Wednesday 7 September 2016

Homecoming - "Broken Wing" collage

Hi again :) I hope you are having a great week!
Do you know what is beautiful about creativity and making art in general?
One of the things I admire the most is you can do as little or as much as you want, that you can do projects which will be very different from each other - in style, in time consumption, in the colour palette - but you will get satisfying, eye and heart catching piece of art anyway!
There are no "right" or "wrong" ways of creating - you can go minimalistic or very rich and detailed. You can be bold with colours or go for a very subtle palette - and it all works as long as you put yourself in it. It's your voice, your moment, your emotions and decisions what and how to create. And it is all fine - no need to worry is it "me"? It has to be you :) You've made it!

Collage below is one of these ones which I made just for myself, my own pleasure, taking all the time I needed to design it, glue it and paint it. And believe me - it felt just great. It is one of these, which were waiting to be done, I had it on my mind for a long time - and it felt like coming home again.
I just dived into it and almost forgot to come back.

"Broken Wing"- 20x60 cm collage on canvas (8x24'')

For me, there were many important things happening during the process, a lot of new things and new feelings. There were new supplies used, new kind of print - but what was more important for me there was a learning curve. Things I wanted to try and practise for a long time... not all of them could fit into this one painting, but I'm optimistic and hoping there will be a chance to continue this journey.
At least I know what I want to explore and learn!



For a long time in my head there were inspirations which wanted to be used - and knowing how long I kept them waiting I could be sure they were shaped and processed enough by me to be my own voice - exciting and fresh for me, an experiment which waited to be done since the painting I've made on a wall years ago. I was so ready... and here it is. I'm pleased with the result and I didn't even use half of the ideas I would like to try!

(If you would like to listen a bit more about the "inspirations processing" - check this great TEDx video by Austin Kleon - summing up his concept which he presented in his book "Steal Like an Artist". very valuable 12 minutes, I think!)



As I explain to my students - it's easy to spot the project I've made at home, in my Studio. Selection of textures, elements assembled together, colour choices - all that should tell you that I took my time to create it. I can't tell how much time exactly - but it was spread over 3 or 4 days, working a bit here and there, enjoying my family and my Studio in the same time. I loved it and I should now make a promise to myself I will repeat that very soon.

There are many nuances and details I'm proud of  - and even though they may not be visible on the photos I have the satisfaction knowing they are there - and they ARE PERFECT. And I think it is the most important here, in this process:)


I wish you - and myself - many similar creative moments.

Give yourself time and permission to do all the things you'd like to do, finally.
Play, experiment, try and have fun. This is the only way I know to grow.

huge hugs

26 comments:

Athanasia said...

AMAZING work Anna!!! I'm speechless!!!
So happy for you, I can tell from this stunning result that you really enjoyed creating it! Hugs <3

Unknown said...

I think your closing remarks are so important. "Give yourself time and permission to do all the things you'd like to do, finally. Play, experiment, try and have fun. This is the only way I know to grow." I've done just that this summer. I had a break from teaching at my local independent craft store and worked on projects I'd been planning for a long time. I finished the tunnel book that I started a couple of years ago. I've added to my art journal, trying techniques new to me. I scavenged two old cameras from my brother to embellish with your Rust Paste. I've got two more projects going on my work table. It has been so rewarding to do these things just for me. It may sound selfish, but we need to do that.

Thanks so much for sharing your beautiful piece.

Helen said...

this looks stunning, I bet it is even better in real life.

Puddle said...

Lovely! I would like to know what size canvas you used? Thanks!

AgnieszkaAnna said...

Aniu przepiękna praca! Jestem pod ogromnym wrażeniem! Ściskam Cię mocno!

finnabair said...

Aga, dzięki serdeczne. Dusiło mnie już w środku, jak babcię kocham...

finnabair said...

Puddle, as I mentioned under the main photo it's 20x60 cm which equals to 8x24'' :)

finnabair said...

Linda, I'm so glad to read that - I believe listening to our inner voice is so important. I'm so happy for you!

Heather said...

beautiful and thank you for opening your heart and soul to us, your thoughts and feelings, an inspiration on so many levels.

Sanderijn de Bruin said...

Unique and so you. This masterpiece definitely is! I love your work, it's so amazing to see how you create your art and even though you have tried new things on this piece, it's always an amazing outcome! Thank you for sharing your gorgeous work with us!

Mona Pendleton said...

Wow!

Elaine said...

This is a really stunning canvas. I am wondering what sort of photo print you used as it merges so seamlessly into the canvas, I am guessing it must be on thinner paper. Everything about this project speaks of care and attention and the beautiful depth of colour is very special indeed. I am sure it will have pride of place in your home somewhere. Thanks for the continuing inspiration you give. Elaine x

Fiona Paltridge Designs said...

Stunning! Simply stunning!!

finnabair said...

Elaine, this is a laser print on photocopy paper.:)
Thank you for your kind words!

Wilma said...

This is a masterpiece!! Can't stop looking at it........oooohh I keep on dreaming that one day I can make something like that.

Kim Collister Studio said...

Beautiful inspiring piece! I've had project that I set aside awhile back because I lost the inspiration for it. You have inspired me to pick this piece up and go in a different direction. Always love your creative imagination! XO
Imgirlwithoutwings.com

Barbara Rankin said...

Wow, Anna. This is super amazing. I know how good it feels to work on something at your own leisure and for your own pleasure, and I can tell you had a great time creating this! Love it!

Corrie Herriman said...

Stunning !
Corrie x

Unknown said...

Im so happy for you that you made the time to this for yourself Anna, your sense of fulfillment & enjoyment in doing so are clear for all to see.As akways I love your works awesome textures & so many interesting techniques along with such depth of colours.Its simply stunning & offers me so much inspiration to be brave & spread my wings some more! Congratulations & thank you for sharing your infectious creativity. xox

Unknown said...

Thank you for sharing this beautiful piece of art with us. You yourself are a true inspiration to me and many others. Now I am very motivated to get back to making art!!

Kathy said...

What an amazing piece! So very, very talented. I love all the layers and the depth. Thank you for sharing! And I love the reminder to experiment and just go for it.

Miranda Edney said...

Anna, sweet sweet lady! i have came back to this post about 4 times now. just reading your words inspires me! You are a truly amazing, gifted soul with so much to teach us all! I am in awe of your work and your depth and soul that goes into each and every piece you create from your home :) Hugs and love to you!

Robin said...

DAMN! That is gorgeous!

Fragmentos ao Sol said...

Finn, this is so beautiful! Lovey in every single detail.

Tina said...

I love the way you build up your art :-)
And love the colors you mix in your collages :-)
Have a lovely Sunday.

Maura said...

Stunningly gorgeous piece!!

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