tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29381639582633985742024-02-19T01:57:46.267-06:00Lydia's Brain PlaceThis is Lydia Burris.
This is my blog.
This is where I ramble about
my art, travel, inspirations, and stuff.Lydia Burrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05300233363206161343noreply@blogger.comBlogger152125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938163958263398574.post-77033553213081759712020-01-27T23:09:00.002-06:002020-01-27T23:14:28.892-06:00Ephemeral Conversations - to Stimulate the Universe!<div class="_2TO-components-SimpleRichTextEditor--paragraphElement" data-block="true" data-editor="ekt5t" data-offset-key="6o0g8-0-0" style="background-color: white; margin: 1em 0px;">
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="6o0g8-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;">
<span style="color: #241e12;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Well, I'm on a word kick.
Or rather, an "Ephemeral Conversations" kick. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #241e12;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuWBsXZ4ge-WX-PqIyLjcbpM2nyJ0YWzooNAsRFQcWEHFwqj_0Pog_v_t27pEPLJGTtTq7xFnXrhyphenhyphenImDedqGOmOQ69UVd21bMM_Nxm8fG6N4zN6BvQo4TtVzNUw9WySK1faYTJ2kd8ZjM/s1600/To+Stimulate+the+Universe+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="791" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuWBsXZ4ge-WX-PqIyLjcbpM2nyJ0YWzooNAsRFQcWEHFwqj_0Pog_v_t27pEPLJGTtTq7xFnXrhyphenhyphenImDedqGOmOQ69UVd21bMM_Nxm8fG6N4zN6BvQo4TtVzNUw9WySK1faYTJ2kd8ZjM/s640/To+Stimulate+the+Universe+sm.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #241e12;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">
<b> "To Stimulate the Universe"</b> <b><i>11" x 14" “We are poets! Our function is to stimulate the universe, hunting for warped songs and tertiary spacetime music.”</i></b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #241e12;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">
My latest mixed media/visual poetry experiment! This started as a DEMO piece for my materials and process students. It got me all excited to play with materials.
____________________________
I am continuing to work on a new body of work called "Ephemeral Conversations" - A playful merging of mixed media and ephemera that I've been collecting over the years, including images for art collages collected by my late mother who passed in 2011. The themes of the work dive into dream states, psychology and contemporary myth and fantasy. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #241e12;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">
It is also a play on words.
Not only am I using the occasional ephemeral materials from found papers (old pharmacy notes, stamps, pamphlets, bits of wallpaper), but I'm also using words from reading materials. Some of the words are direct and meant to be viewed as a message from the artist to the viewer. Some of the words are subdued and half hidden by other media, meant to add visual atmosphere - reflecting the way you might hear (but not quite understand) snippits of conversation in a public place. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #241e12;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">
My collection of materials began when I in college. At that time, my mother had boxes of materials she would use for her own collage and assemblage work. She collected old and damaged books on medicine and industry, vintage magazines, childrens books, maps and pamphlets. I witnessed her thought process of during this time of collecting, sorting, cutting up and using these items. When I cleaned her studio after her passing, I kept every scrap she had saved. I have the same desire to hunt for items I can use in art, and continue to add to this collection.
When I use materials both myself and my mother had collected for her own art, I feel I am having an (ephemeral) conversation with her spirit as I create.
</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhssrsAvspYZ0o1Tvfv6Iw98b9WsGDVGcHuIXcnEN45odxFuZaofKX74IMaGJE8_CqnjVCQEMUDTk1BoygESuw_oaOfdGVYywU8QWMW1W35pUt9EoDb-hMcNs4H9_dWXoXKncqFvPex1AQ/s1600/The+Tempest+Whisperers+crop+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="879" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhssrsAvspYZ0o1Tvfv6Iw98b9WsGDVGcHuIXcnEN45odxFuZaofKX74IMaGJE8_CqnjVCQEMUDTk1BoygESuw_oaOfdGVYywU8QWMW1W35pUt9EoDb-hMcNs4H9_dWXoXKncqFvPex1AQ/s320/The+Tempest+Whisperers+crop+sm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #241e12;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">
<b><i>"The Tempest Whisperers" 8"x8"</i></b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #241e12;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">
I have about 8 of these 8"x8" Ephemeral Conversations now, but I need to get good photos of them!
<i>Some of the Ephemeral Conversations (And Much More!) can be seen at the Columbus Learning Center in Columbus Indiana until may 7th. I am currently involved in a show called "A Look at Relative Art; A collaborative family exhibit" with art by my Father Robert, Mother Catherine and Myself. </i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #241e12;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">
I really need to make a separate post about this and talk about the art of my parents. </span></span></div>
</div>
Lydia Burrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05300233363206161343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938163958263398574.post-8188444430506138622019-11-12T15:30:00.000-06:002019-11-12T15:31:43.492-06:00Carousing with Destiny Finally<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzS2FLUSgcho6GtHubPfT_b4AzOSenCATbm6lDxzdLQNosswcLJPVxUiU4g9UaAConBuBbdBX68jOwhNKzJmOXMLi70XdgPwjhdO4a0yUGCzw3s-u319_zZJrdqs1cH-GzE23Go3gDtOc/s1600/Carousing+With+Destiny+sm+-+found+poem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="788" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzS2FLUSgcho6GtHubPfT_b4AzOSenCATbm6lDxzdLQNosswcLJPVxUiU4g9UaAConBuBbdBX68jOwhNKzJmOXMLi70XdgPwjhdO4a0yUGCzw3s-u319_zZJrdqs1cH-GzE23Go3gDtOc/s640/Carousing+With+Destiny+sm+-+found+poem.jpg" width="499" /></a></div>
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">CAROUSING with DESTINY</span></u></b><br />
<br />
I have had this poem made from cut text (various old/damaged book sources) for months. (I think I created it sometime in MAY 2019) I had it sitting between 2 pages of card stock with a book on top to keep it from shifting. Thank goodness I didn't accidentally bump the table it was on or I might have lost this whole thing. (see the picture at the very bottom to see the words arranged loosely on a black piece of cardstock.)<br />
<br />
I was waiting for the right surface to put it on. I envisioned a collage where I would paste it. I created the collage I had in mind, but once I finished it, I felt words would only disrupt the imagery I had.<br />
<br />
(below is the collage I had created, of the same name)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN5E9zVIodC8e3WJRTHa3L6NZjetcdh8oq40rz4PV3TLjrfnHUANP0o58elzVlaaFnXp0YX5JA3-ShK8zr-yQGYxaATU065n4Vi2xPsLTZ0Hm9zPz7hqojxqSJ5tXsU9Vhq6_g9Ld0iD4/s1600/Carousing+with+Destiny+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="572" data-original-width="1152" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN5E9zVIodC8e3WJRTHa3L6NZjetcdh8oq40rz4PV3TLjrfnHUANP0o58elzVlaaFnXp0YX5JA3-ShK8zr-yQGYxaATU065n4Vi2xPsLTZ0Hm9zPz7hqojxqSJ5tXsU9Vhq6_g9Ld0iD4/s400/Carousing+with+Destiny+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
See? Words would not have worked here. I tend to find success in abstract backgrounds for my 'found poetry'. So I looked through my pages of experimental backgrounds (which generally tend to pile up when I'm having a gelli plate session) - I found one that looked promising, and filled it out with some more colors and textures, finally satisfied with the look.<br />
<br />
FINALLY, in October, I HAD A SURFACE.<br />
<br />
Below is the poem:<br />
____________________________<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">CAROUSING WITH DESTINY</span></b><br />
<br />
<i>The voice of urgency trudged up clouds of remembered intensity</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>... it flows quite different, </i><br />
<i>her depths gleaming, lit by endless fires, </i><br />
<i>her place, fern-like in this world - </i><br />
<i>this rhyming world.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>From the deep valleys to ancient mountains, </i><br />
<i>from among the twisted roots to the open spaces </i><br />
<i>where anything might be fulfilled.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>She heard her escape on the wind</i><br />
<i>across the maze into the mirror.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Carousing with destiny was like falling into an icy sea. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>That very moment she snapped, and with shaking hands</i><br />
<i>opened her door to the planet's manifestation of desire</i><br />
<i>of dreams</i><br />
<i>and gently rolling S C R E A M S.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>____________________________________________</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Here is what it looked like when I had the loose words just sitting on a piece of black cardstock.<br />
It can take days for a longer poem like this to fully form.<br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8CI22SSd3XsY1ih-MO19PvZ_VexSxrsKMy8UlUBq_88EixYIgPmBTXESq3duPvjeUGRgHWWtv15WiBJXD0MKBynOLKEDQM6E6HkD5wg1YKvmx65Ysrl5zJNZvc3JtC-r5eh1n0xflQBE/s1600/carousing+with+destiny+preglue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="376" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8CI22SSd3XsY1ih-MO19PvZ_VexSxrsKMy8UlUBq_88EixYIgPmBTXESq3duPvjeUGRgHWWtv15WiBJXD0MKBynOLKEDQM6E6HkD5wg1YKvmx65Ysrl5zJNZvc3JtC-r5eh1n0xflQBE/s640/carousing+with+destiny+preglue.jpg" width="416" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
Lydia Burrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05300233363206161343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938163958263398574.post-24108648727303349712019-08-11T19:11:00.000-05:002019-08-27T14:55:34.546-05:00August Giveaway<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d0ta4" data-offset-key="4led8-0-0" style="background-color: white;">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="4led8-0-0" style="color: #7f7f7f; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">PSSST.... There's still time!! </span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="4led8-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfXaUjhsR4xvriPa-7u2Omdqvv4Tj8e_TOk5G4nK_c838DuR5Vt7ypd1JBJpQtjzBGKrwv8k4w9mru52NecuVX_2UN4gMxYe7ENeSseohxyPP3-kJ0AdHgLxK6r0Y9_zlEqfPTfYJC2Sw/s1600/star+thief+pack+links+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="1008" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfXaUjhsR4xvriPa-7u2Omdqvv4Tj8e_TOk5G4nK_c838DuR5Vt7ypd1JBJpQtjzBGKrwv8k4w9mru52NecuVX_2UN4gMxYe7ENeSseohxyPP3-kJ0AdHgLxK6r0Y9_zlEqfPTfYJC2Sw/s640/star+thief+pack+links+sm.jpg" width="532" /></a></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="4led8-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="4led8-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
ANNOUNCEMENT about my monthly PATREON GIVEAWAY:
* I will announce the RECIPIENT of this month's giveaway on SATURDAY AUGUST 24th!
* Interesting fact: New signups get charged the moment they sign on.
* To avoid erroneous charges, I've decided to announce the giveaway recipient near the END of the month instead of the beginning, so new signups can enter on the month of the giveaway.
* THIS MEANS if you wanted to support the studio and have your name added to the hat for this month's giveaway pack... you still can! Anyone who's already a patreon will automatically be entered. International patrons can enter too!
* There will be giveaways every month while my patreon is active!
* Future giveaways may include 2 pots: one with all names and one with names of those who havn't gotten anything yet.
Here's the link!!
https://www.patreon.com/lydiaburris
Join anytime! Cancel anytime! Your participation, interest and support is appreciated! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">**(EDIT: As per the rules of Patreon, giveaways must be open to anyone with no purchase necessary - so this and all future giveaways will include other ways to enter!! Stay tuned for details.)
