Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Prompted to Do ART

It occurred to me last week that I have been promoting and selling these really cool prompt journals in my etsy shop, but have not taken the time to use one myself. Today I felt compelled to "just do it" and now I can tell you that this little pad of library pocket cards is as revolutionary as sliced bread.


I have, to date, hmmmm, 3(?) art journals with a couple pages done in each. Today I feel that the prompt journal I did a page in, will be the book I work in more often. Hold me to it, if I don't. The pages are larger than an ATC, but smaller than a postcard. Doesn't take much time to fill up a page that small, so there's no excuse for "no time" to do it.





I used gesso and acrylic paints with lots of water and the card did not buckle badly. Just kept layering and scrubbing the surface until the piece felt like it had had enough. Then I went at it with india ink and a dip pen. I pulled out my art college days paint box and found all kinds of forgotten treasures-- that hadn't completely dried out.




With a title like this, something from the Bronte Sisters came to mind, but I didn't feel like pouring over my meager clip art sources. I wanted something more immediate. Scary to draw and paint for the first time in YEARS. I am not proud of my amateurish results, but the art is honest. The really scary thing is, it looks like I painted a portrait of my sister who was killed by her ex-husband two years ago next month.

Some women are quiet because they don't feel they have a voice.
There IS a way to express yourself without saying a word.
I exorcised some personal demons today with this piece.



8 comments:

Lorrie said...

Wow, this is a powerful. We never know what other people are going through - the quiet ones in particular.

Thank you for sharing this.

Lorrie

BadPenny said...

I love this but sad to hear it has stirred up awful things

Jeanie said...

Exorcising demons can be a good -- if hard thing. I admire your sharing it with us (and seeing more of your work, which always amazes me.)

Linda Jo said...

........wow!

Marlynn said...

This is one of the most moving pieces I have seen recently. Yes, it is hard to exorcise the demons, especially when they sneak up on you before you know it. You did a heart-felt piece of art and had the courage to show us. Thank you!

~*~Patty S said...

Wow Nathalie ... realizing even a little of the pain that is connected to the loss of your sister has to be a good thing ... I typed "realizing" and actually meant to say "releasing" ... they do go hand in hand don't they
keep it coming ... Art Heals
I am finding it difficult to express what's in my heart just now
Thank you for sharing your art from heart with us
OXOO

Margaret said...

Nathalie, I'm with Patty on this one, keep it coming. What a blessing to beable to express yourself in this way. I love what you've done with the cards, this is going to be one very special book. Mx

daysease said...

First... Your prompt journals make me drool.. they fascinate me, and just make me want to flip through them, and soak in every detail.

second... I am SO sorry about your sister. So very sorry for the struggles that such tragedy brings. Please know that I will be thinking of you and praying for you and your family as this tragic anniversary approaches...

sending a hug...

celita