Comprehending Serenity

 Spending a lot of time on the computer lately. Mostly by choice, and some by circumstance. It used to be that when you said you were spending time on the computer it meant that you were involved with editing a novel or working out some mathematical formula. 

Needless to say, I'm sitting on my butt wasting precious time that could be spent doing other things, like... uh, painting rocks for instance 😆 Nevertheless, it is what I do ( like Donald Fagen sings about ). 

    Last week, I was out at the beach collecting some rocks to paint when I looked around and noticed that no one was on the beach. Slowly I looked around, and aside from the waves crashing on the shore I noticed three ducks floating in the creek that runs through a trough before you arrive on the rocky part of the beach. Sitting down for awhile, I again looked back at the creek and suddenly noticed that the three ducks were ten feet away from me and walking right towards me.

    Not making a move, they were all quacking jibberish as they came right up to me. I had no food to give them and told them so. They didn't seem to mind and one even plopped themselves down. Naturally , I struck up a conversation with them and noticed how absolutely stunning their feathers were. These mallards had shiny rainbows reflecting off their wings which they seemed quite proud of displaying. I would have taken a picture with my IPhone but the thought came to me, " Why do I need proof of this?" and let the idea go. Besides, it was nice just enjoying thier company.When the Alpha duck started quacking loudly, I turned and noticed that there were three women arriving on the beach. They looked at me curiously from across the beach as they continued walking by me and my new friends. Not wanting to draw too much attention, I simply asked, "Do you have any cookies I could give to these ducks?" They said, "No, but we have an apple". I let it go at that and figured that the ducks would probably approach them when they settled on a place to sit down. They did.

    I got up and began to walk away (on my own) to the far end of the beach which was only about 100 yards long. Eventually I noticed that one of the women began to follow me. It was a little bit disconcerting, but I didn't think too much about it. Suddenly, she got fairly close and spoke, "Chris, is that you?" Surprised, I saw that it was my friend, Mary from the Calistoga Cares food distribution where I volunteer. "Wow, what are you doing out here?" I exclaimed . " We just decided to go to the coast today, and this is where we ended up ! Apparently,  this was a rather synchronous event because this was her first time there. She was just as bamboozled as I was, but after a short chat we just chalked it up to fate. 

    All three women were about my age, not that it mattered, but it got me to thinking... am I being stalked? Don't flatter yourself, Christopher. You are just another buffalo in the herd.

Below is this week's Rock of the Week...

Such a treat

Saturday began in the state of frustration, fear and anxiety. For starters, I hadn't paid my vendor's fee from the week before, and was certain that I had, until it was discovered that I didn't . When I drove back home to look for the reciept, it wasn't there where I usually put it, on top of my calendar. 

This is part of getting old i am told, and shouldn't be concerned.(Mispacing things, rather than losing them outright, is how I hold the idea)

Not that I use them that often, but my favorite pair of scissors were not where I usually want to find them. Arrrrggghh! This dropping out of the present moment has me in a quandry. People tell me frequently that i am not alone, and that I am in pretty good condition for a guy who is in his seventies.When I'm distracting myself, I'm not in the moment. I'm reherasing for some future event and multi-tasking in preparation for it. As for the scissors...

So far, they haven't returned.

This, after PRAYER and retracing all my steps, and letting the hope of finding them NOW go... Nothing, so much as the reliance placed on short term memory or my Higher Power has brought this item back. Scissors aren't the only things that the devil has snatched from the hands of those who mistake their wants for thier needs.This must be the case.

Attachment to things of the earth.

Letting go of the impatience and anxiety this dilema produces is a process. This, I imagine is the pithy suggestion of advice when offered by someone who seemingly has all thier sh*t together. It still has one wondering... Does professional help look like an option at this point? Perhaps. 

Let's see if the Lion's mane in the morning coffee, will help untap a region of the brain where not a trick will be missed.

Below is this week's Rock of the Week.

Happy Halloween Ya'll !

The Spinner

    Occasionally a rock will appear that seems perfectly round. The thing about these flat, smooth and round rocks is that they almost look like they were fashioned from some machine, rather than having been tumbled in the surf. You almost develop an eye for these rocks, and they will appear on the beach when you least expect it.

