Great Book you may find interesting...

 

 

Found a nice book on Creativity the other day at Barnes & Noble - "The Creative Edge" by Mary Todd Beam. I went there to look for something on printmaking and ended up enthralled with this volume instead. I began reading it last evening and I can't wait to try some of the fun exercises. Full of good tips and ideas to prod your imagination and get you out of an artist's rut :-) She has included several other artist's works and methods along with her own, providing a simple variety of styles and tricks. It is reminding me of things I'd forgotten... as well as some things I'd never tried, or even thought of. Can't imagine anyone not enjoying the inventive vibes found within. She is also the author of  "Celebrate Your Creative Self" and is featured in the video "An Acrylic Journey: From Trash to Treasure" both of which I hope to check out eventually.

Armenia Mountain PA Wind Turbines

 

Photo by RLHall, ArtfulExpress All Rights Reserved

I have been exploring Armenia Mountain by car or by foot at least once a year since before I was old enough to drive. For some reason I had some curious interest in the place, even before I knew that it was the area of highest elevation in the region or that my direct ancestors where amoung the very first group of settlers to bushwack their way from Springfield Mass to what was then Bradford Co PA.

This was very dense wilderness at that time full of many dangerous animals including Rattle Snakes, Panthers and Bear, not to mention the Native Americans who claimed the lands as their own. My Brooks family settled on Armenia Mountain, their settlement maps are still available for veiwing and if you tromp through the overgrown woods you can still find the old stone foundations and boundary lines marked by ancient stone walls still partly standing. Exploring a little deeper into the forest, underneath fallen trees and thorny brambles you can still find the small cemetery where my Great Grandparents, and their Parents and siblings are buried. Under all the overgrowth, simple spring bulbs still flower among the weathered and broken grave stones. Several of these men became translators, learning the Native languages and befriending the Indians. And it is said that in our line flows some Indian blood. Even my paternal Gandmother Brooks still claimed that she had Indian blood coursing through her veins and that her appearance attested to the fact.

There are a few dirt roads through the area which is mostly in Tioga Co PA now. A few country houses dot the roadsides here and there, but it is still mostly secondary woods with some fields. Naturally I was concerned when it was decided that a Wind Farm was slated to be installed on the mountain area. Would they clear all the forests and destroy all the old foundations and cemeteries? I am very much in favor of a more environmental approach to energy production. But these thoughts, and concern for the wildlife in the area and the possible ruination of a large natural resource caused me to research the Wind Turbines and the affects their presence would have on the land. Residents voiced complaints that the visable turbines would dominate and mar the natural landscape, and there were fears that the noise and vibration from these huge machines would deter from the normal quality of life far around them. The safety of the underground path that the electricity would take to the collection machinery came into question. The project was approved despite many objections. And my research met with conflicting statements and emotions, none of which could be definately proved. The installation seems to be completed now and I took a ride last weekend to see how the final results appeared to be and how they might have affected the environment. 

The first thing that I noticed was that the turbines were huge, and though they had an alien quality to them and certainly do not blend in with the natural surroundings - there is a kind of mesmorizing beauty about them. The many turbines are scattered along the mountain ridges, but unlike the windfarms I've seen in NY where I live, the wooded areas are largely left intact and the turbines are seperated from each other by large chunks of natural landscape. It was difficult to get close enough to them to hear the noises or vibrations they make. The historic foundations and cemetery sites that I was worried about were left undisturbed. When I spoke to area residents and asked them how they felt about the changes, they mostly just shrugged their shoulders or simply said 'They're here'. I heard no belligerant complaints. Though I had no conversations with any of the residents who's land was leased by the company, I assume that they are somewhat pleased to be compensated for the use of their land though I don't know if their proximity to the turbines might sometimes be close enough to be irritating. All in all, it doesn't seem as bad as I imagined but I intend to continue investigating the situation as it unfolds. Most residents in my area of NYS are fighting against the construction of wind farms and I find myself thinking that I would much rather welcome wind turbines than the Natural Gas drilling that has begun taking over the area, both here and on Armenia Mountain.       

Celebrate Earth Day Every Day !

 

 

This small Earth Day Craft reminicent of a circus tent was created mostly from a trashed paperback book, it's pages shaped, folded and cut, with the bits cut from the cover & cover page serving as flags strung on a bit of string used for last years garden stakes. Other recycled materials used were an old greeting card for the signs, toothpicks that had been previously used in making other projects and paper beads made from can labels. This 'tent' is only a half circle with the book cover serving as the backing. A full circle could be facilitated with the use of two books of the same size fastened together. A taller or multiple level form could be made by placing two or more on top of each other.

I have used this same idea to make paper birthday or anniversary cake party decorations, with small tissue roses serving as the decorator frosting. Or you could make cute christmas tree shaped table decorations, tree toppers or fanned out style diamond, bell or ball shaped hanging party decorations, which could be painted or glittered for a pretty effect. They are fun and don't take long to make, and can be from simple to more intricate designs. Kids especially like to fashion animals out of them. It's a great way to save money on decorations, and recycle as well.

