13 GOING ON 30 on my laptop. Procrastinated...Now, I need to start on my homework. But I have had a lovely day!
Visited Papyrus, Crate and Barrel, and lots of other shops I don't have in NH and slurped up the ideas and colors.
Finally ate breakfast at 1:30pm.
People watched. Saw GRAVITY at the iMax theater... In 3-D! ... OMG! (Really puts my own "bad day"s into perspective). (Thanks Dad for recommending it).It made me miss my daughter. Took sushi back for dinner. Watched 13 GOING ON 30 on my laptop. Procrastinated...Now, I need to start on my homework. But I have had a lovely day!
October 13, 2013
CZT #12!
Second time here in Providence this year. I brought my son down in June to get certified and now I am back with Bonnie- my studio manager, Main Minion, and chief butt-kicker. (She also fills all your orders).
I dropped her off at the Hotel Providence and went to check myself in at the Biltmore. By the time I returned for dinner, she had already found a BFF - Sue.
On the way to the hotel, I passed by the workshop for the Big Nazo Puppets!
All the windows were filled with these enormous foam creatures!!! I have to wander over there again tomorrow.
And as we were waiting for dinner, we saw this amazing tangled car drive up...
Yowza?!! The valets all pulled out their camera phones (as did I).
This is going to be a very interesting Zentangle certification seminar! I won't be hanging out as much as I did in the past... I'm going to wander the city looking for inspiration (and the iMax movie theater) and then try to get started on some new projects. We'll see how that goes. At the very least, I hope to get some quality sleep and pretend I'm on vacation. :-)
I have a fabulous room - it's a suite with a kitchen.
And this is the view out my window...
Providence can be a really beautiful, inspiring place!
I dropped her off at the Hotel Providence and went to check myself in at the Biltmore. By the time I returned for dinner, she had already found a BFF - Sue.
On the way to the hotel, I passed by the workshop for the Big Nazo Puppets!
All the windows were filled with these enormous foam creatures!!! I have to wander over there again tomorrow.
And as we were waiting for dinner, we saw this amazing tangled car drive up...
Yowza?!! The valets all pulled out their camera phones (as did I).
This is going to be a very interesting Zentangle certification seminar! I won't be hanging out as much as I did in the past... I'm going to wander the city looking for inspiration (and the iMax movie theater) and then try to get started on some new projects. We'll see how that goes. At the very least, I hope to get some quality sleep and pretend I'm on vacation. :-)
I have a fabulous room - it's a suite with a kitchen.
And this is the view out my window...
Providence can be a really beautiful, inspiring place!
October 2, 2013
Studio Sale • Saturday, Oct. 5
I am venturing into the deep recesses of the studio/shop this week. Cabinets that have been shut for a year... Displays that were piled precariously in the storage room... The remnants of my store, Wingdoodle, are being pulled back into the light! Hallelujah!
Actually, I need the space, I need to clear out the junk, and I need the cash!
I have some cool project ideas that need funding and selling off this art stuff seems like a great way to get it.
Cleaning and organizing is also making me feel a bit better about moving forward, so this all could work out great. And I have been finding some of the coolest stuff! Like colorful kits from the Art Girlz, tangled sneakers, lots of journals...
Tons of art and craft books....
The sale will be this Saturday from 8:30am until noon. Neither Bonnie nor I can handle more than that!
But since I have already had a bunch of questions from folks, here are the answers. No, you can't get in before 8:30am. But we will be setting up and pricing Friday afternoon... Yes, we will consider "offers". And yes, if you pay shipping, we will mail stuff to you. No, Zentangle brand products are not on sale. And yes, if you show up at noon on Saturday, and make a crazy offer, we will probably accept it.
Rubber stamps are 50% off. Books are at least that. I have a glass topped jewelry display case and a tall slat wall display on wheels. Other smaller displays too - perfect for the upcoming craft fairs. I have bags too. And other retailer supplies (price gums and such). Computers and printers. A lot of unpainted wood products - great for holiday gifts... A new, portable kiln (for ceramic, glass and PMC), lots of frits and powdered glass for fusing, assemblage bits... Man- there's a lot of stuff that needs a home!
Oh! And I have about 40 paintings by my late, artist grandmother. Most are portrait studies on canvas boards, a few on stretched canvases, and a handful are watercolors. These can be framed, altered, whatever you like.
Let me know if you want more photos. Otherwise, I'll see you Saturday!
September 27, 2013
Guest Artist - Ellen Wolters
As you may remember, everyone who entered the final Challenge was a "winner" of a Tangle Card pack. I recently received this note on Facebook:
Ellen Wolters > BEEZ ink Studio Been playing in my kidsclass with the Tangle Cards I won with your challenge! We had real fun, check it out:
http://tekenpraktijkdeinnerlijkewereld.blogspot.nl/2013/09/beans.html
Again thank you so much for the cards! I was blown away by how clever the idea was. We ALL know that Lilah Beans have "tangled" hair - but I had never seen hair THAT tangled! ;-D What fun to use her hair as a "sampler"?