---
CLOSEUP of the ORIGINAL PIECES in this month's AUGUST 2019 giveaway: </span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="d0ta4" data-offset-key="5vfol-0-0" style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzGv2NOVLFdlChDfDhi9yl2nQfWKBHrMnCL0qMScQRM9HI1ACgrETB6Vu8CjBuzCz2yRMxNqEaVn4yfftxOHPMTN6tuJAWUw8z8owMwT1KHyra_BijLrKX0l-2ScjE33eICv5-XG8ehy8/s1600/star+thief+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1180" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzGv2NOVLFdlChDfDhi9yl2nQfWKBHrMnCL0qMScQRM9HI1ACgrETB6Vu8CjBuzCz2yRMxNqEaVn4yfftxOHPMTN6tuJAWUw8z8owMwT1KHyra_BijLrKX0l-2ScjE33eICv5-XG8ehy8/s400/star+thief+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="5vfol-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Lydia Burrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05300233363206161343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938163958263398574.post-90189651011460333852019-03-27T09:30:00.000-05:002019-03-27T09:30:01.255-05:00TRAVEL BUG and NEW BLOG<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiGJsxZCfSr_9dFssoWRkvgkPVvs3AshbbSklFhYTEm5EO1dgqYN-p9Cr63Qy3rup80XLhAhyphenhyphenSpfrxv1AKzTi2iFj7_EkwraxlxYRZsRqNIjAHjW7zODSNyBRgsZVHScvEFdnBHtzptCc/s1600/Travel+Bug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiGJsxZCfSr_9dFssoWRkvgkPVvs3AshbbSklFhYTEm5EO1dgqYN-p9Cr63Qy3rup80XLhAhyphenhyphenSpfrxv1AKzTi2iFj7_EkwraxlxYRZsRqNIjAHjW7zODSNyBRgsZVHScvEFdnBHtzptCc/s320/Travel+Bug.jpg" width="313" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /><br /><i>Greetings Friends and Fiends and Fine Fellows! </i><div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you couldn't tell, I HAVE THE TRAVEL BUG.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This summer I am embarking on a 3 week journey that will include California and New Mexico. <br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">My goal is to create a surreal travel journal publication using art, poetry, writing and photography inspired by my adventures. </span></b><br /><br />The stops along my path are mainly determined by friend and family couch surfing opportunities.<br /><br />I have plotted out open days between stops to allow for whim and chance to lead me on unplanned paths. This uncertanty is part of the excitement of these travels! <br /><br />I did did a 16 day test run of this type of travel 2 years ago and it was a success. I visited places I didn't even know existed and met new people along my way. I encouraged friends to share with me their favorite local discoveries. I let the whim of exploring winding roads lure me to beautiful hidden places. I never felt more alive than I did on that journey, and it unlocked something within me. Those experiences led me to crave a similar experience, but this time I want to combine it with my art path. Rather than an 'escape' from my life, I am now diving in and making it a part of my *art* life. <br /><br /><b><u>I AM STARTING A NEW BLOG SPECIFIC TO THESE ADVENTURES:</u></b> </div>
<div>
You can go take a look/ follow the new Travel Specific blog at <a href="https://madartistlydia.blogspot.com/">https://madartistlydia.blogspot.com/</a> .</div>
<div>
<b style="background-color: #f6b26b;"> "Mad Artist Lydia Travels"</b><br /><br />UPDATES TBA!!!<br /><br />There may be a separate go-fund-me page I will create to help me specifically fund THE TRAVEL PROJECT, but support can also be offered through patreon. <a href="https://www.patreon.com/lydiaburris">https://www.patreon.com/lydiaburris</a> * I also plan to publicly thank each patreon patron in the new blog once I get a little more attention to it! </div>
Lydia Burrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05300233363206161343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938163958263398574.post-12963900319156204122019-03-24T09:30:00.000-05:002019-03-27T02:43:22.949-05:00Tiny mixed media madness!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNfm5mKOEauxtEX9RGP643lVbBnyFeXxlVac9nR4OLb9KB6lPu8qeEDcCXYDyXT2FPY5POmSiGjpduloU-3au4DY0m__cTtu-RKyVqZtg-RZHu8BVcQZBYyxPNCo52v_XACbx9P-BydRo/s1600/3-24-19+-+framed+pieces+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="814" data-original-width="1600" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNfm5mKOEauxtEX9RGP643lVbBnyFeXxlVac9nR4OLb9KB6lPu8qeEDcCXYDyXT2FPY5POmSiGjpduloU-3au4DY0m__cTtu-RKyVqZtg-RZHu8BVcQZBYyxPNCo52v_XACbx9P-BydRo/s640/3-24-19+-+framed+pieces+sm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #241e12; font-size: 16px; white-space: pre-line;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Greetings Friends!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here are some fun little framed mixed media pieces. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But let me explain something interesting about these:</div>
<br />
1.) A friend recently brought me a bunch of secondhand little frames. I added this to my growing collection of frames I havn't used yet but it got me thinking: Perhaps its time to dive in and use them! <br />
<br />
2.) I always find it a little frustrating dealing with frame glass. I hate cleaning them. I don't like the glare. I'm afraid if I have an unmatted mixed media piece, the acrylic or medium will stick to the glass and damage the art if one ever tries to de-frame it. SO.... I came up with a solution: do the art ON THE GLASS ITSELF. No waste, no risking cutting myself on the cleaning process, strengthens the glass, no fuss! Ok... *LESS* fuss.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>PROCESS:</b><br />
<br />
I coat the glass frame with tissue paper - this strengthens the glass and provides a paper-like surface for me to art on. The rest is the art process itself! All of these include some ephemera that came from my mother's collection of art bits. They are essentially part of my "Ephemeral Conversations" series. (Just tiny!) <br />
<br />
<br />
I have provided a few closeups of the pieces unframed: <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaiKBvLpunNiTcDZDLo7CFqlRryHVLWDj-ou1ZgVnVWTZuR38Q_-41yQJU_ZVqexQUf_joRzAWwrDpyBxHyxvFMQt_pw_lC3zgVd3fzZK9jzGaX_7XUl7irgtD3qqaK3al0YTFaLiQJJs/s1600/unnamed+fae+of+mixed+media+no+shine+sm.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaiKBvLpunNiTcDZDLo7CFqlRryHVLWDj-ou1ZgVnVWTZuR38Q_-41yQJU_ZVqexQUf_joRzAWwrDpyBxHyxvFMQt_pw_lC3zgVd3fzZK9jzGaX_7XUl7irgtD3qqaK3al0YTFaLiQJJs/s640/unnamed+fae+of+mixed+media+no+shine+sm.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
The above is an unnamed fae of mixed media. (The plastic art knife under it is angling it away from the light so I wouldn't get a shine on it)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_pWx1_KMcjLn4_l93tRKQOukGuCbs_XkH0QFSHR2ZTS8U9Wou1BqlvcEqmlZJDqWb2g6XAbhXhzQYk352GmF4cONusOjLhBRyAOsTjHIMIcnY5HzzjsZidpHPUXfH0lTwgGAW-sZvMgk/s1600/The+King+of+Practical+Questions+was+Sad+sm.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_pWx1_KMcjLn4_l93tRKQOukGuCbs_XkH0QFSHR2ZTS8U9Wou1BqlvcEqmlZJDqWb2g6XAbhXhzQYk352GmF4cONusOjLhBRyAOsTjHIMIcnY5HzzjsZidpHPUXfH0lTwgGAW-sZvMgk/s640/The+King+of+Practical+Questions+was+Sad+sm.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
"The King of the Practical Questions was sad"</div>
<br />
<br />
Thats about it! Stay tuned for more updates soon. Lydia Burrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05300233363206161343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938163958263398574.post-32502991657139887862019-01-11T15:09:00.002-06:002019-01-11T15:17:31.654-06:00Super Duper Announcements about PATREON and ETSY<b><span style="font-size: large;">Greetings Friends and Fiends! </span></b><br />
<br />
<i>I have a few anouncements I'd like to make about Patreon and Etsy!</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEFUM9giqZ3AcgJtQGGZxWQavjUj9r5u1QX8Soc7WX0CB2OkAIfJvJwfFE7z1vorTHk0y1MjopHqSLil6Z3e4b9HqQPBpZjmgbGMaPE7ldK3vjTD4piBCjXsKXRabKlMS2HTzvIGNtAxQ/s1600/Monster+Drawing+Rally+x2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="643" data-original-width="1008" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEFUM9giqZ3AcgJtQGGZxWQavjUj9r5u1QX8Soc7WX0CB2OkAIfJvJwfFE7z1vorTHk0y1MjopHqSLil6Z3e4b9HqQPBpZjmgbGMaPE7ldK3vjTD4piBCjXsKXRabKlMS2HTzvIGNtAxQ/s320/Monster+Drawing+Rally+x2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>ETSY</u></span></b><br />
First of all, I have uploaded the remaining works of art I did for the Monster Drawing Rally to my Etsy Page.<br />
<br />
<i>The Monster Drawing Rally was hosted by The Sun King Brewery in Indianapolis, in collaboration with Newfields, the Indianapolis Museum of Art! </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
They were all created with speed, to see how many could get done in an hour. (Although we could bring 5 works in - I created these the same way, so I technically made 11 works in 2 hours!) 5 sold at the event, and there are 6 left! They are all 11"x14", and I am only selling them for $50 each plus s+h!<br />
<br />
I have have several prints available and lots of original pieces! I am in the process of trying to upload new and older works to have as many choices as possible!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/LydiaBurris" target="_blank">LINK TO THE DARKNESS DREAMING ETSY SHOP</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>PATREON</u></b></span><br />
I have simplified my patreon to currently include a limited offering of Crazymail mystery letters and Crazypostcard rewards!<br />
What is patreon?<br />
Patreon is a way to support your favorite creators by pledging a monthly payment as either an exchange for an offered reward tier or as a donation. I currently offer physical rewards such as Crazymail and Postcards, but I also offer non-physical rewards in the form of sneak peeks, a first look at special offers when possible, as well as a first look at some new work and videos. I also offer a permanent 10% discount code for my Etsy Shop, no matter how much you pledge. My charges happen on the first of the month and you are free to cancel anytime. If you are interested in becoming a patreon patron, click on the link below!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.patreon.com/lydiaburris" target="_blank">LINK TO THE LYDIA BURRIS PATREON PAGE</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1MCJz654ZsONfVvM3oluGnA2vRTIo40zbmaq2IJQIcwqEQm9nW182sPe4jz_-fptZMrfkeY7777bpOE6J5ttgm-LOnvafJQbtKUy0btP7B-r0ldJJfndUX__Z7RiumQ_ZiuNSUQTyus4/s1600/IMG_4909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1MCJz654ZsONfVvM3oluGnA2vRTIo40zbmaq2IJQIcwqEQm9nW182sPe4jz_-fptZMrfkeY7777bpOE6J5ttgm-LOnvafJQbtKUy0btP7B-r0ldJJfndUX__Z7RiumQ_ZiuNSUQTyus4/s320/IMG_4909.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Thank you so much for your time and interest!</div>
Lydia Burrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05300233363206161343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938163958263398574.post-60260145563154670622018-03-12T19:09:00.000-05:002018-03-12T20:02:41.571-05:00Day Trip to Northern Indiana, and the silly things I see4:50 PM 3/12/2018<br />
<br />
I took a day Trip to Northern Indiana to visit my cousins. Of course, I forgot to take any photos with them, because I was too busy enjoying my time and having great conversations! But... this post is about other things.<br />
<br />
Whenever I leave the house, I make it goal in life to pay attention to the fun and funny little things<br />
I encounter, and not to let them pass by without note, as is so easily done with moments of delight<br />
<br />
Sometimes its billboards that make me laugh (like the "Tripple X 'Family' restaurant", and a sign that said "SPACE AVAILABLE" next to a picture of a Saturn. *cackle*) And other times its the unusual pieces I find in rest areas and towns.<br />
<br />
The first thing I encounter is the mysterious water pump at the rest area.<br />
A hot pink questionmark demands answers, but only results in more questions.<br />
Why is it there? Why is the sidewalk rusty? Are they renovaing the rest area? Is the question mark code for something specific?<br />
I'm assuming its part of a renovation project, as there were several other hot pink sprayed dashes and exes throughout the property, and a shiny new pipe ready to go in the ground, as well as little pink flags in the dead grass warning of underground pipework.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrAsgJ0qRbtkXbEyTswxb1v2F-2K6jWH9QqlG5h15wOmszHdjr-Tf0VkSgahKHLBFxomSoyj1CEt-LTTv0_sLjsC6p9A1iQjZqXXgQMNL8hPTEguDw1ysnmstZV-G6Ljv76ZblX-p90-I/s1600/questionable+water+pump+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="378" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrAsgJ0qRbtkXbEyTswxb1v2F-2K6jWH9QqlG5h15wOmszHdjr-Tf0VkSgahKHLBFxomSoyj1CEt-LTTv0_sLjsC6p9A1iQjZqXXgQMNL8hPTEguDw1ysnmstZV-G6Ljv76ZblX-p90-I/s320/questionable+water+pump+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Before getting on the road, I checked the internet where I chuckled about a MEME questioning whether doritos are merely a 'tiny' version of some larger more legendary "DORO" snack.<br />
2 minutes later I was on the road again and encountered some of those legendary DOROs myself on the side of the FIRST SEMI I SEE: a dorito truck! Serendipity!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYM1r_5twZqJBOzX1pr12BA6wPkbg9ZtQvRanOsyCMG7c4xPUGtF_1IZSJQRO3W_SnaZucQsq3fBUjXjFgnC54UyNmxMTYgra8s4MCI-V7ckFfNEVsqgzabk6rqkZLRM18YMYfXSOgRVw/s1600/legendary+DORO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="871" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYM1r_5twZqJBOzX1pr12BA6wPkbg9ZtQvRanOsyCMG7c4xPUGtF_1IZSJQRO3W_SnaZucQsq3fBUjXjFgnC54UyNmxMTYgra8s4MCI-V7ckFfNEVsqgzabk6rqkZLRM18YMYfXSOgRVw/s400/legendary+DORO.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
So I'm driving along on my total 2.5 hour trek (destined to be longer due to my relaxed attitude at pit stops and food runs) I have about 20 minutes left and my bladder is starting to whine at me. I *could* hold it, but I'd rather be comfortable. I decide to stop at the next exit with a gas station. I'll grab some skittles and go to the loo. I see a sign for Speedway and take the exit.<br />
Suddenly I find myself in the ghetto. My luck has led me into Gary, IN. I know this because there was a (possibly abandoned) Gary Library building on this road.<br />
