Life is Art

Enough of a good thing!

2010-11-01T15:12:00.000-07:00

You can never have enough Scott Ward Art!

This photo is not of a gallery or a boutique. It's not even my studio. This is the bedroom in the home of a client and friend.
For the past several years, Craig Martin has been collecting my art. At this point, I believe he has sixteen pieces. Some are original oil paintings and others are prints on canvas. He has been very supportive and encouraging as you can see.
I have several clients owning collections of my art. In most cases (of what I know), they hang throughout the house - in different rooms, on different walls. I had to capture a photo of Craig's wall because it cracked me up. "It makes me so happy to wake up to this" Craig told me. This in return makes me very happy. "I also love falling asleep to it" he expressed.
Now, I'm not necessarily promoting that everyone collect my artwork (though that's not such a terrible idea). What I do want to promote is the practice of surrounding yourself with things that make you happy. Having an entire wall or roomful of happy-inducing pieces can make you, well, happy.

What is it that brings joy to you? What inspires you to be good, happy, uplifted? Are you surrounded with enough of it?

If you need any suggestions, I can help you out with it!

Be good,
Scott

Home, family, fun and pigs

2010-04-17T17:04:00.000-07:00

This is my latest commissioned painting. It was purchased as a birthday gift for a wife from her husband.

It was a fun and easy process. After learning that family, home, fun and pigs made the wife happy, I came up with a couple of ideas.

This is the one she chose.

Their three kids are in characteristic costumes. They are subtly placed and all center around home. Two little pigs sit in the shade of the tree in the back.

I liked the idea of a living post for the birdhouse to represent the idea of growth and change and life.

And, it is no surprise, there are words hidden in there somewhere!

Be good,
Scott

Easter Lilies

2010-04-07T16:57:00.000-07:00

The white lily has been a symbol for Easter since the Middle Ages.
I would imagine it is a rare Christian church that does not decorate with
Easter lilies on Easter Sunday.

In the past, we have had lilies near and on our altar table.
This year I wanted to use the Easter lily as a more integral part of the congregations experience. Initially, I thought about hanging potted lilies along the sanctuary arches over the congregation. However this brought its own set of problems -
how to hang them, maintain them, and give them attractive pots
(the metallic-sheet covered plastic pots are not so pretty).
I also felt that they weren't going to have the effect I was hoping for, close but not quite.

I wanted more drama.

Then it hit me. I wanted each flower to be big, really big. I set about designing 3-foot high Easter Lilies. Working with paper I cut and glued, painted and stapled, folded and sewed, tore and taped. After a few prototypes I ended up with something resembling a kirigami design.
(origami with cutting)

Each lily is one piece of paper cut and folded, then secured with hidden tape and staples. Though labor intensive for my team of 4 the result was fresh and new and Easter-y.

The best comment I heard was "I am convinced that I could actually smell them."

Happy Easter!
Be good,
Scott

Sandwich, Schmandwich

2009-11-06T13:00:00.000-08:00

I had a sandwich board sitting outside my house near the sidewalk. We live on a well traveled path, a route for walkers, runners, cyclists, and strollers. Having a sandwich board with a box for postcards was a great way to get my art known in the area. In fact, I have had the chance to create commissioned pieces, sell prints and originals to many of my neighbors. It has not only been a good source of business, but has also helped create relationships in the neighborhood.

A couple of months ago as I returned from my run, I saw that my sandwich board was gone. Gone! At first I was shocked. Really? Who would take my sandwich board? Why would they take it? It was beyond understanding.

(Now, if I am going to be completely honest I have to say that I was a little flattered that someone would actually go to the effort of taking it and wanting it. This, however, does not justify the wrongness of it all.)

I had been thinking of creating a new board. This incident just pushed the idea to the forefront. I now have a new sandwich board - all shiny and bright. I have tried to secure it by locking it to a sunken post.

If you do know where my old one is, I would love to have her back. It's not okay to take someone elses stuff.

Be good,

Scott

It's Monster Time

2009-10-21T20:38:00.000-07:00

Somewhere in my mind I have this idea that I will create something every day. This is to be on top of my normal painting schedule and other life responsibilities. I have a hard time thinking that I can't do it all. So far, I don't think I am winning.

We have a picture window in our living room that was just begging to be something. A big scary something. A big scary Halloweeny something.

I used cardboard, acrylic paint and glue to make the window monster. The eyes are tissue paper stretched over cut out circles with lights behind them so they glow in the dark.

Ooooo scary.

Be good,
Scott

The Autumn Leaves

2009-09-28T16:40:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we celebrated Homecoming Sunday at my church, the Magnolia UCC. It was a chance for anyone who has ever had any connection to the church to come together and connect, and in some cases reconnect.

I wanted to create something celebratory in the sanctuary. I knew that the service would be focused on the 'great cloud of witness' from the reading in Hebrews. But, I also wanted to highlight community and autumn. Recently, a tree that had shaded the stained-glass windows in the front of the church had been removed.
This meant that they would have a stronger impact then they had been having in the space. I wanted to respect that, too.

I was inspired by a banner that read "I am the vine, you are the branches".

I used 8" ribbon segments and tied them around a couple of pear tree branches to represent the leaves - and the members of the community.

The colors were dictated by the stained glass windows. I graduated the color of the ribbons, starting with red at the tips of the branches moving to orange, yellow, chartreuse and ending with green at the base. This echoes the changing leaves of the trees outside.

