Sunday, June 21, 2009

Serendipity Compass


Synchronicity, as I understand it, involves recurring "coincidences" that can be viewed as opportunities. (from the universe or from God...) As artists, some of these synchronous events involve signs, symbols and images. When we have an intuitive response or attraction to a particular image, we should respect and use that. Listen to your inner voice and focus...recognize the signs and symbols that have meaning to you, and use them in your art. Explore their layers of meaning, respond and be inspired.

Serendipity is defined in my dictionary as "finding valuable or agreeable things not sought for." Being open to unexpected, random accidents can actually cause our art to grow, and force us to look at things in a new way...a new viewpoint can create new ideas!


Watercolor and marker over
gesso on cardboard. Spinner made
from copper wire and a vintage
purse embellishment.


As I created my compass, I had in mind the works of Kandinsky...bright colors, abstract and nonobjective shapes. Kandinsky did seem to create his own visual "language" which I find very inspiring, and some of his images appear in my journal pages. Instead of symbols on my compass, I wrote ideas for ways to overcome "artist's block" and revitalize creativity. Perhaps most people would not think baking bread is all that creative, but for me there is a certain spiritual quality to it...

If you'd like to participate in the Serendipity Compass challenge, visit the True North Arts blog and get inspired!

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Art Journal Pages



Art journal pages in watercolor and Sharpie marker...

"there be monsters...
under my bed...
inside my head..."

...another way of thinking
about facing our fears...

Original drawings by
Dianne Bishop Carey
copyright 2009

Friday, June 12, 2009

Swap Art

Here is a preview of the art I've been
working on for the ABC Yahoo Group
6th Anniversary swap.... It is for
a "skinny fatbook" sized
3 inches by 6 inches.

There were 25 of us in the swap...I start
out with enthusiasm and energy, but
by the time I finish an edition of 25 pieces,
I am usually not sure if I'm satisfied
with it. I often have a difficult time
knowing when something is finished...

I will post the complete image after the
swap has been completed...
looking forward to all the other artist's
interpretations...

"Anniversary Girl" drawing
copyright, Dianne Bishop Carey,
2009.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

We Can't Go Back

"We don't receive wisdom, we must discover it for ourselves after a journey that no one can take for us or spare us." -Marcel Proust


Collage using assorted scrapbook and found papers,
artist's pastels, and Sharpie marker. Reflections on the inevitability of change...we can't keep "time" from marching on...so we might as well learn from it, grow, and enjoy the journey!

Copyright Dianne Bishop Carey, 2009.