I drove about 3 blocks but did not see any Speedway gas stations. I saw 2 sore and broken looking gas stations. Almost every sign on this road was hand written, and when I took a side street to go around the block and turn back, I saw that ALL the buildings on this block were burned out and broken down. I took a few quick snapshots because these things fascinate me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3xGj4puGM-05SgtL-xWHkRFXlA66MrQi2D0hn9sP58FYsLvYxpYAHC3uhtzjKohASi1EFTivZeOlKXJo99Pzk8RHwT-LlYRmeJnSIHBEJRWzqPZ5LMUofGx7LxSpcXr1EkOhYOnR8_cQ/s1600/gary+burned+out+broken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="266" data-original-width="720" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3xGj4puGM-05SgtL-xWHkRFXlA66MrQi2D0hn9sP58FYsLvYxpYAHC3uhtzjKohASi1EFTivZeOlKXJo99Pzk8RHwT-LlYRmeJnSIHBEJRWzqPZ5LMUofGx7LxSpcXr1EkOhYOnR8_cQ/s400/gary+burned+out+broken.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I proceed to have a conversation with myself.<br />
"Maaaybe I shouldn't pee here. It could be dangerous."<br />
"Dude, am I really too good to pee in Gary? Surely I can relieve myself here and not get in trouble. Don't be swayed by the negative stigma!"<br />
"But... this is Gary. And all those gas stations looked really scary"<br />
"Check the ones on the other side. If they look as bad, lets move on."<br />
(I drive past the exit)<br />
"There - look at that gas station, its not so bad."<br />
(looks at gas station. Its not as bad as the others, but its still pretty bad)<br />
"Look, your home in Indy sorta ghetto, this is nothing."<br />
"You're right! What the hell. Lets go pee."<br />
<br />
I park. Some nice gentleman holds the door for me. Ok, so far so good.<br />
I walk around. There are some workmen drilling into under a counter fixing something. I smell sawdust in the air. I find skittles but I do not see a bathroom. I ask the clerk as I buy the skittles and he points behind me. There, half hidden by shelves is the magical white door to the toilet.<br />
Inside its a combo between storage and bathroom. Its unisex and there is a dingy un-flushed urinal. Yuck. The toilet looks similar and *doesn't flush, but I'm at the point of no return now so I do my thing and go to wash my hands. NO WATER.<br />
Of course. * The workmen. * They must have shut off the water. I look for hand sanitizer to buy, but there is none. >_> Thankfully I had my own water in the car and was able to wash my hands.<br />
<br />
So, there is my March 2018 experience of Gary. However, I would not take it back, for without that little detour, I would have missed out on the best ever hand written mural advertising this car wash as....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHU9aVfxErZHojY55ypjcNFFo3yxtKM4F3vAD8nAWlHd9jMhe5ML6zQeT28sX41i8PYFyoVcaey3a7nllVI_91flP-tRixbOTG7Mzf0JvN_kcuad8-9SVzVVKqbEhtF04zQdRftLcgOm0/s1600/best+hand+job+in+town+combined.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="576" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHU9aVfxErZHojY55ypjcNFFo3yxtKM4F3vAD8nAWlHd9jMhe5ML6zQeT28sX41i8PYFyoVcaey3a7nllVI_91flP-tRixbOTG7Mzf0JvN_kcuad8-9SVzVVKqbEhtF04zQdRftLcgOm0/s400/best+hand+job+in+town+combined.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<i><b>The Best Hand Job in Town!</b></i><br />
<br />
----------------<br />
And finally, on the way home, I thought I had fallen into an alternate space dimension.<br />
I stopped at a rest area that looked almost exactly like the one from earlier, down to the pink flags and new pipe waiting to be interred into the ground.<br />
Remember that questionable pump earlier in my post? Yeah. There was another one.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifvJk4CNLRomfpDXm6MC6uxajyMQc0s1C5QEXWk8ev1KZXfEnUn2UMvTL8pp09CdIVbvNNsgMSRGI3rvmlKeCsRfXAmE7z7y4FVPcW5-ymts1Y-AHxz9A9W_FS8GvFi_V9xqqTMiwnhJ0/s1600/questionable+water+pump+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="349" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifvJk4CNLRomfpDXm6MC6uxajyMQc0s1C5QEXWk8ev1KZXfEnUn2UMvTL8pp09CdIVbvNNsgMSRGI3rvmlKeCsRfXAmE7z7y4FVPcW5-ymts1Y-AHxz9A9W_FS8GvFi_V9xqqTMiwnhJ0/s320/questionable+water+pump+2.jpg" width="310" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I got back on the road hoping I was going in the right direction, and eventually made it home safe and sound.<br />
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Lydia Burrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05300233363206161343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938163958263398574.post-47855441364795001522018-02-16T00:36:00.002-06:002018-02-16T00:39:56.490-06:00Destiny has no place here. Happy February!Greetings Internet.<br />
<br />
This is a little voice in the digital wind, giving an update on her life.<br />
<br />
One of millions of voices, skittering across the surface of a very large and turbulent ocean.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihrZO8jMYb3jgZwpgx8e0cceKrcElm7wT5HBNu8SmKsfHd0TSOlP8J1r0oNGtHtqv9MwoxGefF4yNrtBoQaDYjt3WzBEJbH2kyW939IlPExfUMBVR35LnHklzIzd4tRLDZhT47oWEnPeo/s1600/spark+of+perception.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="482" data-original-width="485" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihrZO8jMYb3jgZwpgx8e0cceKrcElm7wT5HBNu8SmKsfHd0TSOlP8J1r0oNGtHtqv9MwoxGefF4yNrtBoQaDYjt3WzBEJbH2kyW939IlPExfUMBVR35LnHklzIzd4tRLDZhT47oWEnPeo/s320/spark+of+perception.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I sit here, wondering if keeping this blog is a futile act.<br />
<br />
The short hot prick of social media updates has taken over not only potential readers, but my own will of writing. I actually feel somewhat overwhelmed by the prospect of using so much space, and the potential for well thought out content that reveals more than the flash of one facet of personal life.<br />
<br />
The reason I am here is, in itself, ridiculous:<br />
*Cue the cyclical thoughts*<br />
I recently updated my website, and I have a big 'BLOG' button to go along with the other important links on my front page. I thought 'Well, if I'm going to link my 'BLOG' so prominently, perhaps I should make an update! .... And perhaps I shouldn't give so much digital real-estate to the concept.<br />
Should I instead link my facebook?<br />
And then I evaluate the other buttons on my website... "blog" could be listed under updates... I could add a "facebook" button... or I could place that in the "about Lydia" page... or maybe the updates page... Oh hell. I could probably condense to about half the buttons.<br />
And now I'm over thinking it.<br />
I like my website update. It looks pretty. And I like the idea of a blog... so I better go make an update.<br />
<br />
And the cycle begins again.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWATF02vtsMUprwoIVoHOI-LB0IM03XaN2HJ314bUyqAOR9vJKmMBFXj8z9LhWQL7f7jdty3N9gYMdgKQFTq2_I473GFlro7WLOE0CNWQU8QaSPfoZYQ1uEIm1TfXdK1fQfL2OoAVpI3Y/s1600/washedouteyes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="155" data-original-width="397" height="124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWATF02vtsMUprwoIVoHOI-LB0IM03XaN2HJ314bUyqAOR9vJKmMBFXj8z9LhWQL7f7jdty3N9gYMdgKQFTq2_I473GFlro7WLOE0CNWQU8QaSPfoZYQ1uEIm1TfXdK1fQfL2OoAVpI3Y/s320/washedouteyes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">By the way, if you want to view my updated website, go <a href="http://lydiaburris.com/" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(remember to re-fresh the pages if you've already been there.)</span></div>
<br />
<br />
I think entirely too much. It gets in the way of doing sometimes. I should be making art for my upcoming conventions. But I'm here. Making a blog post.<br />
<br />
Do I want to share so much inner thought? Don't I want to recede from the vast social light and work more on my re-development as an artist and person? Do I want people to see this unformed phase?<br />
Yet, when have I ever been fully formed? I've been living in a cocoon for as long as I can remember, just on the verge of something great - Nearly ready to break out of my self-made binds, created anew - and aching to BECOME; to fly toward my destiny.<br />
<br />
But in life, there is no destiny. There is no destination. There is only the path. Lets just aim for the next plateau eh?<br />
<br />
Here are some unformed works of art for your viewing pleasure.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNab79EooMUZCUs8XAyB9UicBGhrEdOgDn_7H5XCYoqSyCB2hpR76t01UeAt-dSTvFu2OeI6SeCW8gvi0iDlD1qpaKHTzVJ3fC99X5OCMo_nEvxTVnZoeVDfY1grxMKKWfSoQkw_PSsNc/s1600/unformedthings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="774" height="413" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNab79EooMUZCUs8XAyB9UicBGhrEdOgDn_7H5XCYoqSyCB2hpR76t01UeAt-dSTvFu2OeI6SeCW8gvi0iDlD1qpaKHTzVJ3fC99X5OCMo_nEvxTVnZoeVDfY1grxMKKWfSoQkw_PSsNc/s640/unformedthings.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Perhaps Next time I'll remember to come here and post some actual updates!<br />
<br />
(There is always so much happening. New Art, Teaching, residencies I want to apply for, the tectonic plates of my life shifting into regions unknown, art shows and conventions, silly thoughts, epic plans, snails and luna moths, unskilled dancing, hopeful adventures, a pinch of curmudgeon, salt, crazymail, vampires, hermit crabs, and undefined things.)<br />
<br />Lydia Burrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05300233363206161343noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938163958263398574.post-68795051154616432632017-05-13T21:15:00.003-05:002017-05-13T21:15:45.485-05:00Mixed Media and a little Madness<br />
<br />
<br />
I was trying to write a simple fb status update and I realized I had waaay too much to say right now, so I wiggled my typing fingers and moved from my phone to my computer. <br />So. First: I am REALLY enjoying my dive into mixed media. There are so many things I've played with this week, and more things I plan to play with in the coming weeks. I'm switching back and forth between 2D and 3D, and I'm interlocking so many mediums together - one informing the next. <br />Another joy is the fact that I have learned so much from my students as well. This semester I taught a class that involved a lot more process and mixed medias. I came up with lessons that would allow the students to stay within the perameters of the assignments, yet explore and bring in new mediums both familiar and unusual. I encouraged experimentation and new pathways. I assigned projects that got me SO CURIOUS to see what they would come up with - and I was not dissappointed! Along this path, they invariably use materials I had not considered - and I was able to add to my own arsenal of mediums and ideas. I'm proud that I had such a great group that encouraged eachother creatively - pushing to new levels with each project. <br /><br />Back to my own mixed media experiments, let me run down a list: This week alone I have played with magazines and collage, oil paint, acrylic paint, watercolor, digital, tissue paper and acrylic medium, modge podge, mixed media paper, duralar paper, tone paper, hot glue assemblage with 3D pieces, tubing, nails, air dry clay, fabric scraps and stablizer paper. I've gessoed many surfaces, I just bought new air dry clay to try, as well as a green metallic lustre wax finish, tonight I'll use the sewing machine and try to bake some fimo pieces that have been waiting to add to a doll I'm manipulating. I've worked on 2D pieces, added to a shadowbox relief, and worked on some full sculptural pieces. I've rearranged parts of the studio and stared at the walls. I even got giddy when I found some lettraset in the basement. I could use those in my mystery letters! <br /><br />I chatted with someone earlier - a friend at the art store - he asked what I've been doing lately/ what I'm up to and words just tumbled out of my mouth. Teaching, (almost finished - just gotta grade then I've got summers off from that!) getting prepped for my most intense convention ever (an actual big booth at GenCon!) and my mixed media explorations, my scavanging and estate/ garage sale hunting for my junk booth, and how I want to create a book - but I've only got till August - and how time is fleeting! I also have my patreon and mystery letters which I thoroughly enjoy putting together. ITS LIKE ALL MY ATOMS ARE VIBRATING SO FAST I'M GOING TO DISSOLVE INTO ANOTHER DIMENSION. Hopefully all this effort will flower into something kick butt.<br /><br />SO. Wish me luck folks! I'm going to stick not just my nose to the grinder but my whole face. Aside from a small trip I want to make in mid June to CA, I'm going to just lock myself in create mode. I might need someone to drag me away on occasion just so I can get some basic human interaction before I forget how to speak without mumbling into oblivion. Much love all around! Lydia Burrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05300233363206161343noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938163958263398574.post-42990329373966398062017-05-06T02:05:00.000-05:002017-05-06T02:05:34.253-05:00A Day in the Mind<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTH6oI3oU7tSsGRFggnK4MJNdQrDBsCiLi-rb5BDNp_JT2k3Djc9I9bHzsUSh3zDc1HElJgesOYtpOiqfd9kIrmf3zvT9j9FXZvA4gyz_depPjEsJ1G1rc2RqNxg1AWV3XGxaVDVvniew/s1600/ponderings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTH6oI3oU7tSsGRFggnK4MJNdQrDBsCiLi-rb5BDNp_JT2k3Djc9I9bHzsUSh3zDc1HElJgesOYtpOiqfd9kIrmf3zvT9j9FXZvA4gyz_depPjEsJ1G1rc2RqNxg1AWV3XGxaVDVvniew/s320/ponderings.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
A day in the mind: <br />
Desperately trying to get work done for August/ gencon. Am I making fan work? not so much. Am I working on commissions? Not tonight but they are not forgotten. Am I frantic to hurry up and figure out why I've been artblocked and exploring various styles and methods hoping that I'll get back on track and love the process again? yep. Am I worried that for the past few years I've been veering in the wrong direction? sorta. Am I tired of trying to cling onto a dream I once had of being an illustrator after realizing I don't really want said dream? I'm not sure, or I don't want to admit it. Do I want to make large and bizarre ethereal artworks/ environments that hearken to an alternate dimension? *nods vigorously* Do I have the means to do this? yes. Do I have the money/ resources/ available time to do this? Not really. Do I need change? Yes. Are all the smaller artworks I'm making a waste of efforts? No way. Is everything culminating in a big push forward and I'm just impatient for it to just happen already? Yes. Am I worried about whats happening to the world around me? Hell yes. Am I ever going to give up? Hell no. <br />
