Arti-Graw

Kyra and I are not only inspired but motivated. So it came at an awesome time that I won tickets (off the radio mind you – Yes call number 9) to an art exhibit. It was held here in Green Bay at they called it Artigraw which was an appropriate name in the sense that it was right around Mardigraw. I was under the impression that there was going to be some tasty food involved (and so was Timmy which is how I got him to join us) but unfortunately it was not to be. There was however some really cool artwork to check out and we submerged ourselves in it for a few hours. I got to talk to artists about their different processes and got some great ideas to use in the future. I tried to surreptitiously take some snapshots with my camera (like a spy) and Kyra made sure to let me know that I was not being sneaky at all. She said “That’s stealing isn’t it?” And I had to tell her that its okay to be inspired by other artists work as long as you don’t try to pass it off as your own. Its plagiarism just like the written word would be in school. My taking pictures to remind myself is not stealing, as long as I only use it for inspiration – harnessing the good here people. Kyra and I have been looking for something to do together (ever since Bella was born really) besides shopping that we could share with each other- something special. Last summer we came up with the idea of an art studio which we were going to call “Viola Ivy.” At first it was a plan purely in conversation. Then it turned into her way of motivation me to clean out the loft above our garage so we had room. Eventually she and I were discussing not only the types of art we were going to create but then we decided that we are now going to sell it. So before we sign ourselves up for a craft fair or local art show I guess we better put the rubber to the road so to speak and make some art. I have been so inspired recently and the idea of painting again sounds so refreshing and positive I can’t wait. My main speed bump is finding not only the time to do it, but a time when I will be without children to tend to… this may be trickier than I originally planned. It’s set in motion though because this weekend I bought an easel and some blank canvases at Hobby Lobby to start getting my imagination down on canvas… it should be interesting. Kyra’s main focus is going to be on garden art. After the many trips to “The Flying Pig” in Algoma, she has decided that she will be repurposing old bowling balls into decorative garden globes. Our other creations (plans mind you) are to take old wine bottles, glass plates and dishes and to make colorful glass flowers for in people’s flower beds. We also came across tons of cups and saucers at a rummage sale last year and those may turn into bird feeders… not sure just yet but the sky is the limit- and at times our inspiration. No matter the outcome, Kyra and I have bonded over art and I can’t think of anything I would rather share with a person, especially one I love so very much

PS- when we were at Artigraw there was an artist there doing caricatures for 20 bucks a piece. If you know me well, I am sure by now you have realized that I swing from being super cheap/ thrifty to spending way too much money just because I like it. This was one of those times… she was just thrilled so I guess I paid more for that moment in time of her happiness than anything else… dangerous for sure.