Shari Sherman

Shari Sherman

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Wishcasting Wednesdays

Today over at Jamie Ridler's blog the question she poses today for Wishcasting Wednesday is: "Where Do You Wish to Make a Fresh Start?" I wish to make a fresh start with my art. I have already changed the name of my company to Hula Dog Designs, but I have failed to fully jump in and start anew. A change has been lying in wait for some time now, and I am at the point in the process of figuring out what is holding me back from going full steam ahead. I know that some of it has to do with the loyalty or more like it, obligation, that I feel towards my clients. People who have purchased from me before have come to expect a certain style when they see me at art shows. And I don't want to disappoint....ah, there it is, that creative monster! Don't get me wrong, I love my style. But I feel a need to expand. I know that in life there are periods of expansion and periods of regression and periods of stillness. I am on the edge of expansion, trying to figure out how to take that next critical step. I am reading all about resistance in The War of Art by Steven Pressfield. And I owe a great many thanks to my art group as we are working through a lot of this as well. The show we just did was so much fun! And also went a long way towards opening us all up artistically.

The above piece is entitled, "Remind Me", and it is based upon a poem of the same name by the uber-talented writer, Elle O'Dowd, a woman who I am so very proud to call my friend. Sadly, the poem is based on the love between her and her daughter who was tragically killed by a drunk driver. My heart is happy with how this work of art evolved and came to be. There is a certain rhythm and process to mixed media that I really like. It seems to fit in with my busy lifestyle as a working mom and wife. I could easily work for a bit, come back and quickly jump back in. Also, there is a limitlessness to it. You get to decide the boundaries. There is a freedom where most artists of this genre are not critiquing technique. It is the opposite of seeking perfection. It is more about seeking imperfection, which isn't all that easy for a perfectionist, but may be just what I need. You can't see it from this photo but there are shells and bells and dangly bits hanging from the bottom. And from the top sits perched a clay heart with the words Remind Me stamped on it. I thoroughly enjoyed the cutting, gluing, choosing, painting, sculpting. I am trying on the label of mixed media artist and something about it feels right. Next, I want to do one that incorporates my love for dogs, and one in particular, our pitbull, the Baby Java, a memorial piece to commemorate his passing a year ago last week. I'll post my progress with that.

So, I know what to do... I need to clear away the fear and the resistance, instead of taking a huge step, think about taking small steps every day, stop being a people pleaser, trust in my work and myself, and alway give thanks that I wake up each day with the opportunity to start fresh! Mahalo peeps and love beams to you!
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13 comments:

  1. A beautiful wish, Shari.

    As Shari so wishes for herself, I wish for her also.

    My Wednesday Wishcast.

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  2. Hi Shari,

    As you wish, I wish for you also! I think your work is beautiful. I love the story too. I think that it is great when you can do what you love and have it be your work! It sounds like you are truly blessed, that you love your art and that you are up for the challenge! Good luck!

    Amy

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  3. Your painting is amazing! Beautiful and touching.

    As Shari wishes for herself, I wish for her as well!

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  4. beautifully said. as Shari wishes for herself, i wish for her also.

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  5. As you wish for yourself, I wish for you also! ♥Tee

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  6. Best wishes and fair weather on your journey forward in your fresh start! And "Remind Me" is gorgeous.

    As Shari wishes for herself, so I wish for her as well.

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  7. As Shari so wishes for herself, I wish for her also. I too believe each day is a fresh start. All the best to you. xx

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  8. As Shari wishes for herself, so I wish for her also.

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  9. As Shari wishes for herself, I also wish for her!

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  10. Shari...oh my gosh, I am with you on this one!I have been a primitive folk artist for over 20 years. I have made a good living at it and have been in dozens of shops, catalogs and even feature films..and at 50, I decide to change what I am doing and start painting colorful, whimsical, mixed media paintings? I have even changed my name of my business and am starting from scratch. It makes no sense, but i have to do this for me. So, you go girl and be who you need to be and express your little heart out! When you are doing what is already in your heart and soul to do, you will love every minute of it! as you wish for yourself, so i reaaaalllly wish for you also!

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  11. As Shari wishes for herself, so I wish for her also.

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  12. Hi, love the Blog! So cute and your work is great! Fresh start huh? Well it's my body -always my body which I've used and abused over and over - it gets harder each time. Thank you for reminding me to get to it ;-) I'm following you, just in case you fly by - I'm here: Blog: http://www.designsbylindar.blogspot.com/
    or "like" my Fan/Biz page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Me-Myself-and-You/105043419547115

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  13. Aloha Sheri,
    I got a mermaid print for my sister 8or 10 years ago that I bought at Haiku Style that I am pretty sure is your art? I'm curious!

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Aloha friends! It's so nice to hear from you!