That is all. Lydia Burrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05300233363206161343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938163958263398574.post-29154180859824144822016-12-28T23:04:00.001-06:002016-12-28T23:04:30.783-06:00What will 2017 bring?Wow. 2016, I am glad you are almost over. Not that I wait for the end of the year to make the resolutions and changes I want to make, but it does represent a nice psychic psychic re-set button. This is a time to think about how the year went, and how we want it to go next year. So, whats coming in 2017? I have no idea, but here are a few things I am proposing to myself:<br />
1.) LESS CONVENTIONS. since 2010, I have been running at full steam ahead with an average of 14 cons a year, plus many many involvements with art shows and art events. Its been great, I've made many friends, gathered like minded art enthusiasts, and did some fantastic networking. However, I'm burned out in several ways - Mainly in that I don't feel I can effectively create heartfelt and meaningful art with the weight of trying to make enough money to cover all the convention expenses (booth fees, hotel, gas, food, restocking prints, etc etc) I'm left with little time to really explore the innermost reaches of my mind - which is where my art comes from in the first place. Don't worry, I'm not going cold turkey, I am still signed up for a few, but I'm going to be doing some major cutbacks. <br /><br />
2.) MORE PERSONAL TRAVEL. If I can afford it, I need to travel more (for non-convention reasons). I've been craving a trip to a deserty area for years. Earlier this year my Uncle in AZ. passed away. I had not seen him in several years. I had been wanting to visit, but he passed before I could make that happen. I regret this. I don't want to add more regrets. <br />I also envisioned myself as a traveler when I was younger. I am not living up to my own childhood expectations and I need to at least TRY to appease the high ambitions of my inner child.<br /><br />
3.) BETTER ART. -- As implied earlier about conventions, I don't think I'm living up to my potential as an artist. I feel as if I have been coasting along, doing what was necessary to stay afloat. I admit, I have made some great progress, and have come out with a few killer pieces this year. I don't think the rest of the work I do is bad - to say that would be to insult those who own my work! But I do feel I'm missing a piece to my puzzle and I must go find it. <br /><br />
4.) READ MORE -- I barely read anything this year due to being busy, and not using my extra time wisely. This could also double as "Less social media". However, I have been diving into a lot of podcasts - its like reading with my ears instead of my eyes. My eyes have been busy. <br /><br />
5.) WRITE MORE -- It feels good to write, and I need to stretch my storytelling skills. Lately I have been listening to "The Moth" - my new favorite podcast about anyone and everyone telling their personal stories. This is inspiring me to get more into storytelling. Both to revive my memories and not loose the stories from my past, but I would also like to flesh out stories for the miscellany in my mind, and give those visual characters meaning.<br />
<br />
(Note: I also posted this on facebook)<br />
My next post will be a recap of 2016. Lydia Burrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05300233363206161343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938163958263398574.post-9850044149607640192016-04-03T15:39:00.000-05:002016-04-03T15:39:52.061-05:00How Lydia paints a cat portraitGreetings Friends and fiends! <br />
<br />
I thought I'd share my process on painting a cat portrait. It was done with bic pen, acrylic, and colored pencil. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGuTHyasrbAN-yT0tkNMZR4x_tNm2gBvRE019G0zexHv0_GzJAwqJoD4tYnVeteliqk7c1XvYmdfRwwJXku2eMqm4gxVWlNKKtJKi7izL7bV8R_PQL00AHzFlcp_CFASrCU3CTVjPQfUc/s1600/Cat+Portrait+preview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGuTHyasrbAN-yT0tkNMZR4x_tNm2gBvRE019G0zexHv0_GzJAwqJoD4tYnVeteliqk7c1XvYmdfRwwJXku2eMqm4gxVWlNKKtJKi7izL7bV8R_PQL00AHzFlcp_CFASrCU3CTVjPQfUc/s320/Cat+Portrait+preview.jpg" width="237" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_962488234"></span><br />
<br />
I was commissioned recently to paint a portrait of someone's beloved feline, who is unfortunately not long for this world. He requested a halo and clouds. This same awesome person has previously commissioned me for cat portraits including tentacles and non-euclidean architecture, so I added some strange flying sea jelly monsters because it fits this client and his loving pets.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
TO BEGIN! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTUYPfdMojEWfLQFdKr6H7bWrTIEjW15wQ3kmmbZi2e2kHCWRW9LIwI675P2Fvh9EJgwEMw9uTBr6sukKc2WqW6W1Icp5GjZarFvft4ISW2TvklHD-lVcz4Nvt8hEwMp5sVavde6rRwuY/s1600/cat+portrait+with+halo+%25281%2529sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTUYPfdMojEWfLQFdKr6H7bWrTIEjW15wQ3kmmbZi2e2kHCWRW9LIwI675P2Fvh9EJgwEMw9uTBr6sukKc2WqW6W1Icp5GjZarFvft4ISW2TvklHD-lVcz4Nvt8hEwMp5sVavde6rRwuY/s1600/cat+portrait+with+halo+%25281%2529sm.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
First I lay in some quick paint to represent the body of the cat. This is purely intuitive. I let me eyes and brain do a quick calculation on composition. Its ok if its not perfect, as the details will be sorted out later. I choose a mid-range color close to main body of the cat.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHYsc7gKWjR0rru9gsl4_B2Wekr8ClREAyDE0HSBpQaRNSy2aBMuBUXL-ny6u7P7Pb1YkqbcB71LB0H-SwdHDheSisnMUiS-8r53spvJYCMTmcWVwwpWPIL-gVa68Heve6ONOfJ0FzLo4/s1600/cat+portrait+with+halo+%25282%2529sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHYsc7gKWjR0rru9gsl4_B2Wekr8ClREAyDE0HSBpQaRNSy2aBMuBUXL-ny6u7P7Pb1YkqbcB71LB0H-SwdHDheSisnMUiS-8r53spvJYCMTmcWVwwpWPIL-gVa68Heve6ONOfJ0FzLo4/s1600/cat+portrait+with+halo+%25282%2529sm.jpg" /></a></div>
Next I use BIC PEN to draw the contours of the figure. I calculate in my mind as I go, being careful to about measuring elements in relation to each other. As a teacher I almost cringe at the thought of my students doing the same thing. Ha!! Any corrections can be made in the painting stage, so I don't stress if I have a few re-drawn edges. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4wZzcu4THYc4o5Gat21zrTqUzSs7y1fAmyiCVl2GZ066Obyy3Fkyl6voOQH2aZqFkdWIgUVYEcpW0-MhJg4dVT2EYxJq_7D5Oj-hNEyoOFV49QHI6vpMJfRiF1i_ApxCyV4oghEpTRhE/s1600/cat+portrait+with+halo+%25283%2529sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4wZzcu4THYc4o5Gat21zrTqUzSs7y1fAmyiCVl2GZ066Obyy3Fkyl6voOQH2aZqFkdWIgUVYEcpW0-MhJg4dVT2EYxJq_7D5Oj-hNEyoOFV49QHI6vpMJfRiF1i_ApxCyV4oghEpTRhE/s1600/cat+portrait+with+halo+%25283%2529sm.jpg" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Adding a background really helps to solidify the figure of the cat, and covers the excess paint that was outside the edge of the drawing. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtJUfXHrbWX9CNt5CeOfqBHmoJoeV-ixg5mwT3Ppj0XBpJ2Z8T1FnVr_OALdSPmdFN6Y1V57ZMYSX43MTSv1Ym-7vxbJV_wMWvcYUuGvNSoocgVN7i_AJmeCJ6N93cXCGHn7eFQEMq5xM/s1600/cat+portrait+with+halo+%25284%2529sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtJUfXHrbWX9CNt5CeOfqBHmoJoeV-ixg5mwT3Ppj0XBpJ2Z8T1FnVr_OALdSPmdFN6Y1V57ZMYSX43MTSv1Ym-7vxbJV_wMWvcYUuGvNSoocgVN7i_AJmeCJ6N93cXCGHn7eFQEMq5xM/s1600/cat+portrait+with+halo+%25284%2529sm.jpg" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Above I've added some darker coloring to the fur, and made the ears pink. I like to start with mid-range to darker colors, so I can add in the highlights on top, - this also creates depth in areas where I only add some light. I also added clouds to the background. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4kMvgzkiAqApXMh5zwpXFGRdG5IwoNr7FWgceFux0VykPBrDBmHhnxvh8HDwVUsBQ98DJV93mLfT49x9_9iHulbWoQn7SbYtY2rll3KzUFlnH01z_RT_GCXB867IxlIhlzxBMP5vVVc/s1600/cat+portrait+with+halo+%25285%2529sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4kMvgzkiAqApXMh5zwpXFGRdG5IwoNr7FWgceFux0VykPBrDBmHhnxvh8HDwVUsBQ98DJV93mLfT49x9_9iHulbWoQn7SbYtY2rll3KzUFlnH01z_RT_GCXB867IxlIhlzxBMP5vVVc/s1600/cat+portrait+with+halo+%25285%2529sm.jpg" /></a></div>
Here I've completed the eyes, added some striping and some lighter areas of fur.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4N5lgLFhIBkaXOwMcsVELehTFStiDjbKTD5bnX5fIUGvP5RkdVu3W78Iew1bFM2VinMOYQMUSB4KbapVAhd2it2c0jQACq5VQ68O5uHT4XTAClyH_ex0tQh9QMiX1-npB5Ao9ElroiHc/s1600/cat+portrait+with+halo+%25286%2529sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4N5lgLFhIBkaXOwMcsVELehTFStiDjbKTD5bnX5fIUGvP5RkdVu3W78Iew1bFM2VinMOYQMUSB4KbapVAhd2it2c0jQACq5VQ68O5uHT4XTAClyH_ex0tQh9QMiX1-npB5Ao9ElroiHc/s1600/cat+portrait+with+halo+%25286%2529sm.jpg" /></a></div>
Now I've spent more time on the markings of the fur, and re-established the darker stripes.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBfpttuQA5O8kg0rjNCt4CFwoje9Ak64_6_MhSiv-WV3ufRu1XvqYxlxVn5BUwdVHLbqAn2FNb6FBt2nTnJDtO48siJwfy3cqJW11fBHGiXr4iyi7fFm0cGp5SONYes21Vi3i0gW7c4FA/s1600/cat+portrait+with+halo+%25288%2529sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBfpttuQA5O8kg0rjNCt4CFwoje9Ak64_6_MhSiv-WV3ufRu1XvqYxlxVn5BUwdVHLbqAn2FNb6FBt2nTnJDtO48siJwfy3cqJW11fBHGiXr4iyi7fFm0cGp5SONYes21Vi3i0gW7c4FA/s1600/cat+portrait+with+halo+%25288%2529sm.jpg" /></a></div>
My favorite stage!! I've added the COLORED PENCIL. Notice how the dark paint allows the lighter colored marks to show more boldly. I've found that ~drawing~ the fur in with colored pencil feels a lot more natural and spontaneous than trying to paint the fur. (btw, most of the whiskers are thin strips of paint - the white colored pencil wouldn't have shown up as consistently bright white)<br />
I also added the halo to this stage. Mainly yellow ocher - and its somewhat translucent.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsGcgqIhLiBO4oJDkaocXoiQkhl4ZifdOfrYfoL6Jf9TMY-pqSYi_G31FaX0L1es7kR7Lo7bGW29YcsHR676dhYskRCj6jg3ten_JOupI2SmjkLuy6bt3edZIrGQYQH5mgUb-yX6Ocf1U/s1600/Cat+Portrait+with+Halo+and+floating+jelly+monsters+smsm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsGcgqIhLiBO4oJDkaocXoiQkhl4ZifdOfrYfoL6Jf9TMY-pqSYi_G31FaX0L1es7kR7Lo7bGW29YcsHR676dhYskRCj6jg3ten_JOupI2SmjkLuy6bt3edZIrGQYQH5mgUb-yX6Ocf1U/s1600/Cat+Portrait+with+Halo+and+floating+jelly+monsters+smsm.jpg" /></a></div>
And Finally! The finished piece! I added detail to the background: Some fluffy clouds up front in colored pencil, and I drew in some creatures with the bic pen - I kept them translucent to keep them in the realm of imaginary. To the halo, I added a white strip in the center, let it dry, and went over the white with bright yellow to give it that bright highlight.<br />
<br />
Below is a closeup comparison of the face before and after colored pencil, as well as another slim layer of acrylic paint. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLNt9WVjUEb8I8dzxU7hbBA5RIiTbsZuujRO3kMjSC_S_FqxMKwRzpeN9JHMvBInk-CPj5LGu9Z0QSxwEicqruMgzTlnUzqRJuf8gOSSwLpYkXSWMtXgKSIDvQT2yG9vE_ly9fs8Xp9Hs/s1600/cat+portrait+face+01+with+halo+%25287%2529sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLNt9WVjUEb8I8dzxU7hbBA5RIiTbsZuujRO3kMjSC_S_FqxMKwRzpeN9JHMvBInk-CPj5LGu9Z0QSxwEicqruMgzTlnUzqRJuf8gOSSwLpYkXSWMtXgKSIDvQT2yG9vE_ly9fs8Xp9Hs/s1600/cat+portrait+face+01+with+halo+%25287%2529sm.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYjYXZNm4r_AcgMkf1WX7j2ZHira4HtON90DGB855oiM-jW43aiYBa0dQwpp_CcqEiKoLo2on_OR_ljuYKW9wnH9_O91e0x1rnRt0Oy5xO8ZKvC3jA5CgzMbG4ChHaS8znNzPm4JOQzFk/s1600/cat+portrait+face+02+with+halo+%25287%25292sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYjYXZNm4r_AcgMkf1WX7j2ZHira4HtON90DGB855oiM-jW43aiYBa0dQwpp_CcqEiKoLo2on_OR_ljuYKW9wnH9_O91e0x1rnRt0Oy5xO8ZKvC3jA5CgzMbG4ChHaS8znNzPm4JOQzFk/s1600/cat+portrait+face+02+with+halo+%25287%25292sm.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
And there we go! I hope this helps to shed some light (and not shed fur) on my process for painting animals. This is by no means my only method of working (animals aren't even the bulk of my work!) but it is my preferred method for getting lifelike qualities in creatures.<br />
______________________<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Thank you! please feel free to share portraits you've done of animals in the thread.</span> </i></span><br />
<br /><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Also, if you would like me to paint your own beloved animal, please contact me though email for a quote. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">lydiaburris (at) gmail.com. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Portraits start at $75 and go up. I also paint humans, manipulated faces, other animals, and plenty of other you-name-it-requests. :)</span></span><br /><br /><br />
<br />Lydia Burrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05300233363206161343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938163958263398574.post-69163995395165969542016-02-13T04:04:00.000-06:002016-02-13T04:10:11.549-06:00The Cycle Repeats, almostWell now!! I had written a new blog post last week, but didn't finish it. I re-read my last post from ~too long ago~ only to realize I had expressed nearly the exact feelings of complacent anxieties and unfulfilled self promises, only in different words. <br />
Wow. This is one of the longer cocoon-gestation-periods I've experienced.<br />
<br />
I feel that I'm starting to come out of this cocoon phase, but I'm still soft, I'm not sure what I am yet, and most of my appendages are still stuck in this transitional death-sac.<br />
<br />
I did do some travel.<br />
I spent new years in Florida with family, and it was amazing.<br />
<br />
Then I had a little adventure in California, and it was amazing. I stayed with some friends in Claremont - while my guy David had his own adventure filling in on guitar for the band URN. <br />
<br />
It was a fulfilling experience, and a great opportunity to do our own things. <br />I got to see some California friends, did some networking, and developed a very strong NEED to get out of Indiana.<br />
