November Etsybloggers feature Devine Designs Jewelry

As I have said before, I am a member of the Etsybloggers team. It is a fun way to help out other members and hopefully draw more attention to our Etsy shops. It also helps you to feel good to get a pat on the back from other wonderful artists!

You really must check out Cindy's shop Devine Designs Jewelry. She has lots of beautiful wire pieces and more. You can read more about Cindy in her blog.

I wish her lots of luck!

Let's Get Down to the Art of It!

Here are some photos of a painting I just recently completed for "Art Action Day" (Blog Action Day).

As you can hopefully see from the detailed photos,
it is full of wonderful mixed media!

I used some colorful seed beads along with a super heavy high gloss medium. This stuff takes a while to dry because I apply it with a knife and leave it alone for a few days to achieve these puddles of shiny wonder! I felt this medium appropriate for this piece about water.

My original posting of Blog Action is Art Action Challenge shows the piece before it was dry. The medium goes on white and looks thick and smooth, like paint would. After drying is when the magic happens! Love it!! Hope you do too.

Blog Action is Art Action Challenge

This new painting is not only still wet, but it is saving lives! No, not because its wet or because its about water. Its because I am taking action to create this in hopes it will bring water to millions. Every year there are people who die due to lack of clean drinking water. Water is a natural resource that we seem to be taking for granted. I know you've heard it all before, but it needs to be heard. I am participating in "Blog Action Day 2010" from Change.org and "Art Action Day 2010" created by Cory Huff of The Abundant Artist.

I am using my talents in creating art to try and make a difference. Not just for today, but everyday. This is my purpose, my vision.

You need to take action yourself. Find ways to save water every day. For great suggestions and ways you can help go to Blog Action Day 2010.

Polluted Ocean Facts: Death and disease caused by polluted coastal waters costs the global economy $12.8 billion a year. More "Save the Sea" facts.

38,000 Children a Week: Every week, nearly 38,000 children under the age of 5 die from unsafe drinking water and unhygienic living conditions.  More info.

Let's Get Down to Art of It!

It is my passion, my obsession, my heart and soul are revealed through it. In this case "It" is "Art"! It is beyond words how that paint got there. How it moved around that canvas to look like that. Did I do that? I remember putting the paint there, but I did not plan it that way. There's that brush laying there. The color of the paint on the palette is urging me to add more. Should I? Of course, I will! If I dare to go on, then I find discovery, creativity, and VISION.

"In the Beginning" detail

Longing To Comfort A Cry

It was bound to happen! I wake up one day with this beautiful little boy in my arms. How did this happen to me? I knew I always wanted children, but this world is so cruel and full of devastation. Why on earth would I want to bring another human being here?

As I look at his perfect little hands and watch him grasp my finger, I find myself totally in love. I am surrounded by nothing but bliss...and the sound of Playtex nipples boiling on the stove, the smell of dirty diapers coming from the diaper Genie, greasy hair, hairy legs, and yet, no one else exists at this moment. If you have children you know exactly what I mean. If you don't, please don't let this post scare you in any way! Motherhood is the most AWESOME thing I have EVER experienced. I did not say it wasn't scary, but just awesome in every way.

He is fussy and cries for what seems like no reason. I take my job very seriously even though I am on some massively strong pain medications to help me recover from such a difficult birth. Between you and me, I think the drugs were what got me through the first few weeks after delivery. I go down the "medical" checklist with him: you've been fed, changed, burped, and you have your pacifier. Then I go down the "instinctive" checklist with him: there are no tags in your pajamas, the room temp is fine, the television is down low, and I am holding you right up under my chin like you like. I decide there must be something new. I change his clothes and wipe him down with a cool cloth. Just the ticket! He nuzzles my neck and looks up at me with his HUGE round blue eyes (which he still has and he still does) and then he coos quietly and is comforted.

A mother's job is a hard one for a fairly "normal" baby (whatever that is, right?) but let alone a "highly sensitive" one! What a challenge and what a blessing all in one. I will be posting many blogs on this subject. I want to somehow use my experiences and research studies to help educate everyone who will read and listen!

Here goes....

He has always liked the feel of something on his head. He used to walk around with a cloth on top of his head.

A Spendid and Sparkly Choice for October

I am now part of a cool team called the Etsy Bloggers Team. We love to blog about our art and our crafts as well as fellow Etsians!

This month's featured artist is Margaret from Splendid Little Stars and MEFDesigns by Sparkly Park. She is a huge part of the Etsy Bloggers Team. Her contributions are endless and she is always there when needed. "A big high five to you Margaret!"

Whether you are in need of a beautifully vivid tie dyed shirt for your little one on the go or you need a "sparkly" gift, you can find it in her Etsy shops. Go check out Margaret's items.

Listing # 36016067

Do You Know What Your "Real" Job Is?

Detail from "Savior" 20"x60" Acrylic on canvas "Life Visions" series

 You may think you know what your "job" is. You have a talent, a drive, a goal. Somehow you find yourself talking to people, advising them, comforting them. People of all ages come up to you and ask your advice or give you advice. Are these people you come across an accident?

Ever since I was able to talk, I was telling everyone that I wanted to be an artist when I grow up. At age one I remember drawing circles on paper over and over and over. I was trying to draw a free handed "perfect" circle. I did my first painting at age three. It was a paint by number that my grandmother bought me. (I still have it, by the way.) In the years to come, I just knew in my heart that all I really cared about was drawing, painting and writing.

When I entered into public school, I was lucky enough to have some wonderful teachers who recognized a potential within me. I remember them pulling me aside and asking me to perform tasks that I would complete with excitement and eagerness. I knew they were treating me differently than the other children, but at the time I did not know why. Close to the end of the year, they gave my parents the news. They had been "testing" me and they had me diagnosed as "gifted". Well I didn't know what that meant, but anything with the word "gift" in it MUST be GOOD! (Remember I was five!) I carried this label around with me all throughout my school age years.

My parents moved us yearly after that. My father would get a promotion and then guess what? Time to move again. I experienced all kinds of culture and environments along the way. I am so thankful for this now, but at the time it was annoying to a school age child. Especially a shy "gifted" one!

There has always been a common denominator in my life. God. My faith has blossomed and is now thriving within me. Here comes my "new" job! I have always felt in my heart a need to help others. A need to take care of others. I could NEVER be a nurse, bless them and all they do, because I "feel" everyone's pain and get weak from it. (Never mind the blood and junk...eek!) I studied to be a psychologist when I first entered college level education. Well, then I studied to be a teacher. Oh and then I studied to be a journalist. And there was this time I studied to be a graphic designer. Finally, I got my Fine Art degree. Whew!! Glad that's over...

I now know that....I AM NOT IN CONTROL! No, not really. It is hard believe, I know. It has been a journey for me to realize my new job. I accept it with an opened mind. I am still an artist, but one who is on a mission! It is my job to share my experiences and knowledge. To take all this research and education and help all who need it and who will listen (or read) what I have to say.

So the answer to the question, "Are the people you come across in your life an accident?" is...NO. Absolutely not! They have all been placed in your life at times you have needed them.
 

"I believe if you are truly awake, and open minded, you will see It. It may look different to each one, but It will remain the same to all. It is constant and bright. It is nudging not forceful. It is up to you to take the gift."
~ Denice Taylor Rinks

I am a "Gifted Artist on a Spiritual Journey". (Book coming out soon!) My "Life Visions" are meant to heal, help and educate others as God will have me do.

Peace be with you....Denice