Sarah*n*dipitous

Hold the Line

Veterans Day is a very special day in our household. My Grandfathers both served their Country, my Uncles and Aunt served, and my Step-Sister and dear Friends all have taken up the call and chose to Hold The Line to ensure our Safety and Freedom. Military Service is a tough calling not only for the Soldier but also, their families. That sense of Honor, Duty and Loyalty can be a difficult thing to swallow for family members who may or may not have chosen to be the Support System and holding the other side of that line at home.

It was a huge honor to be asked to create a series of papers to be used exclusively with a project Danielle and Rayme (The Diva Craft Lounge) had volunteered to do with Military Families before one or both parents leave for the Theater of War. The Series was created with the express intent and wish that they will never be bought or sold, only downloaded for use freely in honor of those who give FREELY their service for our Country.

Here is the Story of Hold the Line and why on this Veteran's Day, I encourage those reading this to create something for someone who Held the Line and gave so sacrificially for the Freedoms we enjoy today.

These 5 designs started as pieces of thin Maple Veneers. I chose Maple because they serve, protect and give so selflessly each year in the harshest of climates and when they themselves are the most vulnerable and unprotected. I live in Michigan where in early Spring when the ground is still frozen and the world is still asleep under Winter's icy kiss, spigots are tapped into the bark of the Sugar Maple trees where syrup flows like blood from it's core and is collected into a bucket.  That syrup is enjoyed in the comforts of a warm home over freshly made pancakes with pats of butter oozing, freshly squeezed juice and brewed coffee waiting next to the plate. The table linens are clean and pressed, the silverware polished and in order, and even the plates are fragile glass and clink with taps from an empty fork seeking to be laden again. It is safe.

The Maple stands guard throughout the year, providing shade, shelter and rest for all those who seek comfort under it's strong limbs and never once does it complain. It weathers storms and driving rain, gales of winds and drought without yielding where it's roots are secure and dug deep. They Hold the Line.

On these Veneers, are the tiny cracks of faithful service etched in their protective polish, signs that they wear outwardly, the patina of a life well spent and invested in something higher than themselves. That rich surface and texture only improves with age as the slight lines become creases and scars that tell the story to the next generation, the group of Men and Women who hear the calling, the lineage of proud Patriots spanning from family line to family line across oceans and terrain... They Hold the Line.

The drawings are simple, pen to paper, nothing complex, no technology involved (sans the scanning in), simply a mark on the surface signifying a thought, an idea, and a purpose. Words salvaged from an old manual; a set of instructions left from the 1800's on a printing press preserved for posterity in ink, cut with scissors and attached with glue. It seemed only fitting to use exactly what was on hand and leave the page to be completed with only the story that could be told from someone who Held that Line. Our Veterans are the thread that bind and connect the very fabric of our Constitution and Flag to the people who are guided and live under them today. They are the Line and here, as Citizens we are tasked to preserve, document and Hold that Line.

Thank you Veterans. May God keep you and protect you. May those serving in Harm's way Holding the Line now, come home when their job is completed safely. And a special thank you to my Maple, you are an inspiration.

This is a lovely poem written by Thena Smith using the FREE downloadable Paper at The Diva Craft Lounge.

Royalty

I remember being a kid and learning how to play chess with my Uncle. My Uncle is an amazing guy, incredibly smart, wickedly funny, and just full of interesting stories, tidbits and randomness so much so, one could truly sit at his feet all day just listening to him. I love the way He and my Dad play Chess... it isn't the game that fascinates me, it's the "way" they play it and how the conversation is always peppered with historic epic battles and friendly disputes over British lineage and the succession of Kings, Popes or Prophets. Their games have the stories of intrigue and mystery intermingled with the "Check and Check Mate" back and forth that make it entertaining for all that choose to stop and observe. These games last hours but, the history lessons last a lifetime. 

The discussion at this particular game talked about Royalty and where it came from in the first place. That designated authority to rule? The debate opened up so many interesting questions between what makes a leader as opposed to a follower, the mindset of a dictator and the ego involved all the way through to why do people want to be lead in the first place? It was fascinating. The point that I have been marinating on more relates to business. Why do we choose to work for ourselves in the first place and what makes a lineage... a company that survives after you have gone on to your reward? Many folks build a business in the present but seldom think about it as a foundation for the empire of the future. They may dream about being a King or Queen of industry and perhaps wear a fancy crown however, where do the loyal subjects come from, where are the folks that will designate themselves as being a part of your "kingdom", your brand? Who are the folks that will wear your colors into the proverbial jousting arena of the marketplace proudly and speak on your behalf as a loyal subject when you aren't around?

