Something like a monk

   Ever since the Covid Pandemic, "Cocooning" in my apartment has been how I spend most of my days. Keep in mind that i'm not feeling sorry for myself, or that I am intentionally isolating.It's how I roll.My day starts with some prayer, and on Thursdays and Fridays, I attend mass at the local church. Around ten, and after a large cup of coffee it is the time to get going on those creative pursuits. Prior to this, the preparation and enjoyment of a fulfilling breakfast always fits the bill.

    A nice selection of music, be it classical, R&B or meditation, having this in the background provides an uplifting experience as I approach my studio bench. Perhaps even a podcast to enjoy will also fit the bill. Preparing rocks with Gesso™ is the first step taken in what will eventually render a well-crafted rock.

    Having a focus and intention of pursuing beauty in whatever form it will take,inspires the process of creativity.At times,the process will introduce to me a lot of challenges that, unless addressed as opportunities for learning, a frustrating mess will ensue. Below is this week's Rock of the Week. It's a color saturated rock with glowing green hearts.

That, that is...

 Some may remember a movie called "Charly" starring Cliff Robertson. In the movie there is a scene where Charlie's intelligence is increasing and he demonstrates to his mentor (Lillia Skala) that something on the chalkboard could be punctuated to make perfect sense. She disagrees, as he proceeds to reveal it's literal accuracy.

https://youtu.be/Rpvji4jnUQo

That that is is that that is not is not is that that is that that is it is

after editing, becomes:

"That that is, is. That that is not, is not. Is that that is,that that is? it is!"

Granted, no capitalization was added, but the execution is amazing.

Now, what does have to do with "Your Spirit Rocks!"™ ?

NOTHING.

Nevertheless, here is this week's "Rock of the Week"

The Heat goes on...

 Today the temperature is moderate. This afternoon will hit 90°.Tomorrow and throughout the weekend it is forecasted to be in triple digits. Saturday's market will find me under a tree with a lot of water bottles, sunscreen and a water sprayer in the attempts to cool myself or anyone who happens by the Your Spirit Rocks!™ booth. The rocks get hot in the sun, and sometimes too hot to handle. However, having the sun on them brings out the bling factor. This, plus the glow makes these rocks unusual collectibles.

    Many of the locals arrive early to purchase fish, vegetables and fruit to bring home. By eleven, the tourists start to arrive. Some will purchase a gift rock to bring home to the kids, as these items travel nicely and usually won't get absconded by T.S.A. agents at the airport for carrying something illegal. 

    Some will ask, "What do I need a rock for, anyway?" This question can only be left to the imagination, which pre-supposes the next question... " What better object can we hold in our hand that would fire the imagination?" It has been told that Steve Jobs had an interesting story about rocks and team building. This is the short video here:

https://vimeo.com/195796089

  Below is this week's "Rock of the Week". It is done with alcohol ink, which gives one a similar effect as would an acrylic pour which is usually done on a larger scale. The second image of course is what the same rock looks like under a black light. I was surprised to see that the yellow and red colors are UV reactive.

    

A Rose by any other color...

...is still a rose, as the saying goes.Many prefer yellow to traditional red roses or even violet. Color preference is a personal choice and a reflection of our experience. Even if you are color blind, the determination of hues, tones, shadows and light become highly sensitized components of ones appreciation of color, or the lack thereof.

 Now think of things that determine your own relationship of color and the role is plays in whatever you bring into your realm. The clothes you wear, the food you eat, the car you drive, even the tint of your sunglasses.

It's important to pay attention to when colors fade or lose their lustre. Are they still visually pleasing? Say a favorite old Hawaiian shirt, a deck of trading cards or even that Kodak picture from the senior prom. Rusted pipes and the patina left on a copper pitcher  still have a distinctive allure.

When purchasing a piece of art it is also important to consider how well the color(s) will age. Many artists go to great lengths to assure their patrons that a painting will retain an archival quality. Artists will choose thier palettes with this factor in mind. Otherwise, it is something more about the piece that will draw a viewer in... they're are many considerations that come into play.

Below is this week's "Rock of the week"