      Sometimes, it can be said that if you are meant to have a rock, it will choose you. Like other natural forms, they've been around a long time.You may be able to find them in river beds, but it is not as likely.There are many types of rocks to choose. Basalt absorbs acrylic paint very nicely.

     After bringing one home, find a glass bobble ( like the glass beads they fill vases with in garden supply shops ) and glue it to the middle of the rock in order to evenly locate it's center of gravity. The purpose of this is to make a spinner rock. Incidentally, after the industrial strength glue dries, you are stuck with how the rock will perform. Spinning it from the top takes a little practice, but it can go for a long time if you have the bobble centered.

     Much like a dreidel except there are no Hebrew symbols or sides to this spinning top. Then, after testing it out on a hard, flat surface (a plate is good because it usually won't spin off the edge ) it's time to decorate it.

    Using fluorescent colors, place dots around the outside perimeter of the circle and work your way into the center of the rock, using different colors. A UV light will bring these colors to life.

    Some UV flash lights have a strobe feature which makes viewing the spinning rock quite hypnotic.Watch the short video below and you will see how mesmerizing it can be.

Always experimenting

     It's always something. Today I have a few rocks decopauged and looking pretty spiffy. The only problem I've discovered with these pictures that I adhere to the rock, is that the printer ink isn't archival, and so it's hard to keep the colours intact. Archival spray hasn't worked, and it's been frustrating. Exploring whether or not Epson™ has archival tank ink for my printer is the next step.We shall see. Meanwhile, I recommend keeping these finished pieces out of the direct sunlight.

    The other component that has been added aside from the different coatings used in the past, is a transparent film covering that adds a holographic "bling" element to the picture. Below you may notice some colorful sparkles that appear on top of the Unicorn rock. After this film is added, the entire rock is clear- coated in resin.

 When the UV light sets the resin, it will make the whole item waterproof. People know too that the rock can be placed outside or even in a fish tank without harming the fish.

How it all began...

 The story began when I headed out to the coast to do some thinking after I left my job. Again, I was looking for guidance and direction from my Higher Spirit, because I did not know where or what to do next with my life.

Russian Gulch is an area just north of Jenner, CA.I parked my old Ford in a small,not-so-obvious turnout off the coast road and began hiking through the underbrush towards the ocean which I could hear in the distance. After walking approximately one quarter of a mile,you reach a clearing and inlet where a small stream of water will block your entrance to the beach when the tide comes in. Some people will throw logs and branches to make a bridge to the beach, but It probably is just as easy to roll your pants up and take your shoes off to wade closer to the shoreline. The surf crashes hard on this private little beach that is enclosed both on the north and south sides. It is only about one hundred yards in length.

Most of the rocks here are smooth and plentiful, as the tides have pounded over them for centuries.I picked one up and thought about how life washes over each one of us... smoothing our rough edges.I noticed how good it felt in my hand, and how it helped me center my thoughts.At once, I felt at peace and knew instinctively that everything was going to be okay no matter what direction I chose to take. Late in the afternoon, I stuck a few of these rocks in my pocket and headed back to my car.The ride home was exhilarating as my mind entertained pleasant memories of times spent near the Russian River area in summer's past.The warm days and balmy evenings playing miniature golf and going to teen dances are the stuff of youthful dreams.

Later when I arrived home, I emptied my pockets and began to paint one of the rocks with some metallic paints I had around. Once it dried, It looked really beautiful and so I took other colors and started to decorate it. The acrylic paint adhered very nicely to the surface of the rock and it occurred to me that a small amount of glitter may embellish it nicely. Lastly, I had some glow-in-the dark paint and began adding small dabs to see how well that took to the rock. It worked beautifully.

Turning the lights off, it looked like the rock's own spirit was emanating from inside as I held a flashlight to the white, glowing paint.Gradually the glow would fade and re-emerge depending on how long I held it under the light. Lastly, I sprayed a varnish on the outside to coat and protect all the layers of paint and glitter.Now I really had something to behold !

I began giving these away to friends and acquaintances as personal gifts, that they could keep or pass on as they wished. Naturally,they contain only the good fortune and power you want to give it, as it is held in your hand.It is not known where it's journey will end. Perhaps at Russian Gulch, where it was initially found.All I know is that it gives me a lot of joy to decorate them and pass them along.