Troll

When I was young, growing up here in Michigan, those that lived in the Upper Peninsula were called Youppers (You Pers) and those below the Mackinaw Bridge, we were Trolls. Like most seeped in Michigan lore and quirky "using your hand as a map to explain where you are from" colloquialisms, stories of Trolls and massive Lumber Jacks with a Blue Ox for a pet were things that are in your genetic code. The idea of Trolls though is something you need not be from Michigan to know anything about. Trolls are suckers for shiny objects and tend to attach themselves to things with shiny objects until said shiny object can be stolen and pilfered away or are no longer valuable. In the art world, as with most other professions in the corporate setting, there are many who gravitate towards the shiny new (you fill in the blank here) seeking hidden treasure and undue enrichment. Oftentimes, companies will seek out new talent and suck them dry of their ideas before they are aware and while they are still green and taken in with their own shiny objects (the promise of a bigger office, a brighter future, a paid off mortgage) to care. It has long been a belief of mine that we should teach mythology, Aesop, and a number of other cautionary tales to kids coming into the Creative Community and profession. There is a sense that because it is art, because it is a sharing type community that by proxy all people are working towards the common good when in fact, that simply may not be the case. Once upon a time there used to be the premise that if you make money, I make money... people had control over the destinies of sorts and income potential was only limited by their own vision. The Trolls would like to let folks believe that they have just as much "respect" for said such shiny object but, in reality, they covet it and will do what ever it takes to deprive it's own of said jewel.

If the creative community understood the value of what they brought to the table, I believe wholeheartedly they would guard it a bit better. Rather than discounting their work and talent they would be trained to want to partner with the companies they work with to mutually edify and enrich each other. Respect comes first from understanding the value of one's talents. As a creative community, we must come to agreement that there are collective standards and rates lest we give away our shiny jewels on a fool's gold quest.

Ceilings

Why would anyone care to spend so much time decorating a ceiling if life is lived in front of you? It is because we must look up to dream. It captures our imaginations to look up and see the ceiling painted in the impossible. Painted Ceilings almost gives credence to the thought that dreams and the impossible can come true if only the scaffolding to get there is strong and sturdy enough to support the tools and talent needed to excute that great feat. To some extent it is true. The dream, the artistry, does occur only after the vision is had and the logistics are figured out to make it a reality. I think all to often we are told to dream big and wait for the fairytale rather than to build the scaffolding upon waking to make it happen- it sounds less like a fairytale and more like work. What is interesting is how folks, once it is completed, stare upon the seemingly impossible works of others and are inspired themselves yet, how few actually are inspired/motivated enough to go ahead and create their own magnificent ceiling capturing the impossible they themselves dreamed up.

Griffin

I always wondered how it was that mythical beasts came to pass and how so many people groups littered around the world seemed to have their version of a similar creature. Perhaps it is because we are all human and can indeed have similar thoughts?

The other day the big stone monster in the room was the discussion about collage and the use of copyrighted materials. This is always a heated debate and many feelings inevitably are hurt in the process. In our business model we have made a decision on the executive level not to use stock photos or any other "for purchase" work that isn't our own. We, in essence, shoot our own B roll whenever we are out and about and harvest images to use on projects specifically for our clients. The problem has arisen in many firms the question of where ownership lies when photos are used from the public domain especially when things like logo and letterhead is involved. As a creative, be it in art, music, or writing, you need to ask yourself the hard questions and do what is right for you and what falls in line with your core values and mission statement. It is always a very difficult thing, after the fact, to find out that something you made using what seemed to be an innocent rendition, is indeed depriving an artist, a fellow creative, their ability to earn a livelihood following their passion and using their talents. As a manufacturer or someone purchasing art, music, written copy, you need to ask where the source was and where the rights to the said work lay. The worst thing you can do is create an entire marketing plan, class, body of work or campaign around something that isn't yours. 

Stone Army

The Great Chinese Emperor had an army constructed in preparation for his life beyond his existence here on Earth. The artistry and time it took to create these masterpieces is staggering. Seeing them in real life, quietly standing in line and at attention awaiting their orders is almost eerie yet completely awe inspiring at the same time.

