moonmajic.com

Do you have a summer garden? One of my favorite things is to gather the fruits of my labor for a gorgeous, healthy, vitamin-rich salad. Nature is beautiful without even trying! Think of all the stunning still life paintings of apples, pears and so forth. When I create either a fruit salad or a vegetable salad it always reminds me of the old masters.

Think of your life in terms of art and become aware of all the beauty surrounding you. One of the differences between artists and the rest of mankind is that artists have the ability to look at things from their own universes. All of us have this ability. My advice is to turn off the television and turn on your own perceptions. Try it and see!

Posted June 7, 2009 Comments(0)

With summer just around the corner, it’s time to get out the old sketch pad! Think of spending a lazy afternoon with your back against the oak tree and your sketch pad propped up against your knees. Don’t worry about impressing anyone. Look at your surroundings, breath in the fresh air, and start to sketch!

Maybe you’ll draw your surroundings, maybe you’ll sketch the tree down the hill, maybe you’ll draw a dragon. It doesn’t matter! What does matter is opening up your creative consciousness. Don’t worry about who will see your drawing, what they might say and so forth. This is just for you!

I’m all for people doing things that get them in touch with their artistic side and this is one more outlet you can develop.

Posted May 8, 2009 Comments(0)

Anyone can make an attractive garden, and even feed themselves! If you live in an apartment, perhaps you can grow some tomatoes in a pot outside your front door, or on a balcony. I’ve always loved to garden, and find it one of the best ways to welcome spring into my life.

Growing food is one of the most of basic creative activities. Not only are you allowing life to spring forth from a tiny seed, but a garden in itself can be a thing of beauty. I think it’s impossible not to have a pretty garden; rows of purple greens, tomato plants bursting with red, yellow and green, wandering squash plants with explosive yellow blossoms. Maybe I’m crazy, but I even think weeding is a satisfying pastime! If you’ve never grown food, you’re in for a real treat and maybe the birth of a new passion. Have fun!

Posted February 12, 2009 Comments(0)

The New Year is here at last, a time to make resolutions and try to stick to them for a change!

I’ll give you an idea for one that doesn’t involve dieting, exercise or studying 4 hours a day to improve your mind. In fact, this one is just based on having fun and creating things that make you and everyone else around you happy! Of course it does require a little initiative, but what good things in life don’t?

Everyone, as you may be tired of hearing me say, is an artist. I have some new ideas on how to get started and find your “inner artist” without spending much money or too much time (at least at first. Just wait till you get so into this that your can barely pull yourself away!).

Have fun and Happy (Creative) New Year!

Posted January 15, 2009 Comments(0)

One of the most precious gifts I’ve ever received was a card created by someone I loved dearly. She spent hours conceiving the design, thinking up the message and then putting it all together for me. It meant more to me than any store-bought gift ever could, and to this day I keep it with my most treasured possessions.

We all have a lot of “stuff”, I’d wager to say a lot more than we’ll ever really need. This holiday season think about either making your own gifts to give, or, like my wonderful young friend, crafting a card that has a message you’re beloved friend or family member will hold dear throughout the coming season and beyond.

With the threat of economic hard times looming, this is a good time to reevaluate the important things and rediscover the inner artist longing for expression. Creating has many benefits on so many levels.

Posted November 6, 2008 Comments(0)

I’ve never raised birds, but recently I’ve been paying more attention to the true aesthetic wonders that they are. Take hummingbirds , for instance. Are they not like living jewels? They are so exquisitely beautiful that I have to take them in a little at a time.

If you can appreciate the natural environment you’re already on your way to becoming an artist. It’s been said that if you can really LOOK at what’s in front of you, then you can describe it. And that description could be either via ink (writing) or paint of course.

Take a moment and soak in your natural environment. Don’t rush; just sit amidst all that beauty. Now go write a poem or draw it. You’ll be surprised how satisfying this can be.

Posted October 26, 2008 Comments(0)

I’ve never been big on paying attention to the latest fashion. Wear what you want! From crazy clothes, to unexpected jewelry with your favorite pet . If you saw my closet, you’d know what I mean. Thrift store skirts, used jackets, silk blouses that have been reborn. But these clothes all have something in common- they are beautiful!

And sometimes outrageous. I like to wake people up with my invented fashion sense. (Or as my mother would say “non-sense!”) The thing is, if it makes you feel glamorous, aesthetic or wildly funny, why not wear it? I’ve always thought clothes should be fun, and if you consider yourself an artist, wear whatever you feel like! Of course, you just might want to pay a little attention to what colors go well together, but that might be the only limiting factor.

Posted September 26, 2008 Comments(0)

Have you heard about the elephant artists? I saw a video recently which really amazed me. It was an elephant, filmed live painting another elephant recognizably holding a flower in his trunk. It was the most beautiful thing, and a good reminder that it isn’t just we humans with the artistic souls.

Not too long ago my library had an exhibit of elephant art, and I swear the use of color and design was something I really can’t explain outside the realm of elephants are more kindred spirits than we’ve ever supposed. If elephants are moved by the muse, it makes you wonder what’s really going on between those gigantic ears.

Posted September 13, 2008 Comments(0)

Most people are drawn to beautiful colors. Have you noticed how even a baby will make his way towards a brightly colored ball, his little face intent on that goal? Colorful art and jewelry have played a part in the history of humankind since time immemorial.

I love to flip through an art book with paintings from the Renaissance and even earlier. Now those artists really appreciated color and created some amazingly creative ways to use it!

Posted September 8, 2008 Comments(0)

I think everyone should write. Doesn’t everybody have a unique story to tell?

To me, some of the most interesting stories are the true ones, told by neighbors and friends. It would be a good idea for children to keep a journal, just for themselves. Think what a treasure trove of memories and ways of looking at the world this will be once they’re adults! Writing is a unique way to record your thoughts no matter the age.

And believe me- writing creatively is indeed a craft, a skill that can be developed by anyone. Try it yourself sometime- you may be surprised how enjoyable it can be.