The 'falling' leaves are taped to the wall as well as hanging from wire from the branches to add another dimension. They represent the "great cloud of witnesses", those members that have gone before us.

The effect of these branches ended up being very simple visually and, yet, they were able to embrace all of the concepts I had set forth.

I like this idea so much I think I will do something at home like this. It can be done in colors to match any room or occasion. It could be interesting to do a branch all in black or purple for Halloween. Or all white or silver for Christmas or winter. Be inspired, be good,
Scott

2009-09-25T08:47:00.000-07:00

I admit that I am competitive.
I always have been. It is uncertain which is stronger, my satisfaction in winning or my detestation of losing. Whatever it is, it is persistent in my life.

Yesterday, I began my 5-mile morning run much like I do every day, when I saw two young men running 1/2 block ahead of me. They were running in my same direction at quite a pace. It was then that I noticed an entire group (gaggle, herd, obstinacy) of college aged men - running a block ahead of the other two - a block and a half ahead of me.

The conversation in my head went like this:
"You don't have to pass them. They are half your age. They are one and a half blocks ahead. You don't need to catch up to them. They are running fast. It's okay to not pass them. It's okay to not win"

I continued to try to convince myself that I would be okay if I didn't pass them, if I didn't win. However, the deeper, quieter voice was in charge telling my body to push forward. I found myself turning it up a notch, and then another notch and then, yet, another notch. One mile later I found myself passing them.
" You are passing them. They are half your age. You can do it. There they go. Eat my dust. Keep going, don't look back. They may catch on that it's a race and then you're in trouble. Keep going, keep going, keep going...."
By the time I dared look back - another mile or so - I couldn't see them.
I had won fair and square and was ready to relax my pace when I spotted a woman a couple of blocks ahead of me. Her blond hair was pulled back in a ponytail and she was dressed in a coordinating jogging outfit - pink and black. Usually, this scenario doesn't threaten me. My regular stride would allow me to pass her in no time. In fact, she probably put makeup on to go running. It didn't take me long to see that the distance between us was increasing, not decreasing as expected.
"What the...? This cannot happen. I can't have just beat a flock of college guys to let pretty-in-pink win."
Now body and mind were in sync. I kicked it into gear. It took another mile to pass her.
"There she goes. Keep going, keep going, keep going. Don't look back."
I had won again.
By the time I finished my run in another 1/2 mile, I was ready to throw up.

But, I won.

Be good,
Scott

Art on the Hill

2009-09-04T09:40:00.000-07:00

My neighborhood art walk is just weeks away. I have had a small role in putting it together by approaching potential artists, creating the artwork for the publicity and contributing my two cents worth of advice. The Upper Queen Anne Merchants Association is sponsoring the event and as it is an annual event (as opposed to the usual monthly art walk) they are making efforts to create an extraordinary evening. Along with meeting the artists and seeing the art there will be stations set up to create art, times to hear the artists talk about there work, a drawing for prizes, entertainment and plenty of treats.
I will be showing my latest paintings at Chocolopolis, a simply beautiful shop with chocolate from around the world. And really, what could be better than that? Art and chocolate.
If you are in the area, please stop by.
Be Good, Scott

What does it take to be noticed?

2009-09-02T10:05:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I saw the movie "Julie and Julia". It is the story of a woman - an unrealized writer - who desires something more in her life. She has an unsatisfying job, a self-important group of friends (she's not always the nicest person herself) and the longing to be a writer. She also likes to cook. With her supportive and patient husband's encouragement she decides to cook her way through the Julia Child cookbook and blog about it. She gives herself a year for the project.

At the same time, we are given the story of how Julia Child became 'Julia Child'. She is an affable woman who loves to eat and wants something to do with her time while her husband is employed in Paris. She attends Le Cordon Bleu and learns the art of French cuisine. There she is noticed by a couple of women who are writing a French cookbook for Americans. Julia helps them make their cookbook more accessible to the American audience.

In both cases, their stories end with them being noticed. Julie, the writer, ends up with a book based on her blog entries and then this movie. Julia ended up with her cookbook but also became a television personality and a major influence in the history of American food.

Julie was 30 when it happened for her. Julia was closer to 50.

So, why were they noticed? What did they do? How did they get there?
I have been trying to figure this out since the first showing of my work 10 years ago. What will it take for me to be noticed as an artist?

I have also tried to figure out why I long for more, when clearly, I have so much. I have always believed that I was meant to make a difference. That my life was to be a legacy of something good. This has been my understanding from the beginning. It is why I try to create art that is accessible and light-filled with meaning and insight.

I am grateful for the support I have. I am surrounded by people that believe in me. My art has opened doors and created relationships I had never imagined. I have been able to do things, go places and meet people all over. My world has expanded greatly.
And yet, I wonder when will I be noticed?

I am constantly looking for ways to put myself - my art - out into the world. I have had moments when I thought this is it, this is when I will be discovered. These were the times when I believed I would be thrown into the national/international spotlight. Each time they have passed with a quiet little 'whoosh'.

I have auditioned for television shows, sent my portfolio to numerous galleries, shot a television pilot, lead creativity groups, donated hundreds of pieces to organizations across the country, I have even sold the painted shirt off of my back. I have gathered my creative friends for brainstorming the road to my success. I have designed clothes, landscapes, graphics, interiors, theater sets, costumes, murals, children's books. My work has been shown in businesses, restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, fairs, gift shops and galleries. My line of art cards is scattered across the country as well are my prints on canvas. I have been the presenting artist for several events both locally and nationally. My art has been used as the 'image' of several businesses.
My life is centered on being creative, being an artist. It is what I eat, drink and sleep.