Here is Ellen's post from her blog along with the great images (used with permission of course).
The original post (in Dutch) is HERE. I had Google translate it into English:
A while ago I took part in a challenge by Sandy Steen Bartholomew. She is the author of many books on tangling, but also an illustrator and much more.
Her daughter created Lilah Bean, a bean-shaped creature in various tangles.
I won a prize for the challenge: a set of cards with tangles and the Kids' edition with Lilah Bean! Of course they had to be played with. The children made their own Lilah Beans (Bean Blackbird, Maud Bean, Bean Simone, Lindsay Bean, Eva Bean, Bean Marijn and I of course, made Ellen Bean).
We gave the Beans a nose and ears. You can purchase such a card set or read more about Sandy Steen Bartholomew. Look at her Facebook site: Sandy Steen Bartholomew or shop in the online store.
These were made by the children. Everyone tangled on each drawing in one or more boxes.
Ellen's Blog is: http://www.tekenpraktijkdeinnerlijkewereld.blogspot.com (Drawing Practice The Inner World) Be sure to look around on the site. Ellen has made some great videos (she has one of my Annee!) and tangled alphabets, etc.... enjoy!
Ellen Wolters > BEEZ ink Studio Been playing in my kidsclass with the Tangle Cards I won with your challenge! We had real fun, check it out:
http://tekenpraktijkdeinnerlijkewereld.blogspot.nl/2013/09/beans.html
Again thank you so much for the cards! I was blown away by how clever the idea was. We ALL know that Lilah Beans have "tangled" hair - but I had never seen hair THAT tangled! ;-D What fun to use her hair as a "sampler"?
Here is Ellen's post from her blog along with the great images (used with permission of course).
The original post (in Dutch) is HERE. I had Google translate it into English:
.JPG)
A while ago I took part in a challenge by Sandy Steen Bartholomew. She is the author of many books on tangling, but also an illustrator and much more. Her daughter created Lilah Bean, a bean-shaped creature in various tangles.
.JPG)
I won a prize for the challenge: a set of cards with tangles and the Kids' edition with Lilah Bean! Of course they had to be played with. The children made their own Lilah Beans (Bean Blackbird, Maud Bean, Bean Simone, Lindsay Bean, Eva Bean, Bean Marijn and I of course, made Ellen Bean).
We gave the Beans a nose and ears. You can purchase such a card set or read more about Sandy Steen Bartholomew. Look at her Facebook site: Sandy Steen Bartholomew or shop in the online store.
These were made by the children. Everyone tangled on each drawing in one or more boxes.
Ellen's Blog is: http://www.tekenpraktijkdeinnerlijkewereld.blogspot.com (Drawing Practice The Inner World) Be sure to look around on the site. Ellen has made some great videos (she has one of my Annee!) and tangled alphabets, etc.... enjoy!
September 21, 2013
Best Day. Ever. Santa Fe
Yes, the best day. Lisa Heron and I did some adventuring. First we drove North a bit... Then we drove South... Then wandered a bit in the middle... Then South again. :-)
In Santa Fe, even the underpasses have art on them. And the parking garages!? The last four pics in this group are from the garage attached to La Fonda... There are paintings and stained glass in the stairway of the parking garage. And all the pillars are painted or carved. Whoa.
The shops around La Fonda are insanely expensive but a feast for the eyes when window shopping. Not to be outdone by the garage, the hotel has tiled drinking fountains, ATMs, and even the ladies room. The courtyard restaurant had hundreds of painted windows and door panes.
After lunch, we wandered around The Plaza, shopped the outdoor markets, listened to international music, avoided the Free Hugs mob, and walked the labyrinth at St. Francis' cathedral. The photo of my toes is to prove I made it to the middle!
We met up with Jessica Wesolek in Eldorado (jokingly referred to as Ell-DOH-rah-DOH) and followed her to a cowboy bar and dance hall. While waiting for our table, Lisa and I explored a nearby abandoned church.
The cowboy dancehall, the Legal Tender, was an amazing place. It was loud, but kind of worn-in elegant. The food was tasty and it was mesmerizing to watch the couples dancing. It was odd that none of the couples ever smiled while twirling around...?
The sign over the stage reads, "Where the pavement ends, and the West begins."
The last two pics are the journal entries. My sketch of my margarita... The Legal Tender only serves beer and wine, no hard liquor. But the wine based margarita was delicious! And Lisa's page showing her drawing of Chris modeling her tangley jacket is not only wonderful, but serves as proof that I did actually teach while here!
I can't believe it is all over! Time went so fast and now I have to pack and head on home tomorrow.