This however has not sated my cravings, it has only made them stronger! It has made me realize how much I need to be in a different environment, with a different routine and a different focus. A new chapter is approaching and I am excited for it.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, I'm creating art daily, and staying in the creative mindset. I'm not revealing any plans, that would be dangerous. I gotta keep the magic alive right now by keeping it covered and hidden from the wind. This is a delicate but hot flame. I'll see you later when its a roaring bonfire.<br />
<br />
~~~<br />
Much love, stay creative friends.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhshWdA3l-PzCDklkBPUKkpx0zUu-OK6LP1mrS0_oTfAlxqFZTRrJtKyggIr87A_-NDF0hPYXZwp3qOQLoAqGhKJQzAyN-aeRktKOALDGWR49dYDPLBwVQu3gi1TQWrkmalEzsmwPGei9Q/s1600/self+portrait+-+listening+to+rome+-+flowers+from+exile+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhshWdA3l-PzCDklkBPUKkpx0zUu-OK6LP1mrS0_oTfAlxqFZTRrJtKyggIr87A_-NDF0hPYXZwp3qOQLoAqGhKJQzAyN-aeRktKOALDGWR49dYDPLBwVQu3gi1TQWrkmalEzsmwPGei9Q/s320/self+portrait+-+listening+to+rome+-+flowers+from+exile+sm.jpg" width="274" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~~ I discovered myself Undiscovered, and uncovered myself Undercover ~~</div>
Lydia Burrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05300233363206161343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938163958263398574.post-30335586525347019892015-09-24T07:30:00.000-05:002015-09-24T12:28:04.878-05:00SAVE ME FALCOR<br />
I can't believe my last blog post was in MAY. And before that... DECEMBER.<br />
Dang. I am super slacking when it comes to sharing more than a quick quip on status-update-social-sites. ..... <br />
<br />
Well. I crave going deeper... but have hit a sort of "this-all-seems-a-bit-pointless" syndrome, and a case of the "I-wish-I-was-having-the-type-of-adventures-I-had-when-I-was-in-college" wistfulness. <br />
<br />
Even as I write this, I have an undeniable urge to just delete all this and go to bed. No one wants to hear this, no one should hear this. My brain doubts should remain secret from the public. My problems aren't even big enough to warrant sharing. But I'm not going to delete this... I don't think. <br />
<br />
Man, the brain worms (doubt and self sabotage) have been getting fat the past few months. I wonder if this is depression. I smile in public, and I mean it. Its not a mask. Or is it? See... I'm floating in a sea of pointless self questioning and uncertain wants. If I try to dig at the root of this undefinable quivering uncomfortable vibration, I feel the sting of tears on the edges of my being. And yet I even nag at myself for feeling this way - I have so much to be thankful for. I have shelter with wood floors and almost a place for everything, an art studio downtown, I have a loving partner (who'm I just celebrated being with for 8 years! We spent the day watching parody kung fu movies) I have art, I have tons of cool stuff, and I have a part time job I really like. <br />
<br />
But.... perhaps... the things that define me, that have defined me in the past seem to have dissipated.<br />
I do not feel as free. I traveled so much when I was in college, and it FEELS like I travel all the time now, but its all to the inside of convention centers and hotels. I never really see the PLACES I travel to. And my art... and me as an artist.... have lost purpose. I am floating in space, surrounded by pretty colors and shapes, but nothing to grasp onto, nothing seems solid.<br />
<br />
I need an adventure - not travel for the commercial side of my art business, but I need a good soul searching adventure. <br />
<br />
I also need to eat better sometimes, and exercise, and spend less time on the computer. And maybe collaborators and co-conspirators. I need people to tap me on the shoulder and remind me to do art, or challenge me to an art duel.<br />
Sometimes I feel like an appreciation-operated machine - when I get good attention or when someone buys art, I get that joyful rush. But I've sorta forgotten how to generate that rush on my own. <br />
<br />
My boat is teetering on the sea of lethergy. Help me avoid rowing into the swamps of sadness. Also, make sure I don't fall into the bog of eternal stench... that doesn't seem to be a danger at this point, but I might as well cover all my movie-quote bases. Apparently there is a Sea of Possibilities in the Never Ending Story. That could be a good place to take my boat... so long as the NOTHING isn't threatening to wipe me away.<br />
<br />
OH DEAR. Maybe this feeling *IS* the Nothing! The 'evil' from my MOST WATCHED CHILDHOOD MOVIE is coming to haunt me! I'm at the point in my life where I have to do battle with those untouchable demons of depression, lack of interest, and drive to care.<br />
NO WONDER my 'new' car is named Falkor. SEE???? Falkor will save me with a meaningful life ROAD TRIP, where I will encounter the princess (my inner child) and give her a new name<br />
. AHH!!! I think I need to go read some Joseph Campbell. The hero's journey. Its time to get myself out of this dank cavern and be reborn. <br />
<br />
See, journals really are a great thing for self dialogue and finding answers. <!--3--><!--3-->Lydia Burrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05300233363206161343noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938163958263398574.post-43073432989914462192015-05-06T01:49:00.000-05:002015-05-06T02:03:44.087-05:00Arthropods with AttitudeLife is (again) travelling too fast for me to attempt recording it in words. Even less so for words gone public. But here is an attempt, because sharing is what's for dinner. Wait, no, that was veggie burgers. Veggie burgers were dinner. I'm rambling. Let me post a few pics.<br />
<br />
This is a wee different from my tree people and crazy creations... but drawing from a source sometimes refreshes my brain. I am also exploring a childhood obsession - as I once wanted to be an entomologist. (Being an artist was always a given. There was no choice there, besides, I thought EVERYONE was automatically an artist anyway and that it didn't really count as a solo aspect of a career. Not that I didn't think it was a real job, I just assumed art was a part of every picture. Always. Ok, maybe I should save that thought for another day.) <br />
<br />
Here are some bug pictures I've done so far. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJCex30l8AbZAaDuGIlhV_p1W2yD1wFlzL921AXauuBRwUeei2gBKd4Qj7459etlyKsQqlEiC90yhjqjW5gAtiAIWIZjPgXFu9ctX86zo7kARuHyyGNFf7KCOj88SCYHCWEc7imsWcyes/s1600/carapace+and+woohoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJCex30l8AbZAaDuGIlhV_p1W2yD1wFlzL921AXauuBRwUeei2gBKd4Qj7459etlyKsQqlEiC90yhjqjW5gAtiAIWIZjPgXFu9ctX86zo7kARuHyyGNFf7KCOj88SCYHCWEc7imsWcyes/s1600/carapace+and+woohoo.jpg" height="448" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><i>("I'm too sexy" and "Woo Hoo!" both are 4"x6" acrylic and colored pencil) </i></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
These are the first ones I did and had them hanging in the studio. The word bubbles get my giddy giggly, and I'm having too much fun. The abstract backgrounds let me play, and the illusionary realism gives me a chance to hone in and practice the skills I fought so hard learn. Its refreshing in so many ways. I told another artist that I wanted to turn it into a series, but that I often had trouble staying with one thing. She then did a very good thing and CHALLENGED ME to create 100 bugs before the next openhouse event (April 2016) I accept this challenge. I may change styles a bit, and I might include some critters beyond the bug spectrum, but I will do it! I'll try to put a bit of humor in most of them.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
By the way, the 'Woo-Hoo' butterfly sold at the openhouse, and the purchase came with a very touching story, and served in part as a memorial to someone special. No greater gift can be given than knowing my art can serve such a high and beautiful purpose. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitF6HyrpjQYHuqCal5bigEbYN77kVUeKH9owJRG_9oNr7gHq48PKVykUUuPBbI2KVW6_qZMwI9_X8EbcQHx28IZ3x_fLe4-bjamnByO30um80MPVrAr7boSzLWLe0FYUCGHM2tI70Jvhc/s1600/pillbug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitF6HyrpjQYHuqCal5bigEbYN77kVUeKH9owJRG_9oNr7gHq48PKVykUUuPBbI2KVW6_qZMwI9_X8EbcQHx28IZ3x_fLe4-bjamnByO30um80MPVrAr7boSzLWLe0FYUCGHM2tI70Jvhc/s1600/pillbug.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><b>("The Wild One" 5"x7" acrylic and colored pencil) </b></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The pill bug was next, and has also sold. Again, the purchase came with a story, something that touched the buyer on a personal level, and inspired a grand conversation about critter obsession in kids, inside jokes and banana slugs. *GRIN!*</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWk6YrBdTlbUbI3XIt0r0lWurSwzALy8aH1OeHdvhOcaU6SXM_HQ3jKUmxAoM6YyS62SbBpSJpL_CNndxwMNfeXMt6Opleybeap0eklVm6u2y3Nb-z-kPLxv2Mct-DqrI_dWYRqXtUbLA/s1600/spider+and+io.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWk6YrBdTlbUbI3XIt0r0lWurSwzALy8aH1OeHdvhOcaU6SXM_HQ3jKUmxAoM6YyS62SbBpSJpL_CNndxwMNfeXMt6Opleybeap0eklVm6u2y3Nb-z-kPLxv2Mct-DqrI_dWYRqXtUbLA/s1600/spider+and+io.jpg" height="448" width="640" /></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i> ("Hey Buddy" and "Io Moth, Ready for Takeoff" - both 5"x7" First is ink, watercolor and acrylic, second is acrylic and colored pencil )</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
These two were the most recent. I learned not to try and think of what I want the creatures to say while still in bed early in the morning. I swear it took me 30 minutes to land on a phrase. I came up with too many choices!! I gotta remember to keep that part loose and spontaneous.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
___________________________</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>SO, what inspired this Series? </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Many things led up to it, but the most direct inspiration came from making this little painting here: </div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBNrij7NZhbSAMIsKTJwd8zqbIKudgeiguffKfR6LX7jvG0VGQhK62GBMPG2eVf8Dp1-8RgjfNMhMPl4KZyt7O1u5XzgcoTkugLcdaXsCXaFdNe7iHrSJhdfazrgIcSG3CCL-LR1orXNc/s1600/meepblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBNrij7NZhbSAMIsKTJwd8zqbIKudgeiguffKfR6LX7jvG0VGQhK62GBMPG2eVf8Dp1-8RgjfNMhMPl4KZyt7O1u5XzgcoTkugLcdaXsCXaFdNe7iHrSJhdfazrgIcSG3CCL-LR1orXNc/s1600/meepblog.jpg" height="400" width="297" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><b>("Meep" 2.5"x3.5" acrylic and colored pencil) </b></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I was vending at Horrorhound Weekend in Cincinnati in March of this year (2015). I had been chatting with Terrance Zdunich (creator/writer/actor in <b>Repo the Genetic Opera </b>and <b>Devil's Carnival</b>) If you are a fan, you probably know he likes hissing cockroaches and features them in his <b>"Molting"</b> comic (its awesome, go check it out) I happened to be doodling on a tiny piece of paper when he came by. Jokingly, he said he wanted to see me paint some cockroaches. So, I did, and then gave it to him. Its usually the unexpected prompts that spin me in a new direction. In fact, it was a commission to paint cats last year that led me to this style of abstract+realism with acrylic and colored pencil. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I hope I can keep the groove going. Don't hesitate to poke at me and demand to see more. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And of course, the ones that havn't sold yet are available. </div>
<br />
p.s. Don't worry, I'm not giving up the other weird art stuff, I'm STILL working on tree people and surreal abstractions of the mind and heart. I've got plague trees and surreal portraits in the works RIGHT NOW! In my next post, I'll give an update on all that stuff. Along with other new things I'm playing with, like fabric and drawing with the sewing machine. I'm so... scattered, but I'm FREAKING IN LOVE with being an artist right now. I've accepted that I'm not a single style kind of gal. Let variety BE my style. Now I just need someone else to figure out how to put it all to good use!<br />
<br />
<br />Lydia Burrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05300233363206161343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938163958263398574.post-7467653799838245832014-12-30T01:04:00.002-06:002014-12-30T01:05:21.006-06:00Snail Mail My Mannequin!<br />
My Mannequin "Brunhildegard" has hijacked my website for her own
purposes: to reach out to the world in an attempt at snail mail
communication. If you like weird snail mail and want to participate in a
fun project, please send her something through the post - she'll share
it and write back!! <br />
<br />
See the website she created for herself, with the address of my studio where she lives: <br />
<br />
<a href="http://lydiaburris.com/brunhildegard.html">http://lydiaburris.com/brunhildegard.html</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5sf0wfcqx_z9_r5NgbrVnf_a0TE52viJUIxcRPAiO1zF2x20ptd4o9D4TsNb3uY-9J5zRmacM50GwL7bXLubrqOyTy2YP-boJ2z8xFpFDYPr0DfEJyGbRY_My_2IHJtuG9U-09dxQheg/s1600/brunhildegard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5sf0wfcqx_z9_r5NgbrVnf_a0TE52viJUIxcRPAiO1zF2x20ptd4o9D4TsNb3uY-9J5zRmacM50GwL7bXLubrqOyTy2YP-boJ2z8xFpFDYPr0DfEJyGbRY_My_2IHJtuG9U-09dxQheg/s1600/brunhildegard.jpg" height="400" width="290" /></a></div>
<br />
I can attempt to copy what she wrote on the site below.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Hi. My name is Brunhildegard. I live in the studio of Lydia Burris. I
live a secret life she doesn't know much about. I don't know too many
humans, but I have a keen insight to the other denizens of the
imagination world. I'd love to share gossip from the other world, but
I'm better at snail mail. If you are so inclined, please correspond with
me via Lydia's public studio address. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b> <span style="font-size: large;">
Lydia Burris<br />
212 West 10th Street, <br />
suite A-250<br />
Indianapolis, IN 46202 <br /><br />
</span></b>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I and my strange friends would love to hear from you. Feel free to share
with your crazy snail-mail friends. I may start to write about my
experiences if things get interesting."
