A Reliquary

For my Ignite Class, our first project was to create a reliquary as a vessel for the spirit of our journey in the class. (Typically reliquaries hold the spirit and possibly parts of loved ones who have passed on.)

My reliquary actually has 3 parts: a container, a book and inspirational cards.
The container is a box that formerly housed one of my daughter's toys.  I broke it apart and covered it with fabric.  I chose the fabric because I love the colors and the flowers look like hearts joined together in circle to me. Our Ignite group is a circle of 12 amazing women, and Connie our teacher.




The book, which to me is the main feature of my reliquary (the relic) is a book that I originally made in a journal making class.  One of those classes where you feel like you want to hand over what you're doing over to the teacher because you just can't get it right.  Well, I have put my own special twist on this book now. I've filled it with pages collaged with thoughts from my journals and photos of my painting that capture the spirit of Ignite and the true, deep, keeping-me-up-at-night excitement that I feel for this journey.


The book contains envelopes to hold things I want to keep.  I made little inspiration cards that I put in one of the pockets.  On the front of the cards are photos of my paintings and on the back are little nuggets that I've gleaned from the sessions so far, or quotes that have influenced me on my journey. Symbols that I included: Mirrors-to reflect the truth back to me so I may see who I really am.  A Bundle-To represent our group.  A picture of my daughter-To remind me that one of the main reasons I'm doing this is to keep her little creative heart alive and thriving.  For her to know and own her own creative spirit.  Pieces of lace from my grandmother's sewing kit.  Grandmother has always been close to my heart, encouraged and supported me in many ways.



I love these cards because I can carry them with me.  I have pictures of my artwork on my phone already, but having the messages on the back will encourage, inspire and/or cause me to think throughout my day. Everyone in the group had their own interpretation of the project and this was mine.  It was an incredible learning experience for me and I'm happy with how it turned out.  It has room to grow and expand with my journey as well.

Finished!

I started this painting over the summer at my friend Bev's.  Her sister, the amazing Martha Perkins of  My Sketch Experiment gave us an impromptu lesson in Bev's driveway.  We set up easels and tables and put the kids at their own table and went to town.  At one point a neighborhood dog came over and christened one of the girls' paintings that was drying in the sun.  I suspect it was making it's own mark on the work.

This painting has been through many changes, many layers. I think it has a car payment worth of paint on it. It was all white with just the background poking through in flower shapes.  Then it became giant, vibrant blue leaves with red and orange flowers. 

I hung it on my wall in my bedroom so it was the first thing I saw when I woke up every morning.  I stared at it.  I squinted.  I imagined what direction it might go.  And then I totally transformed it.  More than once.  More than twice.

Then I started the Flora Bowley e-course and this became my practice canvas.  I've been recording the progress of the big mama canvases here already but this was my cautious place where I could "safely" try out what I've been learning.  The class is about being BOLD.  This is dipping my toe in first before I try on my real bold.  I seem to have developed that hesitancy in all areas of my life.  Putting my own parentheses in wherever things feel too strong for my comfort.  But it's coming. 

I do believe I'm finished now.  Now to tackle those biggies....

Art Journal

The art journal is my place to experiment.  Some of these elements I then carry over into my painting.  Stamping, blending, adding unusual elements.  It's wickedly fun!  

This page includes oil pastels, acrylic paint, colored paper, scrapbook paper, smash tape and vintage lace that I found in my grandmother's attic.

I love exploring how the materials and colors work together.  Very addictive!
  

Ignite Begins

I painted this in February, the first week after I signed up for IGNITE

Today, October 1st, 2012 marks a new beginning.

I'm officially beginning my new creative adventure!  

It's time to IGNITE! 

I took this yesterday.  Coincidence?