The Light Going Out

"In everyone's life at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flames by an encounter with another human being. We should be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit"
--Albert Schweitzer


I find this can include the inner fire for one's art and artistic abilities also. There seem to be stretches of time where my mind is a complete blank, and I have to ask myself, 'do you call yourself an artist?'
After struggling so many years with whether I could really qualify as an artist, and then finally thinking I had arrived at the conclusion that perhaps I was, I find this time of complete blankness to be frustrating. What makes this lack of creative juice s happen? Perhaps you can tell me.
Maybe it is a combination of things happening all around us, or, is it just our inner voice saying 'take a break? Don't be so hard on yourself when this happens.' Although that is easier said than done, there is probably a very good reason to rest, assess, and rejuvenate.
I find that when I go too long outside of the circle of my artistic tribe of friends this feeling of inadequacy happens often. I believe
that by being around and absorbing the vibes of excitement of other artists, one's spirit is inspired. Do you find the same thing?
Please share your thoughts, and tell us how you pushed passed the times of indecision. Perhaps just by visiting an art gallery such as Seranya Studios Art Boutique would be the cure? Maybe taking a class in something you never tried before would jump-start the process. Or is it just a time for reflection and regrouping? What, or who, is your inner spirit cheerleader?
Stay tuned.

On this Mother's Day weekend I want to share with you three of my greatest creations ever.
Ok, I couldn't have created them all by myself but I am very proud to have had a part in their existence.  
They are the reason I have grey hair, the reason I lost sleep over worry, the reason that I probably enjoy my glass of wine; but, they are also the reason that I know love in its deepest sense, why I am so proud of their accomplishments and why I am honored to be called Mom.
I couldn't imagine life without my three munchkins. Thank you to each of you for the joy you bring to me.
Happy Mother's Day to all you Moms out there, whether you are Mom to two legged or four legged children it is indeed a blessing to be Mom.

Stay tuned.

Respect for the artist

Recently I took a basket weaving class from one of the fantastic artists at Seranya Studios Art Boutique. I have always admired hand woven baskets, but I would look at it and say to myself," well, after all, it is just a basket." Oh, how that thought has changed, with love, for it being a basket.
The class taught me about the actual work that went into the finished piece of art. Not only the how, but the why, and why not, of basket weaving. I learned respect for all the knowledge that the artist/teacher gathered over the years of her basket weaving career. I learned that not only did it take a great deal of dexterity in my fingers, but great concentration of my mind. I could see and feel all the thoughts that go into the decision of what the basket will look like at its finished stage.
The real lesson? This taught me to honor all the hours of labor, even though it is a labor of love, that goes into that particular basket or any piece of art. Perhaps if we all took the time to explore the how and why of another artist's work we would have a greater understanding, and a renewed sense of awe for each individual . In the process of learning to weave, I also learned more about the artist/teacher as she became more than a teacher, she became a friend. Art is about so many different things, and one of them is the gathering of ones "tribe" and being a part of the whole art experience.
Every piece of art does not appeal to everyone, and that certainly is a good thing. If we all just loved baskets and nothing else, where would that leave all the artists that work in all the varied mediums? We all see things differently and some pieces "speak" to us while others don't, and that is ok.
What matters is that even if it doesn't "speak" to us, it does to others, making it a very valuable work to those that love it.
We as individuals can love and respect the artist, even if not his/her art. It is this mutual honor of other artists, and art, that bind us together in the creative world.
And after all, it isn't just a basket, it is a basket that is an awesome piece of art or perhaps I should say .....heart.
Stay tuned.
P.S. the basket in the picture is my first attempt at this great world of baskets.  I think it will be one of many.

"Every Artist dips his brush in his own soul and paints his own truth into his work" --Henry Ward

