Do You Need A Creative Nudge?

LOLA – Ink Drawing

Creativity can be elusive. Comforting when you are surrounded by it. Maddening when your Muse just refuses to guide. Sometimes we need a little nudge in the right direction. And inspiration can come from anywhere.

I am delighted to see that line work is making a comeback. From calligraphy on billboards and restaurant chalkboard menus to the renewed interest in colouring books for both children and adults melting, meandering marks of ink are everywhere. And I couldn’t be happier!

I’ve always loved to draw. It was foundation of my work in years past as it is today. So when I saw the call from UPPERCASE magazine for contribution to their Creative Calendar I couldn’t wait to submit. Their description of the Calendar inspired me: It’s not a day planner but rather a place to encourage creative thinking and dreaming.

So I sent off two drawing and a piece of calligraphy. I recently found out my work will be among the art included for publication. I am delighted to be in such inspiring company.

The image posted is of my cat, Lola. I drew him (Yes, “him”…he was named after the song Lola by the Kinks) with a bamboo brush and ink. I hope Lola inspires someone using the calendar as much as he inspired me.

Available to UPPERCASE magazine readers who subscribe by November 30, 2015, it is to be included with Issue 28 in January 2016.

Do you need a nudge to prompt your creative thinking and dreaming? Why not give The Creative Calendar a place on your wall in 2016?

May You Find Your Way To Your Treasures!

An Airplane Took Us – Postcard

As 2014 quickly draws to close, memories of the year…some good, some not so good…come rushing back to me. But over all, I am hopeful and looking forward to a New Year with new possibilities.

I designed this postcard for the LottoHEART exhibition hosted by Camp Rehoboth in Delaware. The exhibit displayed over two hundred cards. The theme of the card was set when in a magazine I found the Thornton Wilder quote:

“We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.”

How true this is at all times of the year, but especially when we are saying good-bye to the old year and anticipating the start of the new.

Have you thought about what you treasure most? For me it’s not only the cherished people in my life, but the feeling being creative, and listening to my Muse, gives me.

I warmly look forward to 2015’s opportunities, the newest of which is my joining the Lunagirl Moonbeams’ Design Team. I am excited and honoured to be part of the Team.

The substrate for the postcard is illustration board. Gleaned from magazine pages are the Wilder quote and the title edit at the top of the card. Postage stamps, a photo of the women, a decorative leaf, art and vintage papers complete the card.

As we move through the Holiday Season may your days be filled with all that your treasure!