trails
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 1620
posted
Me! I am an artist and was an art teacher too. Now I rarely do either. Pretty much the same as you.
Was a clay artist/ceramicist..then did lots of mixed media, then fabrics/fibers. Was in a few galleries in New Mexico.
I just couldnt produce with the fatigue and pain. But I have to add that the brain fog is also very disabling as an artist. I get SOME ideas, sometimes, but I dont have the follow through I used to. My brain does NOT have the creative spark it used to.
I took a woodworking class (once a week thru the adult school) and make a beautful rustic cabinet this past fall, but that is about it. (I antiqued my own copper--it was FUN!)
It is very hard on my emotionally. It is more than my career and my identity---it is my soul. It is missing.
I try to write every day now....I use my emails as my writing. I try to be okay with that for now. I try to stay in the moment and not think about the past or future--it is just too sad either way.
I am going to take a clay class which is pretty silly since that is how I made a LIVING once--but I had to move, no studio here--so I am trying to be okay with just going and being centered on the wheel--clay is VERY healing, but it can be hard on your body too. It is very heavy.
Thanks for posting this--good idea!
Are there others here?
Posts: 1950 | From New Mexico | Registered: Sep 2001
| IP: Logged |
5dana8
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7935
posted
Hey azure wish & trail
Former classical oil portrait painter. BFA and 25 years at it. In Love with faces.
3 years ago I was getting ready for a one person museum show. The paint was flying. I was stressing because I didn't know if I had enough paintings to fill up the walls.
I crumbled and my lyme came back worse than ever. Now I can't remember a single thing about painting. Can't concentrate,focus,ect..
I used to get real depressed about not painting. I also felt a piece of my soul missing.
But last year I just ordered some clay. And when I have a little energy I just have at it. Never did have a class. I just let the clay do what it wants to do. Only need a few tools and my hands.
And when I don't like it I smash it and wait for another day. Thats the fun part.
Haven't felt well enough lately and wish I could get back too it. It was a good outlet for my emotions.
Maybe someday I will.
-------------------- 5dana8 Posts: 4432 | From some where over the rainbow | Registered: Sep 2005
| IP: Logged |
Linda LD
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6663
posted
I'll apologize up front--I'm just a graphic artist--but use to love to paint with oils and watercolors.
I am just sooo tired--I can't seem to start or finish anything...
Linda
Posts: 1171 | From Knoxville, TN US | Registered: Dec 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
What a relief to find this link! I am a writer, artist, and singer. I used to sing and write professionally, and create visual/wearable art on the side.
I was just starting to sell my wearable art (working in polymer clay as my main medium) when I first got sick twelve years ago. Have slowly abandoned everything as I got sicker and sicker.
I have reclaimed a room in my house as a sort of "studio", but I just can't get it together to paint or draw. I don't even write much, and writing is my main gig.
I'm working with a writing coach who is also my spiritual director, but I have trouble focusing on anything.
I agree that I feel like I've lost my identity. And I don't have enough money to take classes right now (spending everything on flying to LLMD appointments!).
I am able to do some fiber art, spinning, knitting, dying silks and wools from time to time. It all depends on whether or not my hands are working. I'm trying to feel okay about writing when my hands and brain work, then spinning and knitting when only my hands work.
When nothing works I feel terrible, like I have lost something very precious.
Trails: I think it's a great idea to take a class! In art, as in Zen, and dance, it's a practice. And a class will give you a place to show up and practice your art. Good for you!