I am a book lover, so I would never ruin a good book. But I do use old telephone books, books that have missing pages or have gotten too wet or bent out of shape to read. The book used for the above project was in especially bad shape and didn't come out as neatly as usual. But 6 yr old Jayde and I still had fun with it!   

Work Sold ~ Sea Sponge

Macro Photography 'Sea Sponge' by RLHall, ArtfulExpress

A very close view of the delicate fibers of a sea sponge glowing with golden light and a beautiful natural abstract quality.

You can purchase image prints here:
http://www.redbubble.com/people/rlhall/art/573126-6-sea-sponge

Visual Music

 

 

Digital Image Titled 'Visual Music' by RLHall, ArtfulExpress All Rights Reserved.

 

SEE LARGER IMAGE AND BUY HERE 

 



Generally speaking, color directly influences the soul. Color is the keyboard, the eyes are the hammers, the soul is the piano with many strings. The artist is the band that plays, touching one or another purposively, to cause vibrations in the soul.

~ Wassily Kandinsky, in Concerning the Spiritual in Art

My Most Viewed Piece on RedBubble

Digital Art titled 'Dome of the Taj Mahal ~ Crown Jewel' by RLHall, ArtfulExpress All Rights Reserved.

Crown Jewel ~ inspired by the Taj Mahal, which is often referred to as ‘Poetry in Stone’ is incorporated into my ArtfulExpress logo.

Beautiful intricate abstract design bursting forth in hues of light blue and gray, yellow / orange, and even a hint of rose, all interspersed with lovely metalic golds.

The History of Lost Love
Shah Jahan of the Mogul dynasty was yet to accede the throne when he heard about the unsurpassed beauty of Mumtaz. He took Mumtaz as his third wife in 1612. For the next 18 years Shah Jahan and Mumtaz were inseparable. Shah Jahan took his wife along on every journey and war campaign. Over the years Mumtaz came to be his best friend, his critic and a canny political adviser. Mumtaz was expecting their 14th child when Shah Jahan embarked on a campaign against the Lodhi Empire in 1631. In the heat of the Indian summer, the army traveled to the Deccans. Mumtaz, who had accompanied the emperor, went through a rigorous childbirth. She died in Burhanpur. On her deathbed, she asked her husband to promise her that he would build a monument to their love. Legend has it that he locked himself in his room for eight days without food after Mumtaz passed away. After burying Mumtaz temporarily in Burhanpur, Shah Jahan went about constructing the Taj Mahal in right earnest.

He summoned the best architects and artisans from far away lands like Multan, Kannauj, Lahore, Iraq and Persia. He arranged for the best marble from all around. It took 22 years, 22,000 people, 400 elephants and 32 million rupees to build the Taj Mahal. The result: an awe-inspiring structure, which is one of the most globally recognized symbols of grace and beauty.

The Magnificent Monument
Built on a raised, square platform it is as tall as a 20-storey building. You enter through an imposing gateway. The complex consists of an elaborate garden set in the typical charbagh style, a mosque, a guesthouse and several other charming buildings. The mausoleum itself stands at the farthest end of the complex, right along the Yamuna River. The signature central dome (58 ft in diameter and 213 ft high) is truly magnificent and is echoed in the smaller domed chambers on all sides. The four slender minarets that rise from the corners of the mausoleum complete the picture of symmetry.

The undisputed majesty and beauty is further reflected in the exquisite artistry created by inspired artisans from Baghdad, Shiraz and Bukhara. Exquisite floral patterns and calligraphy on both the exterior and interior were inlaid with precious stones such as jasper and agate. Quotations from the Koran were etched into stone archways; a pinnacle was set on the central dome; and thus came to life the most splendid resting place a lover could ever hope to find on this planet!

By Ravi Kunjithai

Dome of the Taj Mahal ~ Crown Jewel: (buy prints here)
http://www.redbubble.com/people/rlhall/art/531754-7-dome-of-the-taj-mahal

Artful Express Gallery:
http://rlhall.redbubble.com/

Do You find it Necessary to always Title your Works?

'Winter Solstice' by RLHall, ArtfulExpress All Rights Reserved

I recently made a local sale of this matted print, which the buyer said that she loves because it reminds her of the 'Twilight' sagas. It caused me to reflect once again, upon the titles we bestowe upon our works and how they affect the viewer.

In this case, the photo was indeed taken on the evening of the winter solstice, and the mood of the photo somehow reflected that spooky association, I thought. I had not yet read the 'Twilight' books by Stephenie Meyer. After reading and enjoying all of the books, and seeing the first two movies, I still hadn't connected my photo with the popular stories. When it was remarked to me that it was this aspect that ingraciated the person to my work, I could instantly see that the atmosphere of the image did reflect the aura presented in Meyers works. Even the title seemed to fit, since similar celestial events are mentioned in the series.

Had I actually initially named the image Twilight, which would seem to be an appropriate title for the photo as well. I'm sure it would have gotten many more hits in online searches and perhaps many more sales.

