I get inspired by 'randomness'. Things I see, songs, weather...just about anything. I try to encourage my spark of inspiration to continue to grow in the minds of others by creating work from my heart.. Sometimes it just takes a spark of inspiration to encourage great things. We need more heartfelt, positive soul inspiration on this planet.
Creating my meditation Rocks are still a daily joy for me. I am already 4 years into my Meditation rock journey. I really thought this would be a creative exercise and phase, but I seem to need to make them as much as people are enjoying collecting them.
This year I am experimenting with new techniques and materials. I can see the design choices I am making have taken my new series into a new direction even if the change is very subtle. I think the creative growth feels natural and welcomed. While I was replacing inventory at First Street Gallery I took this photo. I love the contrast of colors, textures and patterns. Drop by to see the new Meditation Rocks. They are displayed proudly in the window. Drop by after yoga and enjoy their energy! First Street Gallery 820 S. coast Hey 101, Encinitas,CA 92024 (760)753-5458 Everyone has a day or even a time period when we need to be reminding that getting through one more day is all we need to do to reach our goal. That is what I thought of when I decided to write "just one more day" on a meditation rock. The thought can be happy and exciting if you are waiting for "just one more day" before a special event. It can also be a powerful mantra for a loved one who needs the strength and reminder that getting through one more day can make the days to follow easier.
Purple Hearts are just perfect for a memorial day theme that rocks! It was suggested to me that I create a series of heart rocks to honor the service women and men that help to make our nation great! I began my series in hopes they will find their way into the hands of an organized program that hope to gift the rocks as tokens of heart felt appreciation. A long time friend from jr. High days sends me really nice, uplifting notes from time to time. I thought it would be a fun surprise to send him a rock. I wanted it to arrive on that following Monday and was crushed when I did not hear a word about it's arrival. I broke the surprise and told him to look in his mail box. Nothing. The surprise was broken and I was a little sad things did not go as planned. Today I received a note that he LOVED his rock and it actually arrive on his birthday!! He said it was the best gift he had received! Now I understand the beauty of time. Even when we think some things are late, they are actually right on time! Happy Birthday Rick!!! April is already well on its way and I am thrilled to feel the signs of a beautiful summer coming on! For some reason star fish, fairy wings and Tree of life free flow designs are just pouring out!
I read a great quote today in my yoga magazine. I believe it to be true. "Anything that comes in through the senses is also regarded as 'food' for the body and therefore affects one's mental.emotional,and physical health." Smriti Srinivas in GURUS of MODERN YOGA Waxed Lined cord with hand knotted bead embellishment was the perfect combo for my 2 sided, natural hole, meditation rock. It was a perfect gift because I know she did not already have one! :)
My meditation rocks are a passion project that allow me to play, experiment as well as meditate for just the love of creation. I am always happy to answer all the e-mails I receive from artists around the world asking me how I am creating my effects. I thought a little blog comment might answer questions. I am using traditional materials in an nontraditional way. I am able to create effects with patience and curiosity. This is not a mass production process even though the volume of my work gives that impression. The designs are a random free flow with no direction intended..I am letting the entire process be a flow. I am not using paint pens because they would not help me with the direction I am trying to go. Their look is too commercial and flat. I am achieving the heights of my strokes with layer after layer of paints. I use random tools I buy as well as make. I am mixing materials that are not traditionally mixed. It is all one big experiment. I use teeny tiny brushes, chalk wires, tooth picks, bamboo skewers, pins, paint straight out of the bottle as well as paint mixed with random fluids to create effects. I even use a copper wire the cable man left behind! It is perfect for some effects. Right now I am trying to create a light reflective effect using layers of transparent paints.. I hope this helps enlighten anyone interested how I am creating my effects. Make art a playground! Feel free to just create! I am posting a section or two of their press release.
Julie Ann Stricklin of San Diego Receives Best Of Houzz 2014 Award Annual Survey and Analysis of 16 Million Monthly Users Reveals Top-Rated Building, Remodeling and Design Professionals San Diego, February 4, 2014 – Julie Ann Stricklin of San Diego, CA. has been awarded “Best Of Houzz” by Houzz, the leading platform for home remodeling and design. Julie Ann Stricklin has been a creative on demand since 1985. Julie Ann is a fine artist, illustrator and graphic designer. Julie Ann was chosen by the more than 16 million monthly users that comprise the Houzz community. ___________________________________________________________________________ Follow Julie Ann Stricklin on Houzz http://www.houzz.com/pro/julieannstricklin |
Julie Ann StricklinI am an artist, illustrator, graphic designer as well as author. I paint meditation rocks as a passion. Archives
July 2022
Categories
All
|