The rest of you have great ideas and insights. I'll come back and re-read this when my brain and eyes work better. I feel inspired, and not so alone.
hopeful123
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3244
posted
hey all,
i think the death of the creative spark which used to make me, me, is the worst of all of the symptoms.
not only don't i have ideas flowing, i forget how to work the various mediums i used to know so well.
since taking the flagyl for several months now, i can quilt some because it is not a blank canvas or page. either the fabric or a pattern is a perfectly legitimate jumping off point.
the sewing is tough sometimes because, although i've sewn for years and years, i am still pretty new to quilting and there is a steep learning curve to mastering the technical side of the craft.
can't afford classes or even too many books on learning how. make lots of mistakes which sometimes can be corrected, and other times, not.
silly things like not checking the colors out with outdoor lighting. not choosing projects which are commensurate with my skill level - advanced beginner - and so failing miserably to achieve certain details.
ex art teacher and art therapist
oil painter water color and gouache wood block prints (long ago) a little sculpture here and there
AND ALWAYS MORE IDEAS THAN I HAD TIME TO EXECUTE
in semi-recent lyme days, i also did some collage with paper and paint.
fatigue enters into the equation more than physical pain.
can't imagine teaching an art class, doing art therapy or painting a large oil.
i am reallllllllllllly grateful that the quilting is there. love the colors and textures and patterns.
i think clay is a great way to go, but as stated, it is very physical.
can't remember perspective AT ALL. borrowed a simple book on it and couldn't understand that.
other cognitive defecits continue to plague me, as well. have difficulty reading. can't write the way i used to.
the only thing that really defines my sense of self is making things creatively.
thanks for the thread and hope you guys get some juice back..
really know where you're at..
-------------------- some days you're the bug, some days you're the windshield Posts: 1160 | From NY | Registered: Oct 2002
| IP: Logged |
Andie333
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7370
posted
I agree with HOpeful, that the loss of my creative spark is one of the most heartbreaking things that has happened.
I'm a writer. I also used to sing, write music and play both the guitar and the piano.
I do write a journal now, a,d while that's something. It's nothing creative.
Just before my health took a nosedive, I had started a book -- managed to write about 50 pages -- but for the past year, there's been absolutely nothing.
I work as a writing coach, and it's great to be instilling passion, even if I can't find it in myself.
I just hope that one day, this all starts to turn around and I can reclaim that very very vital part of myself.
Andie
Posts: 2549 | From never never land | Registered: May 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
Wood sculptor-carver(chainsaw joseph).My art keeps me going and is my passion.Fustrating when I dont have the energy to create.Dabble in other mediums.I would like to see your work azure,send a pic if you want privately.
Posts: 308 | From new bedford,Ma. | Registered: Dec 2004
| IP: Logged |
5dana8
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7935
posted
hey fellow artist I do hear your frustration in missing being creative
I posted up top a few days ago.
I just wanted to share something that helps me. This sounds like a stupid idea but really works.
I bought some playdoo at walmart-dirt cheap. It comes in colors. It is non toxic and I bought some.
I made animal figures out of them and had a blast.
You can do it anywhere really and doesn't take up much energy.
You can even spread newspapers around your lap & play with it in bed. It does help and drys to a hard finish. Haven't been able to get alot of detail out of it because itsshape tends to spring back.
It is alot of fun. I don't think I would tell my fellow artists friends I am playing with playdo because I may get a few razzed's over it.
Just a thought. Mum's the word take care dana
-------------------- 5dana8 Posts: 4432 | From some where over the rainbow | Registered: Sep 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
I'm not really what you would call an "artist". Comercial artist maybe. I got my degree in Industrial Design (product design), and live and "work" in the silicon valley area. I say "work" because as you know it is very hard to do with this disease. My main problem is severe arthritist in my right hand. It makes it very hard to sketch and build models, or use a computer for long periods of time. I also build models for fun (mostly jets and stuff) but I have found it hard to concentrate on the lately. I can agree with everyone here about the loss of creative energy. It sucks. Oh well, hope everyone fells better soon. - J
Posts: 1 | From Northern California | Registered: Mar 2006
| IP: Logged |
posted
Dana- Play-Doh: Too funny! I have a big pack of it that I keep on my bedside table to play with!
I LOVE the stuff and it's not messy. I have it in little containers in all different colors. I always had real artists clay as a kid and not Play-Doh, so it's kinda funny that now as an adult I play with the kids stuff!
Neat that somebody other than me is playing with that stuff in bed to keep busy!
