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Monday, May 31, 2010

MMM Personal Icons: Strong Women

Trust Yourself


At Mixed Media Monday this week, the challenge was to create a piece of art using images, colors or themes that seem to recur in my work. So I used some of my old standards to make a new collage. My background was created in my usual fashion of layering personal mementos, like cards, ticket stubs and images and painting over them. This face from Vogue or Bazaar (I've forgottten which) seems to pop up again and again on my art journal pages. I love the stark effect the photographer used in that shoot, juxtaposed with the model's delicate features. I addes the feathered collar because it makes her look like a WARRIOR. I love to use the lotus in my art (in fact, I have a large oil painting of a lotus and other personal icons in progress right now). For me, the lotus symbolizes spiritual awakening and beauty, and pink and green are my favorite colors. Green is such a vital, fresh color, and pink is just so happy. I think a dose of black works in every composition, and the theme of trusting your intuition is one that, as a mother, aunt, and high school teacher, I'm focused on at the present. I have 5 nieces, and I've written about Emily, the oldest, before. Today I'll tell you about two more of the strong women in my family: Lily and Maggie. I think this would make a wonderful card for my niece Lily. Both the lotus blossom and the text remind me of Lily. Lily is an analytical, yet emotional, thinker. When faced with a tough decision, she asks advice from people she respects, evaluates it, sorts it out, and then makes a decision based on what is moral, kind, and sensible. All this from one only 16 years old! She's pretty awesome. Lily and her twin sister, Maggie, are going on a mission trip to Colorado Wednesday, and their loved ones are supposed to send letters to be read to them around a campfire. The theme of their trip is "spiritual growth," and, since I can express myself better in art than in words, I've decided to make cards for my nieces. I think I'll use the "Well-behaved young lady" in the post below for Maggie. My Maggie is a force to be reckoned with. You always know exactly where you stand with her; she is one direct young lady, and I love that quality. Maggie is more reactive than Lily, and she's also very down-to-earth and more resilient than just about anyone I know. People always say that Maggie and I are a lot alike, and I take that as a great compliment.

Okay, now that I've told you all about them, I have to show you my precious nieces




Lily (left), Maggie (right)

15 comments:

Willy said...

What a beauty, Kathy. Love it!

Anonymous said...

Wonderful piece, and I think it will be a perfect card for Lily--what better advice to give to a young woman than to trust herself.

Lori Saul said...

This is a beautiful piece Kathy and does speak to your flawless blending of color and image. I think the sentiment speaks to your work as well in trusting your self and your art to express!

peggy gatto said...

knocks my socks off!!!

Terri Kahrs said...

What a wonderful piece with a terrific message. Hugs, Terri xoxo

Cindy Adkins said...

Oh these are beautiful...and I am SO happy for your nieces being on a mission trip....God bless them...they are doing the Lord's work...that is so wonderful!
These are a wonderful tribute to them.
HUGS,
Cindy Adkins
www.recoveryartist.com

ALTERED ARTIFACTS said...

They are both wonderful! either one would be the perfect sentiment for your nieces :)
Inka

Sandy said...

Gosh this is very impressive.
Stunnig coloring and great art. Love them Kathy.

Hermine said...

Absolutely gorgeous, very strong design

johanna said...

love these strong colors! perfect for strong women!!

Unknown said...

Hi Kathy!!! this is gorgeous!!! and I am so glad to hear that the sun inspires you too...how amazing is that....I loved your message...you really made my day!!!

Hugs and I am so grateful we met too!!!

Diana

BlueRidgeLady said...

Such a pretty piece! I love hearing what inspired you and your nieces are adorable! They certainly have an amazing Aunt!!

mary.kg said...

Bonjour Kathy ! une carte d'anniversaire aux couleurs éclatantes!
Bravo pour votre collage
Amicalement Mary.KG

Diane said...

What a beautiful piece, Kathy! Diane

Ozstuff said...

A beautiful painting and beautiful young ladies, twins no less. What more could we ask for? I love your art and I love your writing, Kathy.