1.17.11

This post, paired with the last post, are perfect examples of the dual mindset I have right now. One shows a woman full and very pregnant...how lucky and grateful I am to be in this state of life again. Today is showing emptiness...a previous experience, or a continued experience as a BLM?

I know I've belabored this point, but I just miss Lyra. And despite the goodness of Simon, and our anxious waiting for him to be here, there's always a part of our family missing...a part of me that feels empty without her. This drawing is just a small aspect of a moment in my day...it's not a constant image. But it's there, floating around, as an experience that will forever be a part of my life.

I think life after losing your child is about duality, which this bit below perfectly describes:


"Do not judge the bereaved mother. She comes in many forms.
She is breathing, but she is dying.
She may look young, but inside she has become ancient.
She smiles, but her heart sobs.
She walks, she talks, she cooks, she cleans, she works, she IS,
but she IS NOT, all at once.
She is here, but part of her is elsewhere for eternity."

-Author Unknown-

1.14.11

One of my birthday gifts was a collection of 36 Copic markers. This was one of the better doodles I've done in practicing with them. I have a ways to go until I'm confidant with them, but I like what versatility they seem to provide. Of course I didn't sketch this in pencil, so after I'd outlined the background circle I saw how obviously un-circle like it was, all I could really do was grumble. Ah well.

AEDM: Day 8 & 9

AEDM 2010
Art & Soul Prompts by Kate
November 8
Stay grounded: Plant deep roots and reach for the sky.

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Pencil

This is a bit of a cop out...trees are an obvious direction for a prompt like this. I wasn't feeling particularly out-of-the-box inspired yesterday, so this simple and quick sketch is all I have. Perhaps this will simmer in my creative juices and I'll later have a better image for this prompt.

AEDM 2010
Art & Soul Prompts by Kate
November 9
Be grateful: Have gratitude for one thing a day.

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"Blankets"

Markers

This one was done rather hurriedly. But I am quite grateful for the people who have made us various blankets, and given them as gifts. During the cooler months, we have them all over the apartment, and love burying ourselves in them. Sometimes you can find our little gray feline snuggled up under one with me while I crochet or read :)

AEDM: Day 5

AEDM 2010
Art & Soul Prompts by Kate
November 5
Be a student: Study nature.
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Kansas Autumn

Pencil and Marker

It's getting colder, and the leaves are mostly changed and fallen. As I drove out in the country today, I saw some trees stubbornly holding on to their top-most leaves. Their beauty time had passed, and no one is ready to take photos of them now. There are no wild flowers, or even "pretty" weeds. Everything is preparing for winter...turning brown and dying.

Everything except the winter wheat. It has sprouted...bright and green. It's waiting for the cold weather. For the freeze, rain or a light layer of snow. It then goes dormant, and will continue growing in the spring to later be harvested later in the summer. 

The stark contrast of brown, neutral colors to the green sprouting was my study for this AEDM prompt. Thanks Kate!

AEDM: Day 4

AEDM 2010
Art & Soul Prompts by Kate
November 4
Send love: Make someone a handmade card.
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Image for card

5x3.5

Markers on Watercolor paper

10.7.10

Day of the Dead Postcards in my Etsy Store

4x6

Pen and Marker

8.5.10

Weeping Willow

Brainstorm with markers

9x12

The tree I'm happy with. The rest of it, not so much.

Sketchbook: Rebound with Watercolor Paper - Before

It's not perfect, but it's complete :)