Posts: 114 | From USA | Registered: Sep 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
Hey, count me in!! I'm a working artist half time, (a psychotherapist the other half...) I paint... mostly abstracts, in acrylic/mixed media and also oils. I use the water-soluble oils now because of the toxicity of solvents.
I'm so heartbroken for those of you who have either lost your creative spark, or who are too disabled to work... that is just terrible!! I used to play the fiddle ( I loved that so much...) but had to give that up due to the muscle spasms and nerve pain in my hands, shoulders, everywhere else....
I was just diagnosed definitively this week, but have been sick for a long time. I know for sure I've had Lyme since *at least* 1988 -- I actually suspect I was born with it, since my mother has it and was symptomatic before my birth... I got really, really sick after a tick bite (and rash) in '88, but had some symptoms even before that...
I mention this because my whole life -- including all my art training and creative development -- have happened while having this disease. I don't know what it feels like to be well...I don't think I've ever been truly well.
I have days when it really tires me out physically to paint (I paint big, and move all over the place doing it!) but I can really override the pain when I am deep into painting. I just have to realize that I may be in worse pain for a day or two afterwards.
I actually have a show opening this coming Thursday -- since last month I've quit smoking, and cut out all alcohol too -- so I am going to have to deal with the opening-nervousness stone cold sober (no wine... sigh...)and smoke free... wish me luck!
-------------------- "Looks like freedom but it feels like death.. It's something in between, I guess"
Leonard Cohen, from the song "Closing Time" Posts: 822 | From California | Registered: Jan 2006
| IP: Logged |
AZURE WISH
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 804
posted
Wow! i'm really surprised there are so many artists **** chainsaw joesph .... my moms digital camera is broke right now
maybe I can take some pics of something when its fixed.
I always found it amazing that people could carve with chainsaws...
I used to use other saws but it just always seemed like it would be to hard to control a chainsaw.
****
minimonkey .... like you my symptoms started in 1987 when I was 10 ...
and I have had some sort of symptoms every day since then
I was always a creative individual but I think I really got addicted to art after I got sick....
Art has always been a kind of coping mechanism for me....
Actually in art school they would always ask who my audience was.... who was the work made for...
I would tell them I didnt have an audience... Dont really care if anyone ever sees it... I just NEED to make my art works.
Sometimes I wonder if I had not gotten sick with lyme disease who I would be... Its kinda crazy to think that one little tick bite has created the majority of who I am.
I also use the water soluble oils... I think they are very simular to the other ones.
*****
5dana8.... play doh is a good Idea ... it might be easier to manipulate then the clay I have...
I have sculpey which is a material i like because you fire it in the oven ....
doesnt dry to you bake it.....
and after it is fired you can sand, carve, paint or whatever it. ...
but my fingers/hands cant quite work with it yet.
****
I also write poems sometimes... usually in spurts...
posted
This is an awesome thread. I also do mixed media/ acrylics. I use to carve walking sticks and do inlay.
I've dabbled in jewelery making. Both silver and bead work. Their have been diffrent crafts I've found joy in.
I write Poetry at times & I love to sing { when my voice actually works } if only for my children.
I don't have much stamina for it lately & my creativity is at a loss. My arms and hands hurt so it makes it difficult to use them the way I used to. Not to mention my focus.
I like the play do idea. I'll try it. The kids will get a kick. We do crafts together sometimes.
I was just telling my husband that writing these posts and some recent emails has help me learn some things about myself. It has also been a great creative release.
We just need to keep supporting each other on it.
VIVA la Frieda VIVA la Matisse!!!!
Posts: 188 | From NM | Registered: Feb 2006
| IP: Logged |
posted
Has anybody done pottery on a wheel with lyme? That's something I want to go spend time doing.
I did some when I was in school and loved it. I am going to try to find somebody that would mentor me and let me come in and make stuff.
I may be getting a PICC line very soon and was trying to figure out if doing pottery (kinda messy) with that would be a bad idea.
