blog

Something That Scares Me

Sun, 18 Sep 2011 19:35:56 +0000

I created this painting last night. I was sketching away in my art journal when the idea of a dress form came into my head. I was so anxious to make it...I ran to my studio and started tearing paper, finding vintage buttons & digging in my stacks of ephemera for the 'right' pieces. I was so delighted with the outcome..I almost brought the painting upstairs with me to sit on my bed-stand as I fell asleep! That way I could look at it over and over again...and realize..."Wow...I created that!"

And this idea brings me to my blog topic....something that scares me. I am working towards making Heartwork City my career. I've worked for almost 10 years in the professional field of Marriage & Family Therapy as a therapist. Something I have loved and disliked all at the same time. Helping children is healing. Dealing with some of the huge hurdles in this profession have left me pondering..."What can be done?" I have thought many a long, late night about my chosen career. Ultimately (and as I have blogged before)--feeling used up and done. But now what? Where to go? What to do? Art has always been in my life. And now more than ever, it has gracefully settled into my heart & soul and made itself a happy little nest. Full of warmth and joy, color & vibrancy. It calls my name when I'm asleep, "Paint this tomorrow Denise...it's perfect!" and I wake up....and try to find the moments to paint before falling asleep again. My path has not been easy. Nor simple. Nor fast. I'm impatient by nature. I like things NOW! Oh well. Time to rethink that concept.

No...life happens when we least expect it (and often in its own time). I'm now facing my fears and finding a place for my art. And soon....making it my full time passion and career. This is a huge leap of faith. And I might add that I'm taking a chance. But what if I never did this? Where would I be? And how would I feel? And it brings me to ask YOU this very same question....what do you do that makes you feel afraid? Do you move forward willingly? Are you sure of the choices you make or have made in your life? Do you love your life or wish for more? The gifts we are given are so special. To be able to create, to bring happiness to others, to be whole in who you were really meant to be. These existential questions have been around forever. And I think now....I am finally able to answer them.

So what have you done today that makes you feel afraid...BUT...also feel rejuvinated and alive? I want to know. Your bravery should be rewarded...with a great big virtual hug--!!! *HHHUUUGGGG*!

The Lessons: Learning From Experience

Sun, 11 Sep 2011 03:35:05 +0000

What a week! I have been marinating in creativity and socialization and had to share. It seems everything in my life comes with a lesson. And this past week has been no exception. Heartwork City has taken off. And with the jet-propelled blast comes new ideas and ways to share, connect & do business. Two shows, two venues, lots of feedback and lots of ways to grow. And this is where I begin:

1) No artist should ever leave home without tape. Or screws, measuring tape, hammer or nails. As I set up various shows (and realized some of these things were forgotten)--I decided to keep a tool box at the ready for such events. Easy to put in my car, even easier to find the supplies I need. Voila!

2) A comfortable pair of shoes is worth their price in gold. Standing for long periods of time and talking about paintings takes it's toll on your tootsies. Find some really comfy shoes and nest in them. I'm not kidding people!

3) Take time to learn something new about everyone you meet. It seems simple enough, but you have to ask! My Heartwork City fans are so amazing. I want to learn as much about them as they are learning about me. Let's keep this conversation going!

4) Customers are the perfect market research group! YES! Everyone who came to my shows had the best ideas and feedback about all sorts of things: color, texture, new images they'd like to see, what really 'spoke' to them as they looked at my the art....and every bit of it was written down in my blog book. I have a working 'file' from which to expand my creativity and ideas...thanks to you! THANK YOU!

5) Always bring snacks. After all...life is like a party. It needs something yummy to accompany the fun. Little treats to give out (for customers AND you)--simple ways to help my HWC fans feel loved and welcome. It's all delicious!

And last...BUT certainly not least....

6) Always say thank you. ALWAYS--! I am so grateful for the love and friendship I receive from you...Heartwork City fans and customers. Thank you for loving the art and sharing the love you see in my paintings and heartfelt creations. Your generosity is contagious. And I am so appreciative of it all..THANK YOU~!

The CrescendOH!

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 18:34:01 +0000

What an amazing week it has been. Busy...but sooo amazing. As I get ready to deliver my third daughter, the creative inspiration just keeps coming. It's crazy. Sleep is hard to obtain as I move closer to my due date. But as I lay awake, I seem to be swimming in a sea of magical creativity. I often have to jump out of bed to jot down an idea, or sketch a new picture that lingers in my memory. I'm not complaining. This journey is awe-inspiring and rich with love and beauty. And...today I was invited to join a new artists community. I have to share! CrescendOH is a plethora of all things art. Are you a quilter? They have classes! Do you take pictures? There's tons of resources for you!! Take a peek at my web page: http://www.creativelab.crescendoh.com/profile/DeniseBraunBundy?xg_source=msg_wel_network There is so much to see! And in the meantime....as I add new content...I'm still creating! Check out my Heartwork City Gallery! Good things are in store! Love & Art--XXOO!

