Modern Times

I *love* making paper cuttings!!!  I can't emphasize that statement enough!  I love the whole process involved.  I love the finished result.  I love the way I lose myself for hours in cutting, the meditative experience of it.  I love taking a piece of paper and seeing a picture evolve from nothing as I slowly carve away the pieces, resurrecting the finished image.  I love analyzing the piece at the end, looking for imperfect cuts, cleaning it up, and later mounting it and adding my signature.  I love the feeling I get that can only be describe as a mix of satisfaction and awe, when a piece is matted or framed and the knowledge sinks in that I had a hand in creating something I feel is beautiful.  I feel great pride!  I feel accomplishment!  I feel, in that moment, like I could take on the world!!  That's how good making art makes me feel.  Any of you out there who creates any number of things will know what I'm talking about.

But I'm not going to lie.  I also love the way I feel when a piece sells.  It has nothing to do with the dollar amount exchanged.  Believe me, it doesn't!  But knowing someone is willing to spend hard earned money on something I've created is validating in a way that compliments aren't.  Of course, like any human being, I love to receive a compliment.  Who doesn't?!  And to receive a compliment on something I've created is best of all!  But when someone thinks enough of your work that they're willing to pay money for it, whether to give as a gift or hang on their own wall...well, there's just no other feeling out there like it!  It is quite the honor!!  And I wish for each and everyone of you out there to have an experience like that -- for something in your life to give you the kind of joy I feel in that moment!!

To say I feel passionate about what I'm doing is an understatement!!!  It is my passion for making art that keeps me going.  It is my passion that propels me forward into growing my art into something more.  Making art excites me!!  What excites you?

I am like every other modern-day woman out there.  I have commitments, responsibilities...who doesn't?!  I work a full-time job in a very stressful corporate environment.  I have a home to take care of, a family to support, and a young son to raise.  I have extended family I enjoy spending time with and friends I love to have adventures with.  Each week I make time for reiki and mediation, as my spiritual practice is just as imperative to my sanity as my art is!  And once the weather here in Pennsylvania starts to warm up, I'll be making time for hiking and "communing" with nature - also imperative to my sanity!  But I still find time for making art.  I make time for my art, because I love it so very much!!!  When my little boy goes to bed at night, I cut.  When there is a free moment on the weekend, I cut.  I wish I could devote much more time to cutting than I do.  This is why there are delays for me in my rolling out the different lines I have in mind, such as my literary series, my multi-colored pieces, and - gleeful whisper here - my super secret squirrel line that I just can't tell you about for fear someone will produce it before I do (shush, don't tell!!!)!  Someday soon, my art will be my mainstay.  But alas, that day is not today.

We are a fast-moving society.  We must acclimate ourselves to our environment in order to keep up.  But along with that, I believe it is of extreme importance that we find time each and every day to devote to something we love.  We must have an authentic expression or we'll go crazy!  I want to know - What is YOUR authentic expression?  What do you do that excites you?  What can you lose yourself in for hours that compares to no other form of release in your life?  What is your passion?

And without further ado, I shall step down from my soap box and add some pictures for your viewing pleasure.  Here are some pieces I did in the last few months that have a more contemporary flavor to them.  A traditional art form blended with contemporary flavor for these modern times.  Enjoy!!!



Willow Tree on some wavy green paper ~ Really makes that black pop, don't you think?



Chrysanthemum ~ again, posted on bold color paper in the hopes of appeasing those who prefer a more contemporary look

Bookmarks, anyone?



Octopus ~ holiday gift to my dearest friend (she loves octopi), which she hung in this totally awesome frame she found.  I love how the swirling pattern is a perfect compliment to those tentacles!





Commissioned holiday gift ~ contemporary sihlouette ~ I apologize for the crookedness of the photo

Housewarming gift for my sister & bro-in-law, who are proudly "owned" by 2 daschunds ~ mounted on brown polka-dot paper ~ get it?  brown paper?  The Browns?  hahaha, I slay me!