Setbacks of a Beginning Artist

One of the biggest setbacks for a beginners in art, craft, or woodworking for many is that their abilities don't match their expectations, for most this isn't a matter of talent, but a lack of experience in the technical techniques that is needed to achieve their goals. This happened to me the first time I tried oil painting, what I saw in my head was a long way from what I painted on the canvas and it wasn't that I didn't have the talent or the skills I just lacked the knowledge of the process.

 I'm a professional woodworker and the first thing I learned was the basics then I started learning more advance techniques then with confidence I started to experiment, a lot, and with that I developed my own style. When I tried to start oil painting I skipped learning the basics and was so disappointed in my results that ended up just putting it all away with the feeling that painting just wasn't for me.

Well now, I am a student at Wilmington College as a art major, and one of the things that I have noticed is that many of these younger student go though the same thing that I did with oil painting, with some of the different medias they are trying working in, they forget that they are there to learn the technique and instead they get wrapped up into the expectation of their finished pieces of work, which is easy to do. They need to remember that these beginning pieces are just a byproducts of learning the techniques of the process. Many just need to take some time to try do the work a different way and to feel the freedom to experiment while not being afraid make mistakes, however it being a class, the emphases is always on the finish piece, and not the how it got there or if we were willing to take chances along the way. What I noticed is many of the students keep doing the techniques that they felt comfortable with, so they didn't risk any mistakes and while there pieces came out good, some could be been much better, but as with all students we always have that grade to worry about and our senior portfolios to fill.

I think for beginners its important just to do a lot of work, do a large body of work that will help to develop your style and teach you more then any class or book. If your a beginning artist, crafter, or woodworker  learn the basics then color out side the box when you get the chance, take them chances, experiment with your work, yeah you will make mistakes and sometime you will do work that is total junk, but them are the ones you are going to learn the most from, but more than anything else have fun with it, don't take your failures to serous and when one does go bad look at it to see what  can I learn from it, that failure is a great learning opportunity and then go try something else.

Recycling Myself

Some would say I am to OLD to go back to school to them I say BAH, they are the same ones that said don't go to art school you can't make a living doing that, they are the ones that are always whispering in our collective ears telling us not to follow our passions or be happy in a profession you enjoy just because they listened to the collective voices in their ears so they join the collective so they could add to the noise. Now I am fifty one I live on SSI that pays me a incredible $617.00 a month. I have a lot trouble standing for any time and my knees are shot, but I believe most of this could turned around if I could get the right medical help. I can't see myself excising like this for the rest of my live which is what the government has more or less decide that I should do. I should mention that my injuries were on the job so it's been a long on going fight for the last twelve years. but I am optimistic that I can still get myself healthy and back to work in a good paying job. How might you ask I am going down that path that everyone told me not to I am pursuing my degree in ART and media production, and I am going to use this blog to recorded my journey. I still plan on doing woodworking for those who my read woodworking blog, Sleepydog's Wood shop and I am hoping that I can learn to do more with video, which I have been wanting to do for a long time. Look for my art work on this blog and feel free to contact me I am always looking for feedback

Declaring My lack of Faith

For those that don't know me, first of all I am a atheist, I have been for a long time even though I haven't admitted to myself and others. Going to church has always been going though the paces for everyones else's benefit, but somehow both of my children became atheist and I finally realized I didn't have to do pretend anymore. It doesn't mean I am not a good person or a moral person, because I am and ever atheist I have ever met has also been good moral people. Many of them lived better more moral life's than many of the christians I know who are suppose to be the beacon of goodness and morality. So this is me take me as I am, or leave me be!

I'm Back with a Smile

It's been almost a year since I have posted to this blog, why I don't know life I guess, but I am back to write record of feelings, thoughts, and actions for future record and others amusement.
Well what have I been up to in that year, I lost 140 pounds, my walking has improved, and I am considering going back to school and work part time, all of these thing I didn't thing would happen, but here I am.
My older bother had a stroke but was to stubborn to sir-cum to it and it only did minor damage and is doing ok but I worry about him my family is getting smaller and smaller.
Cats still have plenty of cats they just seem to find me right now we are taking care of about ten and one is expecting.
Life is getting better and I am smiling more.

