RECENT ILLUSTRATIONS
Ghosty super powers – remnants of the holi-daze
Finally, with the holiday season now officially over (even the holiday lattes are done and dusted… tear!), I can get back on track with building my Moon Birdz creative illustration business (contact me at jen@moonbirdz.com to discuss any of your art needs, including but not limited too… children’s book illustration, logo design and art licensing), as well as more inspiring blogs to usher you into a creatively inspiring 2015.
But first, I have to be honest… this holiday season was a really tough one for me. I went back to Minnesota, and barely 2 days off the plane, something I’ve never had to deal with before happened… My 89 year old Father ended up in the hospital with stroke-like symptoms. He couldn’t use his legs and was very confused and disoriented. The rest of my time there was a blur of hospitals, doctors, nurses, social workers, transitional care discussions, and trying to be the glue holding my family together. It was truly heart-wrenching, and a testament to the strength and will of the human spirit. You never really know how strong you are until one of your beloved ones is in desperate need of your care. You just do whatever it takes, and possess superhero power to help make them better. The sun is just starting to peak through the clouds again, and I’m really happy that I was there to help my Dad when he needed me the most, and would do it again in a heartbeat. Family is everything, love is everything, patience and compassion are everything, and the ability to allow yourself to really FEEL in situations like this is everything. I had my moments of breakdown, but I got right back up and was onto the next mission to help my Dad. So, if you’ve ever had the unfortunate fortune to go through something like this please know that giving your family your all is one of life’s rewarding (albeit sometimes painful) blessings, but also allowing YOURSELF to truly FEEL and let the tears fall is one of the biggest gifts you can give yourself, for the tears are one of our bodies most miraculous healers, and absolutely necessary to get through tough times so that you can purify, cleanse and be empowered for the next challenges life throws your way.
Once I returned home I was compelled to sketch an octopus. Why? I’m still piecing that puzzle together, but it gave me a sense of tranquility with the calm, flowing beauty that they possess… and their ability to have a helping hand (or tentacle in their case) ready at a moments notice. It just felt like the right thing to draw… my ghost octopus…
In heartfelt gratitude,
Jen
Find your creative currency
I wanted to share this Mystic Mama article with you as it really struck a chord with me, and how I strive to find inspiration in the every day and how outside factors can help aid in igniting that creative spark inside. With the craziness of the holiday season, I think this advice is really helpful in keeping you creative, and grounded. Thanks, Mystic Mama!!
xoxo,
Jen
Let the music move you
I‘m so happy right now… I got to see not only one, but 2 of my favorite bands play this week!! I’d have to say that going to shows is about one of my very favorite ways to spend a night out. Right off the bat you know that you’re going to have a good time because you love the music that will be played, and once you get there you’ll be surrounded by people who love the band and are all there for one common purpose… to have a great time and unite with one another over the music. I don’t think I’ve ever been to a show where people are in a bad mood. It’s like all of the metal brethren come out to engage in a wild nite of song, head banging, dance and libations (of course mead would only be so appropriate at these metal shows! Bunch of rowdy vikings…).
Down – NOLA super group with Phil from Pantera and (until recently) Kirk from Crowbar… I have not the words to explain how much they ROCK!!!! It’s like Pantera but dirty Southern style… yessssss…
Opeth – Mikael Akerfeldt doing what he does best… amazingly haunting, gorgeous music!!! It’s the perfect marriage of heavy metal and melodic. The Swedes really know their metal.
Music has always been such a huge part of my life. It’s been the friend that I could always count on in the good and in the bad. Only music can evoke such powerful feelings inside me, bringing me back to a certain place, person, or emotion with just one strum of a guitar chord. It’s an amazing portal that you can choose to visit over and over again and always get the same healing benefits. It also plays a big role for me while creating my art. It’s as if the music imbeds itself into my work. It’s actually visibly noticeable which kind of music I was listening too. That’s why when working on my children’s book art I have to listen to lounge-y, trip-hop, swing, James Bondish sounding upbeat music. When I do my line drawing (more choppy, bold) then I can listen to my beloved metal. But mixing the 2 different types of music, with the 2 different types of art never works for me. It comes out looking a little how the music sounds. I must say that it’s been fun experimenting with some new music as of late… like Celtic Folk.
What kind of music inspires you the most?
xoxo,
Jen