Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Tending The Flame

mini paintings
Last week, I talked about my creative fire and how it was in some serious need of attention. I have been using the analogy of how I light our home fire each day and linking it (look, there is my word!) to my creative life. So far I have swept away the ashes of the last creative fire, and started to gather kindling for the next fire in the form of signing up for a new class and I have been having fun revisiting some of my favorite bead forums.

Visiting the forums is something I haven't done in ages!! While writing my book, I wanted to put myself in a bubble so that I was sure that all my ideas were my own. I wanted no unconscious influences... know what I mean? But, the forums can be such a huge inspiration. There are so many individuals sharing so many ideas, it gets your own ideas going. You see one thing and think... hey, what if I changed that up? what if I do it like this? what if I used different colors? Then, once in the moment of creating, even more ideas come. It is awesome.

Paintings front
So anyway, last week, once the ashes were clear and I had some kindling ideas, I struck a match, literally, and lit my torch. I have to tell you about a conversation the hubby and I had a few weeks ago. He commented on my lack of bead making of late... to which I responded "it has been so long since I made beads, I have no idea what I want to make." Do you ever get that feeling? Too much time away from something and you forget how to do it or where you should start? There was so much more to the thoughts going through my head when I said that to Ron that I can't really articulate it. He told me... just do it... just make anything.

You got to see the results of last week's torch time on Friday. Today's photos are the results from torching Saturday and last night. I can't tell you how long it has been since I was up at 6am and the first thing I did was race to the kiln to see my beads. Seriously. There has been a major lack of anticipation round these parts and I am excited to have it back.

Flower focals front
These new beads are miniature paintings. I had the idea that I wanted to take the flowers I create in my mixed media pieces and give them life on the surface of a bead. There are so many layers that go into one of these. Each one takes at least 30mins to make (some longer). That is a long time to hold your breath while doing line work, LOL. I am completely in love with these new styles of beads. In LOVE. They have me kicking my kids out to the bus as early as possible, flippin' that kiln on the minute they are gone, and losing track of time until they come back home later in the afternoon.

Now, all these thoughts are swirling around the analogy of lighting a creative fire, right? What happens when you first light a fire? Y'all know this. You get a big burst of orange and you think things are lit, but, BUT, if you aren't careful, the fire burns itself out in seconds. Am I right? You have to keep feeding it or you end up having to start from the beginning all over again. Let's hope I can keep this spark alive and really get this creative fire blazing.

ivory set

15 comments:

Ellen said...

Ok, I'm catching some of your enthusiasm. You know I've been suffering from the same issues; lack of inspiration.
I like stringer work and my beads are never as involved as yours; there's no way I could EVER spend 30+ on a bead, but I'll take another look at my stringers and get busy this afternoon. I particularly like working with encased stringers.
Thanks, kid!

Anonymous said...

So glad you found that spark--your whole being must be energized!

Shannon said...

WOW! Now, I'm in love with these, too! They bring some flowery lightness to the dull winter. Great job!

Kristen said...

KERRY!! Oh my gosh, those are absolutely beautiful! You can tell how much time is involved in making those, they are each a masterpiece! Keep up the great work, and keep that creative fire lit!

Kerry said...

Thanks for your Wows and excitement everyone!!

Eileen said...

kerry...i'm loving these new beads...i've pictured your mixed media on beads before...you must have read my mind...

keep the flame alive...i love your enthusiam and i hope to catch some my way...

Leslie @ Bei Mondi said...

These are amazing. So bright and cheerful and creative little flowers. Perfect for spring.

Anonymous said...

Hi Kerry,
I enjoy reading your blog, but I don't think I've commented before. I just had to say that those are beautiful new beads!

Jen Judd said...

Sparks are great. :) Love the new work...it's very you, but also something different. I started breaking out my scrapbooking and paper supplies looking for some new inspiration and have been having a blast making cards. Nice quick projects that get that little spark going.
Thanks for the inspiration! Jen

Libby Leuchtman said...

Kerry I am loving the new beads. Glad to see you are back in the saddle!

Cindy said...

Kerry
Your new beads are AMAZING!! It is really exciting to see you in action, creating a whole new series and going places you've never gone before... except I see you're using some of your favorite colors! I love the "painting" on the surface with the flower designs...they would make great pendants - each one their own little work of art.

Web Designer Philippines said...

Wow the stones are so beautiful. I love the designs very creative.

House plans said...

These are so cute!

Kerry said...

Thanks again everyone. I am having so much fun working on these new designs. Tuesday I worked a lot on playing with scroll work.

Next challenge... taking these pendant designs to smaller lentils and nuggets in mini sets for you all!!

Shay Stone said...

Great work Kerry! You sure make me excited for the day that I can have a lampworking studio of my own:)