</div>
Lydia Burrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05300233363206161343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938163958263398574.post-83189324923418833832014-12-14T09:30:00.000-06:002014-12-14T09:30:00.841-06:00Magic Spells Vs Alchemy, commissions vs private art exploration<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>On the subject of art commissions</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b> (Aka: Art for someone else) </b></div>
<b>VERSUS private artistic exploration.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJihyqKR3UKXm7w89W8YqJTl0yf82k_ZC3IvMhVxuVtifxqOm5PIpR5uvKgxc5CsB0BcA3Ijxc3Inw9qz3F6v9iWnZHqAfmU9efQ-YIc6RZlFua90w4tCSkTaE3f5vKZIwC7ruKUErGw/s1600/magic+vs+alchemy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJihyqKR3UKXm7w89W8YqJTl0yf82k_ZC3IvMhVxuVtifxqOm5PIpR5uvKgxc5CsB0BcA3Ijxc3Inw9qz3F6v9iWnZHqAfmU9efQ-YIc6RZlFua90w4tCSkTaE3f5vKZIwC7ruKUErGw/s1600/magic+vs+alchemy.jpg" height="320" width="284" /></a></div>
</div>
<br />
<b><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><u>MAGIC SPELLS</u></span></b><br />
<br />
Commissions are like very specific complex magic spells. It takes a lot of energy and knowledge and <br />
mental strength to cast a really good magic spell. It also takes time to build up the magic, to draw strength from the energy in the surroundings. Once it has been cast, one cannot just turn around and immediately cast another equally complex magic spell. The caster has to rest and recuperate.<br />
<br />
This is a metaphor for art commissions. I do enjoy them and they challenge me to become better and to expand my abilities. On the other side, it takes a LOT of mental power, and they leave me feeling drained. Sometimes its a lot more exhausting to cast magic in the service of another. I used to think that the more commissions I do, the easier and quicker they would go. This is not the case. If anything, it takes me LONGER to do them know, because my abilities have gotten more <br />
complex. <br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>ALCHEMY</b></u></span><br />
<br />
When I am in the studio creating work for myself, it is like alchemy. I am experimenting with materials and observing results. I become obsessed with the nature of exploration and uncovering unknown combinations. This can also get very complex and interesting, but it is not nearly as draining. When I am being an 'alchemist' all day, I can go to bed exhausted but excited, with more questions on my tongue than when I began. <br />
I invite others to view some of my alchemical meanderings, but I do not wish to reveal all of my notes with my peers, as I feel I am building toward a new discovery, and I don't want to spoil the surprise. I have works in progress that I've not shared yet because I'd love to have a show of completely new and UNSEEN work sometime in 2015. <br />
Alchemy is mysterious and revealing all at the same time. <br />
<br />
________________<br />
In 2015, I think I want to focus more on 'Alchemy' and less on 'Spell Casting'. My own projects and experiments are calling to my heart and I need to give them the proper time and attention, in order to be a great wizard. <br />
<br />
P.S. For those who commission me: I truly do appreciate the enthusiasm and support. I will not stop taking commissions, I will just be more selective. I have enjoyed each one I've done in 2014, but I (along with about 20 other creatives I've talked to) want change.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Transformation is in the air, and its time we spread our wings. </i></b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha3dwy5JGyMEdRRss5oPArndnJiV02A9kwQQckmgSOqkxVCez-QVjcxd8D52rejbzJrUKQMqQM2jjV6Ls5izzbVHXv76W6mxvF8N2xYc_hQS9EYgUBarrn96rpE9jEsFlWLXCXZxC39AQ/s1600/alchemist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha3dwy5JGyMEdRRss5oPArndnJiV02A9kwQQckmgSOqkxVCez-QVjcxd8D52rejbzJrUKQMqQM2jjV6Ls5izzbVHXv76W6mxvF8N2xYc_hQS9EYgUBarrn96rpE9jEsFlWLXCXZxC39AQ/s1600/alchemist.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Lydia Burrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05300233363206161343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938163958263398574.post-78425382301398961302014-10-08T01:18:00.002-05:002014-10-08T01:21:31.261-05:00Goodbye 95 Toyota Camry Wagon!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaVqX5_nq8oMBy_C704qSiP2ih9vKtpVc5dW8W98TbM0MKMGs705fVhH0pgImoOVdewJINdwK4hdEOTOAWdmBj9hJGvPvu2f3IpQ6Nuddqws63XIkNHgJ9kx8jvqRdP43glVn5Kydb2oc/s1600/toyota+camry+wagon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaVqX5_nq8oMBy_C704qSiP2ih9vKtpVc5dW8W98TbM0MKMGs705fVhH0pgImoOVdewJINdwK4hdEOTOAWdmBj9hJGvPvu2f3IpQ6Nuddqws63XIkNHgJ9kx8jvqRdP43glVn5Kydb2oc/s1600/toyota+camry+wagon.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Oh my, how to begin! <br />
Well, I said goodbye to my 95 Toyota Camry Wagon today. <br />
It was a beautiful large green bean of a car, a magical fat long little bullet of a car, <br />
a car who for 11 years had no real 'car' name or gender, but was the ambiguous hero of my adventures. I finally ~sorta~ settled on the name of 'Mac' and I imagined the car as an older and crass woman who didn't give a shit what she looked like or if people sometimes mistook her for a guy.<br />
This car had 2 extra hidden seats in the back, making it legal for 7 passangers. I felt like a secret agent with such a cool hidden feature! I RARELY used those extra seats but they were there, making me proud. <br />
<br />
'Mac' was my first car. I got her near the end of my college years, and she stayed to protect and adventure with my family while I was in England for a year. During my time with the Camry wagon, we traveled all over the midwest selling my wares at conventions and hauling my paintings to art shows. I was not the kindest owner. I'd forget to fill the fluids regularly, the oil changes were less frequent than recommended, and... she could have been cleaned a lot more often. She'd give me new quirks and I took them in stride, proud that we could both come to an understanding. By the end of her ride, she was held together by love and zip-ties. <br />
She never 'died', but she grew tired. After several repairs this past month, my mechanic found that the head gasket was probably going to go soon and I should start looking for a new vehicle. <br />
<br />
I sat in my car and we had a brain conversation. She was exhausted, and I didn't have to feel guilty about giving her up. She was ready to pass on the torch to a newer, younger adventurer. <br />
So we started looking and and together we found a White Honda CRV who seems ready and willing to be my travel beast. I laughed Maniacally when I discovered that my newer car has a great retro feature - it has a TAPE DECK! ^__^<br />
<br />
Lets see where this next road takes us!! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip33v9Jvmo_AD5fg3TBEYh87EtXeLKyW5efkejvT9cR-WxTYgPkPHm2I-b2-6BdFqJ3agVADa5DmjKvUr1Zjieeh6-Q6UBHhzuVT1_7Ryw78tQG9-qdMO_IQIM7Wb4nT7qAHHuU7s2jd8/s1600/newhondacrv.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip33v9Jvmo_AD5fg3TBEYh87EtXeLKyW5efkejvT9cR-WxTYgPkPHm2I-b2-6BdFqJ3agVADa5DmjKvUr1Zjieeh6-Q6UBHhzuVT1_7Ryw78tQG9-qdMO_IQIM7Wb4nT7qAHHuU7s2jd8/s1600/newhondacrv.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Lydia Burrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05300233363206161343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938163958263398574.post-69117710138538398182014-10-06T00:31:00.001-05:002014-10-06T00:33:20.116-05:00The Cold Sea of Social Media and a Warning to the Self!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhatj9lkwO8p0qfDuwRlyeMygMYVkGbUjquLcLTnVLldm75UF4Cc9j534WNswhM37cvgXqzoAAWTnG1z2C5K_JgmMq5-H1Hnk2WgVfpPKHax8cIBuJInG2C69FL65wcV4U7yBxhT5BJvpc/s1600/the+way+between.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhatj9lkwO8p0qfDuwRlyeMygMYVkGbUjquLcLTnVLldm75UF4Cc9j534WNswhM37cvgXqzoAAWTnG1z2C5K_JgmMq5-H1Hnk2WgVfpPKHax8cIBuJInG2C69FL65wcV4U7yBxhT5BJvpc/s1600/the+way+between.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
I'm obviously not good at keeping up with a daily blog. Although I think daily blogs are unnecessary unless they truly have inspirational things to say. It also seems that no one has the attention span for deeper personal expressions these days. I know I don't really either. There are several friends I feel I'm neglecting, who's words I otherwise love to read. Perhaps if I spend less time on status update social networks, I'd have more time for deeper, more inspirational and informative stories. Time spent getting to know someone in more depth. I have such a shallow understanding of so many people, and in return I feel that masses of people have a shallow understanding of me. I watch the comments other people leave on other people's words, and notice this. Passions, misunderstandings, inspirations, ideas and flames can arise so easily with these types of conversations, as fire more readily burns on small and thin timbers, and burns out just as fast.<br />
<br />
Now if you give me a moment, I could also write a compelling argument <i>FOR</i> those types of social medias - and those are the reasons I stay - the ability to connect more readily and to recognize the names and faces of the people I interact with, even if that interaction is brief. <br />
<br />
Yet I shall go further and say that perhaps all this social networking is a huge distraction to begin with? facebook, blogs, websites, etc. I feel an urge to get back to real life. Instead of filling moments of my day with public self expressing and reading the copious amounts of other personal/public spewings, perhaps I should instead get back into reading and researching my interests for the sheer joy of it. I miss the obsession I felt in college where I collected and studied the lyrics of songs, the names of gods and demons from mythology and folklore, plants and trees and the metaphors associated with nature's creations. Maybe I should limit most of my interaction to in-person face-to-face togetherness. This may generate deeper collaborations and idea generations. There is a spark to these connections that is missing online, where I feel as if we are all drifting in a sea, on unstable pieces of plank and driftwood - we speak to each other as we float by - we wave and smile or curse and nod our heads in mutual miseries, as our bodies get colder and colder from the emptiness below us. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>I want to promise myself that I will:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Live more, Adventure more, Travel more, </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Art more and Obsess more. </b></span></div>
I will look suspiciously at the warm glow of my computer screen, and place obstacles between it and me. I will use it with purpose - to make art, and to write, and to collect my obsessions, and to hold only a brief line of connection to the great wide sea of people. <br />
I will use my personal library more, and engage in the art of marginalia. I will grow my brain with the attention given to delicate orchids - to feed it a strict and timely diet of necessary substances. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><u><b>No more waste! </b></u></i></div>
*raises fist to the heavens, and points a warning finger at the self*<br />
<br />
That is all for now.Lydia Burrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05300233363206161343noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938163958263398574.post-77951481059026752972014-10-04T09:00:00.000-05:002014-10-04T11:47:42.677-05:00An ode to my dying carGreetings fiends! <br>
<br>
My daily posts have fallen to the wayside! Oh dear! <br>
I've got an excuse. I've been spending the last few days searching for a new vehicle. <br>
<br>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3GG4WebteAKfLidOml3trlt1dtOx22XwYtIvo5hBxycVqysANJn7Z9n28dEK9m4JajcIQz3QuseMD-7HiDW9eOwmbfbRq4tSmdB_Or5vR6RUA5HUcmseh_U6SVgf-q-2q8AN8eIfZDbw/s1600/inktober03+-+ode+to+dying+car.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3GG4WebteAKfLidOml3trlt1dtOx22XwYtIvo5hBxycVqysANJn7Z9n28dEK9m4JajcIQz3QuseMD-7HiDW9eOwmbfbRq4tSmdB_Or5vR6RUA5HUcmseh_U6SVgf-q-2q8AN8eIfZDbw/s1600/inktober03+-+ode+to+dying+car.jpg" height="320" width="240"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#inktopia drawing number 3<br>
"An Ode to my Dying Car."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br>
<u><b>CAR: </b></u><br>
There's my beautiful 1995 Toyota Camry wagon, driving off into the ether. <br>
It still runs great and I just did a lot of repairs on it but there are some major possible repairs coming up that make the prospect of getting a newer car much more practical. (Aside from all the small worn things that make having an old car a bit troublesome) <br>
