From all of us to all of you...
have the spookiest Halloween ever!!
Come join the spooktacular conversation in our Facebook group:
Thanks to Itkupilli for the clip art graphics that I used to put this together.
Friday, October 31, 2014
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Ideas For Bringing Back Your Muse
Do you ever find yourself in a creative slump? A day or more
of fleeting ideas and a lack of creativity? It feels like you just can’t come
up with an idea or figure out what or how to tackle your creative tasks?
What do you do? How do you bring back your muse? What ideas
do you use to coax your art back?
I took a poll from our fantastically artistic group..who just
like you…has those same moments and this is what they said...
I have a great network of creatives from a variety of
backgrounds that I lean on. Artists, musicians, dancers, writers....I could go
on.... I brainstorm with them, swap ideas, explore my project, and before I
know it, the creative juices start to flow. I truly believe that we create more
than we could alone when we allow another into our play world!
 |
| Scribble Swarm |
Also the Scribble Swarm. Another thing I do is just start scribbling.
Doodling has become an art form, so if I think of it that way, it is about
being creative. But scribbling can be messy and energetic.
Rachél Payne of Creativity Tribe
Rachél Payne of Creativity Tribe
Do something non-art related
Like dishes, laundry, purge a closet. Also just painting super freely/abstractly in my art journal that no one has to see. That gets me in the mood!
Jill Lambert of Jill’s Dream
Like dishes, laundry, purge a closet. Also just painting super freely/abstractly in my art journal that no one has to see. That gets me in the mood!
Jill Lambert of Jill’s Dream
Get up and dance to a great song. Pull out some great books
and/or magazines and look for color, texture & shapes. Go for a walk. Do
something boring. Linda Kinnaman of
Linda Kay’s Art
I go for a walk in nature … Or my favourite way is to
visit a store in town that I find inspiring and makes me feel like I am
"Refilling the Well" {a little artist's date a'la Julia Cameron} then
I go home, put some music on, get my art supplies out and get onto it.
Cat Athena Louise of Bohemian Dream
Cat Athena Louise of Bohemian Dream
I go for a drive or read.
Ursula Smith of Ursula-Smith.com
Ursula Smith of Ursula-Smith.com
Drag out some of my 843678986 Stampington magazines.
Lori Leissner of LeissnerArt
Lori Leissner of LeissnerArt
Start a non-creative project that I don't want to do! That
almost always works!
Janet Forrest of Tattered N' Worn
Janet Forrest of Tattered N' Worn
I go to nature or meditate... Clear my mind of the
local traffic.... Daily crainess...
Kim Hyer of A Paper Addict
Kim Hyer of A Paper Addict
I do something unrelated to art. Dishes, start
something in the crockpot, chop firewood or something else physical. Works
everytime.
Sally Rose of Hidden Talents
Sally Rose of Hidden Talents
Pinterest, I just get on and do something creative - I
usually start by finding something I like on Pinterest and copying it then I
make another one and modify it and another making it more my own.
Michelle Reynolds of Shells in the Bush
Michelle Reynolds of Shells in the Bush
As for me…well...my first inclination is to clean
the studio. But you can read my top 6 fixes for my creative slump over at my
blog...Susan’s Art Circus
In between posts you can always join the conversation on our
FaceBook page:
C’mon over and tell us what you do when your muse leaves you!
Until next time,
Susan
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Gr8full For All Of You...and Moving Forward.
Well...we have been here for almost two months. All our bio posts have run and you, our reader, have stuck with us through our experimental soft launch. I truly want to tell you how gr8full I am that you've shared your precious time here.
This has been an idea on the back burner for quite some time and its a thrill to have it come to life.
If you missed any of our fabulous artists you can look them up on our biography page.
Moving forward we are going to start with some fabulous ways to make gifts for Christmas...which if you've looked at a calendar is coming up fast! Too fast...
The girls also have some tips for your studio. Moving it from your home to an outside space, how to fit one into your house, and if you have a studio why its okay that its never tidy.
Business tips, show season foibles, quick cre8ive things for the holidays, and lots, lots more.
Our hope is you will continue to come back for more...continue to find something here to connect with...discover cre8ive ways that resonate with you.
