The Joy of Imagination

Lately, I've been giving a lot of thought to imagination, inspiration, and creativity. A reaction I often get to my writing or visual art is astonishment about what must be in my mind. And I think what's in my mind that fuels my creativity is imagination. So what about inspiration? I think imagination is what allows us to be inspired by what we see, hear, or otherwise experience. Somehow, imagination is a filter for what we perceive, and that filter is absolutely individualized for each and every person. For me, imagination is what makes life sparkle.

I'm getting back to blogging after a long hiatus. In the intervening months, I've come to a better understanding of who I am as a creative person, what I do, and why I do it. Here's what I wrote about it:

I am a mixed media artist working in several visual media as well as writing. My work centers around animal subjects and, whether in writing or visual art, tells positive heart-warming stories inspired by a loving spirit. They affirm values which are important to me: courage, integrity, community, and honoring the value of every life.

Regardless of the medium I’m working in, my goal is always to bring a smile to the viewer/reader. There is enough pain, loss, and disappointment in life: smiles are among the antidotes.

I'm hoping to connect with those of you who, like I am, are interested in developing your imagination, finding inspiration wherever you look, and creating what you're meant to bring forth into the world - all to make for a joyful and meaningful life.

This is one of my favorite pieces, or, I should say, a detail of one. The mixed media piece is called "Fascinators" and was inspired by such beautiful floral images from catalogs and magazines. And who should be wearing such a fascinator? And ermine, of course!

I'm not sure, but I think the mouse is not actually part of the fascinator, but is just an opportunist hitching a ride.

Do you see the smudgy looking splotches on the ermine's fur? They came about accidentally when I put something on top of the piece before the matt gel coating was truly dry. At first I was horrified, but then decided to embrace the "happy" accident.