Stephanie's Studio

P is for Perspective 2 perspective noun   per·spec·tive \pər-ˈspek-tiv\ Definition of  perspective 1.   1a   :   the technique or process of representing on a plane or curved surface the  spatial relation of objects as they might appear to the eye;  specifically   :   representation in a drawing or painting of parallel lines as converging in order to give the illusion of  depth  and distance b   :   a picture in perspective 2.   2a   :   the interrelation in which a subject or its parts are mentally viewed  <places the issues in proper perspective> ;  also   :    point of view b   :   the capacity to view things in their true relations or relative importance  <trying to maintain my perspective> 3.   3a   :   a visible scene;  especially   :   one giving a distinctive impression of...

J is for Jewels Even if you don’t think you own any jewels, you still probably have ideas about them. Jewels are precious. Jewels are beautiful. They shimmer and shine. Jewels are multifaceted. Jewels are valuable. They are very special. Jewels are timeless and can be passed from one owner to the next. Even then, the jewel still holds precision, promise and power. Jewels come in many forms. They vary in shape, size, color, weight, beauty and value. You typically need to hunt, quite a while to find just the right jewel for your needs. This can be dangerous, physically taxing or even exhausting work. Then once you discover your jewel, it needs to be polished and finally displayed, worn or otherwise utilized. In terms of being Creative Block Hacks, jewels are nonpareil.  Even the tiniest jewel can be strung together with, perhaps less valuable materials, and still create an outstanding and statement. I like the idea of hunting through your rep...

I is for Inkling Have you ever thought about an inkling, and how it could become a Creative Block Hack? Well, obviously I have. Before we get into my thoughts on it though, let's have a look at the word and some of its synonyms through this wordle: Now, when I first thought of the letter “I” in relation to Creative Block Hacks, I thought of the word Intuition and from there somehow I got onto the good old Inner Child. Seeing how I’m not trained in psychology, I don’t want to be a hack, when speaking of Creative Block Hacks, in relation to the Inner Child, so I decided to leave that precious parcel to more qualified people to discuss. Still, when you look back at the wordle above, there are many enticements there that would speak gently to your Inner Child, but enough on that topic already, at least from me. I have a vested interest in inklings. They fuel my written and painted work, and I believe they can help you find clarity in yours as well. Clarity Focus ...

This has been an interesting week. My art and writing came together more than usual. I headed out to a forest preserve and felt as though I could feel my character Yolanda lurking about there. The forest is her element. I was sucked in, wanting to learn how to enrich her story. While there, I drew this: Thatcher Woods, River Forest #1 c. 2015, Stephanie Rose Bird Many of Yolanda's Magical Realism scenes take place in the wood and since I grew up among them as well, I felt very drawn to this place. This piece is in chalk pastels. Upon returning to my studio I wanted to revisit my story of Yolanda in "No Barren Life." Quickly enough, I began revising some of the environmental settings for her.  "Larkspur Quartet," oil pastel, c. 2015, Stephanie Bird                                                 Our weather has been iffy this week. Rainy, windy...

Writing. When I think of it I'm excited. It deserves an exclamation point right behind it. But I'll restrain myself. After all that is my theme for this month's blogger's A to Z Challenge. I've going out on a limb lately with my writing, blogging six days a week being but one of the activities. I'm working on those four books I've mentioned as being in the fire and that's a handful. I'm also submitting to writing journals and going out for grants. Recently, I applied for a grant wherein we had to create an artistic statement. I've done that plenty for my fine art but writing? No. So when I created one I was quite excited by what came out of me. Here's a bit of it, sans exclamation points. My identity and background color many aspects of my work. I have written the first draft of a novel, which began as a memoir. I moved away from creative nonfiction when I found fiction would allow the exploration of imagined psychological landscap...

Lucid Dreaming  is when you are aware that you are dreaming. In this lucid state, you can control your dreams. Knowing the state you are in, enables you to play with reality within the dream structure and do otherwise impossible things. Usually it is a pleasant experience but sometimes, if your mind is so inclined, it can be a dark and frightening experience. I don't know for sure why I had a series of lucid dreaming experiences last night from 1 a.m. until 5 a.m. I am unsure if it is a result of my post yesterday, "Dreaming the Dreamer's Dream." It could well be. I have done some fantastic things as a lucid dreamer, including flying and shape-shifting which I mentioned yesterday. As I said, usually it is pleasant, though implausible, though I do believe in the flying and shape-shifting dreams. If you are a lucid dreamer I'd love to hear about your experiences. If you have not done it but want to lucid dream, look for sign posts in the dream that tell you...