<br>
SO, here I am, lamenting the loss of my favorite car in the world (who's back floor folds out into 2 reverse seats for a total of 7 possible passangers!) You don't get cars like that anymore. And recently, I've heard a lot of compliments and comments on the greatness of this model. <br>
But I'm also celebrating a beginning. I am excited to try something new, and I'm humbled at some of the help and support and cheerleading I've already gotten about this change. I won't name the possible new car until it actually happens. <br>
<br>
<u><b>THE UNIVERSE is all up in my business:</b></u><br>
Of course, this changes my game plan. I keep wondering what possible reason the universe would have for pushing me to make this change. At a time when things seem to be coming together in a delicate web of dreams and finances and pathways, a new car could be as devistating to that balance as a giant bumblebee flying through the newly formed web of a garden spider. My plan as it stands will not sustain this RIGHT NOW.<br>
<br>
But as I think on it deeper, if I must assign a reason to this change, a reason other than just random circumstances and the obviously long overdue car refresh, then I have found a positive reason. The universe is pushing me to do greater things. I must be more wise with my time and my money. I must be more vigilant about my plans and projects. I MUST get on a solid and productive track of creation and promotion - and this will all be for the best. Yes, its all for the best. *cue godspell song* <br>
<br>
<u><b>MOVIE:</b></u><br>
Speaking of 'Godspell', we just watched the movie via library rental. After a conversation earlier this month in which said movie was discussed, I realized I had never seen it. After watching previews<br>
I realized for CERTAIN that I had never seen this. Odd, since I participated in a community theatre production of it when I was younger. It was very intriguing, somewhat inspiring, and I was pleased to hear those songs again (although we've been singing 'All for the Best' for days now, with much amusement.) <br>
<br>
<u><b>ART: </b></u><br>
<i><b>~TUESDAY~</b></i> I was able to complete 2 commissions. <br>
The first one (of which I cannot share a photo of at this time) was complicated. I was attempting to draw an intense and horrific goddess character. I had done sketches, and thought on it for months. I started a new drawing for her but it just would NOT FLOW. So, I decided to get my charcoals in on the action and *POW* she appeared. I took a good photo and manipulated the image, adding in details and highlights digitally. I am quite pleased. When in doubt, change tactics!<br>
<br>
Second, I completed a commissioned dog portrait. I am having quite a great time painting animals. It is not how I want to define myself, but I am enjoying them and very open and willing to paint more *wink wink* See below for details.<br>
<br>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgol6G49-hIci4oqucaJJ6ui3pdymeXlQZhEFVPxWgbiT1g-5WkJMAH6vZCFq2EhhYYAZYlGy9xo7cKtx5Cos64vR-Sx5BR-M-ipexXvvd2vN0klMEXx3p5MV-RGLEtklz8D_PSNJ66vQg/s1600/dog+portrait+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgol6G49-hIci4oqucaJJ6ui3pdymeXlQZhEFVPxWgbiT1g-5WkJMAH6vZCFq2EhhYYAZYlGy9xo7cKtx5Cos64vR-Sx5BR-M-ipexXvvd2vN0klMEXx3p5MV-RGLEtklz8D_PSNJ66vQg/s1600/dog+portrait+sm.jpg"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">9x12 portrait of Layla the dog who's obsessed with shadows<br>
Acrylic and colored pencil</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br>
<i><b>~WEDNESDAY~</b></i><br>
I began the shared journey through ink with the online challenge to draw an ink drawing daily. The challenge is identified via the hashtag #inktober. Its fun to see what other people are making as well. (#inktober number 3 is the car drawing above)<br>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrimUvcyynYOCgbqwyoAO-zO01Qma8eaeYQKrq_aIeaWIEKBLiUu7rnsAWuY_-STgoNn5N9A29Rxg27QVgHDhdpcuOuqpurBRWD65mI6Z2w_AliLnNQCb6TxMI7WCh0BGS63-c9SlRMvA/s1600/inktopias1n2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrimUvcyynYOCgbqwyoAO-zO01Qma8eaeYQKrq_aIeaWIEKBLiUu7rnsAWuY_-STgoNn5N9A29Rxg27QVgHDhdpcuOuqpurBRWD65mI6Z2w_AliLnNQCb6TxMI7WCh0BGS63-c9SlRMvA/s1600/inktopias1n2.jpg"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#inktopia drawings number 2 and 1</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br>
I also teach art on Wednesdays. I get super inspired to make art when I teach it.<br>
<br>
<i><b>~THURSDAY~</b></i><br>
This day was mainly spent searching for cars. I took a shiny black 2008 Subaru Outback for a test drive. It was pretty and awesome. But, it was out of the bohemian price range. I have a new appreciation for cars. <br>
<br>
<i><b>~FRIDAY~ </b></i><br>
Hey, thats today!! (Tomorrow by the time I post this) <br>
More searching for cars. Dad visited, and it was an adventure: dad, David and me, driving all around town looking for the right vehicle. We even visited a seedy little used car lot in a seedy part of town, just for the seedy experience. Gotta have all sorts of experiences - fodder for the art brain!<br>
I also visited the Stutz gallery to see the newly opened residency show with the works of Lukas Schooler and David Hicks. <a href="http://stutzartists.com/2014ResidentsShow.html">http://stutzartists.com/2014ResidentsShow.html</a><br>
<br>
<u><b>ADVERTISING: </b></u><br>
In light of my new car experience, I'm kicking things into high gear and any support for the studio would be greatly appreciated!<br>
<br>
Etsy Link: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/LydiaBurris">https://www.etsy.com/shop/LydiaBurris</a><br>
<br>
If you don't have the new braincandy yet, please consider getting one!<br>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDMsNImLDDaRbHiO1tiHCZjT42wUU54UjPux0pM3ctrx8WwHas-xbbB-5ZFyfhZt-S2S_IqqI48rhJytAxkXyOst501Km816Ffs4vlUTYIuRTechavn75CJ5kQgETBtncF1gpDC8PofyQ/s1600/braincandy3_cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDMsNImLDDaRbHiO1tiHCZjT42wUU54UjPux0pM3ctrx8WwHas-xbbB-5ZFyfhZt-S2S_IqqI48rhJytAxkXyOst501Km816Ffs4vlUTYIuRTechavn75CJ5kQgETBtncF1gpDC8PofyQ/s1600/braincandy3_cover.jpg"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brain Candy! Strange little art book zine. <br>
$15 and it comes with a sketch! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I also uploaded some new small original works to Etsy. You can either buy from there or directly though me. Arrangements can be made to see my studio in downtown Indy.<br>
I am also open to making more animal portraits! Pets, favorite creatures, etc! <br>
Current price for Animal Portraits: $150 for an 11x14 and $100 for 9x12.<br>
<br>
For those random art and letter enthusiasts, I am offering fun mail art. Inside there are random arty tidbits and things from my studio. Tiny art pieces and/or tiny prints, possible snippits of fun words, poems and prose. One never knows what will end up in these envelopes, but it definitely brings smiles! (also on etsy!)<br>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJe6GDre4cOywqAxYrClLjM0rlnuUbIrZLfQRC0_mMmzNe8bNFiWxenNHbEF8bM5e0Td3VUnc61yv-OBNVt29fOS5etf9OkRKOWpS2JX0_1QC90jrg6Abiqu3gjfctluOLuHcSWQJGfY/s1600/ENVELOPES+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJe6GDre4cOywqAxYrClLjM0rlnuUbIrZLfQRC0_mMmzNe8bNFiWxenNHbEF8bM5e0Td3VUnc61yv-OBNVt29fOS5etf9OkRKOWpS2JX0_1QC90jrg6Abiqu3gjfctluOLuHcSWQJGfY/s1600/ENVELOPES+sm.jpg"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crazy Mail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br>
<u><b>LAST RANDOMNESS: </b></u><br>
And sometimes I just like to play with my work.<br>
Here is a digital remix of one of my drawings.<br>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcoRLukDM_kRIif0eCRarUgdApIDI9afKULPe94ihVGQOq0mZbmy-If7YvJb-kKrRW13CUdPCgNggQky_XJgNGXKU9Y827xWfjVSapcNjFi9PucRnI-7LXALKcnYil1ZL-uv5OTjJP4jU/s1600/layered+realities+layered+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcoRLukDM_kRIif0eCRarUgdApIDI9afKULPe94ihVGQOq0mZbmy-If7YvJb-kKrRW13CUdPCgNggQky_XJgNGXKU9Y827xWfjVSapcNjFi9PucRnI-7LXALKcnYil1ZL-uv5OTjJP4jU/s1600/layered+realities+layered+blog.jpg"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Layered realities, layered.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Don't forget to comment, dance and blow the trumpet. <br>
<br>Lydia Burrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05300233363206161343noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938163958263398574.post-85306470102921947152014-09-30T02:17:00.000-05:002014-09-30T02:17:32.532-05:00Sow the SeedSOME MUSIC, SOME PROSE, AND SOME ART <br />
Listen to this as you read, let it sow a seed ....<br />
(XX - INTRO) <br /><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VPKfacgXao">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VPKfacgXao</a><br /><br />Winter is approaching. My time is filled with class preparations and thoughts of the future and my car begins to smoke again. I wonder how I will ever make it to the mountain I wish to be at, so seemingly far away. No matter how far I get, no matter how fast I run, my destination is ever so far away. The years tick by, the money runs just as dry as it did 10 years ago. <br />I don't want to look back, I don't want to see the miles I've gone already, I don't want the appreciation of my travel to slow my progress, - again - I don't want to sigh and relax too much, for fear complacency will seep further into my crackling dreams, for all I've done, it seems... I circle back again, to the same old memes, the patterns of myself a never ending fractal of routines ... expanding into larger and more complicated seasons, the details engorging with added responsibilities and reasons.<br />
Cheer for me fiends... As I push this boulder up the hill, over and over and over again. <br /><br />-------<br /><br />Today's creativity lay in creating projects for my classes. A morphing drawing for my drawing class, and pattern explorations for the color theory and design class. I should complete my own projects, not only for samples, but for shiggles and gits. <br /><br />I almost didn't make anything new, but I found a drawing I had started at the beginning of September. So I decided to finish it. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6SfnonXmhjEVUqc32iMZuegUA3MN11uJUBAw4GpQkZ4IUgkgGmZ90VKSuQKtL_HAf3MPZaXUef3WooJVS8qe8JTui58RxGtD1k2-L3gUNqNjXd2yjDR79K7ClewGsmmlDk9NJjjCEC1w/s1600/9-29-paint+finish+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6SfnonXmhjEVUqc32iMZuegUA3MN11uJUBAw4GpQkZ4IUgkgGmZ90VKSuQKtL_HAf3MPZaXUef3WooJVS8qe8JTui58RxGtD1k2-L3gUNqNjXd2yjDR79K7ClewGsmmlDk9NJjjCEC1w/s1600/9-29-paint+finish+sm.jpg" height="640" width="316" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"Sow the Seed" </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Pen, watercolor, white ink and white acrylic. Some colored pencil. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
4" x 8" Currently available for $40. </div>
<br />Lydia Burrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05300233363206161343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938163958263398574.post-30280605632289454322014-09-28T22:19:00.000-05:002014-09-29T22:13:34.774-05:00My Bisquick is Expired and some colorful bizarre DOODLES<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
What did I do today my fiends? Did I fall into the lazy haze of the couch to watch shows or complete a jigsaw puzzle on my iphone, or did I stand up and reach for the paints?! I tell you, dear fiends, I did both! <br />
<br />
<u><b>Hannibal makes me GIDDY: </b></u><br />
I tend to fly through a tv series with Dave because we bond over an episode of ~something~ during <br />
mealtimes. I never thought watching the tv would be an engaging and fun experience - I always viewed it as a soul sucking device that kills brain-cells - but with the right person, watching shows can be exciting and inspiring, especially when you can pause the show and discuss theories, or parallel themes, or how an actor's certain facial structure confuses and delights you. We are currently watching Hannibal, a spectacular and maddening series, making me giddy with obsession. I am inspired by the surreal vision sequences - and the spectacular master plan of the show's path. <br />
I can't help but think that mom would have loved this show, and I feel a little closer to her spirit when watching it. Is that sick? No, that's just us. <br />
Other shows crossing our dinner plate lately are the new episodes of Bones and Sons of Anarchy. All of the shows we watch pretty much confirms the sneaky suspicion that our culture is obsessed with violence. Perhaps I should include more violence in my art? I have the sick surreal stuff down for sure. <br />
<br />
<b><u>SO. ART! </u></b><br />
Thats why I'm writing this daily thing right now. <br />
