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June 26, 2008

Metro Tutorial on Whip Up!

They asked for submissions, so I gave them mine! My Metro tutorial for the painting Oslo is on Whip Up now. I know it's not crochet, but it's a technique and I hope someone likes it!

community , fine art | By katiek | 4:02 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

June 25, 2008

Feeling my branches reach up

So it takes until the end of June for my tired self to reach up to that creative place and shake of the dust and dross and decide that just consuming is not OK. If I want to have kids and involve them in what I know how to do and what makes me excited I have to get some fun project stuff for them to do. If you're anything like me, stepping into a craft store is the temptation of a life time. Stepping into a school supply/artsupply/homeschool resource store is even more dangerous! But I restrained myself. I left with only one pack of stickers. I turned down the magnetic travel bingo game, the jumpnropes, the telling time kits, the chia pet heads and just stuck to my original goal: Get the kids some at home projects. They must be age appropriate (i.e. not just something I want to do) and I will not buy it if they aren't into it. We made a volcano today out of self-hardening clay. Josiah has been asking to do this ever since Ms. BethAnn did it at school. And the best part is this is a multi step process that we can do over and over! We paint it, let it dry. We make little trees and houses. Then we add the baking soda and vinegar and let it explode over that over!!! Josiah was over joyed with the science section at the School Box store today and I must admit, I am a science junkie too. I remember my 8th grade Neptune project, ahhhh I loved that Newsweek magazine with Voyager pictures. He wanted the flashy fancy solar system kits and I told him that everything could be done at home. I did find a $3 double sided kit that we could do a mobile with. So we did that after we molded the volcano.

These little peg people are the things I am dying to play with. I just hope Eden loves them as much as I do. For $1.99 I got 8 peg people with stands. I remember seeing on Kiddley, or Loobylu about Amelia J and Claire doing these peg dolls and I think my daughter would love it! Dresses made of swatches of fabric glued on, painted faces, yarn hair. Perfect. I can't wait! They would make great soldiers too....

I listened to a little Graham Cooke yesterday to get my bearings after all the Lakeland busy-ness keeps buzzing all around me. It gave me the itch to start my fortune painting for Artamajig. I can't keep anything secret. I'm hoping that a weekend in Lakeland will inspire me to find some text to add to this one. It's the image of a fortune teller in a dark alley in Tokyo. It has some great contrast. I can't wait to see how it comes out.

fine art , mommy time | By katiek | 4:09 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

June 23, 2008

Hey Psst!

I'm just here to catch up. Really the summer's been plodding right along with little pockets of joy here and there. I still feel a big weight about this summer, but I am not dwelling on it, we still are ourselves no matter what changes. And I desperately want to feel sand in between my toes and spend an hour or more in a large chlorinated space with my kids giving little "hooray" jumps and splashes over and over. I do think I am getting away this weekend though. Because of Joel's reoccuring hunger to not be "charismatic light" but to go all the way. I guess that goes for me too. I feel like a honeymoon period has ended. New friends become real, new experiences become hard work, and questions pop up that you don't want the answer too. The place inside of me that grows is that place that wants to feel God building me up. I know I don't have to run and find Him, but sometimes (and I think many do not even try) you have to take a chance and get out of your space and go somewhere. Whether it be a weekend alone with your spouse, a long drive with the windows down in the country, a long cry that comes from almost nowhere but everywhere at the same time, or it could be to go to Lakeland Florida and see what all the hub-bub is about. And that's my version of Bobby's Last Thoughts. Abbreviated like.
I have been battling some tell tale pregnancy demons. Headaches for one. They aren't always bad, but they are annoying and they don't really go away. I'm irritable. My volume level goes up quicker than it should, and little things that I could handle pretty easily will just send me retreating into a place of denial or send me on a rampage to straighten out every last frustrating tid-bit. My little darlings will have to forgive me every day for something I feel I went overboard on. Thankfully they forgive so well, with big hugs and kisses and 'I love yous'.
With a little less than 3 weeks to complete 3 pieces of art I am hoisting myself up and in front of my easel again. I am hoping to capture a very interesting Tokyo at night piece. I'm not straying too far from my Metros right now, because I've gotten good feedback and I want to perfect certain things. So I have a long skinny black panel waiting to be painted on and I think I'm ready to start plotting out the composition.
I hope a weekend in Lakeland will bring some good stories and inspiration, I look forward to being out of these four walls.
Headache and all, I watched Be Kind, Rewind last night. What a charming movie! If you loved what High Fidelity tried to do for Jack Black you'll love this one because it's got a better plot and better characters (and less gratuitous language). And I love Mos Def, I think he's one of the best looking men around. It just had those fun laughs that you love to have, and it's heart warming. Check it out!

