monday motivation - memorial

Here we are on the final day of December 2012.  Indeed it falls on a monday and once again each of us need to find our own motivation but I do hope that my artwork makes you think of certain motives to create, design and inspire an artful life.  In the midst of creating art for others, I am reminded by all the works and how they serve as a memorial to celebrate life and cherish each day and every creature.

Many works of art can serve as a memorial or a tribute to a person, place or thing.  This illustration of a particular cat named Buddy was a commission that a client gave for a holiday gift.  Memories of loved ones do deserve a memorial.

A work of art can serve as a memorial of all of the years of love spent devoted to one another.

Do you have a sacred or holy corner in your home dedicated to the memory of a person, place or thing that might motivate or inspire you?  In many cultures, a sort of shrine as you enter your home can create a respect for life and in a way give honor to your own life.  Fresh fruit, flowers or a candle to light can add so much to one's day as we connect with those that have gone before us.

Wishing each of you a splendid day this last monday of 2012.   Take time to create a memorial with photos, artwork or mementos to honor those that were a part of your life.  I will be back in the New Year to bring you more mondays full of motivation, artwork that you can create, inspiration and of course my own art which motivates me each day.

flashbacks

As an artist, I have flashbacks that are so incredibly vivid and one indelible memory was of President Kennedy and the First Lady. Look at those smiles and the hope in the faces of the crowd. Do you have flashbacks to moments in your life that marked a certain time and place?

I was only 3, but in an instant those happy faces were gone in a flash. I knew I had to draw or paint to find happiness and to bring it to all the sad faces around me.

Shortly thereafter, my Grandma Elsie passed away and I have vivid memories of going to the sideboard drawer in the dining room and taking out the manilla paper and shoe-box lid of crayons and making pretty pictures to bring smiles to my Mom and those around me.

Do you have flashbacks? What events have helped to shape your life?

matzoh memories

As a child, like most children, memories of playing at friends homes was like this;

1.   I was always aware of what was different.

2.   I would always tell my Mom what we needed if we did not have it.  ie; the Christmas tree with  all white birds and gold ribbons, white lights.  (We had an array of ornaments)

3.   Can you make me what Mrs. _____ made for dinner?

4.   Can you buy me this_*______.

5.   Can we have wallpaper?

One afternoon at my friends home we ate "Matzoh."  I always like to try different things.  Her Mom made us Matzoh Ball Soup and when I got home, I told my Mom that she needed to learn how to make that.  She did.   I was fascinated to learn about other religions, cultures and their traditions.  

It's that time.  Passover.  So, save me some Matzoh and Matzoh Ball Soup for this catholic  gal.

That's  my matzoh memory. 

What are some of your earliest memories from childhood?