When I dream...

Every once in a while, I will remember my dreams. When the image sticks in my mind even after waking. When this image completely altars the course of the day. When my dreams mean something to me.

"The rightful order has been restored."

The more I sewed, the more complicated this project that seemed so simple became. I realized I couldn't just attach my small rectangular sleeve to a larger oval opening, so I had to improvise.

Cutting extra pieces from the remains of my shredded T-shirt, suddenly there was much more to do. The straight pins were ridiculous.

The added fabric kind of sticks out at the shoulder, but it still works. I never said I was good at sewing.

Now I can put Halloween to rest. But I'll be ready for You next year.

"Are you in costume or is that what you normally wear?"

That line isn't going to score you any points, but I have been basking in the art of costumery lately. Halloween may or may not have something to do with it.

It all begins when you put in the extra effort to create an authentic costume, doing whatever it takes to make your character complete. But first you must be stricken with an idea, a good idea. For me I was simply cleaning out my childhood closet and rediscovered my old prom dress. Before I knew it I was wearing purple eyeliner, dying white nylon opera gloves, and combing cherry red color into my hair.
Putting any amount of work into what is only appropriate to wear one night a year is absolutely worth it. Everyone appreciates a little creativity. I'm already working on another costume idea for next year. I have defaced a cheap T-shirt and am now about to attempt sewing long striped sleeves onto a black dress.

Once You See It, You Can't Unsee It

Let's take a moment and educate ourselves with a lesson in art history. Or rather the mistakes pinpointed by this hilarious article from cracked.com exploiting what became some of the biggest art historical pranks that have surpassed centuries of onlookers.

With vulgar visual analysis of famous work and informal references to geniuses like "good ol' Mike" (Michelangelo), you won't come across such unrefined subject matter in any college course, and laugh at it, but you may still learn something.

"If we are not VICTORIOUS, let no man come back alive!"

Note to self: DO NOT attempt art projects whilst watching Patton in the dark. The results will be nothing short of treacherous -

Yikes...

Touched with Fire

Manic-Depressive Illness and the Artistic Temperament

An amazing book by Kay Redfield Jamison studies the relationship of artists, writers, and poets, their mental state, and the effects of mood on productivity.

A fascinating text that reveals the mysterious statistics of famous artists who were known to have some type of mental disorder. Some of who are considered to have obtained success in creativity because of said mental disorder.

I find it true to some degree; one tends to write better words or draw better images when under intense circumstances. The heightened emotional state feeds on the individuals need to create, that is the need to release what burdens them.

This does not suggest that every artist has a disorder, or needs to have extreme mental issues in order to create... it's just a very interesting connection, one that is deemed true among many cases.

Ever hear of art therapy?

Art therapy is a mental health profession that uses the creative process of art making to improve and enhance the physical, mental and emotional well-being of individuals of all ages. It is based on the belief that the creative process involved in artistic self-expression helps people to resolve conflicts and problems, develop interpersonal skills, manage behavior, reduce stress, increase self-esteem and self-awareness, and achieve insight.

A "profession"... when art is more than a career, but a therapeutic means to help people, help those to develop their personal mentality. It's a very curious subject when following the effects of an unknown mind.

They gathered on the mountain.

Mid-October is the best time of year to hike.


Yellows,


Reds,


and ever Greens


create vibrant views.






They gathered on the mountain


and witnessed something beautiful.


Nothing but the sounds of leaves falling from the sky and crunching beneathe your feet.


Did I mention I absolutely love fall?


And, yes, there was home-made trail mix to be had.