I will continue to put myself out into the world. I will face it's give and take. I will.
What does it take to be noticed?

Be good,
Scott

Even on Vacation

2009-08-10T19:49:00.000-07:00

This past weekend Cameron and I went camping with friends on Lake Chelan.

Lake Chelan is located on the eastern edge of the cascade mountains. The south end of the lake is a popular resort location and full of summer activity. The north end of the lake, 55 miles long, is accessible by boat, small airplane or on foot. We have friends that own 65 acres very near the north end.

There is not much there but wilderness. Occasionally, a boat passes by or an airplane flies overhead, but for the most part the only sounds are the wind, the waves and the birds.

We were there for four days of relaxation and simple living.

It was the third day when our friend John suggested that we each make a puppet. It suddenly occurred to him when I peeked out of the tent window looking very much like a puppet in a puppet theater.

We had til the end of the day to create our characters using anything we could find. I decided to give myself even greater confines by letting myself use only natural material.

It was a greater challenge than I had anticipated, but fun nonetheless. The result was this rather unattractive, pine-cone-headed woman. But, her unattractiveness was overlooked do to the fact that she was all held together by grass and tension.

Though a couple of us (who shall remain nameless, what happens on Lake Chelan....) couldn't bring themselves to create a puppet, the two of us that did, had a great time doing it.

As you can see, she is not pretty. But, she was a great way to spend a couple of hours. I had to push myself to create something I have never done before, with 'limited' resources. I was pleased and surprised that she actually stayed together and was rather sturdy. Who knew that grass could be so durable?

So I challenge you: create something ridiculous just for the act of creating. Can you make a puppet with only the things you can find around you?

Be good,
Scott

A Cup of Light

2009-04-30T11:52:00.000-07:00

Seattle artist Russ Morgan creates lighting fixtures using recycled glass and glass objects. They are interesting and beautiful pieces. I have seen them around Seattle for many years and have admired them. It was not too long ago when I saw a few of his pieces and was inspired to create my own.

I went on ebay and began searching for glass punch cups. It took me about a month to collect 30 cups. I also purchased a chafing dish holder. At the hardware store I picked up the lighting parts and all the hardware for assembly.

The idea was to hang the cups from the chafing dish holder with wire, while the light bulb hangs surrounded by the glass cups. I hung the chafing dish holder from the ceiling light cap. For working purposes I hung the entire contraption from a hook on the ceiling while I wired the cups.

Transferring the finished chandelier to the dining room proved to be the most challenging part of the project as it weighed quite a bit. It ended up being a three person job. With my aunts Annie and Joyce in town, I put them to work holding up the chandelier while I wired the electricity. After struggling with the old wiring in the ceiling, I finally got it ready to hang.

I am happy with the finished chandelier. It is contemporary and traditional, fancy and simple and decorative and useful. You can do it too. Really.

Be good,

Scott

Art and Eat and Art and Art and Art

2009-03-31T11:42:00.000-07:00

I have returned to Geraldine's Counter in the Columbia City neighborhood of Seattle. I had a showing there 2 years ago and have been wanting to get back ever since.

Geraldine's Counter serves the quintessential Americana fare. The food is very good.
The space is bright and open with color-filled walls. My artwork looks like it belongs there. It will be there through the end of May. I invite you to stop by, see my art and enjoy a home cooked meal.

The Sirani Gallery in Pittsburgh is now representing me. I will be there in May for my show opening and cocktail party. The Sirani Gallery has both my original oil on canvas pieces as well as prints on canvas. If you are in the Pittsburgh area, I hope you have a chance to visit the gallery.

The Seattle Men's Chorus will be celebrating it's 30th Anniversary this year. They commissioned me to do a commemorative painting in honor of the anniversary. My relationship with the chorus spans 20 years, so I was greatly appreciative of the invitation to create a piece for them.

The Chorus is offering limited edition (100) prints on canvas. They are 24"x36" for $300. All prints are numbered and signed and have a certificate of authenticity.
You can read my artist statement and learn more about it on their website.
SMC 30th Anniversary.

In the meantime, I am working on several other commissioned pieces. I can truly say that 'Life is Art (and Art and Art)'.

Geraldines Counter
4872 Rainier Avenue South
Seattle, WA 98118
206•723•2080

My art lives there through May 31, 2009.

Sirani Gallery
5875 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
412.422.2121

Meet the Artist Cocktail Party, Saturday May 9, 2009 - 7 PM

Be Good,
Scott

Singing in the Bathroom

2009-02-24T14:45:00.001-08:00

Earlier this week, on her daytime talk show, Ellen Degeneres announced her 'Singing in the Bathroom' contest. She had discovered a couple of young, beautiful women on youtube who sing pop songs in their bathroom and then post the performances.
(you can see their Ellen bathroom performance:
http://www.youtube.com/)
Since then, Ellen has sung in the bathroom with several of her recording artist guests. The prize for this contest is a trip to Hollywood to sing in the bathroom with Ellen.

When she made her announcement I immediately thought about the first time I discovered the art of singing in the bathroom. I was in 4th grade and had been given a solo in the chorus concert at school. I practiced and practiced that song. I'm certain that it sounded better in our downstairs bathroom than anywhere else.
I just had to submit an audition, so I asked my friend Patti to help. This is our video. It is a recreation of me singing that then-contemporary song. Patti sings the chorus part. (no, the chorus was never in my bathroom, but...)