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

As I sit here...

 I'm not painting rocks.However, I haven't given up on it yet.Two were painted and finished with a nice coat of resin today. Even though the glow-in-the dark feature was a revelation in the beginning, it too gets old after awhile. Today's rock is of an lake scene with mountains in the background and a small beachfront at the bottom. Both sides are painted, one for day and one for night ( or at least sunset). Sometimes, to draw right on the rock itself is helpful so as to not discover something ill-intended somewhere towards the finish of the piece. Drawing and painting on surfaces besides rocks is a direction that is currently more appealing to me. However, the rock biz continues because i need to to it to stay ahead of the monthly bills.

Today, it has been hot inside and it can be added that the laundry is done, so things are copacetic.This weekend is a two market adventure that I always look forward to. Have a great weekend everyone. Stay safe!

Don't take Gratitude for Granted

  Sometimes I will be relaxing on the couch in complete gratitude for my life today. Nothing has to change in order for things to be just the way they are. If it's troubling or emotional, gratitude for being able to feel these feelings is essential. 

 What is God trying to tell me? What is the positive lesson here? Let's start by focusing on gratitude and the lesson it has to offer. In other words, not to take this state of being for granted. Gratitude is a gift from God.

Having gratitude is not about it being the right frame of mind at a specific time. We can change our minds at any moment.

So, how can I be grateful when all around their is nothing but darkness and pain. Our perspective can change. I would like to believe that there is a purpose for having patience and tolerance, even when it is seemingly impossible to accept this, let alone practice this. 

Life does suck ! 

Perhaps our real experience deep within is that we are in a state of ecstacy, and that we are supressing it to a level that is comfortable for us!

Lastly, Nothing is really beyond our own experience of what is happening in the moment. The future is about to reveal itself... as you read this.

Below is this week's "Rock of the Week". These two are pictures of the same pendant...

Under the glow

 in Daylight

Slowing Down

 Stop is such a final work effort. Wha tthe heck dows thad mean/ 

 As you might be able to tell, I just woke up.Still trying to pull it together. My writing skills are something that can overtake me, and my keyboard doesn't always co-operate. This apple keyboard is only 11 inches long and just like my Iphone, you need little "Rat Fingers" to type.

 I am enjoying a cup of coffee with tumeric, cinnamon, Ryze™, Laird's Super Creamer™, Hemp milk and powered Swiss Miss™ creamer... what a combo.It gets the stream of conciousness going and kicks things into high gear. Some writers are very selective about thier words instead of trusting the stream of conciousness that flows naturally from thier minds; None of which has anything to do with the cup of coffee I'm enjoying. 

 My best friend from high school has sent me a text that he had an electric cardiogram taken yesterday after he had A-fib. I'm new to this terminology, so when a picture of him lying on a gurney in a hospital was sent to me, it got my attention.I have no idea what the prognosis, diagnosis or if any of these noses are any of my business.I've prayed and am hoping for a speedy recovery, whatever that means.

Right now, I looked away from the keyboard to a magnet on my refrigerator that has a bunch of hearts printed on it. I stopped to realize that I am observing a magnet that is adhered to the refrigerator door and that I am noticing it.Now I am looking at the blinking cursor as I continue to type. Facinating stuff, huh?

My hope is that their is an English major or some copy editor who is reading this and is having a field day restructering my spelling, sentences and punctuation. Have at it.

The image below is another sample of a Neurographics experiment . Incidentally, I'm still on hiatus and will be until further notice.

Over and out.

Hiatus

 Today is July 9, 2024 and I am planning a hiatus. The reason being is that I need a respite from the committee that has filing a affidavit in my head.In other words, the voices that have been dictating my next move have been relentless, and I'm doing an about face by telling them to cool their jets.

However, this is not all fantasy.Change is the order of the day and Now is time, which is spontaneous and in no need of rehersal, coaching or scriptwriting to assist this sprinter out of his block. Incidentally, the 2024 Paris Olympics begin in two weeks!

So, no rock sales will be taking place this weekend in Calistoga or Sebastopol.If you are interested in purchasing a rock, you can reach me directly via email, text or call. I hope that you have a wonderful, joyous and fulfilling summer.