community , family , the spirit within | By katiek | 2:39 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

June 18, 2008

Gently

I feel like I've abandoned my blog for other, less stimulating, things, but when I log into MT4 I realize that I pretty much blog every 3 days, so what's the big woof? I feel like there is alot I want to share and work through. How much these lazy summer days just make me stop and count my kids freckles a little more often. How Josiah asking me to snuggle isn't inconvenient at all. Bedtime changes from day to day and I watch the days on the calendar flit by. The tickers on this blog and on my Google homepage remind me how fast summer goes by. Fourty days til the beach, 14 weeks pregnant. Oh man, what will August bring, what will December bring? How will I ever get motivated to paint again? Will I ever clean my bathrooms? Replace my shower curtain? Finish unloading random art supplies on ebay? Will I gain 45 pounds or 25 pounds with this pregnancy? Will the Lord return before I have to worry about any of this?

I know, I'm a crazy person. Chalk it up to the pregnancy, I've been crying like my whole life is a Hallmark card commercial.
I cried like a baby when that brat kid disrespected me on the playground.
I cried at Blue Skies picking out father's day cards (thank God it's summer and sunglasses hide all. And isn't it also nice during those times that you're almost always are looking down at little people therefore your eyes welling up is not so noticeable?).
I cried writing the father's day cards.
I cried giving the father's day cards.
I cried reading Linda's post about her dad's painting.
I cried at Laurel Snow on Sunday when I realized I just couldn't make out whether that big ass stick was a snake or a stick.
I cried with Joel when he said it was Ok to cry about the scary stick.
I cried after Josiah did an awesome job on his eye chart at the doctor's! (I mean it was so charming, "Yeah, I'm pretty sure that's an F. Yeah F")
I cried when Jos peed his pants at the Aquarium today because he was having so much fun with Gus he just couldn't pay attention to his bladder!
And I cried a minute ago when Joel told me he's going on a bike ride tonight and has manditory overtime in July.
Welling up on overtime too.

I have to stop and just be thankful. Thankful that the mundane and everyday is alright. I would love a vacation, but that will come and I will have sooooo much work to do before and after. But I will have sooooo much fun. Motivation is not something that is always easy to conjure up. I have to force myself to paint, just like I have to force myself to do the dishes, organize my lesson plans, consistantly discipline my kids. I am thankful that I have these things. I am thankful that I do not just serve myself. Because when all my responsibilities are gone, I'm itchy.

I have had an answer to prayer that not everyone will understand. I have had my large Metro paintings sitting in my livingroom since Clothesline's end and I have no where to put them. I prayed in a rather non-chalant way, Lord, help me find a place to put these things. And it wasn't two days or more that Smart Furniture called me asking about original art to hang in their showroom/studio (if you're not part of AVA's artist directory you should be, that's how they found me). They took 6 pieces of mine and they will be opening on Saturday to the public. I hope to not have to store these paintings again. Now that my easel is not encumbered with finished artwork, I am able to gesso and plan my next pieces. First of which will be some more Jefferson Heights pieces. I hope to squeeze some kinda "fortune" out for Art.a.ma.jig. Maybe I need to pray summore, it seems to work really well. Believe me, I have no doubts that what I do artistically is exactly what God wants me to be doing. Stay tuned.

family , mommy time | By katiek | 3:27 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

June 15, 2008

Our Papa

Happy Father's Day to all you hardworking dads out there! As each year of parenthood goes by, I realize more and more that it's hard to be a man. I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm preparing to give birth a third time, but being a man, that's hard in many ways. I think there are men in this generation that aren't ready for fatherhood and shrink away from it. Some guys out there were surprised into the role of fatherhood, thankfully Joel was not surprised or shocked, he has welcomed each child with joy. Thankfully, all three of ours were pretty much planned too, that helps. But being a man that steps up to the role of fatherhood, dying to themselves to provide for family, humbling themselves to lay down their plans and pick up the leadership that not only leads the family in bread-winning (most times) but also in spiritual leadership. Being a man takes alot of emotional and physical energy even if we women might not see it. So be good to your dads today, don't just buy them stuff, give them affection, affirmation, rest and remind them how much you are thankful for their hard work. And wives, no matter what their shortcomings, build them up with your words, and God will bless your man and your relationship with him because of your wonderful words.
I love my dad, and he definately sacrificed for us, and so does my husband. I see it also in my brother, my father in law and my brother in law. Laying down your plans to see your family thrive is so admirable. God bless you all, you rock.

