the story behind the art

Last week, Thursday, I oozed enthusiasm because I was in the midst off creating what I deemed would be my signature piece.  By Friday, it was hard for me to contain my excitement.  But, I did!  This was my second day working on this project, I felt it was worth every minute of it.  I only showed two people the preliminary photos.  I used some of the mediums that I enjoy creating with the most ~ joint compound and hot glue.  The background began with a layer of joint compound for texture.  After it was dry I gave it a coat of matte medium to seal it then I painted several layers of acyclic paint followed by stenciling and mark making.  The flowers + stems + the hand + her face and neck are all from hot glue. (and yes, I burned my fingers a lot!)  I  painted all of these items with several layers of acrylic paint to get it "just right".   After all the pieces were done I laid it all  out on the canvas to determine the placements.  That's when I snapped the photo.   By this time I was so excited that I could actually feel my heart smiling, too!  I was in artistic heaven!!   Saturday was met with trepidation because it was time to complete the project by gluing it down.  We all know what it's like to do the final stage on a piece of art.  It can be daunting.  I pushed thru fear and glued everything down.  It all seemed like a walk in the park.  I carefully placed it in another room to dry overnight. When I checked it this morning the first words from my mouth was "Holy Shit!  What the f**k happened?" The rest I will not repeat!  She was a BIG  mess!!! All over her face and neck were bubbles.  It looked like she had cysts all over her.  My heart sunk!  Most of my day has been devoted to trying to resurrect my would-have-been signature piece.  Nothing I did was flattening the bubbles.   Later this afternoon I succumbed to the fact that it was useless to try any further.  So you may wonder if I was disappointed?  The answer is YES, I was.  Altho... I didn't cry.  After a short while I did what I know best, I got out my journal and started writing.  I wrote about how much and what this piece meant to me,  I relived the pure joy from several days ago when she looked awesome (to me), I wrote about my sadness that all the work seemed to be a waste of my time.  I evaluated what I can do technically different the next time.  Last, but not at all least, I wrote about what I was to learn from this experience.  So many personal and spiritual thoughts rose to the surface.  From the very depth of my heart I can say that I am grateful for this experience.  My signature piece still lives within me and one day will be exposed.  I will continue to show up and inspiration will find me working.

I was able to salvage her head.  Not sure what to do with it.

As the Terminator says:  "I'll be back!"

Art in the Yard

My friend, Carol, and I are having a Art in the Yard sale on Saturday, April 21.  If you are in the area it would be great to see you!  I've had several people make comments  that they wished they loved closer so they could come.  This sparked an idea!  I have now adjusted the prices on my website www.teresacash.com to reflect the prices I will be offering at the art sale.  No pressure intended! :-)  

Here is a piece I will be selling at the yard sale that is not listed on my website.  It is dimensional and the poppies, the stems, and the buds are made from hot glue.  Can you believe it?   I then painted it with  Golden acrylic paints.  Including that stand it measures approx. 11"w X 27"h.  If you are interested send me a message.  I believe it will go rather quickly, if not, it's mine.  

Let me tell you about the Good News Angels. 

These little angels have held a special place in my heart since 1993.  (just ask anyone who has known me for that long)  They came to me in a dream, it was placed upon my heart to deliver the message regarding the power of a smile, these little angels became the means to do that.  The next day I created my first rough draft of the angels.  The message she carries is simple, yet profound, "If each of us would find a way, to bring a smile to someone's day, we could make a difference in the world."  

Each Good News Angel is handmade, not produced in a factory.  Which means that each angel is unique-no two are exactly alike.  She is made with lots of love and attention!   When I started making and selling her 1993 I used a portion of the proceeds to anonymously purchase food for someone in need.  I'm going back to my original idea.  I want her to continue to do good things.  It isn't about making money, it's about helping people.  

From the sale of each angel $5.00 will be held in a reserve.  When $100.00 has been reached WE WILL anonymously buy groceries for someone in need.  This is truly another way to bring a smile to someone's face.

I will humble myself and ask you to please take go to the store on my website http://www.teresacash.com/shop/goodnewsangels.html and order a Good News Angel.  Help me make the world, one person at a time, a better place.

intention + hot glue = cool art

I was given a challenge to create a piece of art within 

5 days from conception to completion.  

I questioned if I could do it or not.  

There was a call for art for this book that I heard about.  I emailed the woman in charge and told her I was interested.  She informed me that the deadline for the initial entry had been a month previously.  Dang!  I had gotten up the courage to submit and this was my response.  I apologized for being late and told her that I felt the Universe had guided me to her and this was my first ever submission to a magazine/book.  She proceeded to  followed up with the word BUT, which is an interesting word that can indicate many conclusions.  She said someone had just backed out and she would accept my art if I could have it to her within 5 days to meet the art submission deadline.  The art was to be created around a choice of one of two quotes.  I told her that my word for 2014 was YES, therefore, I would accept the challenge.   With a chuckle in her voice she said, "you are really going to like one of these quotes".  When I received the quotes, I heart smiled within.  She was right.  I recalled pleasing with the Universe saying out loud,  "OK, Universe, help me with this one!"  

My intention was to create something original.  For 3 days I worked on my art and on the 4th day it was completed.  I was pretty darn pleased with the results.  I took photos and submitted it.  Within a week I found out that I had not been accepted into the book.  It's peculiar because when I got the news I wasn't crushed.  I will admit that I was just a little disappointed, yet not crushed.  I learned much from the experience about myself and my capabilities.  I overcame the obstacle of submitting my art.  Even tho I was not accepted I didn't feel defeated.  If anything the whole experience has lifted me to another level on this creative journey.   She suggested that I wait for another month before publishing it online anywhere in case she did another book and I could re-submit.  I've waited now for over a month and decided to share my finished piece. 

Check out the quote at the bottom left.  It truly fits with my word for 2014.  The art piece measures 

11" x 14" and is made on a sheet of canvas panel.  The background began by first layering with drywall tape, adding multiple layers of paint while utilizing several techniques to apply the paint. The beautifully colored poppies along with the buds and stems are all made with hot glue. Yes, I said, Hot Glue.  The poppies look 3D because they are.  I  adhered them to the stems so they "pop" right out at you.

I will be attaching it to a canvas panel that has a shadow frame around it.  That canvas panel will be painted as if it were lattice to give the overall garden appeal.  I am working on it now and I will post the completed project here.  Then I will add it to my website on-line store at  http://www.teresacash.com

Have you been to my store, yet?  Come on over and check it out.  You may find something that is unique and just the right gift for someone.  Mother's Day is right around the corner.