We are already thinking of what to improve on for next year. :-)
In Santa Fe, even the underpasses have art on them. And the parking garages!? The last four pics in this group are from the garage attached to La Fonda... There are paintings and stained glass in the stairway of the parking garage. And all the pillars are painted or carved. Whoa.
The shops around La Fonda are insanely expensive but a feast for the eyes when window shopping. Not to be outdone by the garage, the hotel has tiled drinking fountains, ATMs, and even the ladies room. The courtyard restaurant had hundreds of painted windows and door panes.
After lunch, we wandered around The Plaza, shopped the outdoor markets, listened to international music, avoided the Free Hugs mob, and walked the labyrinth at St. Francis' cathedral. The photo of my toes is to prove I made it to the middle!
We met up with Jessica Wesolek in Eldorado (jokingly referred to as Ell-DOH-rah-DOH) and followed her to a cowboy bar and dance hall. While waiting for our table, Lisa and I explored a nearby abandoned church.
The cowboy dancehall, the Legal Tender, was an amazing place. It was loud, but kind of worn-in elegant. The food was tasty and it was mesmerizing to watch the couples dancing. It was odd that none of the couples ever smiled while twirling around...?
The sign over the stage reads, "Where the pavement ends, and the West begins."
The last two pics are the journal entries. My sketch of my margarita... The Legal Tender only serves beer and wine, no hard liquor. But the wine based margarita was delicious! And Lisa's page showing her drawing of Chris modeling her tangley jacket is not only wonderful, but serves as proof that I did actually teach while here!
I can't believe it is all over! Time went so fast and now I have to pack and head on home tomorrow.
We are already thinking of what to improve on for next year. :-)
September 20, 2013
Retreat's End
The last day of the Art Journal Retreat. Sigh. I think we will all miss the laughter. :-)
It was to be an easygoing, studio day with time to journal and catch up. I didn't journal... I talked with every single person and answered questions and showed my journals. It was incredibly satisfying, but also incredibly exhausting!
I have been bringing my lunch, but today I went to out with a new bunch of ladies...
And then to see an incredible bookmaking exhibit at the Capitol...
More talking... Ooohing and aahing over journals. And lots of hugs as everyone said goodbye.
Then dinner...
And now, my "work" is finished. I plan to sleep until noon tomorrow and then, well, we'll see what happens later.
It was to be an easygoing, studio day with time to journal and catch up. I didn't journal... I talked with every single person and answered questions and showed my journals. It was incredibly satisfying, but also incredibly exhausting!
I have been bringing my lunch, but today I went to out with a new bunch of ladies...
And then to see an incredible bookmaking exhibit at the Capitol...
More talking... Ooohing and aahing over journals. And lots of hugs as everyone said goodbye.
Then dinner...
And now, my "work" is finished. I plan to sleep until noon tomorrow and then, well, we'll see what happens later.
September 18, 2013
Hump Day... Santa Fe
I did a workshop on drawing faces this morning...
Then one on using Tombow markers - and other water-based markers- with a water brush. The effect is like water colors with a lovely blend. The coolest thing was using the clear Sakura Glaze pen as a resist!
We went on small group field trips - some to Museum Hill and others to Canyon Road. Canyon Road is a mile and a half of incredible art galleries. I wandered it... in hot sun... with Vivian.
Kinetic sculptures, chairs made from rocks and very interesting shadows. A bit of Star Wars graffiti.
For dinner, we went to The Shed (I love the sign) near the Plaza. Cold red raspberry soup and a vegetable quesadilla... The soup was passed around the table with moans and sighs of delight. It was so delicious.
Once again, I am beyond exhausted, but I had a wonderful day; drew pictures, met more incredible people; and laughed so hard during dinner, I almost wet my pants. :-). Another perfect day.
Here's a page from my journal showing what I could remember of a cool earring I would love to have... Day of the Dead meets steam punk.
Then one on using Tombow markers - and other water-based markers- with a water brush. The effect is like water colors with a lovely blend. The coolest thing was using the clear Sakura Glaze pen as a resist!
We went on small group field trips - some to Museum Hill and others to Canyon Road. Canyon Road is a mile and a half of incredible art galleries. I wandered it... in hot sun... with Vivian.
Kinetic sculptures, chairs made from rocks and very interesting shadows. A bit of Star Wars graffiti.
For dinner, we went to The Shed (I love the sign) near the Plaza. Cold red raspberry soup and a vegetable quesadilla... The soup was passed around the table with moans and sighs of delight. It was so delicious.
Once again, I am beyond exhausted, but I had a wonderful day; drew pictures, met more incredible people; and laughed so hard during dinner, I almost wet my pants. :-). Another perfect day.
Here's a page from my journal showing what I could remember of a cool earring I would love to have... Day of the Dead meets steam punk.
