Saturday, February 21, 2009

shifting forces of gravity

i did something this week that feels like a major step for me.  husband is always teasing me that my friends are all virtual and the things i find of interest happen in places far removed from where i live. so when i read in the local newspaper that a new association of local artists was forming, i decided to get involved where i am. and i joined.

in order to do so, i had to say that i was an artist.  that felt really strange and like a major shifting of gravity beneath my feet. related to this step, i also worked on setting up my long-procrastinated etsy shop this week. i still haven't listed any items, but i'm getting closer and i will let you all know here when it's up and running. and i even called it shifting forces of gravity, because that's what taking this step feels like.

i'm not sure what kind of artist i am and that's a little bit the issue. i've tried so many things over the past year, in my process of getting back in touch with my creativity, that i've been kind of all over the place (see yesterday's post for evidence of this). a bit of painting, some sewing, some quilting, a few little clay robots, gocco prints and of course, my photography. i'm leaving the door open and we'll see where the muses take me.

i think one of the places i want to go is back towards these driftwood people that husband and i made together a couple (or is it 5 or more) years ago:

"great love"
j & j-p, 2002

easter island meets denmark
j & j-p 2002

at the time we made these, we also made a few others for friends and family as gifts. it was a really interesting process. we'd lay out all of the driftwood on the table and see which pieces spoke to us. then, husband would fashion the metal wire into arms and legs if that was what was needed or attach them and do all of the hammering and drilling and screwing bits. i did the painting and the actual composition. it was a great partnership and i'm not sure how we drifted away from it. now that he's got his workshop and i my studio, we should be able to go back to these collaborative pieces.

i'm brewing a post on my sources of inspiration these days and will share that will you soon. happy weekend one and all...

p.s. shifting forces of gravity is totally a murakami thing. :-)

11 comments:

Molly said...

Love the sculptures, and congrats on getting the shop up, and joining the artist assoc - nice steps on your journey of creativity.
And isn't it the best thing about Etsy, being able to list an eclectic bunch of items - made using whichever muse happens to have stopped by?
Good luck with it all, can't wait to see some pieces up (not that I'll be buying quite yet, but you never know with my new exciting job ; )).

Sebrina Wilson said...

I'm looking forward to seeing what you have to offer us :)

beth said...

I have used the phrase "I'm an artist" for a few years now and it's still REALLY HARD to let that roll out of my mouth...

"I'm a photographer" is much easier, although I do more than that....

and a great friend of mine cured me of all my insecurities when he gave the perfect thing to say when someones asks, "and what do you do?"....and now my line is, "whatever I want"

Char said...

how adorable are the figures, I really love the first one as it made me smile, but the second spoke to me. you are truly an artist and I look forward to more of your work.

Anonymous said...

See? THIS is what an artist does.
I love these!

Meri said...

Beth and I are in the same boat. I publicly identify myself as a writer and artist when someone asks me to prove my worth by telling what I do. And every time I do, a little voice somewhere deep inside says, "You big fraud!" and giggles. I'm going to have to pull the owner of that voice out and sit her? down and give her an exhibition.

Barb said...

Way to go on your Etsy shop, joining you local artists group ~ looking forward to seeing your offerings. Barb xo

Just Jules said...

who says that an artist has to have one medium?

Unknown said...

Congratulations on your big step! I can't help but feel that by being around your fellow Artist, you will no doubt become inspired...GOOD LUCK!

Maggie May said...

what fun sculptures!

Cindy said...

Good for you! I have contemplated taking the same steps but haven't done it yet. I will be watching for your etsy shop.