Cindy's
Blog
Hi!, Welcome to my Blog. This is where I'll share recent and upcoming
events, and put some of the "why" and "how" into the mix. Please let
me know if you have any questions, and I look forward to responding.
You can contact me at cindy@pembrokedesigns.com.
20080501
Where is your plumb line? Start square. What is your margin of error?
The culture of specific industries -- health, research, construction,
psychology-- can easily separate us. With new people we often talk about
the weather or the latest scandal on the news, rather than explain the
particularities of our day. But if you dig a little, you'll find that
every industry is rich with lessons useful to others.
Professional
Wisdom t-shirts help bridge the gap. Niche vocabulary from the workplace
is tapped to form unique and engaging life metaphor. Abstract art and
words stimulate questions that provoke fresh conversation. Engage in
random connections in your environment; Offer your professional wisdom.
20080406
I've added postcards called "Daily
Grace" to the CafePress 2008 collection using some of my simple
favorites from the 2006-07 daily art emails. Just a few words and an
abstract image, and they're great to send for a variety of occassions.
I hope you enjoy.
20080330
A continuation of the "12 step to creativity" series. These
12 posters underline themes in life's creative
journey. Have you ever wondered how rebellion fits in?, or the quiet
times after a big storm? Make sense of life's rollercoaster. Posters
are small enough to buy several, and wait-- a revolutionary idea-- color
them in yourself. Why not? Find some nice pens, and write your story,
add your color, your texture. And if someone tells you that coloring
is just for children, you can smile and say "of course!" Who
isn't still a child at heart?
20080323
Wow! I've finally come up with a format for sharing my "12 steps"
to creativity. I know, I know.... Everyone is coming up with new 12
step processes. But
it's such a great number. It has worked well for AA (Alcoholics Anonymous),
and continues to work well for my former boss (so many variants of the
12 rules to fiscal decentralization...)
So what is this 12 step process all about? Well, I wanted to create
a story that told of an evolution. I used to be so shy, so timid. And
I've come a long way in gaining confidence and courage, even a thicker
skin. How did it happen? How did I shape myself? Could others learn
from this path? And if so, could learning occur in a condensed format--
even within a single art lesson?
You tell me. What do you think? 12
steps thru creativity journals
20080316
Bite size
art lessons! These greeting cards are innovative ways to share creativity.
Imagine them coupled with hand-selected art materials, tied in a ribbon.
Lessons range from doodling to carving, found materials, placement and
yes-- even shaved carrots!
Focus is on creativity and open-mindedness over technique. Loosen minds
and spirits with these fun additions to the 2008 collection.
20080309
Abstract
Entry magnets are simple ways to invite interaction. Pair texture
with vocabulary, scientific terminology with widgits. (I bet you always
wondered what a widgit looks like...) Magnets are fun on file cabinets,
refrigerators and more. They are great when combined with other magnetic
products, photos, notes and doodles.
20080210
What a great class!! 12 of my peers (including my mom, doesn't she
look great?) joined me yesterday for a creative class on doodling called
"Drawing thru Creativity."
Background: St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church in Atlanta, Georgia,
begins a season of renewal with "Art & Soul: a Sabbatical for
the Parish" in conjunction with a grant from the Lilly Endowment's
2008 National Clery Renewal Program.
Entertaining and useful, drawing is an art form that is accessible
to all skill levels and personality types. It is an "anytime, anywhere"
form of expression and communication. Methods in the class are free-form,
abstract and non-literal. Create shape, discover texture, and share
in a collaborative atmosphere of personal exploration and spiritual
enrichment.
Learn more about the Free Form Art process with Warm
Up, Make a Mark, Shake
it Up, and Metaphor.
20080106
Welcome to the New Year! This 2008
Wall Calendar features 12 recent "wow" images. Abstract,
figurative, and totally up to your interpretation. What do you see?
What could it mean?
20070930 - 20071021
Breaking down Barriers
to Creativity Workshop. We are co-creators, shaping ourselves,
each other, and our environment. Yet we live in a world dominated by
linear, strategic thought. Art and the creative process are open to
all as vehicles for spiritual growth. In this four week class taught
during the Sunday School hour, we identified barriers to creativity
(e.g., art is silly; art takes lots of time and skill); discussed language
(e.g., shape, rhythym, movement); enjoyed benefits (e.g., stress relief,
passion); sampled varied visual art methods and materials in hands-on
activities; and discussed the creative process and the creativity movement.
20070722
- 20070729
Concrete Poetry and the Millennium
Development Goals. This two week intergenerational event was conducted
during the summertime Sunday School hour, and produced a free-standing
group collage that stood on display for the remainder of the summer.
20060501 - 20070419
Free Form Art Daily ran for a year, from May 2006 - April 2007, featuring
an image and "not more than 20 words" per day. I recommend
the daily format as a great tool for discipline, funnelling creativity,
and daring yourself to come out and share. It is amazing how readily
the ideas float to the surface, once you set a structure for when things
need to be done. Currently I am re-working images into cards, t-shirts,
etc. (see the daily grace entry on 20080406); I expect to downsize this
blog entry by the June 2008 timeframe; In the meantime, the complete
index is up at Free Form Art Daily.
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