The Flower On My Table

Vincent Van Gogh

Vincent Van Gogh: Self Portrait

I have taken an interest in the artist Vincent Van Gogh.

Sunday evening, I was watching an episode of Dr Who in which The Doctor and his companion, Amy Pond, meet none other than…? [You guessed it]… Van Gogh.

Yesterday, with toddler in tow I made a pilgrimage to the local library and borrowed two books on Van Gogh, which were “What makes a Van Gogh a Van Gogh?” and “Van Gogh: The essential visual guide to his life and art, and to the influences that shaped his work”. Now, if that isn't a mouthful…

It is heart breaking knowing so many artists throughout time are so unappreciated during their years on earth. I think though, these days it is much easier for an artist to be recognised, appreciated, and appropriately paid for their work.

Thankfuly, when Van Gogh passed away, his loving family took care of of his surviving work, and ensured that it was given due recognition in the art world.

I love how Van Gogh used yellow and blue in his paintings. Most especially in his night time landscapes.

Vincent Van Gogh: The Cafe Terrace At Night

Vincent Van Gogh: Church At Auvers

Vincent Van Gogh: The Starry Night

No Where Girl

Admittedly, I am at a loss for what to do next. I have no current projects. I'm not even between projects. There is just nothing happening. I can't even get my brain to buzz about some new idea. I had one too many different thoughts and I think it fried my creativity. What will I do?

Pants On Head Friday

My daughter is just so cute — Pucker up, Buttercup!

The Envelopes Opened

I am very excited today. Pip, over at Meet Me At Mike's, has opened the shop display for The Envelope Project. Amongst the many envelope offerings on hand is a selection of craft pieces that I myself put together and sent off.

To find out more about The Envelope Project, simply follow this link.

Shoop Shoop

Who remembers the film Mermaids, and Cher's cover of the Shoop Shoop Song? Don't ya just love the way people dressed in the sixties? It makes me wish we could just time warp our wardrobes to any era of our choosing.

And how about this dress, which played such a prominent part in the story (in addition to the infamous Mermaid costume worn by Cher)? I would love to have a dress like that in my collection.

Speaking of the mermaid costume, let's sneak a peak at some of the photos…

I have the original coming of age novel — Mermaids (written by Patty Dann) in my collection and it is a heart warming read. I think the film also lives up to the book quite well. The whole ensemble cast brought something magical and natural to the screen. Winona Ryder was a natural as the awkward teenager — Charlotte (I love the moment when she shouts out the car window “I want to lead a violent and exciting life”, narrowly avoiding a car accident. Christina Ricci was so charming as ‘Fish-Head’ Kate. And I loved the internalised way Cher played Mrs Flax. Mrs Flax was determined to party forever in an attempt to never allow another man to ever hurt her again.

Time to watch the Shoop Shoop Song again.

My Creative Space...

Okay! Very annoyed (not a great way to start), but I had just finished writing the perfect blog entry, and the blog went all kapowie and I lost the piece. Let's see if I can rewrite that sparkle. [SAVE NOW!]

This week I have been sketching and drawing with oil pastels. You can see examples of my work down below and in previous entries from this week.

Yesterday I visited the library and borrowed two books on the Impressionists. Originally these painters were a somewhat overlooked for creating a new paint style. But eventually the public began to appreciate their work, and these artists became a commercial success. Take that Académie Royale!

This has a response to Kootoyoo's weekly catch up… titled My Creative Space. To find out what fun things other people have been doing simply follow this link.

So Like, So Yeah! So Sledgehammer

Please Pass the Pastel

At the moment I am having fun drawing with texta and oil pastels. I have started a new sketch book and these are the first two drawings in it.

The Envelope Project

Today I mailed the above envelope to Meet Me At Mike's for The Envelope Project which is being hosted by Pip. For the time being I'll keep the contents of this envelope a surprise, till Pip gets the mail.

To find out more about The Envelope Project, simply click here.

Vivi Manifests Beyond

As a lot of us in blogland are aware there is a growing trend toward the homemade, one off pieces when it comes to filling the closet or even the home. Sure we still rely on mass production, but people these days have the knowledge that what they've bought in shop may have been the end of the line of sweatshops and generally speaking unfair work conditions for some other struggling individual.

So having said that, it is nice to hear of a high end fashion designer breaking rank, and saying it how it is. Vivienne Westwood is the naughty darling of fashion. Of course she only seems naughty because she simply does what makes her feel happy, rather than allowing society expectations to oppress her. Is it possible that The way I see it, Vivienne is a visionary who is saying sure have that slice of cake, but not the whole g-d d---ed thing. In our consumerist society we are buying too much, and not appreciating what we do have.

Take a moment today and visit Vivienne's Manifesto which can be found here… http://www.activeresistance.co.uk/

Sunday Cooking Storm

Yesterday my family was meant to step out for lunch at Dad's place (beef curry and chicken curry was on the menu). But once the car was packed and everyone had their seatbelt on, the car coughed and wheezed, declaring that it had a head cold and under no circumstances were we going to make it anywhere in time for lunch.

With such an anti-climatic outcome at only 11 in the morning we were at a loss at what to do. We went for a walk, to get some fresh air, and by the time we were home it was agreed we would bake comfort food and eat said comfort food. Michael prepared a homemade chicken soup (he even used a real chicken), he also baked two pizzas, whereas I baked pecan pie for the first time ever.

The soup, pizzas and pecan pie came out perfect, see below evidence of our baking half a second before it got demolished.

Back To Basics

The past few days I have been taking a break from Photoshop work, and getting back to basics. I pulled out an old box of oil pastels, a colour wheel, and experimented with a variety of patterns.

Pretty Good Idea

I was doodling in Illustrator when I came up with this little piece. I think this would make for such a pretty bed quilt. What do you think?

The Beach

Tuesday Doodling

Birdie