When I hear it now, the song, "One Tin Soldier" seems so serious for a 4th grader. At the time, I'm pretty sure I didn't pay any attention to what I was singing, just that I got to sing a solo.

Hello Ellen, here we come!

Be good,
Scott

Everything old is new again

2009-02-10T12:05:00.000-08:00

This past fall as I was cooling down from one of my morning runs, I came across 'free stuff'. You know, the pile of stuff by the side of the road with the handmade sign saying 'FREE'. One of the houses in the neighborhood was being renovated and each day something new, rather old, was put out for the taking. This particular day I found a piece of furniture that had been a built-in desk. I liked it but couldn't really justify taking it. What was I going to do with it?
But, that afternoon I was still thinking about it. So, I got into my car and loaded it into the trunk.
It had sat in the garage for the last 5 months, in pieces.

I finally decided to tackle it. My friend Elynne had sent me an electric fireplace insert, which I ahd used as a heater, but it lacked character. The desk would become the new home for the fireplace insert.

After getting the desk back together, I still had a bit of work to box in the sides, build a 'hearth', make an inner frame and paint it, antique it (there was no way it was going to ever look new and fresh) and wax it.
It turned out beautifully.I used the scalloping of the leg and drawer shapes to dictate the design. I selected a print of one of my paintings that has similar shapes and covered the inset frame with it. I was even able to maintain a working drawer.
Be good,
Scott

Ever Wonder

2009-01-29T10:27:00.000-08:00

Today's question comes from the book 'ever wonder' by Kobi Yamada

When was the last time you did something for the first time?

Summer in January

2009-01-16T13:19:00.001-08:00

Usually, January is a very slow, quiet, grey time for me. This January as shown itself to be full, rich and colorful. For 2009, I have been invited to participate in several different events as the presenting artist. I encourage you to visit the 'news' page on my website for details. I am one with my easel and am continually applying color to canvas.
Just know that I am grateful for the many opportunities and also aware of my blogging negligence. I am hoping to be more attentive.

There has been an unusual, fascinating and fun occurrence at our house this year. It seems that a family of ladybugs has made themselves at home inside our home. Earlier this fall when I saw the little beetles inside, I didn't think much of it. I expected that the cold weather would drive them into dormancy, just like every other bug. Here we are in the middle of January and the ladybugs are still with us. It appears that each day presents a new bug. The variations in color and spotage have me wondering how many there really are and how long they live.

I love that they are here and now find myself actually looking for them each morning. During the day they sit in one spot. In the evening, when I am cooking they will sit on my arm or shoulder and then seem to follow us from room to room. I haven't found 'ladybug-ground-zero' but I haven't looked that hard.

We have decided that they are vying to be my muse. They are holding their ground until I do a painting with a ladybug as the focus. Their threats aren't very threatening, but I am entertaining the thought.

It is a bit of Summer in January.

Be good,
Scott

The Art of Divesting

2009-01-05T19:38:00.000-08:00

We all own many 'things'. Maybe too many things? I know, for myself, that I don't always see all of the things with which I have surrounded myself. Every now and then, I stop and take inventory of what I have. It helps that I have moved 4 times in the last 6 years. Each time I pack and move everything I question why I have all this stuff. So I have learned the art of divesting. There is great freedom in divesting. Moving out the old makes room for the new.

It's that time of year

2008-12-13T09:05:00.000-08:00

My annual Holiday Open House took place last weekend. It was festive and fun. The weeks before were crazy with preparation.

Part of the preparation was to decorate the house. I love this time of the year when Christmas decorations appear and creativity abounds. I have a few ideas I want to share, things I have done here in our home.
I have a collection of stuffed Santas. Some of them are old, some new. Though I did not have any of them as a child, when I look at them they recall my childhood Christmases. I have them lined up on the back of my sofa in my studio. I love how the red curtain of the painting behind makes the perfect Christmas background.

In the dining room, we have a white feather tree. I have hung a print of my painting "Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow" next to it. The ornaments I found in many different places and chose them because they look like something I would create. The whole scene seems very personal and colorful. What is behind the tree is as important as what is on it.

On the dining room table I have placed a large glass vase and filled it with glass ornaments. Again some are new and some are old. I have placed evergreen boughs fanning out at the top. It is a little play on the idea of ornaments on boughs or boughs on ornaments.

On the mantle in the living room I have a collection of old glass tree toppers. I have placed them in candlesticks surrounding them with pine branches and a string of 'candle' lights.

These are a few of the Christmas displays I have at my house. I would love to see some of the things you have done. Please send me pictures and descriptions. I think it could be fun to share them.

