Thursday, October 25, 2007

Creating Violet in Flowers

I have had several great responses asking to show you how I create these fanciful images. Here is the family companion of my sister’s family - she has her own sitting post at the window.

I thought it might be helpful if you could see what I do. Here is a picture I took of Violet. The second image is what I did with the image to make it into an “Fanciful Animal Image.” I cut Violet out of her picture and created a field of flowers for her to play in. This is how I enhance animals.

Violet III

Violet III, Digital © Diane Clancy

In a comment yesterday Sue O’Kieffe (whose blog is Sacred Circles Mandalas) says, “When I first saw “enhanced” on your website, I was expecting something like restored photographs of animals, so maybe there is a better choice of wording.” I had no idea that someone would think that - although, of course, someone would. Since then I have changed the wording to fanciful to better describe the image rather than what I do.

Violet in Flowers

Violet in Flowers, Digital © Diane Clancy

In another post Sue continues, “What if people had a favorite animal that wasn’t necessarily a pet? (Such as a medicine/totem animal?)” I had been using the words “animal companion” to show respect to the relationship many people have with their animals. But that phrase doesn’t really account for totem animals either. And, of course, I would be delighted to make a field of flowers or butterflies for a totem animal.

As I have been getting feedback on this issue, I have decided on "Fanciful Animal Images." If you would like to see the sites the are devoted to this, check out Fanciful Animal Images or the animal section on my website.

~ Diane Clancy

Biodiversity of Species Part #2 (Non-humans)

Lately we talked about biodiversity of the species - while focusing on the human species. You can read about the last post. A key point for humans is that there is actual strength in difference. Diversity of people are important for the stability and evolution of humans. Unfortunately, languages get lost every day! Unbelievable that there are that many!!

Beseeching

Beseeching, Digital © Diane Clancy

Then there is biodiversity (Wikipedia) of the rest of the species. Science actually echoes thought (or is it the other way around?), the idea that there is strength in difference. Variety in species is actually necessary for the continuation of life. It used to be thought that many animals were cool and a nice thing. The more it gets looked into, it becomes clearer that it is necessary for life.

We have all heard of how many medicines that are so helpful actually are found in plants and microorganisms - that has been an incredible breakthrough. But each of us, human, animal, plant, microorganism … is part of the web of life. Variety actually strengthens our resistance to problems.

The potato famine in Ireland (1850’s) is seen to have been caused by a lack of variety in crops. When things are too uniform, they are weakened so that they are more vulnerable to catastrophe and problems in general. Think about each of us. I know when I do things only one way, when my rhythm is broken, I have less resilience to make changes more easily. To some extent it is similar with nature.

When agriculture gets too uniform and we lose heritage varieties, the ecosystem is weakened. Right now, there is a strong movement in saving old varieties of plant seeds to have for the future. Unfortunately, at the same time, there is a movement by big agribusiness for uniformity so that they can grow, pack, move and sell more easily - that is, more uniformly. This is part of why buying locally is important.

It is disturbing that we are losing so many species every year at this point. It is greatly disturbing that so many species are getting destroyed - yes, I mean destroyed - with the rain forest destruction. The rain forests hold some of the keys to life in many ways - biodiversity, oxygen, indigenous peoples, natural medicines .. the list goes on.

There are some efforts to protect species that are endangered and bring them back. The bald eagle in Massachusetts, US has had some real success. But these plants and animals are another reason why we need to protect the environment and look at our ecological footprint - as so many of us are doing.

This is just a quick overview, but I hope I have given you food for thought about why variety and difference are important for our very survival as a human species. A bright point is that there are still some new species that are being found - particularly in Indonesia. It is amazing to me! Not that these species are new - but those people who keep track of such things are finding them for the first time. This gives some hope for biodiversity - this also means there is that much more land we need to protect - at the same time we respect the needs of the people who live there and depend on these areas.

I know I have given a very slight overview of this topic and welcome your own thoughts, experiences and ideas!

~ Diane Clancy

Bio-Diversity of Species Part #1 (Humans)

This post got way too long so I am starting with biodiversity of humans and will share the rest of what I have written soon.