In the meantime come join the conversation on our Facebook page: Cre8ive Klatch
Thursday, October 23, 2014
Gr8Full Cre8ives Project: Signs of Gratitude
Signs of Gratitude
Gratitude helps lift the Cre8ive Spirit, so the crew here at Cre8ive Klatch is sharing what brings us joy and peace through the Gr8Full Cre8ives Project. Here are our Signs of Gratitude!
We would love to know what you are gr8full for. Let us know in the comments or join the conversation in the Cre8ive Klatch Facebook Group!
Monday, October 20, 2014
Getting To Know The Cre8ive Crew: Joana Carvalho
Our
next artist is a unique gal and her name is Joana Carvalho.
What kind of art is your passion?
The
colorful kind. Mixed media, but mainly acrylic paint.
How often do you create?
Not enough! It's hard
to make time to paint, especially with 2 small kids at home! I try to go in my
studio daily, but it doesn't happen all the time.
How does it make you feel when you're creating something?
Depends on the stage of
the painting! When I like where it's going I feel great, but during the 'ugly'
stage it's just frustrating!
How do you know when a piece is finished?
I used to think about
that a lot when I started painting, and always thought it would be a big
problem for me. But it isn't. I just let the painting sit overnight and when I
look at it the next day, I just know.
When/how did you realize your life had to have art in it?
Not early enough! I've
always been creative and liked arts in general, but had a preconceived notion
of what it meant to be an 'artist'. And I didn't think I had it in me. So I
stuck with graphic Design for a few years before taking the leap.
How has your view of life (art) changed over the last 5, 10
years? 20 Years?
Well, today I no longer think that just a lucky few are 'special' and talented
enough to be called 'artists'. I think anybody can paint or do something
creative. They just have to let go of the fear.
Tell us how your creativity blends over into the rest of
your life?
Hmmm, let's see...I make cute tags for my kids' toy bins, I make labels out of
washi tape for EVERYTHING in my home...that kind of thing.
Whats your superpower?
I used to think it was speed - because I
do work fast. But lately I've come to realize that speed might actually be my
'kryptonite', and it's just a symptom of my anxiety to get things done!
Which side of the bed do you sleep on? Can you sleep if
forced to change sides?
Currently on the right side, but we switch every
once in awhile.
.jpg "Joana's Abstract #2")
If money were no object in what country, place, or on what
planet would you live? ...and why?
If money were no object I think I would be
traveling all over! And then I would decide where to live!
Are you an introvert or extrovert?
How do you feel about
that? Introvert. Wish I wasn't though.
Whats your most embarrassing moment?
Walking into a glass
door, face first! Ouch!
If we all came to your house for dinner what would you make
for us?
Something
with tomato sauce, which is pretty much the only thing I know how to make. ;-)
.jpg "Joana's Abstract #3")
For
more about Joana and her artwork click on the links below:
Thursday, October 16, 2014
Getting To Know The Cre8ive Crew: Rachél Payne
Meet the wonderful Rachél Payne (sounds like Rah-shel) from just
off the coast in South Texas.
When asked, “What kind of art is your passion?” She said, “ That
is a big question for me. I do lots of different kinds of art, including
mixed media, assemblage and wire work, but my passion is for art that is about
healing or exploring something of the self and of life.”
Describe
your personality in three words.
Quirky, Spiritual, Nurturing
When/how
did you realize your life had to have art in it?
In college, I started journaling with pictures, not just
words. Somehow what I was drawing was helping me heal my heart, but so
was the permission I was giving myself to create in this new medium. For
some people art is risky at first. It was for me, until I decided life was
better with it than without!
Would
you say your entire way of life is creative?
Yes, I even married an artist! We live in a little cottage
with another artist, have art parties, and look at our desires in life as
opportunities to craft the way we wish to live.
Whats
your superpower?
I am a great space holder. When another person needs
to explore some aspect of their own life, to grow, to stretch, to dive deep, or
spread their wings and fly, I love to have their back and stand in support of
them.
How
did you get started...who inspired you?
My journey as a creativity enthusiast started with my mom.
She was an artist and approached life with a spirit to always make
something beautiful out of what she touched. She passed away just as I was
becoming a young woman, and I inherited her art supplies. I used them to
get to know her better and in the process discovered something beautiful about
myself….. my own creative spirit.