I also paint, draw, and have been playing around with making some sculptures. Play guitar and write alot. Not able to sing most of the time with what lyme does to my voice.
Posts: 114 | From USA | Registered: Sep 2005
| IP: Logged |
5dana8
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7935
posted
Trail Thnakyou for the pictures.
They where both inspiration to me.
Specially now at this juncture in my life. I needed to be reminded that you can be disabled at times and still do something productive in bed.
A toast: To better and ceative days a head for all of us
Lets all raise our glasses ah (cups of tea and lemon water)to this toast!
-------------------- 5dana8 Posts: 4432 | From some where over the rainbow | Registered: Sep 2005
| IP: Logged |
trails
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 1620
posted
I was making part of my living as a potter (wheel thrown vessels) when I had a picc line in 2001. I dont recommend throwing with IV. I went to handbuilt stuff during the IV part of my treatment, but returned to throwing once the IV was taken out.
You are not supposed to lift heavy things while on IV--and throwing can be labor intensive. Also throwing requires wedging (kneeding) of your clay and this is the most labor intesive part---it requires strength and lifting.
BUT---perhaps you can get someone to do that part for youwhile you are on IV? And the wheel throwing is the fun part anyhow. ALthough the whole prep of clay---it is such a process...
Try your local parks and rec dept of your city or county. And then try your public schools or community college. Often the public schools have a night time adult school offering courses that are reasonably priced. Community college does too.
Get MUDDY! Trails
Posts: 1950 | From New Mexico | Registered: Sep 2001
| IP: Logged |
posted
Wow, really glad this thread is happening. Azure Wish -- I've wondered that, too -- who would I have become without this disease? Would I be an artist? Would I be a therapist?
I'm sure that the therapist part was due to the psychological problems I suffered early on, and my desire to understand them -- would I have had them without Lyme??? Art, too, started out as a catharsis for emotional pain... now it is more of a joyous release.
I don't know the answers, but I do know that I like the person I've become, and that I am grateful for all the lessons learned. That said, I'm ready to get better, and now!
Crikey... no heavy lifting with IV? I'm not gonna like that.... doing injectables at the moment, so can still haul things around, even if it hurts like heck to do it...
-------------------- "Looks like freedom but it feels like death.. It's something in between, I guess"
Leonard Cohen, from the song "Closing Time" Posts: 822 | From California | Registered: Jan 2006
| IP: Logged |
What perfect timing for this thread, as I was just sitting around being heartbroken at all the art I can't do.
I used to do mixed media sculpture, acrylic and oil painting. And pastels......love the pastels.
Now that I am living back with my parents who are helping to take care of me, I look around and see all the art that I did hanging up and I get so frustrated.
Minimonkey, you talking about your show on Thursday was like a balm to me. Congratulations, I am so so so happy to hear that. So happy that one of us lymies is doing this! Say, is your show anywhere in the vicinity of Northern California?
Alison
--------------------
The obscure we see eventually. The completely obvious, it seems, takes longer. --- Edward R. Murrow Posts: 923 | From California | Registered: Aug 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
What's that quote about being an artist? I think it's if someone calls you an artist, then you must be one....or if you get paid for your work, you must be one?
At any rate, I do think when you get there you know you're there. Its that all consuming urge to be creative and you're not happy until you are.
I've been there. I started with stained glass work....graduated to art quilts(used to teach). My all consuming passion now is Jewelry/Silversmithing....which I'm still learning....but also painting looks really fun!
I've got problems with the creative spark also....that and waiting for good days. Those good days usually aren't spent on creative things....just getting stuff done.
Hope everyone gets that creative spark back....me too.
I PMed you too, but yes, the show is in San Francisco, at a restaurant. I have gallery representation, too, but that is in Atlanta.
Before I got the Lyme DX recently, I was seriously on the road to becoming severely disabled. I was trying to figure out how I'd manage to paint in a wheelchair, as well as continue working -- I decided I'd need two wheelchairs --- one clean one for my therapy work, and another that I could get all covered in paint!
