Aspen Writes Poetry

October's Artocalypse Blog Carnival has brought together a fascinating collection of perspectives on the theme of deletion. Contributors from various creative backgrounds have shared their insights, each offering a unique take on how the act of erasing or omitting influences their work and personal journeys. Ironically it has taken me a lot of deletion and editing to put their amazing posts into justice. Please do read them as the pieces are so powerful and inspirational! One contributor, Sara Jakša , reflects on the inherent deletions within the creative process, particularly in writing and drawing. They discuss how the refinement of ideas and the choice of which paths to pursue are, in themselves, acts of deletion. While they may not consider themselves a deleter, they acknowledge that in choosing what to focus on, many ideas are left unrealised, emphasising the ongoing and implicit deletions that shape their artistic endeavours. Another perspective, by Kimberley , delves into th...

 I decided to do my first post on this project without revealing too much. I've written a poem on my initial thoughts of seeing my first wonky portraits and my first cross stitch patterns versus my more recent work.  I open an old digital file,   Stored in a forgotten folder.   Pixels stutter across the screen,   Awkward and unsure.   A symphony of mismatched hues,   Each portrait   A hesitant touch   Between mouse and monitor.   I witness the eagerness   Of fingers craving creation,   Yet lost in the learning.   And now I glance at   What my stylus can conjure,   And I marvel at the evolution.   Each stroke, each shade,   A testament to resilience.   No longer mere shapes,   But whispers of spirit.   My art breathes.   It provokes and ponders,   It demands engagement.  ...

 It's Not Too Late to Join the Creation Phase! Greetings, Creative Spirits! We’re thrilled to announce that Week Two of our digital art quilt has officially arrived! If you haven't jumped on board yet, there's still time to dive in and make your mark. We’re currently in the Creation Phase, and we can’t wait to see the incredible contributions each of you will bring to the table. To join you will need to be a full member of the Artocalypse .  Announcing Involvement: I'm excited to share that I’m actively participating in this collaborative journey. Now is the perfect time to develop your individual lines, explore your artistic archives, create new works, and finalize your contributions. Together, we can create something truly spectacular. Please make a blog post announcing your involvement in this project and your current thought processes and how you think it'll turn out! A Quick Reminder of What the Squares Are: 1.Square 1: Early Work  - Dive into your archives and...

In the realm of creative collaboration, there's something inherently magical about blending individual talents into a single, unified work of art. I have the incredible opportunity to participate in an art swap that transforms a digital canvas into a vibrant, collective masterpiece. Our art swap team included the imaginative minds of Chris, Heather, Kimberly, and myself, each bringing our unique flair to the project. Today, I’m excited to share the journey of this collaborative creation started by Chris and highlight how my virtual yarn bombing added a layer of warmth and humanity to the final piece. What is Yarn Bombing? Before diving into the details of our art swap, let’s talk about yarn bombing. Yarn bombing, also known as guerrilla knitting, is a form of street art where yarn is used to cover objects in public spaces. Unlike traditional graffiti, yarn bombing involves creating intricate, often colorful knit or crochet pieces that are then wrapped around statues, trees, fences,...

Hello, dear art enthusiasts! Welcome to Day 3 of our exhilarating art swap journey. Today, I’m thrilled to share the transformation and evolution of our collaborative piece. What started as Heather's enchanting skull and garden has blossomed into a multifaceted tapestry of meaning, creativity, and spirit. Heather’s Foundation: The Skull and Garden Heather began with a striking skull amidst a vibrant garden. Her detailed work on the skull was nothing short of breathtaking, grounding our piece with an intense sense of authenticity. The garden she nurtured around it felt like it was showing flaws through the rose's rough and ready thorns but growing from it. It set the perfect stage for what was to come. (Heather explains it better here ) Kimberly’s Contribution: The Spirit and an Expanded Garden Enter  Kimberly , who added layers of whimsy and ethereal beauty by expanding the garden and introducing a lovely spirit. Inspired by the addition, I decided to name her Brooke, which mea...

This post is a part of the  July 2024 Artocalypse Blog Carnival  ran by the lovely Chris.  My Journey From the moment I could hold a pen, I've always been a writer. It's like the words chose me as their vessel. For most of my life, my writing has predominantly been poetry—a form that allows me to pour my emotions onto the page, capturing fleeting moments and deep-seated feelings in just a few lines. However, my creative journey took an unexpected turn during the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many others, I found myself searching for ways to stay sane and connected during lockdown. That's when I stumbled upon digital art. Initially, I started creating portraits and cross stitch patterns as a pastime. Little did I know that this would open up a new avenue for my creativity. The cross stitch patterns, in particular, became more than just a hobby; they became a way to connect with others. I began sharing these patterns online, offering them as a constructive activity for people stu...

Greetings, fellow art enthusiasts! I have the pleasure of participating in a digital art swap for seven days (we are on day two now!), a delightful exchange where artists trade their digital creations and add their unique touch to the other’s work. It’s a beautiful way to foster collaboration, creativity, and community. This time around, I received an incredible piece from the lovely Kimberly . Her work resonated with me deeply, and I felt compelled to add my own little twist to it. My Artistic Addition: A Snail with a Message As you can see, I added a small yet significant element to Kimberley's piece—a snail. At first glance, it might just appear as a whimsical addition. But if you look closely, you’ll notice this tiny snail has munched on a leaf. This seemingly simple detail carries a powerful message about digital identity and resilience. The 'Leaf Munchers' in Our Digital Garden In the world of digital art and online presence, we often encounter what I like to call ...

Hello, fellow art enthusiasts! Today marks the beginning of an incredible digital art swap, a collaborative journey where artists exchange and build upon each other’s pieces. As someone who has always believed in the power of collective creativity, I am beyond excited to see where this project takes us. For my initial contribution, I decided to infuse my piece with a deeply personal element: brain-like trees. These intricate, dendritic structures represent two intertwined aspects of my life—growth and my neurodivergent identity. Growth Through Art Art has been a medium for me to explore and express my inner world. The tree is a timeless symbol of growth and evolution. Its branches stretch skyward, constantly reaching for new heights, while its roots dig deep, grounding it in the earth. By incorporating these brain-like trees into my piece, I aimed to visualise my personal journey of growth. Every twist and turn of these branches is a testament to the experiences, challenges, and lesson...

Unlock Your Creative Journey with the Digital Quilt: A Collaborative Art Project for the Digital Age Welcome, trailblazers of the digital art world! Get ready to embark on a unique, collective adventure that will not only highlight your artistic evolution but also foster a thriving community of like-minded creators. Introducing the Digital Quilt —an innovative, collaborative digital art project designed to illustrate our individual and collective journeys as artists in this ever-evolving digital age.  Why Join the Digital Quilt? Because your story matters. Your evolution as an artist is a testament to discipline, determination, and perseverance. By participating, you will not only showcase your artistic growth but also learn to navigate the digital realm with more intention and mindfulness. Together, we will create a vibrant tapestry of experiences and inspirations, fostering a community that thrives on shared knowledge and mutual support. Are you ready to leave your mark? The Blu...