Below is just a sample of my latest creative pursuit...

It's called  "Plant Life"

Optics and Illusions

Do you like optical illusions? As a youngster, looking at something in a way that altered my perception was intriquing to say the least. Even now, while surfing the net, one can find some videos of  Illusory Imagery Check it out. One might even consider this illusion hallucinogenic ... and no mind altering substances are necessary to appreciate it!

The following painting was done by Russian Artist Yuriy Matrosov

 

Although the picture above is not really an optical illusion...in way it is. Trompe L' Oeil ( to fool the eye ) trys to give the illusion of something three dimensional and to place it on a two dimensional surface.Drop shadows are sometimes used to make an image pop off of the surface underneath.

This "Dragons Eye" is always fun to do on larger rocks. The surface has to be flat enough, yet rotund enough to make the eye look real. These have been done these in the past, and are always a bit challenging in trying to get a dimensional and glassy look from the painting. This is this week's "Rock of the Week'.

A Mystery to be lived

"Life is a mystery to be lived, and not a problem to be solved." This quote from Adriana Trigiani echoes what seems to have been happening lately.I've had a tooth pulled, a cracked windshield replaced, and a hot water heater go kapoot. I've also been eating lots of vegetables and trying to get a good night's sleep.What does any of this have to do with the price of tea in China? Metaphors and symbolism has always intriqued me. Everything always seems to have so much meaning, yet is still so mysterious!

When something is put into words, our interpretation of those words trigger images and ideas that are questionably either positive or negative. Yet all our thoughts are malleable. Just as much as the previous paragraph can be considered jibberish, it probably still brings ideas and images to the fore.

 Do you ever stop and ask yourself, " Why did a picture and thought about a gazebo just pop into my head? Can you trace it back? Was it a memory, a complete thought or merely a passing one ? Did it contribute to a certain belief or cherished opinion? These are thoughts that I've been having about having thoughts lately. Oy! (The committee always seems to be in session). Does this mind even have a mind of it's own?

Having a source for one's thoughts will fortify our opinions for sure. Making an assessment, evaluation or observation will keep us from making a judgement which invariably will cause a reaction if voiced. Socrates questioned everything. Not a bad way to proceed. Another way is to keep one's silence and be thought of as "Ignorant" ( or conversely wise or humble ) than, as Abraham Lincoln would say " Open one's mouth and remove all doubt !"

Below, is this weeks Rock of the week...

Do fish bark? Hmmm...

Living a day at a time

    At times I tend to get ahead of myself. With the advent of the Internet, time gets corralled and it is easy to get distracted , even when following up on a simple task. The iPhone has proven to be a powerful device. It has changed everyone's life for better and for worse.

    However, this blog is not about that. The progress I've made as an artist has grown. Yesterday, I got involved with a paper marbleling class at our local Art Center. It was a wonderful diversion.Learning a new process has kept me engaged creatively in another medium besides acrylics and rocks.

    The process of making and manifesting pleasing outcomes involves following ones intuition in my opinion.Taking a moment (yes, this moment) Instead of future tripping or dwelling on the past, has lead me in unknown directions and adventurous episodes, both in my studio and out in society. 

    Peaks and valleys during the creative process will always arrive in unexpected ways, both having and intrinsic value all their own.Trying to burrow myself out of frustration doesn't work for me. Especially when I find myself paralyzed before attempting another project.Going into acceptance mode does.Trying too hard to control the situation at hand is usually fruitless.Calling someone, going for a bike ride, visiting a museum or whatever; will free things up considerably. 

    In other words, chosing my valleys just as they are, and doing what is next ( and not putting it off ) has helped.When I lay my head on the pillow at night, it can be said that at least an attempt has been made in allowing a solution to be revealed.Sometimes it is just a matter of staying patient and putting things off until later... sometimes not.

    If all of this sounds like sage advice, it is what just what has worked for me. In no way do I speak for others in their quest for excellence, or even mere survival. Just keep on creating and feed your soul. Like the Nike commercial used to say, " Just do it!"

