Little White Lies

I took the Encaustic class at Penland School of Crafts that I mentioned in an earlier post a year ago knowing I wanted to work 3 dimensionally, but it took me this long to finally get a piece done.

Sometimes work just has to percolate for a while.

And the main piece that has been brewing and stewing all along is Little White Lies.  It took me that long to bring it fruition because I struggled with what I wanted.  I am a big proponent of working in tandem with each piece, but I need to have some aspects in mind before starting or I could flail around wasting time.

Some of the issues I struggled with were:

• Should I have a wheel or not?  At first I thought the piece should be that literal.  But as I struggled through one wheel after the next, each looking just like a wheel that Fred Flinstone might have on his car, I started to reconsider.  The wheel barrow was stopped in its tracks, after all, so why have a wheel.
• What should I fill it with, if anything?  One thing I wanted to use were the little fortune tellers from my childhood, and something I use repeatedly in my work.  At this point I had thought the entire piece should be a pale pink for a sense of innocence, but the little voice in my head kept telling me, "no" to both.
• I landed on just using text to fill the bucket part.  So, what should the text look like?  How much text should there be? And what should be made of?

I decided to keep it pale white with a gray wash to highlight parts of it, and to use large flat text that is attached to the bucket with just a little overflowing out of it.

Here is an image of it in progress:

Kim Radatz
Little White Lies, 2013

And a detail near the completion:

Kim Radatz
Little White Lies, detail, 2013

Better photos to follow, just a quick peek for now.

What do you think?  Any input would be greatly appreciated!

May your day be a creative one!

Kim

Me and Tink

Sometimes a piece will make itself. I’ll get an idea and bam, it all falls together seamlessly. No laboring. No redoing. No tinkering.

But at other times, ugh, work, rework, think about it, and tinker with it.

Usually I’ll do the required dance to bring the piece to fruition. Tinker here. Tweak there. And then, wah-lah, it’s done.

Other times I have to call it quits on the idea. And that’s okay. Frustrating, but part of the process.

Currently, I have been tinkering on a piece for almost a year. A year! Not consistently, but it sits in my studio and I often ponder how I can see it through to completion.

See it completed I do. Knowing how to accomplish that, I don’t.

Maybe now would be the times to wish for a deadline.  Possibly that would force me to figure it out.  Or call it quits.

No, I don't think so.  There is something about this installation that I feel the need to see.  So I’ll keep tweaking here and there and eventually I’ll figure out what to do.

Tweaking, tinkering, all the same, methinks.

If only I had her wings too. :)

May your day be a magical one!

What is it You Want?

In It’s a Wonderful Life, George asks Mary, “What is it you want, Mary? What do you want?”

The question bears repeating in real life as well.

What is it you want?

As I have mentioned in previous posts, I love having targets to shoot at. But sometimes I loose site of those targets and things get a bit muddled up.

What to do, what to do?

Get back on track by identifying what my target is. Often times this requires some fine tuning and/or adjusting as life changes. But that’s okay, because I am reaffirming the target(s) at the same time.

But what if you don’t know what you want?

According to Jennifer Grisham of Everyday Bright, “One of the most undervalued commodities in our society is clarity.”

Really? Interesting thought. And one well worth the trouble of fixing. Because as we have discussed before, you can’t aim at something if you don't have a target.  Which means lots of bullets could be flying about willy-nilly and accomplishing very little.

Just putting pen to paper is a huge step towards identifying and understanding what you want. But if you need more help, I’d highly recommend Jen’s blog post on the subject as she has some great tips to share.

Until the next time, may you have creativity and clarity in your day!

Nothing Changes Until You Do

 

Image from Internet



“Nothing changes until you do.”

  -SOURCE UNKNOWN                                                 

Okay, so as the year draws to a close I’ve been reviewing tips that I have gathered in blogs, books, and on the Internet. From these disparate sources I have compiled a list in a handy-dandy, easily readable fashion in hopes of staying on top of my career this year.

They are not earth shattering revelations, but they are distilled down to the essence, which makes the list handy-dandy, and maybe more doable, too.

I thought I’d end the year off by paying it forward to you in hopes my list might help you as well.

Please feel free to pass on your tips too. Any tips to help me be a more organized and productive artist are always welcome!

