Ode to Artists and Aspiring Ones

We were driving around Oakland, CA today, looking at houses and getting a very interesting history lesson from my father-in-law.  He took us to his shop, where he stores his tools that he uses to craft beautiful staircases and doors for people in the Bay area.  He himself being a masterful artisan, took us to some other wonderful art shops today.  I have to say, I was very inspired.  In Killeen, there is not much in the way of "art".  Even if it's something you don't care for in style, I would think most people can appreciate "ART", but I think Killeen is definitely lacking in that department. I miss that about living in a big city - having art (from architecture to yard sculptures) on every street corner.  Anyhow, we visited The Crucible, a non profit organization that teaches foundry, metal works, jewelry, kinetics, moldmaking, neon lights, you name it, they can teach it.  You can take classes there and learn from the best.  They also have art shows for you to sell your work.  Great place!  So many machines and so much creativity flowing from such great artists!  We then visited the Big Art Studio.  Very interesting art show case.  There was one artist, Stephen Bruce, who worked with copper and different acids, to make beautiful earthen images that hung like paintings on the wall. Absolutely amazing and beautiful pieces and the colors were heavenly!  There was some performance art and recycled/salvaged furniture pieces (which the artist used part of a bowling alley to make a table-how awesome is that?) I felt so inspired and recharged in my own creative process, I just wanted to share with everyone and hopefully you will be inspired  to create and find art in the world around you.

So I was out driving in Historic Temple, TX, admiring the homes and wishing I was living in one of them.  I was also out treasure hunting (aka dumpster diving) when I happened upon a lovely little piece. It's missing the mirror, but its got good bones!!! The drawers are painted shut, but with a hammer and an insane amount of luck, I can get them open.  This piece will be added to my booth at the Salado Antique Mall.  It's a rather large vanity, but alas, it is mine now and I am so excited to dust her off (yes, I have a propensity to personify my furniture!) give her some fresh makeup (aka new coat of paint) and put her up for sale, in a non pimp like way!

New Beginnings....

I visited with a fellow antique/junker today for about 3 hours.  I was taking some ornaments I made to her to consign.  She encouraged me to start a blog - for the free advertising, to post my projects and gain a following (pray, pray, hope! :) ) for what I do.

I actually started this blog about 5 months ago. I selected the template and font and all that, and then just got nervous!  Who would read this?  Who would care? Would anyone get me or my stuff?  Not that I am so unique, because there are many of us - those I call Shabby "Grungers" - out there.  But who was I to post my ramblings and such?  Well at the encouragement of some of my customers and Marta, from Marta's Room in Belton....here it goes!!!