family | By katiek | 8:40 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

June 12, 2008

Shop Update

I know you all are just dying to see more pictures of my bushes, or a picture of our newest vehicle-The Coppertone Previa! I mean more pictures of my kids making goofy faces and jumping in and out of the sprinkler, that's what blogs are all about right? Well, too many pictures of these things means that I'm probably not doing my other job which is to be a working artist. I do love good pictures of my kids and my plants.
Anyway, I have updated my New Eyes Shop with bits and pieces left over from the Clothesline. Head on over to find super great deals on original art. Above is my Fawning Block Print. Since they are block prints, you can get it in a buncha colors! I hope you find something you just ca't live without.

fine art | By katiek | 8:37 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

June 10, 2008

It's already the Tenth

After last night's Clothesline Art Show meeting I breathed a sigh of relief. I always am unsure what our meetings will be like, and even though I do grow impatient with various subjects, I am very thankful that we are all commited to the group, and last night we also were pretty commited to getting done as soon as we could! That is ideal, especially to keep the patience of our group going and our families from going crazy. I feel like we have very little time to produce a show and the art to go with it, but you know, there's always stresses that go into it, and when everything comes together it's a beautiful thing. I think this past show, although it was fun, took it's toll on all of us in different ways. I feel like the upcoming shows need to be bathed in prayer, and our little issues will be solved.

I've been also re-evaluating where and what I need to pursue artistically. I got great feedback from the Clothesline jury back in ummm, March? and I hope to take on the challenge to create more work that they encouraged me to do. The watercolors of shots of Main Street and Jeff. Heights are so stimulating. I sold both pieces that I've done of Jeff. Heights. I got great feedback from those patrons too. I also know the power I have to do the Metro pieces. I feel they offer me a wider consumer base. It's really hard not to just dive in that and swim in the approval of it all. I bought large sheets of Arches paper. It calls to me, asking me to draw out another Southside scene. I am kinda scared. Those pieces are so challenging and I hate to screw up and fail. Especially when I'm tired all the time. Canvases can be painted over, but a screwed up piece of paper that costs waaaaay too much for being a piece of paper is just painful. I've been enjoying the artistic crafts of planting plants, mulching my yard, cleaning (a little) and finding neat things to cook with my CSA food. But it's time to dive in. It's time to collect images, get as authentic as possible. I got an email from one of the managers at Smart Furniture, they want some local art for their walls. If they can take my large "Metropolitan" and my "Rotterdam" piece that would be great! They open in a couple weeks, and I'm hoping it works out. Here, buy this $5000 sofa and it's just a smidge more to buy this original piece of frickin' art! so yeah, it's time to produce that Art.a.ma.jig "Fortune" piece. It's time to not daudle anymore, because it's already the tenth.

family , fine art | By katiek | 8:26 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

June 6, 2008

Tantrums

I really need to take some more pictures! I'm recycling from last summer! But this picture really must be seen again, and again. My sweet, my dear, my 3 year old Eden. She's been wearing me down these days. Not only do I have the patience of a fly, and grouchiness ta boot, but Eden is doing the whining game. Joel's theory is that she's gotten away with it for too long. Although my parents do not have a problem with how we discipline our children, we did live there for a 6 month stretch where we probably let Eden get her way. 6 months is too long to let things go. So now we're paying for it. Anything she wants or needs is preceeded by a whine that either sounds like a wimpering puppy or a worbelling tea kettle whistle. Whew, my nerves are SHOT. But in all of this, I want to make clear the power of words. If I say things like "she'll never" or "it's just being 3 yrs old" or "she always" those things are more likely to take over my mind and my life. This is not just silly positive thinking, this is how faith takes over part of my parenting. I believe that my daughter needs to be trained, raised up, and in that I must use my words and say things that encourage her to change. Even if she doesn't understand it at all, my words spoken over and over will encourage my spirit to be patient and my tongue to practice words filled with encouragement. Because she will be 14 some day and those words will be heard every....last....one. She is such a bright shining star in my life. A beautiful thing to see grow and learn. I can't wait to have her to myself for a semester this fall, where we can have girl day everyday.