Sabina Ohio Family Fun Night

   My wife always said I baked good pies, and I guess I do but I think its because I enjoy baking them. Pies are simple and they are a desert that just makes you feel good about eating them, I mean who don't like a warm apples or peaches with a little ice cream or whipped cream on top on a summer day and what a great way to use the fruit that grows on your backyard trees. Man my mouth is watering just thinking about it. Well to get to the point of the this story our little town had a Old Fashion Family Night where they closed down the main street of the town and the local businesses came out and set up booths to promote themselves. Some of the churches were out doing there ministries and handing out fliers and talking to people. The local police was offering to fingerprint children. There was old tractors ,cars, and a horse and buggy ride. They showed movies for the kids and had a old fashion penny candy store set up in the library, the bank was giving out free popcorn, a clown was doing face painting, and making balloon animals, there was games for kids and adults. There was even a ventriloquist with the cutest companion named Zach that I had several conversations with. Music was being played for everyone to enjoy on the stage by the city building. food was being served in the street and in some of the restaurants that are not normally open at night in our town. It was good to see people out shopping and talking to each other it was the first time I have seen anything like this in the three years I have lived here.

   
    I introduced myself to as many people as I could before we stopped for dinner at Traditions Restaurants which just opened this pass spring in town, they were hosting the pie baking contest which I had entered two pies. We wanted to try their food which was very good and to find out how I did? there was 20 something pies and they all looked to be wonderful so I did not expect to win, but to my surprise when I asked how I did? I found out I got 2nd for my pineapple coconut chess pie, and then she told me I also got 1st place for my chocolate chess pie. you could of knocked me over with a feather! I guess my wife was right I do make a pretty good pie and the town of Sabina Ohio thinks so too. 
Joey 

Flat Bread Pizza

Every since I decided to change my eating habits pizza has been off the menu. Well at lease pizza that I love you know the kind , an extra large meat lovers with extra cheese. I haven't seen one of them in a few month now. I really I don't miss it as much as I thought I would. But I did come up with a great tasting healthy pizza that does fit into my new life style so here it is. My flat bread pizza made with hummus and ricotta cheese.

• 1 whole wheat flat bread
• 1 Tbsp hummus
• 1 Tbsp ricotta cheese
• 3 or 4 sliced tomatoes
• 3 oz cooked chicken
• 1/2 cup of green or red peppers
• 1/4 Parmesan cheese

Heat the peppers and chicken in a skillet then spread the hummus and ricotta on the flat the bread, then add tomatoes and the heated chicken pepper mix to the top sprinkle with Parmesan cheese then bake for 8 minutes at 350. let cool for a couple of minutes and enjoy.

Wow I Can Be a Mommy Too

Now, I know what your thinking? how can a man be a mommy wells its like this, I adopted three little kitten that was orphaned and thought nursing them back to health and bottle feeding them I somehow became their mommy, or at lease in their little eyes.I know each one of them now by their sound, the way they walk and believe it or not the way they smell just like a good mommy is suppose to.

I have raised animals all my life cats, dogs, raccoons, and even a orphaned squirrel or two. but beside my dog Poddy I don't think I ever developed such a strong bond with an animal or in this case animals. I have been caring for them now for three weeks and they are all in great health now and growing like weeds, but I know I am going to dread letting them go when it comes time to find homes for them.

Beside the strong emotional bond the whole experience has been a great lessen, I guess it has let me get in touch with my feminine side. I really look forward to the time when they are all on be purring and nuzzling me at night after a feeding,I find it is very relaxing and it seems it as done something that the medicines I take hasn't, and that is pull me out of my depression. I guess its true when you are busy caring for some others needs your troubles seem further away, and it lets you look at them same problems with a different prospective.

To all you mommies out there, I salute you! I just got a little taste of the experience you have as a mother, and to be honest as a man who has raised two children I en-vie you. I was a great dad but the experience is way different from being a mom and as a dad and a grandfather now I am glad I got a small peek at the differences

Joey