Heartwork Circle...Our Journey

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 22:33:16 +0000

How often we tell ourselves, "ENJOY this....it won't last forever." I remind myself of this sentiment time and again. Perhaps because I'm impatient and always SO excited about the 'next thing' that might be coming around the bend. Or because I'm often feeling swamped and overwhelmed...and my life starts to look like a check-list of things I have or need to accomplish.

Last weekend was an opportunity to slow down and enjoy. A few Heartwork City fans, myself (and my pets) took part in my Heartwork City Circle...a time to create, reflect, share and be present. The goal was simple. Allow the moment to be now, and experience the journey. I made sure to let everyone know that there were NO rules. Just magic. As our time melted into an ambiance of acrylic, glue & charcoal, we each discovered that this connection was vital. We've turned into such a technology driven society. It's SO rare that we 'interface' anymore. I mean...REALLY connect. When was the last time you sat down and had a conversation with a neighbor, friend or family member that produced insight and depth into who you are? I know I miss these moments. The busy schedules, carpools, soccer practices, and assorted life 'stuff' takes over our vital need to align with our friends. And I can honestly say...women need this most of all. Why? We're emotional beings who crave connection. It's simple biology.

Our time was short, but our creativity and fun was long. Heartwork City will be doing another 'circle' soon. And I hope you have a chance to put aside your 'to-do' list for only 2 hours. A short time to reenergize and feel connected to people that inspire you to be better. And accept you as you are. Now that's what I call a fabulous afternoon. PS-If you'd like to receive an invitation to the next HWC Circle..please send me a quick message from the 'Contact' link on this site. Can't wait to see your gorgeous face!

Zoe dog likes this piece! Artwork from a participant....

The Story Behind "Forever Loved" Canvas

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 05:32:09 +0000

Art is emotion. I would guess if you 'interviewed' any number of creators...they would tell you the same thing. Have you ever heard a creative person say, "Well, if I'm not inspired, I just can't get anything done." Also known as writer's block...or missing the 'spark.' It's fairly common. Creativity and passion are keys to the artistic fires that fuel me. And I find inspiration in many things. Nature. Love (especially love)....friends, family...and so on. And my process is linked to my happiness. If I find I'm in a dark place or a slump, I will almost immediately lose my inspiration for my art. AND...artists vary here. I have known many an artist who was fueled by uncertainty or even emotions such as sadness or loss. Just as we are all genetically unique, so is our art (and how we create those pieces).

The image above is entitled, "Forever Loved." A piece inspired by nature's beauty and my love for life. As I get ready to deliver my third daughter, I find that I am inspired by all of the things around me. Family. My children. My husband. FOOD! It all creates resonance in my spirit and I want to paint everything I see. I also find new emotions and states of being within me...things like self-acceptance. Joy (not just "Oh I'm so happy today.." but true, deep, pure, joy). The desire to surround myself with all things positive and full of light. Gone are many of the dark 'ties' that bound me to an accepted existence of years past. The struggle within confines of "average" living or "average" day to day. This journey has not been simple, nor would I choose it to be that way. But, as I have blogged before, facing fear allowed me to blossom into the creative spirit you see before you. And the happiness seems to glow from within my canvases (or so I've been told).

And this piece...was also inspired by something that held me back for years. The language on the painting reads, "The crown made her look important...but what mattered was in her heart." Somewhere along my many years of living, I learned that often the outside is what matters most. The jeans you have on. The degrees you hold. The job titles, the amount of money you make, the 'stuff.' Soooo much stuff. Big homes, fancy bottles of wine, oodles of sweaters in my closet I can't even find. Fast race cars, elite circles of whomever thought I was something...yada yada. And I do understand that need for comfort in life. But what I found missing? Depth. Not only of myself, but of those around me. Who were these people and where were their souls? Ongoing social gatherings and wine-filled events were not serving my soul. I longed for something that allowed me to shine. To be more humble in my daily path and allow me to give more of who I was. As a healer, I tried to help those who asked with typical therapy (as I was trained as an MFT). It never really seemed to work. Clients returned and needed more help. Crisis after crisis I felt defeated. And I was lost. I needed a new path. A new journey. A new endeavor that honored my creativity.

Without blogging my own autobiography....I found art. Again. Or rather...it found me. My crown was tarnished. And it was made of fool's gold. I slowly and carefully took it off my throbbing head and placed it safely away. To a spot that was only visible to me. But stood as a reminder of where I've been and where I'm going. And if you ever want to know why I named my new business "Heartwork City"--it has everything to do with love. Artwork inspired by my heart. It's the only way I can find that spark, that drive, that motivation to make beauty come alive on canvas. And I am honored it found me. And you know...I want every single person on earth to find their spark. And a little beauty in everyday life that allows you to be true to your divine spirit. What calls you? What seeks your name when you're not afraid? Go do that thing. And there you will find your own contentment and soul. I promise.

Messes are Cathartic!

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 17:31:14 +0000

I wanted to write a little blog about messes & creativity. I've read on many posts that the process of art is what makes it worth taking the journey. I have to agree with this sentiment. My art is never precise, nor would I ever wish it to be. The process is cumbersome, messy, uncertain...but full of life and passion. As I work on new pendants, I find small challenges and big achievements. Learning the in's & out's of my soldering tools. Becoming a pro at copper taping. Finding the mystery of the unknown to be rewarding on many deeper levels. And ultimately...understanding that the mess brings it's own catharsis. A homage to the worker bee who buzzes from work station to painting area...and back again. I'm that bee...working and striving, learning and laughing. Starting over when it's not to my liking or agreeing that sometimes the art has it's OWN plan (& I'm really just the messenger). So here's to the messes. I will continue to pay tribute to their importance and vitality when it comes to my own creative process. What have YOU done lately that's just a bit messy? Celebrate those moments!!!

This is the metal working bench I use when I'm soldering or using lots of heat on the jewelry I create. MESSY!

Works in progress always make me smile....

Chain Link Steering Wheel Anyone?

Sat, 13 Aug 2011 01:30:02 +0000

I've mentioned before how ideas or images come to me in my sleep and then...my brain won't turn off. I have to write down the ideas or start working on them while I still have the creative fire within me. Last night was no exception. This pregnancy I've been suffering from a pinched nerve in my lower left tail-bone/glut area. It's remarkable and annoying! It also aggravates my sleep. Some nights, after lights out, I lay in bed trying to move as slowly as possible so as not to send shooting pain into my derriere! TMI!! But where there's a cloud, there must be a silver lining. And for me, the silver looks like ideas, visions, creative streaks that strike me as quickly as the pain in my hip! Last night I zoned out imaging framed art. Picture frames. Ornate and simple wooden frames. Things to 'art-upon' as it were. And this morning I had an idea...thrift shop excurision 101!

Because for some...trash is treasure. And just as if you were buying a 'fixer upper'....imagine these frames as just that. In need of some love and some work. Or maybe a lot of work! But my sweet husband decided to tag along for the adventure and we found a bit of luck as we dug through stacks and piles of really old, falling apart and some great...frames! I promise to keep you posted on my progress. And isn't it hilarious what you CAN find (purposefully or accidentally) in these stores? I had to include the chain-link steering wheel. Because, ya' know...you never KNOW when you might need one of those!

See what I mean? This baby's the BOMB!!!

And as for those frames and assorted artsy stuff...these babies need a good scrubbing, a coating of KILZ and then a whole lot of gesso. I wonder what I'll come up with?!!?

What do you think of the owl wood-frame? LOL! I think it's hilarious!

Finding Balance

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 16:29:11 +0000

I find that I struggle with balance. I know this has been a life-long challenge. As a child, I would think of an idea and charge full-steam into my 'project.' Knowing that what I was trying to do was all in spirited creativity and good fun! As Picasso says....creativity is inspired by those that don't think too much. Good sense always seems to damper any exciting 'process.' But perhaps my 'balance button' needs a tune up.

This week I have about three projects to finish. My progress is cathartic...I have a canvas with a seascape, and two small shadow boxes. I'm the type of artist that will work off the kitchen floor. Yes...the floor. I have an easel. I have tables, chairs, cushions. Me? The floor. Knees sore, legs strewn hither & tither....it just (no pun intended) grounds me!! And as I work on these projects, I fall into the trap of forgetting to eat (not good when you're 7 months prego by the way)! Or neglecting to let the dog out back. Or forgetting a work projects (as I evolve into a full time artist...I still have to have a day job. Yuck). So I ask you...is this just the artists' plight? Falling into your work so deeply that one forgets to do the activities of daily living? Or am I manic? LOL!

Well, whatever the case may be...the 'process' makes me inevitably happy. I love creating. I love throwing away sensibility. I love everything that Heartwork City envisions as a healing art community. Thank god Pablo Picasso understands me so well!

And I have to add this last, sweet tid-bit of fun to this blog page:

Because heaven knows that in this house....we do all of this. And, apparently, we also like to be messy with paints on the kitchen floor!!!

Trying Something New

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 01:27:59 +0000

I am just starting a new small canvas. It's only 8 x 8...but has so much potential. I have used spray-paints on many of my REALLY large canvases (they're great for covering large areas). Cans of sprayed on color, used with stencils, creates an amazing ethereal & abstract quality. But for baby canvas, I chose two colors and decided to make whatever comes into my head.

I have a large retail shopping bag full of odds & ends. Papergoods. Stuff. It's a storage nightmare trying to figure out where to put these goodies....but I don't want to throw them away! What if I need that scrap of art-deco, black & white paper? Or that die-cut that I haven't touched in ten years? Needless to say, I rummaged through the lot of scraps...and found some great little pieces to use as stencils. I was thrilled!

The work-in-progress is fun. Different. My love of texture is still present, along with my love of color. But this canvas feels more raw and abstract. I'm enjoying it's direction and will you posted on it's progress. Where will this baby canvas go? Only time will tell!

The starting point...spray paint only.

A few stencils with some heavy bodied acrylic helps bring some new texture & dimension.

A few words that inspire me...now it must dry....

Blogging Into Art

Sun, 07 Aug 2011 19:27:02 +0000

The weekend has been a multi-tasking challenge....one that I take on with open-arms. Through varied task I still am working hard to find my happiness (even if I get frustrated with myself at times). And as I was completing the above shadow box...the words just popped into my head. "We Are All Made For Miracles." One can take the sentiment as lightly or seriously as they choose. This weekend, I choose a literal translation of: "It's a miracle I got anything done!" For my artist friends...how do you find your pace? Time to be a mother, sister, wife, friend, or.....? And time to be an artist? As I have aged, I have learned more and more each year--one can only be so many things, to so many people, at so many different times. I'm a much gentler friend to myself. I'm also a more patient human in life. These small lessons help me get through my day and continue to feel regenerated as the sun sets. The idea of letting go of "I need to's" and "I should have's"....makes me so much calmer. And look at the photo below.... Now you see--when one is needed by many (including the feline & canine camp in our household)--one MUST give in to the joys of life that present themselves. Or...be sucked up in a whirlwind of FUR! Blessings to the busy!

New Art, Loving Life

Sun, 31 Jul 2011 03:28:32 +0000

As my web site is getting tinkered upon...I had so many thoughts I wanted to add to my blog page. I'm finally finding a moment, breakfast at my side, to type & fill everyone in on Heartwork City and my fun, colorful art. So many of you have been amazingly supportive. I've received emails, texts, Facebook responses and 'likes' to my Heartwork City FB page (THANK YOU!!)--such an outpouring of love and happiness. I sat down yesterday and meditated on my grattitude of your love for the art you see me create, and your willingness to pass along an image or two that shows how Heartwork city can touch everyone who sees it.

As of today, I am working on a few canvases for two new customers. The paintings are so filled with inspiration and love. I have been blessed to have 'fans' approach me to create artwork for them which signifies the empowerment they've reached in life. Coming from backgrounds such as divorce, loss of love, grief & life changes (as well as joy and love!)--my art fans are using Heartwork City creations to mark a moment and allow themselves to be emotionally touched by what they see. I'm honored to be a part of this. So incredibly humbled.

And as Heartwork City transitions, I am working on my first art show (in Sept--stay tuned for info!), as well as a multitude of items to share with you. Prints and pendants are next. And my Etsy shop is in process. I'm working out all the 'kinks' and finding my stride. Heartwork City growth is happening so quickly, it can be hard to keep up! But never fear....if you see a painting you love from my gallery, PLEASE message me (contact page) & let me know if you'd like a print or more information regarding the products available for that image. Your patience is extraordinary...thank you for that!!

I am also starting a Heartwork at Home portion of my business. The ability to reach art lovers in greater number. I can come to your residence or business with a variety of art (and products--yay!!!)--you invite friends and colleagues. Individuals can place orders for the piece(s) they love. And as the Host(ess), you receive a free piece of artwork of your choice (size restrictions apply). It's simple, artsy, fun and creative! Plus it helps Heartwork City better understand what you love...and then more can be created! I love this idea!

Thank you times a zillion. Thank you for loving Heartwork City. And thanks for just being inspired by beauty and creativity. I look forward to getting to know you all!

Blessings & Art to each of you!