Be good,
Scott

Art is Personal

2008-11-19T21:02:00.000-08:00

I have been working on an interior design project. My friends Nancy and Mike have moved from Boulder to Seattle. They have rented a house and have hired me to help them make it a home. At this point, the furniture is chosen and situated. The rugs, pillows and accessories are carefully placed. All that remains is the art. Nancy really (really) wanted to create art. Though Nancy is a highly creative, beautiful dancer/choreographer the visual arts are still fairly uncharted territory for her.
We began with a trip to the art store where we purchased two canvases. In this case they were 30"x40" each. Then we hit three different paint stores. The goal was to see what was available in the mis-tinted section. It was fantastic, when, at the first store we found 5 different gallons of paint with colors that would work for us. At $3 each it was truly a steal. We rounded out our color palette by having 2 more colors mixed in the quart size. With seven colors, I felt we were ready to procede.
After laying the canvases on a drop cloth, I had Nancy do several quick sketches for me. These were no-thought-initial-reaction drawings. I gave her a word and she drew. I chose words that I knew were important for Nancy and Mike and their home. "Calm.... happy.... life..... growth... love.... celebration... connection.... " She drew and drew and drew.
I took her simple drawings and painted them (much larger) onto the canvases as an outline in the darkest color we had, which happened to be a blue.
It was then her turn to fill in the outlines, very much like in a coloring book. I gave a little direction in color placement, blending and balance, but mostly it was Nancy and her unbridled willingness.
While the paintings dried, I painted a white rectangle on the dining room wall to frame our bold art piece.I think it turned out beautifully. What I loved most about it was Nancy's reaction. She was almost beside herself with how much fun she had had and how lovely the painting is. "That was such a high. It's so beautiful." she told me (again and again and again).
This piece of art is very personal. Not only did she play a part in creating it, but it holds hopes and dreams and ideals in her own expression. Art is personal.
Be good,

Scott

Light Up My Life

2008-11-10T22:48:00.000-08:00

Last summer I was walking down Queen Anne Avenue on my way to getting a haircut. I passed by a shop I had not noticed before, a lamp shop. I felt a pull to go inside. I kept walking.

I kept walking but I couldn't stop thinking about the shop and my draw to it. The window was full of unique, beautiful and creative lamp bases and shades. I appreciated the immaculate artistry but couldn't understand why I was so attracted to the place. I decided that once I had a fresh new haircut I would stop in on my way back.

I came to the shop, admired the window display and, well, kept walking. I caught myself and turned around and entered the store.

I met the owner/artist Kathi Mullaney. I introduced myself and explained that I felt pulled into her shop. She was kind and gracious. I told her that I was an artist also and we shared stories of living as artists. I loved meeting her looking at her lamps. I left her with one of my business cards. I felt bad that I had questioned my initial attraction. It was such a gift to meet her.

I think by the time I got home she had sent an email saying she had visited my website, loved my work and wondered if I would be interested in painting a lamp base for her. I went back the next day to get the wooden base, my blank canvas. What to paint, what to paint?

There had been a delay in finishing the base as the wood had been seeping sap. I let it sit in the sun for several weeks giving it a slow drying. I am trusting that it is done seeping now and have once again started painting. Here is a sneak look at what I am doing. I am excited to see it done but even more excited to see what kind of shade Kathi will design for it. Stay tuned to see the finished lamp.

Oh, yeah, check out Kathi's website. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. www.kathleenmullaney.com

Be good,
Scott

Season of Color

2008-11-06T11:49:00.000-08:00

This morning as I was writing, or supposed to be writing, I found myself staring at the table by the window. The Christmas cactus happens to have bloomed at Halloween and the glass pumpkins I bring out every fall. I love the little squirrel-candle-holder as he is a reflection of the food-gathering-squirrels outside. The combination of colors is so vibrant, so beautiful and I wanted to share them with you. Surprisingly, (I didn't plan this) it is a study in the secondary colors: purple, orange and green. Okay, that sounds a little art-nerdy, but I am a little art-nerdy sometimes.

I hope you are surrounded by color (primary, secondary, tertiary....) especially as we embrace fall and enter winter.

Be good,
Scott

They're both...

2008-11-05T21:41:00.000-08:00

I invite you to take a little time to do this creative exercise. For each pair of words write down as many things in common as you possibly can. You can even do it with someone.
There are no wrong answers. Have fun.

summer service
tshirt cloud
five luxury
happy squirrel
hat thermos

I would love to see what you came up with.
Be good,
Scott

Happy Halloween

2008-10-30T19:44:00.000-07:00

For the last 15 Halloweens I have gone to Fernwood Elementary School to carve pumpkins in Mr. Martorelli's classroom

The first year, I had all of the kids bring their pumpkins in. We covered the floor with newspaper and jumped into gutting the 19 orange jack-o-lantern's to be.

We only had to do that once. The mess, the smell, the chaos. It was all enough to truly make Halloween scary.

Since then it is a prerequisite to have only clean pumpkins brought into school. The mess, the smell and the chaos can stay at home.

Every year I carve between 18 and 22 pumpkins. (over 15 years that's about 300). This year it was 19.

I spent the entire day carving. Each student was invited up individually and we had a brief conversation about what kind of pumpkin they wanted. That first year after struggling through Pokemon characters, super heroes and family pets, I decided that naming a feeling was much more effective than giving me specifics. Now the options are goofy, funny, cute, scary, very scary and really, really scary.

It was as fun and exhausting as ever. I love that it is my Halloween tradition. In a way, it is my version of going trick or treating. I get to create goofy, funny, cute, scary, very scary and really, really scary, after all. Happy Halloween.

Be good,
Scott

With and Without

2008-10-27T15:02:00.000-07:00

I call this painting "With and Without". Enough said.

Be good,
Scott

Somewhere Over a Rainbow

2008-10-19T18:06:00.000-07:00

Cathy, The Pastor of my church left to move to Montana.

