Thursday, July 5, 2012

Reach Out and Touch


with hand extended

do you assume another

will be there to touch?




acrylic paint, pen, ink, collage 


isn't that what we do with each and every blog post?  we reach out with words,
with images, our thoughts, our creations, our questions.  we reach out in the space we call the internet never knowing for certain that there will be anyone on the receiving end.  yet we continue to post, to put ourselves out there.  when i started this blog last year i did it because i was astounded at the presence of an online art community and how much inspiration i derived from others' blog.  i wanted to be a part of it in a small way.  it took a while, longer than i anticipated to feel my way around, to find a rhythm.  i'm not quite there whatever there might mean.  i such is the nature of blogging.  the blog changes as i change.  i add or subtract what works or does not work, fluctuating with my interests and what moves me at a particular point in time.  it's a beautiful and vital part of my creative expression.  i have found communities, pockets of people who gather to share in their specific interests.  for me these includes my art, poetry and photography.  it does not replace in person connections but it does augment and enrich my life in ways i could not have guessed.  i want to thank you who have read and commented on my posts.  it means more to me than you can know.  i am always surprised, delighted even when someone tells me they have read and enjoyed my blog but have not commented online but tell me they follow my blog.  yes,  i do extend a hand and welcome yours.


a little late to the party but it's said that it is better late than never . . . .






i was introduced to seth apter through several friends, john (who took a plunge into the blog world last week after retiring as a special ed teacher, a job he has been at since 1977~~ go to visit him.   you won't be sorry), orly, brian to name a few.  most of you probably already know of seth and are familiar with his generous blog and inspirational book, the pulse of mixed media.  i want to say hats off!  his book includes comments from over 100 artists.  with his background as a psychologist he is adept at digging into the psyche.  questions and answers  probe and enlighten you on the contemporary mixed media scene.   i have even used some of the questions as journal prompts for myself.   

today's post is linked to haiku my heart and paint party friday.



XO















25 comments:

  1. Loving your beautiful background. We are so lucky with PPF as we stretch out our hand and its always taken in friendship. Happy PPF, Annette x

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  2. What a lovely post. You are so right - I love the online community I've found through blogging about my art and my work has evolved so much since I started blogging 2 years ago. I love this piece you've posted - it's a real mix of contemporary and primitive - like grafitti and cave drawings combined - beautiful!

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  3. I totally echo your words and thoughts in this post! Well said. Glad to have found you - following your journey now. Thank for your very kind comments on the ppf interview. SO I think I need to come learn about acrylics from you! I guess we get comfortable with a medium because we learn it's characteristics the more we use it... but they all behave so differently! It is a journey for sure:-)

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  4. Wonderful vibrant piece of art with a lovely quote! I love this post!I love the blog community. People in blogland are actually interested in each other in an intimate way! We are just a click away from a person moving on! Yet they stop and respectfully leave a comment...a tiny footprint of love.... There are blog friends more interested in what we have to put forth than others in our actual personal lives! I agree blogs are ever changing as they evolve! It's a great place to find like minded people!! Have a great weekend! Thank for sharing your heart and your art!!

    Hugs Giggles

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  5. So true about blogging! Love your drawing over the layers of color and collage!

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  6. I LOVE your painting so much gorgeous color blended with those wonderful lines- marvelous! And your words about blogging are SO true!
    Happy PPF,
    Stephanie

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  7. I know just what you mean here. Your layered painting sums up just right the hands across the internet.

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  8. I absolutely adore your painting. I love the random purposefulness.

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  9. First, I want to answer the question you put forth in your lovely haiku.

    Yes, I do assume the presence of others. It moves me, keeps me alive and wanting more. (Life at 3AM can be quite lonely).
    I will be sure to check out the links you provided when I have some time to sit and dwell in their space.
    I agree. The communities I have found, the beautiful and thoughtful people that reside on an electronic device is captivating. It had made me feel accepted and loved, and I hope I am returning that thought and feeling to others. I especially love Haiku My Heart on Fridays, thanks to sweet Rebecca and her following.

    Much peace sent your way.

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  10. Lovely post and so true. Your piece is very beautiful and full of details. Love it!

    Thank you for sharing!

    Happy PPF!

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  11. Reaching out, not to touch, but to point, that primal message of "look here, see what I did" -- and to see others pointing too, to their contributions to our shared meme. Great haiku and mixed media!

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  12. Thank you for your lovely comment on my blog. It took me awhile to get to doing what I do. I think we all have different ways of expressing Art and yours is great. I find blogging has helped me grow more. Great post. Happy PPF.

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  13. Irene,
    and you make it all the richer with your contributions. Summer finds me doing less visiting but I always find beautiful inspiration here.

    happy weekend!
    x..x

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  14. I love your artwork ~ It's very inspiring indeed when other bloggers open their hearts and hands ~

    Will check out the links ~

    Happy weekend ~

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  15. Beautifully said. Sometimes I post as if the entire world is my audience, I never know if there will be a hand to reach back, but do so because I must... Thank you for the link to the Pulse of Mixed Media. And for reaching your hand out with your beautiful words and art, so we can touch back...

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  16. yes, and as you have found out - someone on blogland is ALWAYS THERE!!!! It has opened a world to all us that partcipate! great post!
    cheers, dana

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  17. You pose an interesting question, one which I'm not sure I can answer!


    Friday Haiku 1 and Friday Haiku 2

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  18. I love this. Really really cool piece.

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  19. dear irene,
    your post is so heart warming and you are so right. the connections, inspiration and support shared through this blog world are priceless. i am forever grateful for so many dear friendships of which you are one!

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  20. Love the layers, colors, and energy of your painting!
    Great movement!
    Wonderfully written post, too...the way blogging parallels the process of painting.
    I am your newest blog follower, too! :)
    ♥♥♥
    Happy PPF!!
    Mary
    Mixed-Media Map Art

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  21. Great haiku explaining the feeling of blogging. Have a great weekend!

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  22. Great haiku! And, I liked the Mixed Media art! Thanks for sharing!

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  23. Thank you so much for spreading the word about The Pulse of Mixed Media. I am so happy to hear that you have been inspired by its pages!

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  24. The comments I receive show me the direction I have taken in my art work/world and I can conceive of no great honor. It is a wonderful and beautiful community. Blessings, Janet PPF

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  25. Due to computer problems, I'm late visiting the haiku circle, but here I am - reading your words and thinking back on the time when I started blogging (almost 4 years ago) I can assure you that you won't reach out to find only emptiness... instead: you will find artists taking your hand. Groups that welcome you. People that inspire you - and you inspire them. Welcome to this wonderful, artful online community!

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