If
you could hang out with any artist dead or alive who would it be and why?
My mom! Just before she passed, we sat on the couch I
was about to buy and talked about spending afternoons drinking tea and
visiting. I would love to show her the art she has inspired in my life.
Although, sometimes I feel like she has been on the front row cheering me
on all these years!
Do
you believe that only some are creative or that everyone is creative in some
way? Why?
I believe we are all creative but that our culture gives us
messages that creating is for a limited few. I learned to draw and paint
in my 20’s without any prior background. I discovered that those are just
skills….like learning the ABC’s or 123’s. We used to tell some people that
they could not read or right….or should not. Don’t let anyone take that
away! You are creative!
If
you could change your name what would it be?
Well, I did change my name. (giggle) When I was 24, I
had a name changing ceremony as part of my birthday and chose to go by my
middle name Rachél (which sounds like Rah-shel) instead of my first name, Dawn.
What’s
your least favorite food? ...most favorite?
Least: organ meat Most: Italian and chocolate, not
necessarily in that order and not necessarily together.
Are
you an introvert or extrovert? How do you feel about that?
I think I am an introvert who is very comfortable with her
extroverted self. They say introverts recharge when alone. I think
that is the case for me. But I also love to be a bit outrageous!
Choose
an imaginary friend who would it be and why?
Oh, this is sad, but true. Our bestest cat, Schatzie
(which means Sweetheart in German) passed away recently. It would have to
be her. We would stay up late, cuddle, and eat watermelon together.
What’s
your most embarrassing moment? (Please keep it clean)
During a performance of Midsummer Night’s Dream, I fell on
stage as part of a chase scene and forgot the next line. I covered by
shouting, “I’m gunna git you!” Not very Shakespearean!
For more of Rachél’s art and spiritual journey please click
the links below:
Monday, October 13, 2014
Getting To Know The Cre8ive Crew: Sally Rose
This is a talented gal you will want to know better!
Her name is Sally Rose and she’s originally
from Minneapolis, Minnesota.
How
often do you create?
As often as I can. We are currently building a new home for ourselves,
so I have been focused on that project. But I always keep at least a sketchbook
and art journal handy for when inspiration strikes.
How
do you know when a piece is finished?
That is always tough. I find that my work is always better
and closer to my vision if I don't over think the process. I know that life
should inspire our art, but more often I find it interrupts the process of
creating. But frequently I will be called away for some nonemergency only to
return and discover that I had finished the piece without realizing it. Those
times are kind of magical.
When/how
did you realize your life had to have art in it?
I have always had art in my life, I cannot remember a time
when I wasn't doing something arty, in some way or another. Even when my
children were small and my energies focused solely on them, I created. It just manifest
in other ways, sewing their clothes, making quilts and decorating our home. All
these things are art forms and expressions of creativity.
Tell
us how your creativity blends over into the rest of your life?
“Being creative isn't a hobby, it's a way of life!” I
mentioned earlier that we are building our home. This will be the third time for
us. I do the design work, layout, landscaping and tile setting. We both do the
construction and heavy lifting, but the vision is mostly mine for how it all
goes together. It's like working on the biggest canvas possible!
Give
a couple of tips on how you stay organized. (This doesn't have to be about your
art or studio, could just be life, office, kids...whatever)
“A place for everything and everything in it's place”. Ha,
just kidding! I am very disorganized and when I am in the middle of a project everything
comes out and gets thrown around. I do think it helps to have a dedicated space
in which to work, especially if you are trying to carve out a bit of creative
play time in the middle of a busy schedule. If you have to keep packing
everything away so your family can eat at the dining table, you'll waste what
little time you do have. You should also love your space. Decorate it in the
colors and style you love. If your space makes you happy, it will be reflected in
your work. I love pretty and eclectic storage containers, like vintage vases
full of aquarium gravel to hold my paint brushes, pencils and pens.
If
you could hang out with any artist dead or alive who would it be and why?
I would love to have met Vincent Van Gogh. An amazing
artist, and a complicated man. For him it was all about the art. No matter what
his personal pain or his circumstances, he made art. He was able to capture
ordinary scenes and objects and make them magical with unexpected colors.
Do
you believe that only some are creative or that everyone is creative in some
way? Why?