When I was presented with the opportunity to create a festive yet meaningful setting for the Godspeed service I began by asking Cathy "Which of the past settings have you liked?" There had been many over the years. She recalled the large floral arrangements that another church member creates. She also mentioned some banners I had painted and several large creations - from fabric rivers to greenery jungles. Then, as if it were a footnote *"I like rainbows" she casually threw out to me.
I knew then that a large (it needed to make a statement) rainbow of some kind needed to fill the space. I initially thought I would paint a rainbow on a fabric banner. It was a fine idea, but I wanted something that wouldn't completely hide the beautiful stained-glass window at the front of the church. I also wanted something that would have more interest. So, I put it into the mix of 'things waiting for inspiration'.
I'm not sure when it hit me, I think when I was running one day. I would create a ribbon rainbow. By using various shades and sizes of ribbon I would hang them from red to orange to yellow to green to blue to purple.
The final banner ended up being about 7 feet wide by 16 feet tall. The ribbons hang over a pole and are taped to stay in place. The part of the ribbons that hang in front I cut in a large arch to represent the bow. It had a much greater impact than even I had imagined. It did end up being festive and meaningful.

Outside In

2008-10-15T11:19:00.000-07:00

I am home now. My time at the cabin in Wisconsin was restful and fun. Well, as restful as could be. My parents are do-ers. My father, Ron, is happiest when there is a project to be done. For this last visit the list of projects included: pulling in the dock, getting the boat ashore, finishing the floor trim, and splitting wood for the fireplace. We accomplished all but the wood-splitting. My mother, Pat, spent hours piecing a quilt, doing laundry and preparing meals.

I can relax for only so long and then I, too, need to find a project. I blame them.

When I realized that the one blank wall in the cabin needed to be painted, it became my project. Now, just painting the wall one color wasn't going to be enough for me. In fact, Ron is a painter by profession, so that would be a job he could easily do (almost with his eyes closed). I figured a mural would work beautifully.

It didn't take much, if anything, to convince Ron and Pat. I didn't even need to describe what I had in mind. I figured that this blind trust is partially a result of my teen years. I had my own bedroom and my parents allowed me to paint and paint again whatever I wanted on my walls. Since then I have painted several murals from the simple to the ornate.

I wanted to do something simple for the cabin, yet something that echoed the surroundings outside. The result was this hazy hilly forest scene.

The process is fairly easy. First Ron prepared the wall and painted the base coat using the lightest color. Starting with the next lightest color I painted the ground and trees in silhouette. Once that dried, I took the next slightly darker color and painted the next hill and tree silhouette slightly larger on top of the first. I repeated the process each time getting darker with the color. The fifth and final layer contains no trees, just ground and a bit of brush and grass.

You can create a similar mural. (I know you can) You may want to sketch each layer or not depending on your confidence.To start select a paint chip at the store in the color that you want. There are often 4 or 5 colors on a chip that go from dark to light. Use them as your gradation. Use the lightest color as your base color and layer from there, lightest to darkest. If you want to be a little more daring you can chose colors from different chips within a color range. I used varying greens from light mint to olive to pine green to brown. They should still move from light to dark.

Try mountains, or rolling hills, or pine trees, or just tree trunks without the foliage. You can add as little or as much detail as you want. It is a nice, simple way to add depth and interest to a room without being too distracting. Have fun. It's only paint!

Be good,
Scott

Expanding my Repetoire

2008-10-06T09:18:00.000-07:00

I am spending time at my family’s cabin in northern Wisconsin. It is a quiet, secluded, pretty little spot on the far end of a lake called Potato (we all wonder why).
Over the weekend my entire family gathered for my father’s 70th birthday. This little cabin was bursting at the seams with people and dogs. There is something so complete and so warm about having that kind of gathering. My family does this about once a year. We like each other and get along very well. I think at some point we all silently decided to focus the things that bind us and agreed to respect our differences.
Since I see my siblings and nieces and nephews only once a year, I tried to come up with something that I could do or give as a connection point. I decided that my art for the weekend was temporary tattoos. I packed a set of permanent markers and went about offering one-of-a-kind-at-your-request-tattoos. It was fun for me to sit with each of them and draw the image of their choice. It was a personal interaction requiring little words.
My hope is that, especially for my nieces and nephews, it is something they can fondly remember.
I don’t think that I am going to venture into true tattoo artistry, though it was suggested.
For now, I’ll keep it as “Remember when Uncle Scott …”

Make your own 'tattoos'. Use a set of permanent markers, the multi-color fine point set. With the black marker outline the desired design and then color it in as you would a coloring book. It's that easy. And remember kids, it would be a good idea to get permission before jumping into this project. Have fun.

Be good,
Scott

The brushstrokes of my writing

2008-09-26T15:59:00.000-07:00

Each morning I get up, make myself coffee and sit down to write. I find the calmest place I can. On warmer days I sit outside in the morning sun. On cooler, darker days I sit at the front window where I can see the tunnel of trees lining my street.

I have been doing this for 12 years, or so. Originally, I struggled to integrate it into my everyday. There were many fits and starts. Now, I can't imagine starting a day without writing.
The act of writing, for me, serves several purposes. It settles the whirl of unsettled thoughts. It chronicles my life. It captures my ideas, questions and inspirations.
I have found many paintings in my writing. Though, often colorful, crisp and careful my pieces are responses to my ideas, questions and inspirations.

For a while I was wondering about organized religion. My reflection of that wondering ended up as the piece "It's About the Grapes". Everything in this painting represents something. All in the name of religion.

Then there is the whole idea of freedom. I have written and written and written about what it means, or could mean to be free.
Here in America we have much freedom. I recognize that freedom. I am intrigued by spiritual freedom, emotional freedom. What would life be like if I was free from judging? Or, what if I was free from fear? It's that freedom, the freedom to be be guided simply by love, without the influence of judgment or fear.