An artist's work is an important form of intimate expression of their own reactions and opinions, a form of self-therapy at times. Though I have always thought, of course, that art should bring out the personal feelings of those who view it as well. Those feelings may not always bring the same associations that the artist themselves had intended when they actually created their work. It seems apt that the viewer can relate to your vision, without quite understanding it's deeper meaning in your eyes and soul.

In this respect, a given title may stifle the inner reactions of those contemplating the piece. Though I enjoy authoring titles for my artwork, I sometimes struggle with the exact phrase to express my thoughts. And I sometimes find it interesting to display a work as 'Untitled', so that one can form their own reaction with no preconcieved train of thought from me. Often the most intuitive visions are expressed, that can shed a whole new light or glimmers of meaning beneath the surface...teaching me something new about myself and my craft.

'Jewelry by Jannie'

Photos by RLHall, ArtfulExpress All Rights Reserved

JLTaft creates beautiful beaded jewelry, her spiral bracelets are one of my favorite designs, since you can wear them alone or stack them together for a totally different look. They also look lovely worn alongside a watch or another style bracelet as well.

Jan's Jewelry line is available locally through several venues, including availability for purchase at the 'Earth, Wood & Stone' store at the Arnot Mall in Horseheads, N.Y. She is also a talented photographer. Visit JansArt at:
http://www.redbubble.com/people/jltaft/art

Thanks for Featuring this Blog

'Spring Rains' Painting on Glass by RLHall, ArtfulExpress
All Rights Reserved

Somehow this blog was first featured on the americantown.com site for my hometown of Corning, NY. Since then it has also become featured in the following listings in my local area:

Steuben County NY, Bath NY, Caton NY, Troupsburg NY, Woodhull NY, Kanona NY, Cameron Mills NY, Greenwood NY, Dundee NY, Campbell NY, Jasper NY, Addison NY, Cameron NY, and Savona NY.

I'm glad to get my stuff out there to all corners of my region, my appreciation goes out to whoever first thought to feature 'Artful Express Creative Life' and to the rest who have picked it up along the way :)

Three Layered Necklace

Photo & Necklace by RLHall, ArtfulExpress All Rights Reserved

Tried creating a new style of necklace made with three strands of scattered glass beads, it looks beautiful on, but was difficult to photograph effectively. I'll have to devise a way to get better photos for further projects of this type. This piece looks great peeking through an opened collar blouse, over a scoop neckline, or turtle-neck shirt. Striking yet easy to wear with both a casual or a little dressier look. Done in various shades and shapes of blue glass beads.

Amazing Video on YouTube/no more war

Pic of my cat napping on my laptop keyboard, no she's not in the video... :) She's cute though, even though she knows better!
Photo by RLHall, ArtfulExpress All Rights Reserved


The video (link below) shows the winner of "Ukraine's Got Talent". Following info was recieved in an email, author unknown: Kseniya Simonova, 24, drawing a series of pictures on an illuminated sand table showing how ordinary people were affected by the German invasion during World War II. Her talent, which is unique and very creative, is mesmerizing to view.

The images, projected onto a large screen, moved many in the audience to tears and she won the top prize of about $130,000.00

She begins by creating a scene showing a couple sitting holding hands on a bench under a starry sky, but then warplanes appear and the happy scene is obliterated.

It is replaced by a woman's face crying, but then a baby arrives and the woman smiles again. Once again war returns and Miss Simonova throws the sand into chaos from which a young woman's face appears.

She quickly becomes an old widow, her face wrinkled and sad, before the image turns into a monument to an Unknown Soldier.

This outdoor scene becomes framed by a window as if the viewer is looking out on the monument from within a house.

In the final scene, a mother and child appear inside and a man standing outside, with his hands pressed against the glass, saying goodbye.

The Great Patriotic War, as it is called in Ukraine , resulted in one in four of the population being killed with eight to 11 million deaths out of a population of 42 million.

Click on link below to veiw video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=vOhf3OvRXKg

Jewelry Projects

Photos & Jewelry by RLHall, ArtfulExpress All Rights Reserved.

These are examples of my latest Jewelry Projects.

Shown are two Magnetic Hematite Bead Bracelets, that can also be worn as varying lengthed Choker Style Necklaces. These pieces are very comfortable to wear. They are flexible and have a nice quality weight to them without being so heavy that they are overly noticeable while worn.

Wearing of Magnetic jewelry is said to provide healthful benefits. It is believed that magnetic therapy may provide some pain-relief in chronic or acute discomfort, promotion of improved circulation and relaxation, as well as generally enhancing well-being. Though magnetic therapy is not advised for patients with pace makers, internal defibrillators or pregnant women.

A mid-length Casual Vintage Button Necklace is also displayed. Shown both as a gold sparkling charm, and reversed to be worn as a interesting black pendant. This necklace is light enough that you don't notice that you are wearing it. Although the vintage button from my Grandmother's collection lends enough weight that it hangs nicely against the chest.