Mixed Media in Motion

I know it takes time for new sources of creative energy to find their way and take hold. That hasn't stopped me from continually getting impatient and frustrated with my creative process and progress. Juggling a full time job with full time artistic aspirations, dreams, and goals leaves my head spinning. It also produces wasted energy, frustration, and delays. 

8"x8" Whim(sical)  Mixed Media Painting on wood panel (Marilyn Grad c@2011)

Going through Indiana recently on my way back to Chicago, there are several fields of wind turbines. If you've ever driven through Indiana there isn't too much to look at. It's boring. As a passenger and not a driver, I was observing these supreme functional art sculptures in  simplistic and powerful motion. I started thinking about ways I can change my thinking and approach. The answer my friend was blowing in the wind.

Wind turbines in Indiana.

Two ways to officially change an approach is to alter a word and modify a font. And last week I did just that. I went from being "Functional" Creations to "Mixed Media" Creations.  You can see it at the top of this blog, on my website and business cards.  Mixed Media is so much easier to describe than functional, believe it or not, which saves energy in the selling and marketing process.

Like turbines, it is going to take time and far more effort on my part for my new found mixed media creative happiness to catch on. Naturally. Organically. Creatively. It is also going to require me to get over some of my show issues, and do more shows. That will be the focus of my next blog post.

 If all you can do is crawl, start crawling.  

Rumi

So next post: a change in approach to doing shows... with some real help from artists that do them and live them. Honest, insightful, and inspirational perspective. (One tease: Melissa Banks of Rapt in Maille)

Taking Advantage of the Summer

New Whim(sical) Mixed Media work in progress; Copyright Marilyn Grad 2011

There is something about Summer that necessitates finding the perfect imbalance between work and pleasure. Because of that, I am taking this moment to tip the scales more on the side of pleasure. It's best to take advantage of it because Summer goes by so quickly.  I have workaholic tendencies. 

So for the sake of imbalance and me, I write another even more Randomly Speaking  post:

One of my favorite things to do is to go to Ravinia Park to hear outdoor concerts and picnic on the lawn. The scenery is so peaceful and serene. I went this past Friday night to hear the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the weather was perfect:

Since my dearest friend Tereza and I both got off from our respective jobs early, we chose to arrive soon after the park opened to the public @ 5:30. This allowed us to secure a nice location, relax, take in the sights and scenery and just unwind. Concert started at 8:00. 

I picked up some "easy to transport" food. Some might find some of this kinda boring. I eat very healthy 98% of the time. Not shown, the wine and ice cream.  We're gonna need it. Trust me.

As I mentioned, one of the advantages of arriving early is to secure your spot. Once you do, it is easy to become somewhat territorial with your space and surroundings. Twenty minutes after we had staked our claim, this couple decides to position themselves a yard (literally) away from us. SERIOUSLY???? A few feet more and we wouldn't have felt intruded upon. But it was still so early and the park had LOTS of wide open space yearning to be occupied. This gets better or worse depending on your perspective. Soon after and straight ahead, this:

Not exactly the "takin' in the scenery" I had in mind. At this juncture, Tereza and I are looking at each other and around at all our too close for comfort neighbors in disbelief. REALLY??? This close??? I get my camera, seeing material for this blog in the making, and all the while laughing so hard it hurt. Great for the abs, btw. Tears were rolling down my face, unfortunately not blinding enough that I could still see the sight ahead. I'm laughing now trying to I write this.

Tereza between disbelief and laughing too! We decided to strategically place bags around our area so the plumber shot was partially obscured. It depended on whether you sat up or reclined. Anyway, the concert was spectacular. 
It was fun.

                    

Next: The DuSable Museum held an African Fine Arts and Craft Fair yesterday. I love African art in addition to Asian and Eastern. I went after work for some new ideas and influences and to see if anything called out to me. It didn't.

:

Summer Reading: Snow Flower and Secret Fan by Lisa See; next: The Help by Kathryn Stockett. Nothing like reading before the movies come out! 

A quote:

 One who smiles rather than rages is always the stronger.

Last but not least, I saw this engraved in the sidewalk across the street from me.  I DIDN'T even do it!! All for the love of wet cement and the name Marilyn. And Summer.