• Identify what you want. You won’t know what to shoot at if you don’t have a target.

• Be purposeful about where you put your attention. Only positive thoughts allowed. Positive thoughts bring positive results.

• Stay focused. Keep distractions at bay.

• Be ruthlessly protective of your studio time. Learn to say “no” more often.

• Keep failing. It builds character and helps you grow.

• Be happier. Laugh every day.

• Be better. Learn more.

• No excuses. Period.

Off to work I go.  I hope you have a creative and productive day!

Counting Down to 2012



Image from the Internet


2 weeks from today 2011 will come to an end.

It is a bittersweet time of year.

Sorry to say good bye, and be another year older, but hopeful for the future.

To stop myself from getting caught up in “I should’s,” with a long list of resolutions, and more pressure, for the coming year I have found that reviewing what I have achieved in the past year helps me move forward into the new year in a more positive and productive way.

It sort of seems silly, possibly arrogant, to make a list of achievements. However, if done with a tender heart and no ego involved, it becomes an objective way to see how 2011 played out. It enables me to see that I did accomplish many things. Maybe not all that I had hoped for.  But that’s what the New Year is for, right?

Maybe you do the same? Maybe it is a new concept for you?

Either way, if you do it, let us know how it goes, okay?

May your list be long!

Clowning Around and Thinking Out Loud in the Bag

I have been teaching myself to sew this summer. Yep, for more than a few years I have used the sewing machine as my main tool, yet I officially don’t know how to sew.

I can get the job done, mind you, my work just hasn’t been about the sewing. To me, using the sewing machine is akin to using welding torches, (which I do know how to use); the end result is the same, it’s the materials and the tools used to attach two parts together that are different. But connecting together they both do.

So I bought a book about sewing and started the lessons. It has been an interesting journey so far. Obviously, some things worked out better than others, but each one has taught me something, and that is always a good thing.

About the time I started my lessons I received my dresses back from the Cloth Paper Scissors Artisan Search which now hang in my studio. After looking at them for a while I was inspired to try one of the projects in the book with the paper fabric that I used for the CPS dresses.

Below are a few of the bags I have made. Not sure where they’ll go from here but I have been enjoying the process. It has been a labor of fun, with a touch of aggravation thrown in. =D

And now I shall put the fabrics and sewing machine away for the weekend, very appropriate for the Labor Day Weekend, me thinks.

Wherever you are and whatever you do, I hope you have a fantastic and safe Labor Day Weekend!


Kim Radatz©



Clowning Around Red, Kim Radatz©

 

Clowning Around Blue, Kim Radatz©



Thinking Out Loud, Kim Radatz©



Something New to Play With

I am hard on equipment and recently killed one of my sewing machines. It lived a very long and productive life, first with the previous owner of over 30 years and then five years with me. No regrets or complaints about that work horse.

But, I cannot be without a backup sewing machine since much of my work is stitched.

So my 10 year old Viking goes to back up position and my brand spanking new Viking Sapphire takes center stage.

Woo Hoo, wonder what will come from this. Only time will tell.

Until we meet again, may you have a creative day!

I Quit

Yep, I know I am supposed to persevere through all challenges as happiness comes at the end of great challenges. Right?

Well, sometimes.

And at other times things are just an uphill battle.

Which has been the case this past week with the new series I am working on.

So, today I shall follow my own advice from the Cloth Paper Scissors interview:

What do you do when a piece isn’t working out the way you want it to?

"Keep forging ahead. Making a piece requires and open dialog with the materials. It’s not just about me; I am a partner in this dance called art. I have to listen to what is working and if its not, adjust accordingly. If a piece continues to be a struggle I move on to another piece."

Which is exactly what I am doing today, moving on from this new series. I will return to it eventually but we need a break from each other right now.

Happily I already have a new piece started in my head. Time to get out the tools and bring it to fruition. I’ll keep you posted.

Until then, may you have a creative day!

Some Days Are More Challenging Than Others

“Happiness comes when you overcome the most impossible challenge.”

In the whole scheme of life, the challenge I am facing with this new series I am working on is nothing. But, oh how I wish it would ease up a bit. I have been inside out and upside down and everywhere in-between with no resolution on the work.