What I found breathtaking is the fact that those who want to be remembered in History resort to the arts and craftsmen to preserve that legacy. Every great monument, the works in cathedrals, crowns and jewelry, clothing, and even the bound and masterfully illuminated books from times gone by were all made. The way people are remembered is through the things people DID to leave a lasting mark, a constructed and created impression that the sand in the hourglass could not erode away from the minds of men simply because they were *that* grand and unforgettable. What boggles me more and more is how the arts in general are the first thing cut when funding and budgeting becomes and issue. My question is who will be the Makers, the Craftspeople, that are equipped and enabled to create History if we as a society no longer deem their education and apprenticeship worthy of a line in the final budget sheet?

Playful

The spirit of play is something we all need in order to continually feed the create muse and keep it healthy. Just as good food and exercise are good for the body and staying in shape, our Muse needs to be exposed to laughter and just old fashioned play and experimentation in order to grow. Many working artists lose track of time designated to just "new" work, retreats or even classes due to the busyness of trying to run a business and make a living from their creations. It comes to a point where many artists are spending more of their time staring at paperwork than blank canvases full of possiblitites waiting to be given a new life and exiestence.

In my studio, play is important, it is part of my job. My role as an innovator encompasses using existing products and materials in new unexpected ways for my clients; this by proxy means, I must get my hands dirty and machines are sacrificed for the greater craftiness good. The point is, I learn more from these playdates than I do with the set appointments I have more times than naught simply because there is no agenda, it is come what may. I encourage those in the creative community, be it in art, music, writing, theater, or dance to make sure to schedule play time and make it a part of the routine...

Lantern

There are many quotes, books, sage tidbits, and art dedicated to the premise that light shoos away dark; it is one of those things I think we take for granted. Today I was thinking about how it is easy to always want light, to never have dark moments, to always be happy, cheerful and full of life. I kept coming back to, even though I am a positive person by nature and gravitate towards folks who tend to be more of a Tigger than an Eeyore (taking from Winnie the Pooh), my art would lack dimension if it were not for those dark shadows adding depth and understanding to the composition. I guess what I am saying is that we need the dark to appreciate the light, we need the dark and even intensities of light (very bright lasers versus an old candle flame) to help us see the variations as well. I know in a dark cavern, a high powered LED Maglight heavy enough to whack some unsavory scary lurking in the shadows is optimal however, I won't scoff at an old lantern with a flicker flame if it means the difference between not seeing and seeing a little bit.

The misconception is that being positive or optimistic by definition means there are no bad days or stormy weather and all is nothing but rainbows and fairydust. Being positive in outlook and/or optimistic does not mean it dismisses negativity or the dark but rather, is about seeing the darkness in it's proper "light" and function... as a needed element to fully understand the composition and a tool to accurately portray and see your subject material... life included. The positive and optimistic person does not allow the dark or negativity to surround or define themselves but rather allows it to bring out the details that shine and stand out when the shadows of life are put in their proper place, behind the light. They choose to carry a lantern and let the glow light up their face as they walk into unknown and sometimes darkened corridors of life. 

Nature's Playdoh Factory

There are times in life where the Universe is just trying to tell you something. Flipping through family photos of a vacation we took this Summer, I came across the "safari series"... This personal joke in our family is the "butt" of discussion in that every time we saw an animal, it was ALWAYS it's backside. It was almost as if once we were in the position to snap the picture the animal would dutifully turn and show us it's tail end. Now, for those with young boys, you will totally understand where I am going with this and how absolutely hysterical they thought this was. The crowning shining moment was when we reached the Elephant habitat. This massive creature was eating it's breakfast and like a giant playdoh factory, our now accustomed view of the animal, started spouting off one of the foulest sights I do believe one should ever have to see in a telephoto lens (I will spare you the extreme close up) 

The funny thing about this is, we can all relate; every person reading this understands. Why? Because it is a function of life. The stuff we put in one end, travels through and comes out the other. It is something so basic and so sometimes in your face, that it is hard to not laugh when you see it close-up and have the full 5 senses type experience one gets with a telephoto lens. What was so special about this moment was that the people we were sharing a vehicle with were not from the United States and did not speak English as their primary language yet, they laughed too. We all got it... kids, adults, people from different walks of life, languages and economies... we all got it. Good design, good art, good branding, good marketing, good communication and people skills, being a good friend, being a good human, it all is based on the things that transcend and speak to us all in a ways that connect us. And sometimes it is the most primary bodily function that sparks the conversation.