I think I'd learn to paint with a brush in my mouth if it came to that -- it is that much a part of my being.
I miss pastels, too ( I used the soft "chalk" pastels)--- I stopped using them because of the dust and toxins.... I feel ready to start using them again, cautiously, wearing gloves and a mask... no more blowing the dust of with reckless abandon....
-------------------- "Looks like freedom but it feels like death.. It's something in between, I guess"
Leonard Cohen, from the song "Closing Time" Posts: 822 | From California | Registered: Jan 2006
| IP: Logged |
posted
Yay! I PM'd you back. I will do my darndest to be there.
Chalk pastels were my favorite too...not the oil ones. I loved making a huge mess with those!
Alison
--------------------
The obscure we see eventually. The completely obvious, it seems, takes longer. --- Edward R. Murrow Posts: 923 | From California | Registered: Aug 2005
| IP: Logged |
trails
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 1620
posted
where is the show Mini?????
are you willing to share the details here? I might be able to go!
Posts: 1950 | From New Mexico | Registered: Sep 2001
| IP: Logged |
Andie333
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7370
posted
Mini,
I just wanted to thank you for letting us know about your show.
It's really an inspiration, and I wish you much success!
Andie
Posts: 2549 | From never never land | Registered: May 2005
| IP: Logged |
hopeful123
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3244
posted
mini, good luck with the show!!!!
-------------------- some days you're the bug, some days you're the windshield Posts: 1160 | From NY | Registered: Oct 2002
| IP: Logged |
posted
Oh, wow -- thanks for all the well wishes. The show is at 2223 Market St. in San Francisco -- it is a swanky restaurant with good display space. It is from 5-8 Thursday, the 16th (probably will be the 16th by the time anyone reads this....)
I'd love to have you guys there!!!!!!!!
-------------------- "Looks like freedom but it feels like death.. It's something in between, I guess"
Leonard Cohen, from the song "Closing Time" Posts: 822 | From California | Registered: Jan 2006
| IP: Logged |
trails
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 1620
posted
Tonight's the night! You shine on MINIMONKEY!!
I cant make it to the opening, but I might be in SF either THIS weekend or some weekend in April....how long is it up for?
Have fun tonight! Trails
Posts: 1950 | From New Mexico | Registered: Sep 2001
| IP: Logged |
AZURE WISH
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 804
posted
I'm so glad to here your getting to have a show despite the lyme
trails
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 1620
posted
how did it go minimonkey?? I thought about you a ton last night---was trying to picture what type of art you were displaying. I am prolly TOTALLY WRONG!
Let us know and also--how long is the show up?
Posts: 1950 | From New Mexico | Registered: Sep 2001
| IP: Logged |
It went well, I think -- pretty mellow, but a good, steady turnout -- especially as the evening wore on. I had no idea what to expect, as it was a restaurant (plus, it was sheeting down rain last night.) Got to see some old friends, which was really nice.
The best part was that I got to meet Alison (and her sister)!!! She is truly radiantly beautiful, both inside and out. That meant so much to me that she came!
I have a much-bigger-deal opening happening in late April in Atlanta -- I've recently been picked up by a gallery there (first one for me!) and will be traveling there for the opening of an abstracts show in which I will be heavily featured. I'm nervous about traveling what with the Lyme, but am going to assume that eveything will be fine.
If anyone is interested, I do have a website of my art -- I don't want to post a link 'cause it has my real name, but pm me and I will send it to you.
-------------------- "Looks like freedom but it feels like death.. It's something in between, I guess"
Leonard Cohen, from the song "Closing Time" Posts: 822 | From California | Registered: Jan 2006
| IP: Logged |
I felt so lucky to be able to make it to the show. The art, by the way, was absolutely magnificent. I love gorgeous abstracts, and was just beautiful, *all* of the pieces, although I had picked three fairly serious favorite pieces by the time I had walked past them all.