I do believe that everyone is creative in someway or
another. It may be in their cooking, housekeeping, home decorating or clothing.
It may be in how they keep their books, run their shop, write letters or
landscape their yard. It is human nature to be creative, your gift may not be
in the traditional arts, but it is there!
If
money were no object in what country, place, or on what planet would you live?
...and why?
A temperate island near the water with a lovely studio in a
grove of trees. The walls would be open to the outdoors and there would be a
beautiful well maintained garden to wander through. Because that would be
heaven on earth!
Are
you an introvert or extrovert? How do you feel about that?
I am an introvert that is masquerading as an extrovert. I
get along well with others and can deal with a crowd, but as soon as I am home
it's like flipping a switch. If I went a week without seeing another person, I would
be fine with that.
Choose
an imaginary friend who would it be and why?
I would love to have a big fluffy Saber-tooth tiger to
snuggle with! Maybe multicolored like in the movie, “The Croods”. What a cutie!
What
is your earliest childhood memory?
My Grandmother telling me I had to use the yellow crayon to
color my sun because that's what color the sun was...I was angry because I
wanted to use red!
If
we all came to your house for dinner what would you make for us?
Homemade pizza, biscuits and gravy and peanut butter
chocolate chip cookies.
For more of Sally’s beautiful art please click on the links
below:
Thursday, October 9, 2014
Getting To Know The Cre8ive Crew: Linda Kay Kinnaman
Linda Kay Kinnaman is my name and art making is my game.
Hello Linda!!!
Let's dig deeper...
Linda is originally from South Bend, Indiana. She has lived and traveled
all over the world and now makes her home in Bartlett, Illinois. She loves mixed media collage but also likes decorative
painting and a bit of watercolor.
What
kind of art is your passion?
I love mixed media collage but also likes decorative
painting and a bit of watercolor.
How
does it make you feel when you're creating something?
When I am really into the groove of creativity and making
art that I am happy with, it feels like I am dancing. I usually have some music
playing in the background and mostly stand when I work, so I actually do dance
a bit sometimes.
How
do you know when a piece is finished?
I quite often struggle with this. There are always little
tweaks to be done to a piece, but many times I just have to put my brush down
and say, "Enough!"
When/how
did you realize your life had to have art in it?
I have tried several careers, cashier/retail work, bookkeeping, administrative assistant, and it always comes back to art. I have even
"given it up" a few times, but will find my creative thoughts never stop.
I finally decided that I might as well stop fighting it and declare myself an
Artist!
Hows
has your view of life (art) changed over the last 5, 10 years? 20 Years?
I started out with the classic types of art--drawing,
ceramics, fiber art--but found I always wanted to push their limits by adding
something more into each. I found that after I could handle a medium well, I
then needed either a new medium or a new challenge. When I started mixed media,
it all fell together. I can now use just about anything in my work and make it
blend together to create a piece of art that satisfies my need for the
unconventional and unique. I no longer feel I have to limit myself.
Would
you say your entire way of life is creative?
Yes, most definitely. I try to use creativity in everything
I do.
If
you could pick one tool or supply to do more experimenting with what would it
be?
I have never tried encaustics and would really like to give
it a try. I would need a bit of free time first, so it may have to wait a
while.
If you could hang out with any artist dead or
alive who would it be and why?
Oh there are SO many artists I would love to hang out
with...but if I have to choose just one, it would be Georgia O'Keefe. She was
the first artist I was influenced by, mostly because she was a woman who was
successful in a male dominated business. She fascinated me. She painted big,
bold, beautiful, lively, seductive, extraordinary art. She was not afraid to
let her art speak of who she was and how she saw the world. She knew who she
was and lived her life on her own terms.
If
you could change your name what would it be?
I am actually thinking of doing this. Linda Kay was my birth
name, always will have that name and think at this point in my life it is what
I should be.
If money were no object in what country, place, or on what planet would you
live? ...and why?
I have been planning to move back to Florida, but if I could
live anywhere, it would be Bali, Indonesia. There is such a beauty in the
environment, culture and people that I think I could be quite happy there.
Whats
your least favorite food? ...most favorite?
Lease ~ okra. Favorite ~ Thai curries!
Choose an imaginary friend who would it be and
why?