Consciousness

Consciousness, Digital © Diane Clancy

There is a lot of discussion … such as “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” And “in diversity there is strength” and the “web of life.” Often it is groups who are promoting difference and diversity among types of people. A fun, interesting world with a diversity of races, classes, attitudes, religions, ethnicity, sexual identity, physical looks, health, ability differences, genders (some people are breaking gender barriers) and more.

There is a lot of pressure for conformity of ideas, dress, looks, attitudes, values in the culture in the US. I know that that is also true elsewhere. Someone who is seen as different is often seen as a threat - to “our” way of life. And I am not just talking race and politics here. I am also meaning women who don’t wear make-up or dress fancy, men who are seen as feminine, people who wear their hair wild … the list goes on. Of course, there are many subcultures that have different values from the mainstream … but usually the pressure is still there.

I personally agree with the viewpoint that there is strength in multiplicity and I have actively worked toward supporting a diverse world since young adulthood. And I have worked to create acceptance of difference with much of my time. I strive to put my values of embracing divergence into action in my life. They also say “uniformity is the death of creativity.” This is the theoretical viewpoint I live with.

They also say “variety is the spice of life.” Appreciating and celebrating difference in the human race helps us appreciate diversity in the rest of the species on earth (more about that Friday.) Back to my painting tonight. Great consciousness is necessary as we dance our way through life, loving and supporting each other and the earth.

~ Diane Clancy

Monday, October 15, 2007

Blog Action Day

Many of you know today - Monday, October 15, 2007 - is Action Blog Day - to help promote awareness and action around the environment. Rima and Neda are showcasing art on their gallery Maraya Galleries. This art can be for any of the dozens of ways to support the environment. I chose peace! My line to go with this painting is “Peace is Necessary for All Living Beings ~ Humans, Animals ~ and the Earth.”

Peace

Peace, Digital © Diane Clancy

Peace is Necessary for All Living Beings ~ Humans, Animals

~ and the Earth

Not only is war tragic and destructive to people and animals, it is also terrible for the earth. Of course, bombing is awful for people and the earth. And then there are all the active ammunition that is lying around that explodes when people and animal step on it.

But the other piece about war and the environment ~ the amount of resources that go into war is criminal, in my opinion. Besides the human cost, there is the environmental cost. Jet planes, bombs, transporting people, supplies and ammunition all have a very great environmental cost.

It is important to reduce our own consumption of oil and other resources ~ and enormous amounts of resources are going into current wars. Never mind all the financial resources that go into war rather than alternative energy, education and heath care.

Let's all work together to reduce our impact on the environment and get us back on track!

~ Diane Clancy

Sunday, October 7, 2007

WCMD - Another Paint Challenge

Hi, I decided to be part of World Card Making Day. I haven’t made cards for years and I I haven’t been using my paints for a couple of years … and I decided to try making ACEO (Art Card Editions and Originals) or ATC (Art Trading Cards) for the first time today.

Julie had a challenge for using paint and this is one of my entries. I almost threw away this dog for the first 5 times I worked on it. But then it started to take form and I think it is great fun! I think it is obvious there is a lot of paint-work on this one.

Happy Dog, ACEO © Diane Clancy

Thank you so much for going with me on this journey of my first making of ACEO or ATC - I am very excited and appreciate the company!!

~ Diane Clancy

WCMD - Last One Layer Challenge

Hi, I decided to be part of World Card Making Day. I haven’t made cards for years and I I haven’t been using my paints for a couple of years … and I decided to try making ACEO (Art Card Editions and Originals) or ATC (Art Trading Cards) for the first time today.

Tracy had a challenge for one layer cards and this is another entry - the final one.

Freckles Posing, ACEO © Diane Clancy

Thank you so much for following all these ACEOs!

~ Diane Clancy

WCMD - Doodle Challenge

Hi, I decided to be part of World Card Making Day. I haven’t made cards for years and I I haven’t been using my paints for a couple of years … and I decided to try making ACEO (Art Card Editions and Originals) or ATC (Art Trading Cards) for the first time today.

Marnie had a challenge for doodles and this is an entry. I hope this qualifies as doodles ...

