It took just a few seconds looking at the pictures of folk dresses to become almost overwhelmingly inspired. I hurried to my fashion themed Smash book and created this art journal spread.
And then I had to make even one more page. Folklore and folk art always make me feel like this: fabulous! They give me both the sense of belonging and the sense of freedom. I feel that I am one part of the long chain of all the women, of Finnish women, of my mother and grandmothers. At the same time I am not defined by them, just empowered by them. With folk style, I can express my roots and origin without constraints.
They say that one of the basic needs is to belong to someone, to somewhere. I think that creating art can greatly enforce that feeling.
What kind of art makes you feel like that you are included? Maybe enjoying creating is not so much about finding one’s personal style but finding ways to feel belonged.
If you want to develop, it will be insufficient to create art that touches only you. You will want to get connected to other people as well. I claim that the deeper you go in your own self-expression, the more you will also touch others. Our mothers and grandmothers may have very little in common but we can share the goal to create something new and original from our heritage.
We do not have to think shapes or lines. It is often enough to dive into the colors. For me, colors represent the feeling. Shapes and lines are just to support them.
Find the colors from your origin and mix them with the colors of your present life. You are free to create any combinations! The best colors give you the sense of belonging. They will also inspire you to create art that is filled with meaning.
See this journal fully finished! >> Watch the flip-through video!
What a wonderful idea! I am now intrigued to do some research to find some inspiration from my ancestors. We have been studying our genealogy, so this fits in perfectly. I love your work! Keep inspiring us!
Thanks, Gail! I am so happy you got inspired! While searching for your ancestors, also think about what appeals to you, especially the things that you found interesting when you were a child. That way you can add more feeling to your work and discover interesting combinations!
I don’t know how you find the time I am retired and I still chase my own tail
Jean, I work with my blog and my art very regularly. I do not question if I am inspired or not. Like Karl Lagerfeld has said (I am a big fan of his quotes): “Yes, and I can sit down on a white piece of paper and work because I don’t believe too much into inspiration …”
I actually work and get inspired better when I am not overly inspired at the same moment when I begin creating. But I always record my ideas (you can follow them from my Twitter account) and that helps too.
Maybe I should blog about working without inspiration … that’s an idea!
I do understand if people are busy, creating is just so important for me that I have a high priority for it.
Thank you for following my blog!
Love your work and inspiration. You keep me motivated and at some point I will become less inhibited with my colors!!!
Femi, thank you! If you are a fan of watercolors or acrylic paints, this tip might work for you: mix one color and paint a square with that color. Do that every day for a week or two. You will have a great collection of colors which you can use in creating collages or just admire them. It is important that you spend the time in mixing as the greatest colors are born that way! This post about colors can be helpful too: http://www.peonyandparakeet.com/5-tips-to-choosing-colors/
Thanks for commenting and have fun with the colors that speak to you!
first: from the first time I found your blog, I thought your art looked Russian…I “see” your patterns on paper as if they were embroidery on fabric. Beautiful. Now I find you did live near Russia, which must be influence in y our blood. Second: I love everything you do. Your work is amazing. I copied your idea of making wrapping paper out of newspaper and newspaper fliers. Mine looks nothing like yours, though. I am more roses and flowers, but I am grateful for your ideas and your beautiful work. People want me to sell what I do, but I don’t want to. I don’t want to try to please anyone else. And to the above comment on where do you get the time….people say that to me all the time, but the fact is, I work very fast and can accomplish a lot in an hour! Some people spend that much time on the phone! Not me. I think anyone can find the time to do anything she really wants to do!
Thank you, Patricia! How wonderful to hear that you have made the wrapping paper (http://www.peonyandparakeet.com/wrapping-paper-from-newspaper/)! I love flowers too! Speaking of roses, see this post: http://www.peonyandparakeet.com/how-to-draw-a-rose/
You are right, there’s a lot that can be done in an hour!
In general, it was so great to read how much you enjoy making art and self-expression! Thanks again!
Evening! on the curved gray pieces at the bottom, are those drawn or is 3D or layered effect?
Lisa
Lisa, thanks for asking! They were already printed to the pages of my black Smash book. I think it has been a photograph originally. I thought it would be a great background for a folk style spread, forming some kind of stucture to the page.
WOW, your folk art inspiration is amazing and beautiful!
Thanks, Suzieq!
Thank you for sharing you beautiful art with us!
What a wonderful, incredibly inspiering story, about your grandmother and mother!
It makes me think a lot about my own grandmother, who passed away a few years ago and also, alot like yours worked hard for giving me a good start in life.
It’s an important thing you’re doing here! Thank you
Darya, thank you! It was wonderful to hear that you were able to relate to my story. Let your grandmother be your muse!
What a beautiful spread Paivi! I love how all of your colours come together. I must admit, I’ve never really thought much about my ancestry. I’m a 7th generation Australian of German origin. Maybe I should play around with some Aboriginal art?!
Thanks, Lisa! I challenge you to combine your German and Australian heritage!
Fabulous spread and wonderful idea! My mother is from France…going to investigate the folk art from there. Thank you for all of your wonderful inspiration!!!
Sharon, thank you! France is a great country, full of inspiration!