Below is this weeks "Rock of the week" 

( and a sample from the paper marbeling class I took )

The Summer Season begins

 Tomorrow will be the beginning of the Summer Market in Calistoga ( and also in Sebastopol for that matter ).It is really amazing how quickly the seasons fly by. As it turned out, the rains came and it was a total washout on Saturday. I was glad, because it gave me a chance to catch up on my inventory. For every rock I sell, I get to paint another one... a joy to behold.

 White painted rocks are my latest pursuit. I find that the design on top can be fun. It's turns out looking like heiroglyphics that one might find in an open dig somewhere in Mesopotamia.These rocks glow exceptionally well in the dark. Then, when placed on a glowing doiley, or in this case a "Joilie" ( as my friend Veda who made them has chosen to name them ) Which are made from glow-in-the-dark yarn that she took the time to crochet into a star pattern. Now this showcase rock is enhanced even more so. 

Here we present the "Rock of the Week"

Inspired

 Today it looks like the resin coatings on the rocks are behaving. No air bubbles, no overpours and nice hard, dry results. These rocks can be put outside without a worry about the colors fading. They can even be put inside an aquarium without hurting the fish.

 Occasionally I use a clear-coat called TRIPLE THICK™ which is fine for a quick, shiny and long lasting coat, however, UV resin still works the best. The only down side perhaps is a yellowing over time, but that is more a concern with larger works of art.

    The pendants and keychains have been a profitable sale lately. The pendants are fun conversation pieces, and the keychains are kewl eye catchers when hanging from a backpack, or even when used to hang a set of house keys that are sometimes hard to find when fishing around for them in your purse. Usefulness is the key word here (always fun to add a pun).

    Like the gift rocks that they are, these are heirlooms are eventually meant to be passed on over the years. It is this artist's hope that you are inspired to have them as a keepsake and an item that brings you joy.

Bringing back the best

 This is my thirteenth year of painting and selling rocks. I have not even held a job that long during my entire work life. Like many members of my family, I treasure independence and freedom.I also like being my own boss.

 Having worked in hospitality most all of my adult life, I really like people. The Farmer's Market is my classroom.Getting to know the regulars and tourists are always enlightening, and can be educational. There are many artists out there too, and it doesn't take much to convince me that EVERYONE employs some type of creative activity, be it cooking, gardening or even washing and waxing a car.

 After having attained a degree in Art, it was time for me to do something that validated my own creative pursuit. Commercial art never really fueled this passion, although i am now familiar with how to use the computer as a tool for composition and output.

 Rocks however, were about discovering a small canvas, and having the liberty to come up with fun designs... a venue that became the medium of choice. Over the years, I have found that some imagery people will find more appealing than others. It also occurs to me that some colors and backgrounds have a special appeal all their own.

 Lately, I've been painting seashells as night-lights, specialty rocks that include waves, dolphins, birds,cats, meditation stones for focusing,mandala rocks, keychains, magnets and (as an occasional departure from the usual) decorative wind chimes and mobiles.In many ways, craftspeople live lives akin to a monk's existence. Pursuing beauty is certainly a meditative activity and there are many who explore different mediums in their search for an authentic creative expression.I devote this blog to those people who are making the time to do this very thing.Below is this week's "Rock of the Week".

April, comes she will

 Spring has sprung, and the weather is still cold and wet. However, this past weekend was a blast. Sunny warm and beautiful. The Easter bunny hid eggs (not painted rocks, mind you) all around the town square in Sebastopol. Sales were good that day, the group onstage played Hawaiian music that kept all the visitors in a mellow mood. Kids ran around with their baskets collecting a bounty of eggs that were hid everywhere. Unfortunately, a few little kids missed out when the bigger kids made a clean sweep of them all. 

A few egg-shaped painted rocks were kept around in the hopes that a parent would come by and get one of these for their youngster. I have this spinning "roulette" rock  ( kind of like a dradle ) that gets spun around with an indicator painted on it, that if it ends up pointing directly at an orange dot, that lucky person wins the Easter egg rock.

A nice lady gave it a spin and won, and was so pleased that she ended up purchasing another rock for someone else. 

On another note, it is said that another eclipse will be happening this coming Monday. I've learned that we won't be able to observe a suitable view of it here in Northern California, but the people in Texas will get the full show. More to be revealled.