The zebra (Freedom) and it's birds have their 'inside and outside the cage' message.

The bird cages in the forest (Les Cages des Bois) show one empty cage, suggesting one free bird.

The floating woman held delicately by the string from a hand below (Holding On) expresses the idea that freedom is a choice.
In writing about experiencing life through the heart of a child, I have painted the red ball several times. I like the graphic impact, but I also like the blatant reference to play. My greatest creativity happens when I play. Sometimes the red ball shows up in a playful place like "The Play Date".
Sometimes the red ball shows up in a more unsuspected place. "Life in a Gated Opportunity" shows my desire to take things less seriously.

Each one of these paintings, and several others, have been born in my writing. In a way, they are the neat, tidy, organized version of my meandering journal.

I will continue to write. It is my quest, my curiosity, my striving to find truth. My truth.

Be good,
Scott

Clearing the Way

2008-09-23T14:44:00.000-07:00

Okay, okay, I can hear it already. This exercise of clearing the way takes some effort. It will demand time and dedication. Ideally, it will be a daily practice. But, just start out by doing it a couple times each week. It is, however, vital to your creative nurturing. Good Luck.

Little Mary Sunshine

2008-09-18T16:12:00.000-07:00

I have just finished another painting. I call this one "Suddenly, Little Mary Sunshine".

A few years ago, I did a painting called "As If". It is a woman holding a mask, by the strings, in front of her face as she floats above the ground. It was based on the concept that one can achieve personal change by acting as if you are already the change. For me, it meant 'acting' more patient and open and confident in order to actually become more patient, open and confident.

This painting has a very similar sense to me. It's about putting on a happy face. I have a friend , Addie who has a friend, Char. They have known each other for many years and had been through a lot together. They even ended up working together.

When Addie got a new job, her dream job, with a different company, she was very happy. Char was not.

They had many conversations about it. Char felt abandoned, alone and envious. Understandably. It was during one of these conversations when Char, slightly upset, said to Addie "...and you are, suddenly, little Mary Sunshine". It wasn't meant to be a compliment. I liked it. This idea that"Little Mary Sunshine" as undesirable was fascinating to me.
Immediately, I saw this little girl on stage holding a cardboard sun around her head. Her dress shows cloudy skies, the detail has blue beads of raindrops. Her face is in the style of the old sun illustrations - all round and full. The detail in the sun itself is to exaggerate the 'happiness' of it.

All of this exists in each of us, the clouds, the rain, the sun, it is all there and often we have a choice as to which we are wearing. Very much like "As If", once you choose to wear something for a while, it actually starts to become integrated into who you are. It's true whether (or weather) it is rain or sun you choose. I'm hoping that "Suddenly, Little Mary Sunshine" loses her 'suddenly' and just is 'little Mary sunshine'.

Be good,
Scott

What is 'creative'?

2008-09-16T20:58:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I went on a whale watching excursion. I would like to say that this was my doing-something-different date. However, I have been whale watching several times before. Even so, it is still an adventure in the break-of-routine realm.

Beth, Scott, T, Cameron and I set out early in the morning. It was a full day. To get there it takes an hour and a half drive and an hour ferry ride, (which actually was a little longer as the ferry stopped so a family could drop the ashes of a deceased loved one into the water of the San Juan Islands) Once we arrived at the boat it was a four hour outing. When whale watching was over it was two hours on the island waiting for the return ferry, another hour ferry ride and finally the hour and a half ride home.
It was on the ferry ride home when I decided to use my friends as creative subjects. I would imagine that they would be used to it, but, I can also see how there is a certain amount of uncertainty involved. With my video camera aimed at each of them I said "Name one word to describe yourself" which they did. Then "Two more words...." they were great, going along with me, well, humoring me. So I thought I would ask the big question "What is the most creative thing you've ever done?" It was met with silence, then protests of how difficult a question it was. At that point, Scott asked "What do you mean by creative?" What? I thought. "What is 'creative'?" he asked again.

What is 'creative'? It's a question I have been asking myself for many years. I don't know what the dictionary says and I have not seen a definition. But somewhere within me I had figured out what it means to me. I surprised myself when I heard myself say "Creative is when you use the resources you have to produce something that seemingly surpasses anything you could have anticipated." Using this definition, my friends answered the question. I figured I had bugged them enough, so I stopped.

It was a good day. I spent time with people I love. I witnessed a sweet intimate memorial. I saw whales, perhaps even inspired to start a whale painting. And, I ask myself, and you:

What is 'creative'? What is the most creative thing you have done?

More different

2008-09-12T16:11:00.000-07:00

I grew up in Minnesota. Minnesota has it's very own cultural nuances. Casseroles are 'hot dishes', jello is a salad, and lutefisk can be found in every grocery store. The weather is always a topic of conversation. The seasons are definite. Everyone has tales of time on 'the Lake' - as there are over 15,000 of them. Something undesirable is 'ishy', it is customary to end a sentence with 'then' and if you are unsure of something, well, it is 'interesting'. To say "That's interesting" is one of the many ways that 'Minnesota nice' plays out. Even though it can be read as 'I don't really like it', most of the time it means 'Give me a little time to adjust'. It is an opening, an openness (ever so slight) to something different.

As I invite you to experience different by breaking your routine, or setting an inspiration date, my hope is that you can see things as 'interesting'. Interesting in the slightly open sense. Just give yourself permission to be open. Let your openness be the lens through which you see and experience.

That's it. Let me know how it goes. I love hearing your stories of inspiration.

