Working small, welcoming Fall
September 2024
‘Great things are done by a series of small things brought together’ ~ Vincent Van Gogh
Hi! How are you? I’m so glad you’re here.
The light is becoming more golden, the leaves have just begun to confetti the ground, and my pollinator garden has just a few blooms left. Most of the plants have been chewed by bugs, just as I had hoped. Dead stalks left to shelter sleeping bees and moths through the winter.
In the studio I’ve been working small, and in small little snippets of time, as we adjust to the return to school and new schedules. Many early mornings find me sitting at my table with a cup of coffee, cutting paper, reminding myself not to overthink it (a constant struggle). I’m juggling a few different projects, in various stages of completion, trusting that they will all come together someday, and I can’t wait to see it.
Someday looks like art that engages, an exhibit, a full shop, regular workshops, maybe book illustration? Today looks like snipping little pieces of paper before the sun comes up.
With gratitude, Lisa
Daily practice
There was an interesting discussion on my facebook page recently. I posed the question of whether people found “create a piece a day” challenges helpful. The answers were thoughtful and varied.
Perhaps my favorite answer was from my bestie of 40+ years who said: “Totally different spin but you've actually inspired me to try to incorporate something artistic into my every day life. It doesn't even have to be a work on a permanent medium but creating a visually appealing dinner or pretty clouds in my coffee, anything else is a bonus in my life.”
Art to wear
While I continue to work on my large pollinator collage series, sometimes the siren song of working tiny is too tempting to ignore.
I love the idea that art can be something we carry with us, so it was to that end that I made these little bitty collages and made them wearable.
This is an idea I will continue to explore. Find these and more in my online shop.
Nesting bird paper collage and wood necklace
Wear original art! This wee little paper painting is an original collage that's been covered in resin to keep it safe, and nestled into a darling wooden handmade pendant and hung on an adjustable leather cord. It's lightweight, colorful, and 100% unique.
The pendant is approximately 2" long by 2" wide and has a nest with eggs, tucked inside a bird-shaped wood pendant.
Creating a cozy studio
In my past life as an arts administrator, I would take frequent tours of artists’ studios. I loved seeing where they worked, and thought I’d share a snippet of mine here.
One of my favorite things in my studio is this gorgeous little Lange stove. With the weather cooling down, I’m looking forward to hearing the crackling fire as I work. I don’t have her set up to burn wood quite yet, but the crackling sterno cans work wonders. I love watching the flames dance, and so does my dog, Frank, who lays on that felted rug like king of the studio.
Minnesota artists, are you familiar with Springboard for the Arts? Their mission is to support artists with the tools to make a living and a life, and to build just and equitable communities full of meaning, joy, and connection. I have taken some of their ‘Work of Art’ classes and have found support in their Artist Career Consultations with the incredible Naomi Ramona Schliesman. They are such a broad and amazing resource for artists working in all disciplines, whether you are a beginner or pro. Check out their website.
A little bit of inspiration
I love this reminder. I used to look at my tiny children and marvel at their potential, knowing that one day they’d grow into mighty oaks. These days I’ve been thinking of this quote in terms of the tiny steps we take to get where we want in life, and how if we keep planting those little seeds we’ll grow something bigger than ourselves.
Just click on the image to be directed to a page on my website where you can download this sweet print for FREE!
Thank you for reading. It means the world to me.
I’ll be back next month with more updates. In the meantime I’ll be posting on instagram and facebook, and perhaps adding a blog post to my website. I’ll definitely be working on pollinator pieces, getting some workshop information on my website, and sharing some fun things I have in store for kids. I hope you’ll join me, and if you think someone else may enjoy my work, I’d be grateful if you’d share with them.
Thank you!
Have questions? Email me at lisa@lilfishstudios.com
