Buried Treasure Turned into A Burial Ceremony!

Artwork by Seth Apter

Last week, Seth Apter, "The Altered Page" put out a call for bloggers to dig through old posts and re-share.  Well, the other night I decided to start looking back, thirteen years worth.  I found myself a bit depressed reading some of the posts.  I had 57 pages of 1418 posts.  (As some of  you know,  the # 57 has been following me for some time now).  So anyway, I decided to archive pretty much everything prior to this year.  I called it my "Burial Ceremony".  I didn't like most of my past creations and felt that so much has changed inside of me, I could no longer identify with the old me.

Out of frustration believing Typepad was not archiving my posts after spending a couple of hours in doing so, one thing lead to the next, and I deleted everything, blogs and all!!!  At the moment I did not care until I realized most my online class videos are here.  I panicked.  It took a couple of days and I am happy to report I got my blogs back.  Thank you TYPEPAD! Lots of re-arranging things that got out of order, but it's not that bad.  I'm just thrilled to have gotten back what I stupidly deleted.  I was able to achieve pretty much everything prior, giving me a clean start.

What I value The most that is buried

The reason I started my blog in the first place when no one even knew what that word meant, was for my mom.  It was a fun way to communicate across country as she was always interested in my work.  My mom died in 2006 and prior to that, there are some comments she left here.  That is truly my buried treasure.  Here is the first comment she left me in 2005:

My Jojo, I'm so proud of you with all the creative things you are doing.Wish I could be there doing it with you. All my children are artistic,my genes are your genes.We could write a book or sing a song together.You got my creative side warming up again. You have made me happy and my mind is running rapid. Love ya, Mom

 

My Buried Treasure Posts To Share

  For some reason the pictures won't enlarge.  I  remember creating this piece and so desire to get back to creating with my rustic side.  Wish I had kept it.

May 11, 2006

 

This is my first creation after returning from Keith Lo Bue's workshop in Wisconsin at Valley Ridge.  I've used some of the techniques he taught us.  I discovered mica while there and was able to purchase some.  I really like it.  Keith uses a lot of mica in his work.  He taught us how to use old paper and make it transparent.  This paper is from a 18th century Ladies Journal.  I love forging metal, my favorite thing to do now.  I need lots of practice.  I also love riveting things together, rather than using glue.

"Spoutin Off-Tea Pots and Conversations"

May 18, 2005

 

 

I was invited to submit two pieces for an art show at the "Little City Studio & Gallery" in Amador City.  I used a vintage teapot that I rusted first.  I collaged it with old style German paper and then inked it and painted some of my own little swirls.  The front is embellished with a drawer pull backing.  Dangling are some vintage beads I standed together with wire.  When you take the lid off you see a poem I wrote which says;

Note:  kind of corny...lol

"A New Purpose"

Days long ago, on a stove-top I sat,

filled to the brim, ready for their chat.

Conversations some days made my spout perk up,

while filling up each dainty little cup.

Now I sit an empty pot,

no longer used to make water hot.

But look at me now; I'm a piece of art!

Truly I long for a brand new start.

This is the altered book I submitted depicting teapots and conversation.  As you open the first page you find a poem my mother wrote for me.  SHE WON THE PRIZE!!!  Thanks Mom so much.  Friday night is the opening of the show.  This shall be fun, a first for me in this fashion.

 

Poem my mom wrote: 

 "I have a tea pot of my own...shining with flowers of every hue, I love it dearly while alone, but I shall love it more with you. One lump please".

Sweet memories!  Miss you Mom.

Thanks for stopping by.  ♥♥♥

 

Comments

[Darlenekcampbell]

I have always admired and been in awe of your work. First saw you in magazines and I have two of the books your work is in. Your story of getting from there to here is inspiring, especially the pieces inserted about your mother and how she impacted your art life. Lovely.

[Lana Kloch]

what a wonderful article, "jojo". thanks for sharing how you began your blog and have changed in your artistic style.

your journey have been challenging at times and mostly uphill..how you continue to challenge yourself amazes me. your body of work inspires me and so many others.

you are a ray of sunshine throughout it all and continue to create so many unique pieces..

you are loved and beloved.

[Joanne Huffman]

Very glad you got you're blog back. Even if the early posts aren't where you are now, they are part of your pathway. The teapot is very cool.