Inspiration and good friends

Today I dyed four veils.

The photo to the left is my daughter Veronica at four months and myself. It was taken by Sarah Skinner, her work throughout my pregnancy and early months of Veronica's life has brought me much joy. I'm amazed at how she can capture fleeting instants of emotion on camera. Please visit her websites: http://www.shakemyday.com/ ; http://www.weclick.net/ .

I hate to say I have been fighting a little bit of a funk lately. With the exception of every time I look at my daughter I have had a mild case of sadness for about a month. I know it's not post-partum depression, but I don't know if it's my hormones still adjusting from the birth of my daughter six months ago, or the economy, or my hair falling out, or my (much too much) disappointment in myself for not having my body where I want it to be. I've had a hard time adjusting to Veronica's schedule. I was fully ready to give up my life as I knew it but I had no idea what was in store for me until this little girl graced my life.

I know the old expression, people come into your life for a reason may be old and overplayed, but I know booking Sarah to capture my pregnancy and the joy of my miracle child on film was one of the best decisions I made this past year. We met yesterday for Veronica's six month photo shoot. I was in my mild funk, and mad at myself for leaving a time-toiled wreath made specifically for the shoot in the car, which had been driven away by the valet at the parking garage. Good conversation, good people, and a nurturing atmosphere for even one afternoon can make all the difference. Sarah was very kind, patient and reassuring, and my little girl was an angel, even when she was fussy it didn't last long. She rolled and slept, smiled and creeped, grabbed my face and her toes and was a true champ. Sarah's creativity and amazing work with staging and lighting made me feel inspired for the first time in a looooong time. I am gleefully awaiting a peek at the pictures. I know Sarah will have done an incedible job. I also brought some silks to the studio in case she would want to use them in the pictures. Her encouragement at new techniques I am working on to set myself apart from other silk artists in my genre started to light the fire under my pot of dye.

I normally feel aggravated when I want to work and frustrated because I don't have enough time between baby naps to get anything done. I can't leave work instantly at a crucial moment to respond to a crying baby. Knowing my daughter is my biggest priority I of course give up on work. Well, I'm starting to get the hang of this mom thing lately, and feeling really good about it. I realized I'm getting my groove back.

Today I dyed four AMAZING veils. I feel inspired. It's a great start :)

Creative History

I cannot remember a time I didn't create. It seems almost instinctual to me to express myself artistically. This is due entirely to my parents. My beautiful mother always had my mind and hands involved in some project and craft. She took on new challenges headfirst and worked them until she mastered them. From her I learned to sew, to do needlepoint, embroidery, make all kinds of beautiful baskets from many types of fibers and grasses, to work a loom, to explore and create. What she could not teach me she took me to lessons. I took music, drawing, painting and dance. She got me involved in community theater.

My parents were avid gardeners as well and half our backyard was a garden. From this I learned the joy and patience of watching hard work flourish and bloom., as well as the satisfaction of reaping the rewards of hard work. I also learned about setbacks, like watching the promise of a bountiful crop decimated by tomato hornworms when we had never seen such an insect in the history of the garden.

My father is an engineer, a builder, a problem solver. Whereas my mother would dive unafraid head first into a project, he would think, measure, draw charts, calculate and plan. I felt growing up that he could fix, build or solve anything. His way of looking for and finding the best solution to a problem was a huge influence on my creative thought process. He showed me a way of looking at things from all angles and how the smallest details were as important as the overall project. It was a waste of time to create something that was makeshift, unattractive and did not last. The quality of the work you did was equally important as getting the job done.I continued to study art in college. First illustration, then metalsmithing. I had an unofficial minor in fiber arts, taking classes in weaving and batik. It was here I first dyed silk. Though I went on to work as a jeweler after college, my love of color never weakened.Then it happened - I took my first belly dance class as a way of getting some fun exercise. I was immediately in love. It was the only form of dance I had ever experienced where I felt I could immerse myself in all the way. Here was a medium where I could express myself physically, emotionally and creatively while showering myself in glittering color.

I am enchanted with silk. It seems to have a life of its own, embracing the dancer as she moves. In this way it becomes an integral part of her and the music. To me this is the perfect medium, a living canvas so to speak. I strive to share and express myself creatively while producing a quality product that will be cherished for years to come. I am further pleased to watch my work in the hands of other artists and sharing in their own expression of creativity.

I have since expanded from dance silks to scarves, pants, other apparel for everyone. It is a continuing journey, I can't wait to see where I end up!

Be Happy ~ Dance ~ Enjoy!