Be good, then.
Scott

Results of Different

2008-09-08T11:04:00.000-07:00

I came across this chalk drawing in a cul-de-sac. Artist unknown. It felt simply welcoming, the open arms, the smile and the star on the apron. So, welcome.

I have to admit that I am used to doing things different. I am not one for routine. I mean, I do have my routines: I brush and floss, write in my journal and run daily. But, whenever there is an opportunity to experience something new, I am right there. I often feel like the dog that hears the engine rev and jumps into the back of the pickup truck, not knowing where it's going. The excitement of 'going' and 'adventure' overrides any fear of uncertainty. (I try not to pant and lap my tongue or drool with anticipation.)
Still, it was difficult for me to break a routine. I did put a new head on my sonicare toothbrush. My teeth feel cleaner. Therefore, I feel cleaner. Therefore, I feel clearer. Therefore, more room for inspiration. All from a new bristly brushing. A boy can hope anyway. One routine broken. Kind of...

On the weekends, Cameron and I will try to go for a long walk in the neighborhood. We live on the "Queen Anne Boulevard" parkway. The boulevard is a 5 mile loop along the crest of Queen Anne hill. It is a spectacular walk as it has vistas in all directions. We can see the Olympic Peninsula and it's mountains, downtown Seattle with it's shiny buildings and Mount Rainier backdrop, the Puget Sound, the Cascade Mountain range, and several other Seattle neighborhood hills. This is the walk we usually take. It is the walk we know. It is the walk we like. We were all set to walk the loop when I heard the little voice inside say "Break out of your routine."
"Alright, shut up, quit nagging." was my reply, which really wasn't fair because the voice was actually very polite and not nagging at all. I apologized and we turned and went another direction. I am so glad we did.

We happened across this house. We stood there going over every detail. We were mesmerized by the colors, the mouldings, the tiles, the gargoyles, the carvings. Every little bit has something to say for itself. In graceful calligraphy the turret proclaims "Quo Amplius Eo Amplius Est". This house is amazing. The photo doesn't show that the garden is as lovingly created and colorful as the house itself. This is living in a work of art. This is a living work of art. Life is Art. The homeowners must feel special every time they come home. Can you imagine?

It left such an impression that when my friend Beth came over later in the week I had to show her. We walked over, stood in front and once again went over every detail. While we were there a pickup pulled up, the driver got out, sat on the back of his truck and watched the house. We figured he was, as we were, gawkers. We started to talk with him to find out that he was the contractor who did all of the work on the house. From him we learned: originally built in 1906, this restoration has been a 15 year project, it's still not finished, it's a true Victorian (all details taken from historic Victorian homes), the owner is an author of Victorian history, the inside looks like the outside, and it's fairly well known. The contractor sent us to his website to see detail photos.
http://www.jimdochertydesigns.com/Restorations/Brians/Brians%20index.htm
I love that we were able to talk with him and see the passion and dedication and art behind it. It truly is a labor of love. Thanks to the little nagging (just kidding) voice I not only got to see the house but then meet the artisan behind it. If you are ever in the area I hope you have a chance to see it in person.

What have you found in your broken routine?

Be good,
Scott

Oh, and "Quo Amplius Eo Amplius Est"? "More is more"

Welcome to my blog!

2008-09-05T10:33:00.000-07:00

Hello.
So, I have been wanting to have a blog. You see, I set up a blog site quite a while ago and then never posted anything. It didn't end up being very effective. A blog with nothing to read or look at, well, it's rather boring.
I want to be able to share with you my latest paintings, ideas, happenings, and weekly video series "The Creative Life". And, yes, you'll be able to find all of those things here. Amazing, I know.

I would also like to know your feedback, thoughts, ideas and questions. And, I hope you are inspired to live a little more creatively.

This week I finished two new paintings. This is a miracle. Well, not quite a miracle because they didn't just appear, poof, here's a pretty painting!? I was there, hour after hour painting, so not quite miraculous, but this year has been filled with commissioned pieces. I am grateful for the work and the relationships that were created in that process. Now, September, I finally found some time to put brush to canvas and bring to life my own ideas.

This first piece I have titled "I'm just a Delicate Flower". This is a phrase I use to express my own delicacy (or others) when 'whining' happens. "I am just a delicate flower, after all." The inspiration came one day when I had gone hiking in the mountains and came across these sweet little flowers. I looked at them and immediately saw a row of women, like bridesmaids all dressed alike and waiting. The ferny detail in the background is my favorite part of the painting and, not surprisingly, has a word or two hidden in there.

This second piece hasn't been given a title yet. I am playing with "Amber Waves of Tail" but, I am not quite sure. More often then not, I get the title before I start painting, but every now and then the title comes while painting or, as in this case, after it's finished. (If you have any ideas, I would love to hear them.) I have always wanted to do a series of plants as animals. Last year I did "If Porcupines were Flowers". At this rate, it will take me 15 years to get the series done. It is a start, however.

Now, for something completely different. Okay, not completely different, but different. Lately, I have missed facilitating creativity groups. It has been a couple of years. I found that I stayed inspired when I was working with others who were striving to be inspired. TaDa, my video series: "The Creative Life". Each week I will invite you to participate in an exercise to help promote creativity in your life. Selfishly, of course, I am wanting to promote greater creativity in my own life as well. I hope you are willing to give it a try.

I look forward to hearing from you. Don't forget to subscribe. I wouldn't want you to miss a thing.

Be good,
Scott