inspired by our upcoming trip to mexico i was cutting and gluing late last night. rusting and melting probably when i really should be packing. now i am posting when i definitely should be packing! here is my most recent collage of a very special girl named zoe. the wax is still settling but i am quite pleased.
20x24 beeswax collage panel
paper, paint, lace, dollhouse pieces and lots of little milagros that i collected on my last trip to mexico. am excited to find new treasures and inspiration this week. to see more photos from my session with zoe go here. and i love this square of the two of us. to see more on my collages please visit my website.
last night i read a few paragraphs that really resonated with me and i thought i would share. i was enjoying my new book titled " a certain alchemy" photographs by keith Carter. his wife patricia wrote the afterword and since i always look at art books backwards this is where i began.
"i don't know what constitutes a creative life for other people. one night in mexico we were at dinner with a diverse group of friends-there was a chef, a writer, a musician, a scientist and a couple photographers. the talk, fueled by good food and ample wine, was about the creative process-how to catch that spark that ignites the imagination. each person had a different take, but the musician capped the conversation when she said "i think you just get run over by a sugar truck".
"earlier i had had a conversation with our scientist friend, who spends his days doing research which has the potential to benefit us all. he is married to a photographer, and was talking about the difference between his work and hers. he said his own work would get done, with or without him.. "what I am looking for is there to be discovered, and if i don't find it, one of my colleagues will." "but an artist," he said, "if an artist doesn't do their work, then that work never gets done."
-patricia carter
i must have read that five times last night before turning the bedside table light off with my waxy fingertips. feeling content knowing i had done my work. so the rest of you, please go make your art because no one can do it for you. we are off tomorrow with lots of work to do in mexico.
adios!
oh my! you truly are amazing at what you do...i want you take pictures of me and my family!!!
Posted by: dani @ weddings fresh | April 08, 2009 at 10:53 AM
Absolutely gorgeous!! I am inspired! (and totally jealous!!).
Lisa
P.S. I met you awhile ago when you did headshots for my law firm and I found your blog :)
Posted by: Lisa | April 05, 2009 at 06:32 PM
These are amazing.. wow
Posted by: elizabeth | March 29, 2009 at 03:55 PM
Firstly, I love the fact that you were working on this when you should be packing--that is so me this week!
Secondly, I'm thinking about starting an "I love everything Heather Gilson" fan club. I'd be the president.
You are amazing, I hope you have a great trip, friend...can't wait to catch up when you come home!
Posted by: Jenny | March 26, 2009 at 01:47 PM
I love that there is such texture to this one. Well done!
Posted by: Janice McIntyre | March 25, 2009 at 08:19 PM
Oh my gosh!!! This is beautiful! I love EVERYTHING you do! All of your artwork and photography is amazing, I have never seen anybody else that can compare.
Posted by: Pauline | March 25, 2009 at 11:54 AM
Speechless. What a stunning work of art. I just watched a 7 minute long video today on the power of exploring and giving time to our creative sides. It was very inspiring just as your friends words are! Vaya con Dios!
Posted by: Heidi@TrulyEngaging | March 24, 2009 at 02:00 PM
Oh my goodness, Heather - that collage is beautiful beyond words! You are a true artist through and through.
Espero que tengan un viaje maravilloso en Mexico. Hasta pronto!
Posted by: aprli | March 24, 2009 at 11:03 AM
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PIECE OF ART I'VE EVER SET MY EYES ON!!!ZOE'S MOM
Posted by: jenna.hayes@bayer.com | March 24, 2009 at 07:40 AM
That collage is BEYOND AMAZING!I can only dream to be so creative.I'm really jealous right now.
Posted by: Penny | March 24, 2009 at 06:22 AM
That is just so awesome. How beautiful.
Posted by: Carol | March 24, 2009 at 04:22 AM
I love your collages! And what great insight about art and artists. I think that's what I love so much about art; the fact that every piece is uniquely from the heart of the artist.
Posted by: Jason | March 24, 2009 at 04:21 AM
this is truly amazing artwork and beautiful! You are amazing... also love what you said here... off to create some art now!
Posted by: hailey | March 24, 2009 at 03:22 AM