<br />
Today I --<br />
- finished the buttons I started yesterday. We don't need a photo of that. <br />
- Colored two 4x6 drawings I did the past few days (on Stillman & Birn sample papers)<br />
Medium: Bic Pen, watercolor, white ink. Both started as automatic drawings.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEtvYfGd7gzNUQ_4X6GYZs1ma17l8cqiDfXpEeeXxdTmGkoYn17s5B40OiCvuFdEkthC8Uo4MYA1zArmKn2gpP4hkVwAgqVR5FYbptmLz4fmQD1cQFrDLNiBmTvMLB6yKTO_kIabZ8quM/s1600/9-26_painting+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEtvYfGd7gzNUQ_4X6GYZs1ma17l8cqiDfXpEeeXxdTmGkoYn17s5B40OiCvuFdEkthC8Uo4MYA1zArmKn2gpP4hkVwAgqVR5FYbptmLz4fmQD1cQFrDLNiBmTvMLB6yKTO_kIabZ8quM/s1600/9-26_painting+sm.jpg" height="215" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmDVe9TM-EUMcOuVR_AZLYOVLwOXsGJ_3RqR_biRcyUD9dCy-QKs1LM-_dOiJIkt3H2qQLAYL8wrTIlyuot2naUUegwIIVQmiTFwCwNvvpSyENqNgoSQ_S2N-aCwIz3BuEYLnI7gCFtHo/s1600/9-27_painting+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmDVe9TM-EUMcOuVR_AZLYOVLwOXsGJ_3RqR_biRcyUD9dCy-QKs1LM-_dOiJIkt3H2qQLAYL8wrTIlyuot2naUUegwIIVQmiTFwCwNvvpSyENqNgoSQ_S2N-aCwIz3BuEYLnI7gCFtHo/s1600/9-27_painting+sm.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>First one sold. The second is available at $35.</i><br />
<br />
<br />
- I also cooked home made soup. I was considering putting dumplings in it, but my bisquick expired in 2011. *pout* I wonder if Hannibal would ever consider using bisquick. Probably not, unless he was challenged to. <br />
<br />
Its only 11:15, I know more art will happen - I plan on working on some commission work, and looking at grading some student drawings, and doodling more.. I'll save anything truly interesting for tomorrow's post! <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>As always, Comment, Share, Rave, Dance if you are so inspired to do so by this post! </b></i></span><i><b><span style="font-size: small;">What do you think of Hannibal? What do you like to paint watercolors with? Is your bisquick expired?</span></b></i></div>
Lydia Burrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05300233363206161343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938163958263398574.post-84265830094503504312014-09-28T01:18:00.000-05:002014-09-28T01:18:51.893-05:00Things are about to get fiendishly creativeWell my fiends, I'm starting again on that attempted journey of daily art sharing, as a public push for my personal drive - I plan on staring complacency in the face and screaming a resounding "NO!"<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There will be more new art, epic explorations and a search for fresh creative experiences.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This journey is for myself, but Im taking the weird bus, so there's plenty of room for all of you to ride along! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Saturday Sept 27 2014</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here is an update from today! It was a fairly active art day.<br />There was doodling, networking, button making, and the eating of snacks.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><u><b>Arty thing no.1</b></u></i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSXgyvrvDB6XYd0-Qw0DPwh3FK-OBSwqWCoc_auV_BclsfIsxbNlmiaoSW3TipkvNrS-p839WB8OI7ZpSDO44gARzYd2T_OFpi6QPhNd88PmBR-SC8Fkc7vg8cFtGBdGEobWCvnTKvEUc/s640/blogger-image-1469007206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSXgyvrvDB6XYd0-Qw0DPwh3FK-OBSwqWCoc_auV_BclsfIsxbNlmiaoSW3TipkvNrS-p839WB8OI7ZpSDO44gARzYd2T_OFpi6QPhNd88PmBR-SC8Fkc7vg8cFtGBdGEobWCvnTKvEUc/s640/blogger-image-1469007206.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
Tonight I showed work at the 3040 gallery, for their 100 under 100 show.<br />
Yes this is the gallery. Its a house gallery. Its got underground ties. You see that little door? Its a goblin door to the underworld. See? Underground ties. <br />
<br /></div>
<div>
I brought out some oldies and did some trades. Trying to clear out some old work to make way for new work. I made some extra art buttons for it before going.<br />
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi75UXjVYc4AcTpAJlz4QGyqkIEabDjWERswIoCqAp8DxRk9rVTn4Pmmjbj_zXaUUg_l9VEF2ZPqMqmDbaLKhziD1CpQmgNg2zmKzudq0umca3B6yPCL1l70n1u7DVZCoUaa9hsLlmrl0/s640/blogger-image-570452127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi75UXjVYc4AcTpAJlz4QGyqkIEabDjWERswIoCqAp8DxRk9rVTn4Pmmjbj_zXaUUg_l9VEF2ZPqMqmDbaLKhziD1CpQmgNg2zmKzudq0umca3B6yPCL1l70n1u7DVZCoUaa9hsLlmrl0/s640/blogger-image-570452127.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><u><b>Arty thing no.2</b></u></i></div>
<div>
I doodled this dreamy bizarreness last night. (Technically yesterday as it was before I slept, yet technically today because I did it at 4 am. HA!) </div>
<div>
Its on 4"x6" sample paper from "Stillman & Birn". I plan on adding color. </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYzkdftELtZSJxTGxYqRk2M0MpT-0PLDTE-752VXxbukJyz077QrKguT-01QhO9eFDRenMt_9xmm8GEgE0XPC5N8tzWKguQdit9G6ZTipcOmgZf4g5va0LPb9Rmhy-oa5RejJvyQKWwfc/s640/blogger-image--1987944482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYzkdftELtZSJxTGxYqRk2M0MpT-0PLDTE-752VXxbukJyz077QrKguT-01QhO9eFDRenMt_9xmm8GEgE0XPC5N8tzWKguQdit9G6ZTipcOmgZf4g5va0LPb9Rmhy-oa5RejJvyQKWwfc/s640/blogger-image--1987944482.jpg" /></a></div>
Slowly working on writing stories to give my creations a home. Perhaps I'll get a chance to share with sooner than later.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><i><b>Artything no. 3 </b></i></u></div>
<div>
I cannot share yet as its a commission yet to be revealed (also finished in the am 'last night') a hilarious and quick logo for a friend. I'll share it as I get a chance. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><i><b>Arty thing no.4 </b></i></u></div>
<div>
Ive just commissioned six 12x18 shadow boxes to do sculptural pieces in. I cannot wait to get started! </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_cwjXdYEnnnRUhi_qMvpJLslC7VizBgPVEuDmFO_cSvUIcs6YVLmOk6GbHJckfN5eCai6r-vpE2N9hmp1BMNR1gujVy0gBBhWBUsmiCHdFOuzVPUeKX08pqlu6LHqyCwPv-F4LDeA0g/s640/blogger-image--492433492.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_cwjXdYEnnnRUhi_qMvpJLslC7VizBgPVEuDmFO_cSvUIcs6YVLmOk6GbHJckfN5eCai6r-vpE2N9hmp1BMNR1gujVy0gBBhWBUsmiCHdFOuzVPUeKX08pqlu6LHqyCwPv-F4LDeA0g/s640/blogger-image--492433492.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
NOW, hopefully I can keep this up.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">If you read it, leave a comment. If something strikes you, say so! If this inspires a happy little jig, please record it and share the youtube link. :D !! </span></b><br />
<br />
I'm outta here. If I do any more art today I shall include it in tomorrow's post.<br />
<br /></div>
Lydia Burrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05300233363206161343noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938163958263398574.post-80497382597337573842014-01-09T02:42:00.003-06:002014-01-09T02:42:52.034-06:00I am not an artist, I am a data entry hampster. <br />
<i><b>Greetings. This is just a random public place rant and revelation about the never-ending shuffle of filing data and things. I feel like sharing lately. Be warned.</b></i><br />
<br />
<br />
The beginning of my January has now officially been labeled (by me) as the Epic-Re-Organizational-and-Data-Entry-Explosion. <br />I am having trouble finding myself in all this paperwork, and have begun to doubt that I was ever an artist. I keep trying to work on art slowly, but then I am reminded that I need to finish entering data so I can calculate my end of year expenses and gains. (I was very behind on my data entry, so this has been going on for several days now) <br /><br />I've also been discovering the joys of organizational BINDERS. <br />I decided to re-vamp how I collect and store data concerning my art business events, sales, and etcetera, all with the use of a nice binder and separator sleeves. This led me to create a binder for a Color and Design class I am about to teach. <br /><br />In the process of organizing my data, I discovered that my filing cabinets were too full, and I spent another 2 days purging and archiving papers into folders that can go in a box in the basement. (Coincidentally, half of those giant folders were full of convention swag that I should really just throw away, but have a feeling I'll want to open it up oneday and look through it - I am sure if I ever do open those folders again, I'll proclaim "Why the hell did I keep this crap?") <br />Now with more space in my cabinets I began to re-order the categories into more useful categories, made sure important data gets kept, and made sure to put crap I don't want to look at in the secondary filing cabinet in my office closet. (like things about my phone and the best buy payment plan)<br /><br />I begin to think I've made headway, when I realize I didn't quite finish my end of year tally, I still have some Christmas postcards to send, (some still need addresses), and I've got books, scrap papers and notes, and other miscellany that I need to organize and archive. <br />I watch a show during dinner, and get distracted from the fact that I still have several commissions in progress, my last semester's art class files need to be purged and re-organized, I've got bags and boxes in my office, and *clunk* there is an exercise bike in my way. When did I become a hoarder? But I'm not! Lets do some art. Oh hey, there's that art piece I was working on for that show... I need to make more than one piece for that show... lets do some sketches... *opens sketchbook* where I find reminders of other things that need to be done, like sign up for the new health insurance or pay a fine and get nothing. I look into that for a bit and make calls. This reminds me I need to file some more... and organize those addresses, and start entering this years expenses so I don't fall behind later. <br /><br />And *poof* I'm running in circles it still looks like my office exploded. <br />Yet I am still super proud of my new binder system, and my newly cleaned filing cabinets. I will be able to easily keep track of all my business info so I don't have to feel like a 5 headed hampster running on a wheel when I need to know small details that would otherwise get lost in the shuffle. <br />Also, I should probably start to file quarterly. Another thing to add to the list of things to do. <br /><br />And really, I just want to pour paint on myself and dance in the snow while singing the Labyrinth soundtrack. Lydia Burrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05300233363206161343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2938163958263398574.post-37089080843319488702013-12-28T04:28:00.000-06:002013-12-28T04:28:07.698-06:00Allowance of Holiday Laziness, and setting the oven on fire4:43 AM 12/28/2013<br /><br />the obsession with Sherlock continues. <br />We have found and unlocked secret online content - placed there to tease viewers about <br />the upcoming season! I also found a book at dads containing 3 volumes of Sherlock Stories <br />all in one book. The first story I read is the original about Irene Adler. Now that I've <br />watched the BBC version of things, the character has been brought to life for me, making <br />it easier to read and be interested in the stories - even the Victorian versions of them. <br /><br />
I have another book I need to finish as a job so I can Illustrate a cover for it. While I'm <br />enjoying that book, I'm on HOLIDAY as a HERMIT, so I'm allowing myself to be <br />emersed in other things. Although, I think tomorrow I may lightly begin to work on some <br />other projects. In total have a private portrait, a book cover portrait, the remains of a cd <br />cover, A book cover (trade), an OLD project that needs to be finished, and an upcoming <br />game characters commission. 2 other projects are on my shelf that sorta died with the <br />other involved party. For you artists, how many projects have you booked at the same <br />time? I hope once I get caught up on these I can manage myself better. <br /><br />So, this Holiday as a Hermit has included watching a lot of tele, playing 'Fate's Carnival' <br />(Mystery Case File game) and spending time in the kitchen. I cooked BRICKLE today for <br />the first time on my own. I performed the recipe out of order and set the oven on fire, but <br />the dessert I was cooking miraculously turned out fantastic. <br />No idea how that happened, and I don't think I can blame coyote on that one. <br /><br />I'm also thinking in an english accent. Too much SHERLOCK. <br /><br />p.s. Freshly cooked bacon and raw celery make a really good combination. <br />Lydia Burrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05300233363206161343noreply@blogger.com1