And it was so great to meet minimonkey, both of us there, drinking water lol. It was great to meet in person and have time for a bit of a chat, it was definitely worth the trip out and I'm soooo glad I went. I almost felt like a normal person doing normal person things!
I was so happy to go, meet someone as lovely as minimonkey, even though we were complete strangers - the whole Lyme thing was definitely a uniting factor, and I was so happy to be there to help with whatever support I could!
Not to mention that I walked away feeling very inspired and to the point where I feel like maybe I can begin to do art again. What a gift you gave me, minimonkey, thank you!
Alison
--------------------
The obscure we see eventually. The completely obvious, it seems, takes longer. --- Edward R. Murrow Posts: 923 | From California | Registered: Aug 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
Thank *you*, Alison! I loved having you there, and if I inspired you, that is the best news I've heard in a long time. I can't think of a higher honor than inspiring another artist.
-------------------- "Looks like freedom but it feels like death.. It's something in between, I guess"
Leonard Cohen, from the song "Closing Time" Posts: 822 | From California | Registered: Jan 2006
| IP: Logged |
posted
Congrats on the show(s), minimonkey! I'm so sorry I could not be there. Sounds like things are movin' and shakin' for you! You're an inspiration.
posted
So happy to get away from the medical converstaions....you guys have a great thread goin!!
I have been studying at the lyme college for five years...as long as I have been sick (only migraines the first four though)...stopped painting in Nov. 05 when all hell broke out.
We have a group show at a bank in town-students and facutly...makes me feel like I am still involved.
I have also written a novel (not publilshed) and have published several stories.
I am having a hard time even talking about this to you right now cause I have been so ill and depressed lately and also feel like others that I am lost -- no identity.
I have to close my studio next month since I know I wont be using it and it is a waste of money...my medical bills and not working has rendered me impotent on all fronts.
I can barely grocery shop for my family.
I still read the art mags that come. When I am well, I want to do a series of paintings on pain and lyme disease.
I have such a need to express my feelings about this disease and what it has done to me. I never thought a human could experience such pain and devastation-both physcially, emotionally and spiritually.
And the isolation from others and God.
Maybe we could form an artist group and show our work in an online gallery...would love to get your ideas on this...
Best
-------------------- We are spiritual beings on a human journey...
posted
Human: Sorry you have to close your studio, and that you are suffering. I think a set of paintings on Lyme and pain sounds wonderful!
I also love the idea of a Lyme artist online gallery. We just need to find someone who's got enough energy to set it up. Maybe a Yahoo group or something?
Loosing the ability to create has been the worst thing about this disease for me. I've been inspired just reading posts in this thread from other artists.
The conversation here alone helps remind me I'm an artist even when I'm not cranking out work. Having the chance to other people's work would be like icing on the cake! Warmly, Elizabeth
posted
Wow, there are a lot of us! I haven't been on lymenet for a while, so I checked this post out first thing.
I do portraits in colored pencil, paint, animal portraits, also enjoy macrame(sp?), and lots of other media.
I pretty much love anything to do with art - drawing has been my passion since I was old enough to hold a crayon.
But, lately I just feel as if I'm in a rut. (like others have said on here - the "spark" is lacking) I have a portrait, a church building drawing, and some stamping pictures that I HAVE to do for other people that I'm having a hard time getting motivated to do them. Posts: 416 | From Southeastern PA | Registered: Sep 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
humanbeing-we must be thinking the same thing...
I have been doing a collection on pain and lyme disease and being so sick, combined with bad medical experiences.
I started it late last spring before I knew I had lyme disease and was having really bad medical experiences. It has been very theraputic for me to get those emotions out and be able to share the experiences. It also gives me something to do, that makes me feel worthwhile and as if I am somehow contributing...not just laying around in bed.
Trails-Pottery...darn, I forgot about prepping the clay. In my mind I skipped to working on the wheel! I am going to see if anybody has a studio and could do private lessons or something with me. I have another one to two months before I get my PICC line.