This quote speaks so strongly to me. I think it would to every artist. There are many types of "artists" and we all put a piece of our soul into the finished piece. This was so brought home to me again as I read the post from Joyful Paws' blog on the courage it takes to be in the public eye.
Ok, I have to admit that I am prejudiced because the author of this blog is my daughter, Barbara Techel, and she spreads inspiration and hope to so many. She is an author with her own brand of artistry. Her blog this week inspired me to share her thoughts on artists and their courage. With her permission I will quote her on her thoughts.
"Artists can't please everyone. There are always going to be critics and while constructive criticism is helpful
and needed, in this day and age with the internet and hiding behind computers some people can say some pretty nasty things." In writing, painting, basket making, clothes painting and designing, or whatever the art is, the artist puts him or herself out there for the whole world to judge.
I remember after I had taken an oil painting class for about two years with a very talented, wonderful artist who then became my friend, I painted a picture for my daughter outside of the class structure. How nervous I was to forward a copy of that picture to my teacher friend. I was literally laying my heart and soul out there for her critique. I believe every artist goes through those times. We all want to make a difference in this world no matter where our talent lies and in doing so we open our deepest self to the thoughts of others.
"There will always be critics and many have stomped out the spirit of a writer, actor, or artist which is incredibly sad.  Art, like life, is not perfect. But it is in the creating that I believe we are here for" says Barbara. ( To find out more about Barbara's work visit
www.joyfulpaws.com. Her books can be found at Seranya Studios Art Boutique or through Amazon.)
Although I have dabbled with art in very many different forms over my lifetime, I never felt that I could say that I was an artist. That negative doubt would always creep in and make me hesitate to acknowledge that maybe I could be an artist. Finally in my "golden years" I no longer hesitate when asked. Is it that finally I owned the title and proudly said yes, I am an artist even when inside I still hesitate just a bit?
My greatest joy has always been "in the learning" of a new art. The insatiable quest for more knowledge and expertise on new things. Perhaps that is an "art form" in itself.
To experience this joy of learning, check with www.seranyastudios.com on the classes the different artists hold to explain and teach their art.
Share with us how you felt the first time you put one of your pieces "out there" or for that matter anytime you put a piece of your soul out there.

Stay tuned.

This week artheartstrings would just like to say, have a very blessed Easter.
Celebrate the joy of the risen Christ with those you love.

We will return next week.

Stay tuned.

New exciting Basket Bash

Just found out that our featured artist Kathy Plahmer, will be holding a basket bash on Thursday
evenings from 5:30 to 9:00 P.M. from April 24th to June 12th.  She will have one basket project per month.  For April 24th it will be a Beaded Shapes basket for $30.00 plus the cost of the beads, a remote control basket (at the studio) for $35.00. In May there will be a wall basket for $25.00 .
June will bring a surprise basket.  It will also be a time for a drop in weave with others, or weave a basket that she has offered before.
Come join in the fun.
This will be held at Seranya Studios Art Boutique at 307 E. Mill Street, Plymouth, WI.

Love of Baskets

As I was reviewing this bio  thought that biographies are nice, but they fall so far short of all that the artist portrays. One doesn't see the sparkle in their eye when they talk about their art, or the willingness to share with others the knowledge of their art. Kathy loves to teach and share her experiences and all that she has learned on her journey to be the amazing basket maker she is.  There is one class scheduled for April 22, 2014 from 10AM to 3PM if you could join us to share this experience you can contact her at kabob@excel.net or contact the studio, Seranya Studio Art Boutique (www.seranyastudios.com) or leave a comment on this post and I will be sure to get the information to you.
In Kathy's own words her love for baskets started in an attic! In 1995 while cleaning out her grandfather's attic she found several black-ash, sweet grass and pine needle baskets tucked among the piles of boxes and crates. While some were in terrible shape, most were in excellent condition revealing a lot about the weaver's techniques. She said later she learned that all of the baskets were made by her great grandmother Clara. Clara had lived and worked during most of her adult life on the Lac du Flambeau reservation in northern Wisconsin.  Kathy thought WOW, what a find both artistically and emotionally.
In her own words she indicated that as soon as I was able, I took a local class in beginning basket weaving and from then on I was absolutely hooked. Seeking out classes and workshops over several years I was able to participate in many workshops with nationally acclaimed weavers. Soon people were asking if I would teach them how to make a basket, another beginning. Since my retirement from education I have focused on exploring new techniques from different cultures and life styles. I am excited about harvesting and using natural materials to embellish my basket designs, dragging my husband with me as we look for deer sheds, horsetail grass and downed birch trees. With all the guidance I have gained from others, I know I am developing a style of my own both in design and materials.
I am looking forward to being at Seranya Studios Art Boutique as a contributing artist and an instructor. 
Hopefully, I will be able to pass on some of Clara's and my ardor for baskets.
Stay tuned.