In winter, I need to push myself out of hibernation mode and into the usual-Christine-way-of-being. Short, sometimes sunless, days make me want to get in my PJs and snuggle down with books. Not that there is anything wrong with this, of course, but when it's cold and gray, I could do that 24/7. So, this winter, I am taking - AGAIN because I learn so much from Elaine Brady Smith - "Mixed Media Collage" at the Art Association of Harrisburg.
Forcing myself to get out usually boosts my creative energyand forcing myself to learn new things often leads me to new ways of thinking and doing my art. So, it is with my "Girls Who Wear Glasses" Series, the first of which is "Rose-Colored Glasses."
- Rose-Colored Glasses
I was driving home after this week's class when the idea hit me. The second collage I made, which is not quite ready for prime time, features a deer wearing a mask, which was a finishing touch on the piece inspired by a need for a certain color and a little red-wine. (Hey, it was 10:30 or so last Saturday night, so a glass of vino was appropriate).
I think the title for the collection comes from the early 20th Century American Writer Dorothy Parker, who said “Men seldom make passes at girls who wear glasses.” Parker is among my favorite authors and I wish I would have known her. She is also responsible for witticisms such as “Time doth flit; oh shit" and “You can lead a whore to culture, but you can't make her think.”
I could easily get myself sidetracked on a monologue about Dotty; however, I shall get back to the points I intended. (1) I am glad I force myself out of my comfort zone and (2) New ways of thinking and doing are good for us, all of us, not just so-called creative types, like me.
Keep your mind open to new ways of seeing, eh? It's healthy. And, please, keep your eyes open for more "Girls Who Wear Glasses."