If I feel up to it with the line in, hopefully somebody could prep the clay for me and I could cover the line to protect it. I was thinking about getting some clay and working with it at home. I just like the feel of it, and being able to make something so pretty out of it. We have several pieces around the house that I did when I was younger.
I'd like to do pieces we could eat with...mugs, etc. Will see!
I ditto everybody else...this is a great thread!
Are there any musicians on here? I play guitar and find it very theraputic. I worry about being able to play with the PICC line, but hope it won't affect things.
Posts: 114 | From USA | Registered: Sep 2005
| IP: Logged |
The obscure we see eventually. The completely obvious, it seems, takes longer. --- Edward R. Murrow Posts: 923 | From California | Registered: Aug 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
I see both sides of this one -- lyme has opened a lot of creative doors for me, I think, a lot of the time -- but the pain and disability have closed them from time to time, too --- particularly when I am too down physically to paint. (I've been blessed to have support so that this hasn't devastated me financially, and I've rarely been too entirely disabled to work.)
If we were to form a group and band together, we would have a good chance of getting a group show with a strong theme...we could raise lyme awareness and also get our art out there... am I just dreaming, or do we want to try something like that in the future???
In the mean time, an artist group/online gallery is a great idea! Anyone here tech-savvy enough to set it up????
-------------------- "Looks like freedom but it feels like death.. It's something in between, I guess"
Leonard Cohen, from the song "Closing Time" Posts: 822 | From California | Registered: Jan 2006
| IP: Logged |
trueblue
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7348
posted
quote:Originally posted by blackbirdsings:
I was thinking about getting some clay and working with it at home. I just like the feel of it
I ditto everybody else...this is a great thread!
Me too, I love clay most of all; everything about it, the texture, the coolness, even the smell.
I've been thinking about it for weeks, amongst other things, but clay calls to me the most.
I haven't done anything in so long I find myself grabbing crayons on the way into family restaurants and drawing on napkins.
It's time to do something, there's too much of me missing and I need something to ground me.
Thank you for starting this thread and to all that posted. I appreciate the nudge.
-------------------- more light, more love more truth and more innovation Posts: 3783 | From somewhere other than here | Registered: May 2005
| IP: Logged |
AZURE WISH
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 804
posted
humanbeing - It must be really hard to close down your studio..
I am disabled and can't work at all - so I live with my wonderful family -
My mom has been kind enough to let me use about 1/3 or so of the basement as a studio....
I have drawers, cabinets and containers filled with supplies...
Years ago my dad hung up a floresent light over my desk...
It is a really nice way to work .... if I can only work for 10 minutes its ok..
cuz the couch is only up the stairs and around the corner.
Maybe if you have a some space where you live...
even a basement or garage you could make that your new studio...
just till u get well.
It always made me feel better to have a place that I could do my art...
even when I was so sick I couldn't walk or hold a fork... much less think about even drawing... *****
I miss clay too.
Yesturday I just bought some mini sculpting tools..
As soon as I can I will use sculpy i also have some paper clay....
its a little less demanding then earthenware clay.
you dont have to prepare it or hollow it out. --
My art has always been an outlet for what I was going through....
Since I have been coping with lyme since I was 10 ... The lyme really has impacted my art...
Maybe thats why in art school my art was seen as so odd...
I have always tended to try to capture what makes us human though.
As soon as I can drive (hopefully soon) I am going to jion a local art club...
I really want to draw from models too. Alot of my work is figative.... even if its abstract.
anyone have any ideas where they might offer a class with models (cheap)?
Does anyone have any tricks to make water based oils dry faster?
I tend to paint in layers and this painting is for my mom...
at this rate it might be done in ten years. (and I used acrylics for the base coat)
posted
This is a great thread. I've always been creative and enjoyed lots of different mediums. I pretty much gave up even trying to do anything years ago. It would tire me out so much.
Just last December I discovered polymer clay and joined a group on Yahoo. They have been very helpful and I've made a few miniature babies out of it. I can see improvement with each one.