I also have had the unique experience of being fought over the past couple days. And no, it didn't feel good. Being 12 weeks pregnant I've had to put some things in perspective for the upcoming school year. I had to say no to some things that I wished I could do. I was given the freedom to back out. Praise God for the understanding of fellow believers! But in that, feelings were hurt. And of no fault of my own, big emotional emails were being shot back and forth from various parties. And in it, I was discouraged, but I also had an unusual peace. A peace that I had done what was right and at the right time. I think the parties that vented, vented too soon and in the wrong direction. Venting while your in the shower, or taking a nice long evening walk is better. Yes, I vent to myself. But God gave me the grace to write a peaceful bridge building email that made me so thankful for His guidance. I could have been very hurt, or mad, but instead I was another person. And I'm proud of myself. I did go to bed with a headache, and tears are hard to push back these days, but it was not with any guilt. It's just that joyful weariness of carrying a little peanut. Or as Josiah calls the baby, a little tree. I like that alot.

I got to see my little tree on Wednesday. The nerve wracking 12 week appointment where you are praying that the heartbeat is heard. They couldn't find it, mine was dominating the doppler, and the doppler kept cutting off. Again, I tried to keep my cool. We had an ultrasound and to everyone's glee (esp the tech in training) there was the babe, wrigglin' their little nubbs around. My hearbeat was still very visible making the sides of my uterus pulsate, crazy! But there was the little tree, the branches weren't that big yet. Just little wiggly nubbs. It was a great thing to see, I called Joel and said, "Nanny, nanny, I got to SEE the baby today!" Mmm, good times.

family | By katiek | 9:20 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack

June 3, 2008

A vacation from myself

This week is New City Fellowship's Vacation Bible School. Oh my goodness, it's been really nice so far! I must say, I do miss my kids during the best part of their day, but wow. I got to get through Walmart in just an hour yesterday, and today I cleaned my house just a little bit better than normal. Baseboards, vacumming, those aren't always the things that get done. And the kids come home with wonderful tales of how Joshua had a horn, or a sword. Eden shows me the motions to "Ain't no Rock" in her petite 3-year old way. Josiah is thrilled that some of his friends are there (we weren't sure who he'd know). They're home by lunch so I feel like I am on a mini-vacation from myself! I guess when school is in session I'll feel this way a little bit, but I will be growing larger by the moment. I plan to tackle my ignored office this week and buy mulch and such for my front bushes.

I'm feeling the joys of being 12 weeks pregnant, I'm tired but I'm not sick anymore. My uterus is making itself known, but this time around I don't feel like nothing fits. Maybe it's that all my summery clothes have elastic and drawstring waists already! I have an appointment tommorow with my midwife and I'm holding my breath a little bit. It's always kinda scary to go in, like they have the final say as to whether you're OK or not, even though you feel OK and everything is moving along OK. I look forward to hearing the little heartbeat. That will be all the treasure I need to keep going.

Thanks to all yooz guys that backed me up with my road-rage experience. I must say, I'm glad to have that under my belt and able to move on without much trauma. That same day I had another encounter with a little boy who was playing with Josiah. He was being kinda mean, calling names, snide attitude, tattling alot. I was the only parent on the playground and this was not my first encounter with this boy. He ended our evening being VERY disrespectful to me. So much so that I took my kids home that instant before I blew fire at the kid in all my pregnant emotional rage. Instead, I got inside and sobbed for a good 5 minutes and told Josiah what an awesome boy he was and that he made me so proud by NOT hitting and standing up for his sister when the others were calling her names. We went back outside and played on our porch and sidewalk and while we were standing on the sidewalk talking to the neighborhood kids that we get along fabulously with, this boy drove by with this mom and stuck his tongue out at us! I was ready to yank that thing outta his face! But by the grace of God I kept my cool in front of the 5 children that surrounded me. Quite a life lesson that day. It's taken me awhile to get over it.

I want to protect my children so much. Their little hearts are so important to me. I know that they will feel rejection and disappointment, but I pray that they will have a supernatural resiliency. I have always felt love from my parents and my brother. I hope that our little family always loves and supports one another. It makes me afraid thinking of school next year. But God has made Josiah such a joyful boy that I hope he affects those around him to love and be joyful. He has a keen sense of injustice, and for that I am so proud. I can't wait to see what God builds him up to be. I hope that my tears over injustice help him realize that this world is not our home and that God loves us even in times of heartache. I didn't mean to get on this track with this post, but these days my waves of feeling are unpredictable.

the spirit within | By katiek | 3:26 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack