Who doesn’t own a Life is Good hat? You know, they have cotton ball caps with goofy things on them and little tiny instruction tags inside. “Do what you like, LIKE what you do”. What better advice to give?
I have said in the past how gratifying it is to have auch an incredibly positive venue in which to showcase my work, and that it’s so positive simply because people don’t come here and leave hate mail… if they don’t like it, they leave. If they like it, and something speaks to them - they buy. It’s a fine line being able to make something that speaks to someone else. I know me best - and it’s easy to make what I like, whereas it’s incredibly difficult to take direction from someone who has an ‘idea’ in their head - and if you have to create based upon an idea that isn’t yours - I, most often, fail.
So, musing the other day about what the week might hold, my very task/results oriented friend asks “Well, what sells?” I rattle off a few things - and she proclaims “make that”. BUT… that may have been how I was feeling then - it’s not in the cards right now. She continues, with this, which makes sense - but - from an artist’s point of view… doesn’t. “If you make what you like, it’s a hobby - if you make what sells it’s a business” - ouch. I think the goal is to make what I like and hope that my customers like it as well - and are willing to evolve with me - or at least wait the creative process out. - knowing I’ll be onto something they might like soon.
If you see today’s update page - you’ll notice that I’ve been working on those spree shaped beads with fine ivory scrollwork. I’ve been making some version of this for almost 20 years. Yet, if you compare today’s with those from then - the technique has been refined - the edges are crisper - and the precision is better… so each torch session - even while making the same style bead - is an exercise in other things. This week it was alternate color ways - to convey a different feeling entirely. The busy set above is more delicate, while this set, below, is bolder and more of the color of the glass is dominant.
It’s also comforting to do repetitive things - hands active, mind thinking… (see way below)**.
Now, do consider that women wear a lot of black… I wear a lot of solids… what a lovely backdrop it would be to a necklace such as this! Smiles, and solids - Jill
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I’ve been seeing a LOT of cardinals on my deck - which is opposite from where I have morning coffee. I’ve never seen so many before - and not just in the mornings. They’re so delightfully brilliant and I just love the red. I was making birds - and started thinking about how distinctive they are with their tuft on top of their head… nice.
Cardinal Birds
A cardinal is a representative of a loved one who has passed. When you see one, it means they are visiting you. They usually show up when you most need them or miss them. They also make an appearance during times of celebration as well as despair to let you know they will always be with you.