Flowers in the Sun, ACEO © Diane Clancy

Thank you so much for being part of my journey!!

~ Diane Clancy

WCMD - Another One Layer Card Challenge

Hi, I decided to be part of World Card Making Day. I haven’t made cards for years and I I haven’t been using my paints for a couple of years … and I decided to try making ACEO (Art Card Editions and Originals) or ATC (Art Trading Cards) for the first time today.

Tracy had a challenge for one layer cards and this is another entry.

Storm A-massing, ACEO © Diane Clancy

Thank you for looking at these first ACEO cards that I have made!

~ Diane Clancy

WCMD - Paint Challenge

Hi, I decided to be part of World Card Making Day. I haven’t made cards for years and I I haven’t been using my paints for a couple of years … and I decided to try making ACEO (Art Card Editions and Originals) or ATC (Art Trading Cards) for the first time today.

Julie had a challenge for using paint and this is one of my entries. I started making the kitty in paint, but the size brush vs the size paper was problematic. But the kitties' head, ears and white parts are paint. And the whiskers too.

Freckles at the Crossroads, ACEO © Diane Clancy

Thank you for looking at my favorite little kitty!

~ Diane Clancy

WCMD - Glitter Shine Challenge

Hi, I decided to be part of World Card Making Day. I haven't made cards for years and I I haven't been using my paints for a couple of years ... and I decided to try making ACEO (Art Card Editions and Originals) or ATC (Art Trading Cards) for the first time today.

Marnie had a challenge for glitter and shine and this is my entry. I used beads - unfortunately some fell off on the way to the scanner ...

Time to Party, ACEO © Diane Clancy

Thank you for following my path with me!

~ Diane Clancy

Saturday, October 6, 2007

WCMD - Monochromatic Challenge

Hi, I decided to be part of World Card Making Day. I haven’t made cards for years and I I haven’t been using my paints for a couple of years … and I decided to try making ACEO (Art Card Editions and Originals) or ATC (Art Trading Cards) for the first time today.

Godelieve had a challenge for monochromatic cards and this is one entry.

Lace and Flowers, ACEO © Diane Clancy

Thank you again for being with me in my journey!

~ Diane Clancy

WCMD - One Layer Card Challenge

Hi, I decided to be part of World Card Making Day. I haven’t made cards for years and I I haven’t been using my paints for a couple of years … and I decided to try making ACEO (Art Card Editions and Originals) or ATC (Art Trading Cards) for the first time today.

Tracy had a challenge for one layer cards and this is my entry.

Dancing Heart, ACEO © Diane Clancy

Thank you for following my process with me!!

~ Diane Clancy


WCMD - Using Felt or Fabric Challenge

Hi, I decided to be part of World Card Making Day. I haven't made cards for years and I I haven't been using my paints for a couple of years ... and I decided to try making ACEO (Art Card Editions and Originals) or ATC (Art Trading Cards) for the first time today.

Emily had a challenge for using felt or fabric and this is one of my entries. I used lace that I had tried to use as a stamp - that didn't work, but here it is in this image.

Hearts and Lace, ACEO © Diane Clancy

Thank you for sharing this with me!!

~ Diane Clancy

WCMD - Minimum 3 Stamps Challenge

Hi, I decided to be part of World Card Making Day. I haven't made cards for years and I I haven't been using my paints for a couple of years ... and I decided to try making ACEO (Art Card Editions and Originals) or ATC (Art Trading Cards) for the first time today.

Julie had a challenge for a minimum of 3 stamps and this is my entry. I have no stamps or ink so I used a paper clip, a cloth button, and a regular button, all with paint.

At the Dance, ACEO © Diane Clancy

Thank you for sharing in this process!!

~ Diane Clancy

WCMD - Faux Stitching Challenge

Hi, I decided to be part of World Card Making Day. I haven't made cards for years and I I haven't been using my paints for a couple of years ... and I decided to try making ACEO (Art Card Editions and Originals) or ATC (Art Trading Cards) for the first time today.

Tracy had a challenge for Faux Stitching and this is my entry.


Quilted Heart, ACEO © Diane Clancy

Thank you for being with me in this process!!

~ Diane Clancy
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