Melynda's Passion: October 2011

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Living with your Art

I’ve noticed a change.

I’ve noticed a change in how I learn from my paintings.

I’ve noticed a change in how my house feels.

I’ve noticed a change in how it feels for me to live in my home with my own art and the art of others on my walls.

There is something about living with my own art.

Something that makes it resonate deeper.

Something that makes me take a second look

-when the light hits it differently

-when my heart looks at it from a different place months (or years) after I created the painting.

There is something about having art speaking to me through all the dailyness of my life- dishes, laundry, supper preparations.

There is something about walking in the front door and seeing art above the coat hooks and hanging in the entryway.

It was a good thing to host a Studio Tour here at the beginning of the month.

It was a breath of fresh air to open my studio and home to curious and creative art friends.

Some of my favorite times of the studio tour happen when I get a chance to have conversations about the art.

I learn so much from watching others interact with the pieces.

I’ve learned to deeply listen to the responses because they teach me.

"Released" Melynda Van Zee @ 2009

But, one unexpected blessing of doing a tour is that it gives me a deadline.

It gives me a deadline to actually hang up my work, instead of stacking it or hiding it.

"From the Center" Melynda Van Zee @ 2011

It gives me a deadline to display it in my own environment.

There is something that makes me “own it” in that step.

Living with it, looking at it, having surround my consciousness, having it be an intricate part of my environment that is shaping me.

In the studio with "You Know My Way" and "Long-Awaited Bride"

Living with my art a lesson that is nurturing my artist heart.

All photos were taken by my youngest who has been bitten by the photo bug, but my motto is “start ‘em young” (just hoping they don’t break the camera!)

Monday, October 17, 2011

New Class- "Just Imagine"

I'm so excited to announce a new class that I've been planning for and dreaming about for a long time. Registration begins NOW for "Just Imagine".

Just Imagine-Starting Nov. 1

Just Imagine Using The Arts As A Pathway

To Discover More About You & The One Who Created You

You know the techniques.
You have the supplies.
You love to consume the product of other people’s creativity.
You know how crucial creativity is going to be to survival in our rapidly changing, global environment.

And, yet, you are still not working on your projects.
Still not creating what is in your heart.
Still answering to someone else’s call rather than your own.
Still not leading the life you imagine.
Still not following the unique call on your life.

What is standing in the way?

Why is it so hard?

Let me walk you through a process of creating real change. Let’s uncover the path to a vibrant, passionate and creative life that can be yours.

Let’s take a look deep inside to see what is blocking you from creating the compelling and stimulating work of your dreams.

Together we will explore the building blocks necessary to a healthy creative lifestyle.

We will take some time to look inward to help unleash your passion that is simmering right below the surface.

Start connecting the dots of your emotional, spiritual and creative needs to help you take the next steps in your journey.

And, the best thing…we will use art as the pathway for this discovery process.

Yes-we get to make stuff…
•stuff that might be a bit messy and intuitive and truth telling
•stuff that might help us find our way
•stuff that gets us out of “thinking about it” mode and into “doing and creating” mode

This is going to be a “process”, a journey. This process is designed for anyone at any skill level. You don’t need an extensive background in art. You don’t need to be a fine artist to join in the fun. If you do have experience in the arts, this course can serve as a guide to spur you to be able to take the next steps you’ve been dreaming of. No matter where you are on your creative journey, our goal is that you will have the confidence to create the work you need to bring into the world.

There is so much that is possible if we can just clear the clutter away, if we can get to the core. Come take the journey with me. I can’t wait to see how far you will go!

To Register for "Just Imagine", please visit Classes on my website for all additional information. Classes will be held in my studio in Pella, IA. You can reserve your spot by emailing me at melynda@iowatelecom.net.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Studio Sneak Peeks...


Detail of "From the Center" 40" x 30" Melynda Van Zee © 2011

Things are getting underway for the Autumn Studio Tour happening this weekend right here in the studio. Not only will you be able to see "the real thing" instead of just "sneak peaks", but you can also visit the studios of several other area artists. For more information on the tour, check out the Red Rock Arts Alliance.

Please feel free to come and visit me in the studio during the hours of 10 am- 5pm on Saturday, Oct. 9 and 12 pm - 5 pm on Sunday, Oct. 10. I'd love to have you stop by and share with you the new pieces I've been working on this fall.

You will also have the opportunity to sign up for a Door Prize. I'll be giving away this small original T.U.L.I.P. piece titled "Amazing Grace".