So, when I brewed my tea this morning and read the inspirational message that came with the tea bag, I felt the universe was trying to tell me something. And I will heed the advice. Struggle through the piece. It’ll all work out in the end. Hopefully it’ll happen soon!

In case you aren’t familiar with Yogi Teas, and I wasn’t until very recently, each tea bag comes complete with delicious tea and an inspirational message. As some of you know, I just love inspirational messages! Makes me want to run out and buy more boxes just for the messages. But, I won’t, it’s back to work for me, I will resolve this piece!

I’ll let you know if and when it works out.

Until then, may your day be a productive one!

Show and Tell Sundays- Games People Play

Tonight I’ll be packing up work to be delivered tomorrow to Salt Creek Artworks in St. Pete. Set up begins in the morning. Let the games begin.

I’m bringing Wishful Thinking and 5 or 6 Skins. The final count will be determined once I start hanging. I’d always rather edit out than run home to finish work in a hurry.

Speaking of being in a hurry, this past week I was rushing around my studio trying to get some extra work done and tore the paper on a piece in progress. I tried to repair it, but things only got worse and the piece was ruined. You can see the big tear on his right hand.  Ah well, that’s what I get for rushing. I quickly began a replacement piece.

I’ve included an image of the first one with the mistake and the beginnings of the second piece with just the pencil drawing. It’s actually further along now, but I shall share images of all of them this week once they are hung.

Off to start my day. Whatever you do today, may it be fantastic!

Games People Play, 60" x 26"
Kim Radatz

Show and Tell Sundays-Work in Progress

Here is a piece in the early stages for my upcoming show at Salt Creek Artworks St. Pete. I like it so far. But there is much more to do yet.  I'll keep you posted.


Kim Radatz


What do you think?

Show and Tell Sundays-Biting Off More Than I Can Chew

Most of the work that I have accomplished in my studio as of late has been on the computer, except for the odd times here and there when I can work on my behemoth skin, I’m Dancing As Fast As I Can. I think I bit off more that I can chew with that one. And I wonder why I felt the need to make it big. But big it is. It just seemed to call for it and I obliged my inner artist on that one. So I am plodding along slowly and soon it’ll be time to add the stitching. Because it is big, fitting into my sewing machine will be interesting indeed. I’ll keep you posted on how it goes. For now I am feeling the need to work on some embroidery hoops as I can work through ideas much quicker with those. And immediate gratification is a good thing sometimes too!

On that happy note I bid you farewell. I hope you have a fantastic day.

I’m Dancing As Fast As I Can
54” x 100”
Kim Radatz

I’m Dancing as Fast as I Can

Well, Monday came and went and I didn’t post anything as I had promised on Sunday, sorry about that. But I have been plodding along with this new piece. It’s much larger than the ones I have made before, so I’m taking it slowly and listening carefully. No need to rush it, me thinks, the work will always be waiting for me.

I am revisiting the fence from Cover Me (the skin with the life vest), as I really liked it and wanted to see how I felt about it a second time around. A teacher in grad school, Diane Dawes, once advised me to recycle ideas or concepts often, especially when you are stuck as it’s a great jumping off point. I’m not stuck, heck, I can’t keep up with the ideas that keep streaming though my head, but still, it’s good advice.

I see the girls, dresses, fence, life vest, umbrella, etc. as symbols and each time I use them I am seeing them in a new way. Like a story. The words of the story are the symbols, and though the words have been used a bazillion times before, when strung together in a new way, the meaning is completely different. That’s how I see my work, something new from something familiar.

As I say in my artist statement, “Each piece is a fresh attempt to see things in a new way, yet remain part of an ongoing dialog. Each is tied to the next and the one before. They are all intrinsically linked together and the conversation continues.”

And the conversation will continue, but for now I shall get back to work.

May your day be creative and productive!


I’m Dancing as Fast as I Can, 54” x 100”

Kim Radatz



I’m Dancing as Fast as I Can, detail

Kim Radatz

P.S. As you might be able to see, the paint is still wet.  Much work yet to be done, including the stitching, but I wanted to share it with you.

Show and Tell Sundays-Come Monday

Monday is gonna have to come before I have any work to show you as my niece had a surprise wedding this past weekend and I was busy with all the hustle bustle that goes along with any wedding.