I am pretty much obsessed with it now and can't wait till I feel well enough to do it. I can't do it very often because the fatigue is so bad but when I do it is such a great feeling to take a block of clay and create a tiny baby from it.
I never thought of myself as a sculptor but I might just be one some day. LOL I just get so frustrated because I can't sculpt when I want to. My brain says sculpt but my body says rest. LOL If I'm not sculpting I'm thinking about it. I'd call that obsessed. LOL
It's great to see so many artists here. It's a shame this has been taken away from so many of us. I have also lost the creativity I used to have.
Sapphire101
Posts: 495 | From KY USA | Registered: Dec 2004
| IP: Logged |
trails
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 1620
posted
Bad news my artsy fartsy friends:
I threw on the wheel for the first time in 3 years and paid for 3 days straight. My legs were SO sore...my back was seizing up and my hands ---there are muscles in there that were cramping that I didnt even know existed!
It was SO painful to throw too. All my joints were on fire and I just felt like crying the whole time. It was very dissappointing, even though I went with an open mind, just looking for FUN---no products.
I THREW great---I am still very skilled, but I am in much too much pain to ever consider doing it on any regular basis.
This has been beyond depressing for me. Dont worry---you dont need to cheer me up. I am very accepting of where I am. I just wanted to let you know how my "class" went.
Yuck. Posts: 1950 | From New Mexico | Registered: Sep 2001
| IP: Logged |
On the good news front (or the "I might be crazy front"), I have been inspired by you all to start a Yahoo group for us to display our art, writing, etc.
Anyone want to try it out? If it doesn't work, so be it. Or if anyone has a better idea of how do to this, I'm completely open. Yahoo was just the best thing I could think of.
posted
As Hopeful stated, "Loss of creative spark" ...along with the 'will' to be creative makes me feel wooden inside.
But then there are days the fog is lifted and boy do I take advantage of it!
I do not have formal education in the arts but I have many mediums that I love to create from.
Jewelry, beadwork, and floral design are the ones I have a monetary return on. I love the work also.
I used to paint, draw, throw clay, batik, copper enamel, and macrame intricate jewelry w/ beads.
Some of the above mediums were a challange for me but I had soooooooooo much fun anyway.
Great thread, thanks. I think I'll go create now, bye!
Stella Marie
-------------------- Stella Marie Posts: 694 | From US | Registered: Apr 2005
| IP: Logged |
ArtistDi
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 2297
posted
I am an artist--I paint in egg tempera and have used gold leaf as embellishment. About five years ago I was an art professor, had a private dealer in NYC who showed my work in Europe as well.
I also became an independent curator.
It has been difficult to create, but I keep going. I have just entered a couple of shows, one for disabled artists in Washington, DC. through the VSA arts, www,vsarts.org/transformation
One of my works has been reproduced in the book, "Grief Unseen." I am not sure if it has hit the American market yet as it is published in England.
At any rate, my art friends encouraged me to curate again, and I am working with a couple of artists trying to secure shows for them.
I want to paint, because it is an inherent part of me, and without it, I am lost. That part still lives in me, even when I am tired or my hands shake. I will myself to just do something.
You might want to try silverpoint--very nice drawing technique from the Renaissance. You can take your time and use Claybord, so the panel is already to go. You can find silverpoint pens online or make your own with a piece of jeweler silver in a mechanical pencil.
The Lyme Disease Network is a non-profit organization funded by individual donations. If you would like to support the Network and the LymeNet system of Web services, please send your donations to:
The
Lyme Disease Network of New Jersey 907 Pebble Creek Court,
Pennington,
NJ08534USA http://www.lymenet.org/
UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[hi]](graemlins/hi.gif)
![[group hug]](graemlins/grouphug.gif)
![[kiss]](graemlins/kissing.gif)
![[Cool]](cool.gif)
![[bow]](graemlins/bow.gif)
![[Eek!]](eek.gif)
![[shake]](graemlins/shake.gif)
Printer-friendly view of this topic