My very first imaginary friend was a little Japanese girl
who I played with, usually under the dining room table or behind the sofa. I
think I would like to reconnect with her.
If
we all came to your house for dinner what would you make for us?
Either Beef and Broccoli Stir-fry or Penang Curry.
That was fun! Want to know more? Click below for Linda’s
site and information.
Monday, October 6, 2014
Getting To Know The Cre8ive Crew: Cat Athena Louise
Please give a warm welcome to Cat Athena Louise!
She is from Auckland, New Zealand originally, and has been living in England for the past 13 years.... yes,
she is a dual citizen!
How exciting!
What
kind of art is your passion?
I’m very eclectic (continually restless and love to change things up often) -- I have noticed that
Photography lights me up, as does the fluid and bright marks only
watercolor can make, and I’m crazy about collage and mixed media too!
How
does it make you feel when you're creating something?
I feel alive and connected to something far greater than myself. I
also experience a sense of peace and timelessness (transcendence)
as I go into the ‘zone’
Describe
your personality in three words.
Sensitive, Instinctual, Passionate
When/how
did you realize your life had to have art in it?
I realised it very early on as a child, and when I was spending all my
lunch
breaks in college in the art room creating fervently, it
became very apparent!
Has
being artistic changed your life or outlook in any way?
Yes, I notice the tiny little details, textures and subtle
nuances around me and I often smile at how things play themselves out, the irony
of how life truly does imitate art. Artists often think they are creating
something outside of themselves, but it’s all self-portraits. All of it. They
are expressing what is inside of themselves. I find it very intimate and
revealing.
Would
you say your entire way of life is creative?
Yes, it feeds into every area of my life. I feel it when I
pick up a camera, arrange items on an altar, strike a stick of incense
alight... the kinds of meals I cook, the bicycle I ride, the crazy way I stack
dishes in Dr.Suess-like piles for washing up, the kind of jewellery I wear.
Whats
your superpower?
Intuition is my superpower. I’ve been told that by too many
people now to ignore.
If
you could hang out with any artist dead or alive who would it be and why?
Oh my goodness, that would be incredible and naturally I’m struggling
to name just one... Pablo Picasso would be a total firecracker to spend time
with -- he has such a wildly eclectic range of styles I could never be bored.
He seemed very self-assured and confident in his approach. I’d also love to
hang out with Ernst Ludwig Kirchner and his Die Brücke German Expressionist
friends...I love their wild frenetic mark-making and fauvist colors. I’s be
equally happy hanging with Annie Leibovitz in her studio and learning about her
hyper-honest style of portraiture photography... Or navigating Andy Warhol’s
‘Factory’ amid the film-making, stencil cutting and screen printing. Bliss!
Which
side of the bed do you sleep on? Can you sleep if forced to change sides?
The Left side and yes I do struggle to fall to sleep (at least
for a few nights till I adjust) if I ever have to change sides.
Are
you an introvert or extrovert? How do you feel about that?
I’m a perfect hybrid. I land right down the centre of the
intro/extro spectrum...and that’s very true. I can be extremely zany and wildly
expressive in how I communicate and also incredibly quiet, private and
observant and need to be left alone...it all depends on my mood at the time and
the company I am in as to which way that coin will fall.
Whats your most embarrassing moment?
Oh there have been so many! One that immediately comes to
mind was turning up for a job interview to find the front reception desk
completely unattended, and only a sign on the wall, placed near a switch, saying
‘ring for attention’. Well I could see no bell to ring so clicked the switch
(placed beside the sign) and suddenly..... all the lights in the building went
off! Blimey, talk about instantly getting everyone’s attention...you should
have seen them running out to find out what had happened!
Pick
two celebrities to be your parents...who and why.
I think my inner-artist child would be in perfect company
with Tim Burton and Helena Bonham Carter as my celebrity parents....I think
creativity and self-expression would be encouraged in every possible way and
from every angle in that household! Neil Gaiman and Amanda Palmer I reckon
would also be awesome.
If
we all came to your house for dinner what would you make for us?
Vegetarian Spaghetti Bolognese followed by an Indian rice pudding
flavoured with cardamon pods and rose-water... It’s the rice pudding equivalent
of turkish delight! Incredible.
Those are great answers!
For more of Cat and her artwork please click on the links below: