Wabi Sabi Wax

I had the privilege of spending the day with Serena Barton on Sunday taking her Wabi Sabi Wax class. Last year I took Serena's Wabi Sabi class, sans the wax, and loved it so much I came back for more this year with the luxurious addition of wax. I spent the day playing to my heart's little desire. I started about five pieces, and finished two. Here's how my day progressed, from Serena sharing her supplies, to her demos, to my attempts, and finally Show 'n Tell and my finished pieces.








Time for me to jump in!






At the end of the day Serena led us around the room for a time of Show 'n Tell. Here's Serena and a sampling of the other artist's work.







I believe these two are completed!

Wabi Sabi

My Wednesday class at Art and Soul was Serena Barton's Wabi Sabi, a class I have wanted to take from Serena for a very long time. The class exceeded my expectations.

Serena attempted to define the Japanese words Wabi Sabi by saying in her handouts:

. . .Wabi Sabi is an aesthetic, a state of mind, a mix of emotions, and a way of perceiving life . . . the acceptance of the cycles of change, including life and death. Wabi Sabi values the seasoned, well worn, accidental, and imperfect. . . .

Wabi Sabi. I love it, it so perfectly fits how I like to work and create.

Here's a look at my day and the evolution of some of my pieces.









We had a little show and tell at the end of the day. We were a prolific group as our work lined three long walls!


Serena isn't a big fan of having her photo taken, but she graciously consented and allowed me to get a picture of the two of us.


My output for today. I may tweak a couple of these, but for the most part, I am pleased.

I'm a Winner!

I won an artist blog giveaway! The artist? Serena Barton. If you aren't familiar with Serena's work, I say get thee to her website and blog as soon as you can. Serena lives in Portland, is an active, producing artist, maintains a private counseling practice, and teaches art classes, so she is a busy lady.

On May 23, Serena announced she was giving away a copy of L.K. Ludwig's book, True Vision - Authentic Art Journaling. Serena mentioned that if the winner already had that book, then another book would be selected. Well, on June 6th, Serena pulled a name from a hat - it was MY name! Since I already had True Vision, I gave Serena a few ideas of books I didn't have (but would love to own) and told her to surprise me. And surprise me she did. I received in the mail a copy of Lynne Perella's Art Making - Collections and Obsessions. I guess Serena figured out that I am obsessed with collections and art making. Since I don't want to violate any copyright laws, I've included photos of just the front and back covers of the book. But, oh my goodness, you should see what is in between!