I have been working on a new larger skin, 54” x 100”, which I will share with you on Monday; it just needs more work before there is enough for you to look at. But I like what is happening so far.

I look forward to seeing you on Monday! Until then, have a great one!

Do You Do it Too?

I worked on some mixed media pieces to match décor this week and my Artist Within that likes angst was up in arms. In my head I kept hearing, “You shouldn’t make art that matches a sofa!”

Also, a friend recently voiced apologetically that she was painting a room to match her art. These “shoulds” gotta go. What we should never do is feel guilty about any creativity we participate in. Our life should be full of joy, not guilt. So, I’m making the choice to ignore my inner artist as she obviously has some issues of her own that she needs to work out.

For me, I’m gonna keep making whatever interests me at the moment. There will be a lesson in all work that I do and I don’t want to miss those lessons because I was feeling guilty.

Those “shoulds,” and the ensuing guilt that comes with them, kill creativity. Don’t let them in. And when they do creep in from time to time, get rid of them as soon as possible. Honor your own special creativity and your true voice will emerge.

On that happy note, I hope you have a creative day!



Fruitful Life, 2011
Kim Radatz©



I’m Doing the Tango and She’s Doing the Jitterbug

She’s Come Undone, 52” x 27”

Kim Radatz

Mercy me.

This girl that has come undone is about to undo me. We just haven’t figured out our rhythm and keep stepping on each others' toes. So I’m leaving her alone for a while to work on other pieces. I’ll get back to her soon enough, but for now we rest. I have faith the ideas will come in due time.  At least, I hope they do. :-)

I'll keep you posted.

May you have a productive and creative day!

Show and Tell Sunday- She’s Come Undone

As we have talked about before, deadlines can be a very good thing. I could do without the last minute, drama and stress induced kind, but on the whole, I think deadlines help keep us on track.

I recently completed an application for a show, to the point of putting it in the envelope and sealing it up, only to get a notice that the deadline was extended for 2 weeks. Bummer, I first thought. But, no, wait. I need to think about this some more. This means I can keep on working and see if I like any of the new works better for the submission.

Life throwing me another chance to do something better. I like it when than happens. And I almost overlooked it.

Below is the piece I have been working on as a possible addition to my application. It's still in the very early stages, but there is more to come.  A little something extra on this piece.  I'll hope to have it posted before next Show and Tell Sunday.  Time will tell on that front.  But you will be the first to know.

Until next time, may you have a great one!

She's Come Undone

57 x 30"

 Kim Radatz

She's Come Undone, detail
Kim Radatz

Show and Tell Sunday – Finally Something Finished

It took me a while, but I am back on track and getting some work finished. Finally.

You saw this skin early on, and now here it is finished.  I cropped the long threads hanging off of the fence in the photo as they just didn't show up.  Tis a shame as I love the threads.  They are an important part of the piece.  Just as the "stuff" below the dresses are in my "dress series."  To me they are the detritus we gather moving through our lives.  Still an integral part of us as they drift away from our physical self.

All of that to say, you're just gonna have to see it in person to see it in its entirety. :-)


Cover Me, 30" x 38", Kim Radatz

Feel free to send your thoughts my way.

May your day be a creative one!

Endings and Beginnings

I’m off to DeLand to pick up my work from the Florida Museum for Women Artists’ juried show. All things eventually end, as did this show, but there is always something new around the corner. And, sure enough, there is. Just signed a contract for a show in March. I’ll let you know about it once I have more information.

Here is the very preliminary beginning of another skin. Hard to see much, but it’s a start.


Cover Me, 48” x 36”, Kim Radatz


Cover Me.
Again.
I’m starting to see a trend here; how about you?

Show and Tell Sunday-Cover Me

I have received so many wonderful Get Well wishes since having my appendicitis attack this past Monday and subsequent surgery on Tuesday. The love sent my way has been healing and humbling. I am blessed to have so many wonderful friends in the world. Thank you for your kindness.

And now, back to work.

Here is a new skin that I have been working on between naps. There is more to do, but I am happy with the progress so far. I’ll share once it is finished.

Until then, may you have a wonderful day!  And thanks again.  My heart is aglow.



Cover Me, 30" x 38", Kim Radatz