Circle of Friends

Recycled Circle - Houston Art Workshop Gathering

Social Media has been a huge stepping stone for me over the last year.  Last September I asked a collage artist to come to Houston to teach a workshop.  Wanting a way to communicate with a large group of people who were taking the workshop, I opened a page on Facebook just for the exchange of information about the workshop.  Little did I know that that one action would set into motion the creation of an entire community of like-minded, beautiful inside and out women, who have become my muses and inspirations in so many ways. 

Last week, several members of our group got together and made the project pictured.  We each made a collage circle with painted papers and then we cut the circle into four sections and exchanged three sections with other members of the group to create a whole new work.  Now I have a little part of those artist hanging in my studio in a piece that we created together.  Fabulous and FUN!

If you are looking for a special group to inspire you, join us on Facebook.  We are Houston Art Workshop.

Follow me on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/#!/LisaMoralesMixedMediaArt

BIG Dreams

Available on Etsy - https://www.etsy.com/listing/124407110/dreaming-big-inspirational-collage-hand

 

I have been wanting to make this piece since the first time I saw this phrase.  I wish I knew who said it first.  I think it is brilliant.  When I really started to think about big dreams, I realized that fear plays a big part in artistic endeavors.  Fear plays a big part in every new endeavor to some extent.  But you can use that fear and turn it around.  Turn it into excitement.   Take a deep breath and start a new endeavor in art, in your personal life, and beyond.  So, here is a good question:  What would you do, be, become, if you knew that there was no way you could fail?  How big would you dare to dream if you knew that vision would absolutely happen?  The answers might surprise you.  I have had a little buzz in my brain lately that is telling me to organize an art retreat.  Now, that is a BIG dream.  But it sounds like fun - scary - but fun!!- overwhelming - but fun!!!  Why not?

My Heart Has Wings

My Heart Has Wings by Lisa Morales - Available on Etsy

 

On this, my 45th Valentine's Day, I am so happy that I FINALLY chose to follow my heart and my art.  Why did I wait so long?  I have to ask myself every now and then.  But then I stop and realize that all the events that brought me to this day have been little lessons telling me that I can create my life any way I choose.  But the most important part of that journey was the day that I BELIEVED that statement to be true.  I remember the day - actually, I was face painting that day - and someone asked me "How long have you been an artist?"  An artist?  WOW - that is hard to declare to yourself.  I am an artist - I am an artist - I am an artist - I had to say it to myself over and over until it finally became real.  I am an artist!

 

 

It seems lately I run across pictures and art and quotes that fit perfectly with my life's path.  I think of them as little guide post to remind me to stay true to myself.  Here is a good one that you can use when you are ready to give your heart wings.

 



The Empowered Woman - She moves through the world with a sense of confidence and grace.  Her once reckless spirit has now found its place.  Quietly, yet firmly, she speaks her truth without doubt or hesitation.  And the life she leads is of her own creation.

Grow - It's Never Too Late

Grow - One word inspirations by Lisa Morales

Definition of GROW

intransitive verb

1

a: to spring up and develop to maturity

b: to be able to grow in some place or situation

 

Grow - What a perfect word.  It brings to mind the infinite possibilities for creativity.  I have had an incredible year of growth because I have surrounded myself with wonderful, positive, artistic, people and because I have made a conscious decision to believe that if I send out good - good thoughts, good emotions, good vibes - I will only get good back.  Man, that stuff really works!  Here is a quote I love:

 

 

To me, the two most important words in this saying are "you choose".   So, if someone around me chooses to be negative, I choose to walk away.  When I hear those little doubt monsters in my head saying, "you're too old, not smart enough, not talented enough",  I choose courage to pursue my wildest dreams, and to open my heart and my mind, and grow.   

 

Enough is Enough

I had an assignment in collage class to create a photo montage out of magazine pages.  I pieced together images from about 15 different magazine pages to create my montage.  The base of the montage was a jewelry add with the word "Reevaluate" written across the top of the ad in big white letters.  That word was eventually covered up by the pieces I used to create the hair in the montage. 

In one of the magazines I was using, there was an article about Mark Madoff - son of Bernie Madoff, the infamous director of a ponsey scheme that lasted 20+ years.  It said that Mark Madoff had hung himself in his home while his wife and one of his children were at Disney World. His second child was at home sleeping in another room when he comitted suicide.  He took his life on the second anniversary of his father's arrest.

I placed a small section of the article in the mouth of my montage and I had to wonder:  Why didn't Bernie Madoff ever "reevaluate" his life.  Did he really need a bigger home or another car to feel complete?  Was the race to keep up with the Jones' so great that it blinded him to what he was doing to his clients, his friends, and his family?  When was enough going to be enough for this man? 

After working on this assignment I try to remember to count my blessings every day and know that everything I need to make my life full and happy is what I have here and now - on this day - in this moment - I have enough.

Don't Resist - Dance

While listening to the radio in the car today, my 8 year old daughter says to me,  "Mom, you know how you can tell if a song is really good?  You just can't resist the urge to dance."  Kids are so smart and uninhibited. 

Sometimes I catch myself resisting the urge to dance, to create with abandon, to go against the grain, for fear that people might not like what I do, make, believe.  Why?  I admire people that pour their soul into art and life. 

So, I am going to try to not care so much about outside perceptions and just close my eyes and sway to the music, let go and see what happens.  Sounds like fun, doesn't it.

Art - Crash Glass on canvas by Lisa Morales

Dreaming Like A Child

My oldest son, Jared, turned 18 last week; and I had to cry a little tear as we sang happy birthday to him.  18 years went by in the blink of an eye.  I have such vivid memories of him as a toddler, a boy, an older brother.  I think I cried because I know he is heading out soon to find his own way, build his own life, pursue his own dreams.  I wonder if I have raised him well, provided a strong ground for him to stand on, loved him enough. 

Sometimes I feel like an 18 year old myself with childlike hopes for living an artistic life.  And then I think of how lucky I am to have an opportunity to do just that.  Jared is a blessing that I will have until the day I die.  Living a life full of goodness and hopes and childlike dreams is also a blessing I hope to have for the rest of my days.

Art Project from 2D Design class - A technique called rotoscope interpolated where use tones (in this case, colored paper) to create light and dark values.