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Thursday, November 20, 2008

IF Just One Woman's Opinion



This Thursday It's all about Playing With Paint, which, in my opinion, Illustration Friday, is the best thing in the world. I've written a long post to go with this journal page twice already this morning (and it's only 5:00 a.m.!), but my computer is infected with an evil virus which keeps deleting stuff, so I'll try again later.

(Later: third time's a charm) Painting is so therapeutic to me that I even keep paints at school, and when I have a particularly stessful day, I get out my brushes and sponges and start my art therapy. My desk and fingers are always covered with paint, and most of the papers I grade have paint splotches on them. My students love to watch a journal page evolve and then find it on my bulletin board the next day. Because they read every word, I have to be careful about what I write! Two of my girls have started their own art journals and one has been drawing doodles for me to use in my work. You will surely see some of her skulls and hearts in one of my collages soon.

This page is the result of one of those stressful days. I sponged two shades of red onto construction paper and made all the border papers using paint, a Sharpie, and my trusty white gel pen, which I always keep handy in my purse. Madame Butterfly was recycled from the prgram Ava thoughtfully brought home from the opera for me to use. (One Powerful Hour Recycling Challenge), and I thought of this Laurel Thatcher Ulrich quote after watching "Dead Poets' Society" with my class yesterday, in preparation for teaching them how to write a character sketch. After the movie, one of my students pointed out that I am somewhat of a rebel, but I thought, "Please! How much of a rebel can I be at 50?" So anyway, this is my tribute to Mr. Keating and divergent thinkers everywhere. Seize the day!

17 comments:

Moira said...

this is glorious and love the quote

Anonymous said...

I really really love this piece! Ugh a virus! Poor dear! The only way you can rid your puter of it is to start by putting all your art, photos, music all important stuff in folders and burn them to disc and then wipe out your harddrive and reload your computer my friend! But first..do you have any sort of virus protection or antivirus protection on your computer? If not try Trend Microsystems it seems to do a pretty good job at blocking viruses.I need to clean my puter also as someone is trying their hardest to get into my computer! %#@**%@# Hugs for you! xoxo

Sharon Tomlinson said...

This is a wonderful page. I am so drawn to the colors, the oriental and all the collage and doodling. And I love the post too and the quote. OK, I'm just saying, I like is ALL!

Sandy said...

OMG this is very impressive.
Excellent work. So inspiring.

Rosie said...

Gosh I hope you get rid of the virus... I'll email you a link for a clean-up program that might help - it works for me!
Love that you created the background with paint and sharpies - stunning! And we rebels should stick together!! Bravo!

Barbara Hagerty said...

"I LOVE it!" she said, objectively speaking, one rebel to another... Subjectively, I am in AWE!

...and please leave your comment one more time on the This Thurs. blog, as the link from the comment you left to your post seems not to work! Don't want anyone to miss out on seeing this fabulous piece!!

Susie Little said...

Beautiful work! TFPxxxxxx

Mieke said...

Love it!!!

*jean* said...

carpe diem....rock on!!! I just have to move down on that vacant lot next door....and I don't even care if neil is there...you're an awesome inspiration....I just went through all of my sons art (I've kept it ALL) to pick pieces to put in my work....collaborative family art....

the kids are so lucky to have you...splotches and all....

Connie said...

This is my first visit to your wonderful site. I love your riot of colour and pattern. And the music fits.

Anonymous said...

Very well done, bravo! And the quote...one of my favorites!!!

Bella Sinclair said...

Striking! Wow, this is marvelous, and this quote should be my new battle cry. I love all the patterns and strong color choices.

indybev said...

Well, I'm a real groupie for your work, and your gift with words. I visit often and enjoy much!

~*~Patty S said...

Love that quote Love this piece, I have been missing Asian art play lately! :)

Richard Cardona said...

very lovely dynamics going on in this. Pattern, old, new, modern fresh and a great quote. Didn't Gertrude Stein say something like that? or was it Dorothy Parker? I know there's a similar quote somewhere...

Abby Lanes said...

I'm going to tell this to my four year old, she'll be very happy! :-) Beautiful art.

Mixed Media Martyr said...

Brilliant page! And great quote!