This week has been busy, because for every rock that was sold last week, a new one will take it's place. So, back to work! 

Below is this week's Rock of the week... naturally, it's an Easter egg rock that will not rot or hatch.

Gracious Falls

 Yesterday a group of ours went on a wonderful hike up in the hills west of Napa. Little did we realize that there was a beautiful waterfall as we reached one of the peaks before the property descended into Sonoma. I took a couple of my painted rocks with me and hid them in a few spots on our way up.It is always a treat for someone to find one on the trail.Usually there is a small knothole where a branch has fallen off to where one of these rocks can be placed. 

I won't usually pick up rocks that could be used to paint on these hikes. Not because it is private property, but because the rocks are gnarly, as opposed to the ones that are flat and smooth that can be found on the coast.However I did find one that caught my eye lying in a creek bed.The texture was appealing so it was added to a collection of specialized rocks are just appear interesting just the way they are.

 

Rock Stars

 For a long time now, I've been telling folks that I will be posting a "Rock of the Week". This has been a regular feature for a long time ( going back to 2010 ). Sometimes, I go off on a tangent and get caught up in the creative process and only get back to my blog when the time presents itself.This pursuit has been a joy, insofar as I have had the opportunity to meet people from many other states and countries. It seems that everyone has a story about rocks that they either have painted themselves or have collected over the years. It is especially touching, how youngsters find these items so captivating whether they find one at a park or on a beach. Below are some of the rock stars who have come by my booth at the local farmer's markets.So, instead of the "Rock of the Week" I'm featuring some "Rock Stars" who have happened by my table.

Back to my future

 

Occasionally I like to go out in the woods to hide some rocks. If I find a little spot kind of hidden away, I place a rock there for some youngster to find.Perhaps it will be someone who just wants a little souvenier. In either case, this is a gift that I want to pass on. Hopefully, it will travel to a place where it ends up holding down a stack of important notes, or maybe just a door stop.Either way, it is meant to be passed on. One must probably wonder where all the treasures that they have collected as a youth ended up.

Obviously, if they were real treasures, they would be keepsakes and may travel through the years to new horizons.As a kid,I went to the Y.M.C.A. in our town to an event where we got to fill a large container with objects that young kids would find fascinating.Objects like a spark-plug , a skeleton key, caps, marbles, a quarter, and the like.These items were buried in a time capsule on an island not far from the mainland.

 Eventually, they would be dug up by some future generation to see what children found interesting in those days. I only I wish I could have been there when/if it was to be dug up. 

 A few years back I traveled to the town of my birth to speak with someone at the local paper to see if they had a follow up story on a picture that was posted in their paper at that time. Apparently, they regretfully had not. Below is a picture of that event... 

=

Rave on

   It is already 2024 and if I had any idea that I would still be painting and decorating rocks after thirteen years, I would say you were crazy. It certainly has been a learning experience for me and will hope that I continue to find new inspirations and lessons. 

  Lately, I've been branching out a little by painting these round wooden discs that I got at the Dollar Tree™, which is one of my favorite places to buy odds and ends. I've used the basic black for the primary coat and have been doing a preliminary sketch right on the board. Then i trace over the lines using a metallic gold puff paint. Flourescent green and fuscia are a powerful combination of color. It looks great under a black light ( of course )

  The butterfly theme sort of evolved. I love the sinewy strokes representing the some otherworldly flowers. These flowering plants cannot be found in reality, unless someone knows something that I don't. It was never clear to me as the composition evolved, it just sort of happened.

  We are not featuring the Rock of the Week for now, but it will return as soon as I venture forward with some new designs.

Distraction and creativity

  I've been listening to an audiobook about the creative act. It seems that a lot of people don't think that they are creative. I would contend that they may be confusing being artistic with being creative. We are all creative to some extent, and the ability isn't on a scale of proficiency. The creative act is simply that. One creates when one employs the awareness that they are creating.

  It may be confusing as to how one will manifest their creative expression, but even on the most minute level, creativity allows for choices that are made moment by moment. Yes, demonstrating that blueberry pancake recipe you took from a Betty Crocker cookbook, involves choosing that particular mixing bowl that you mother passed on to you as a vehicle for containing the ingredients.The mere fact that it is porcelain instead of steel may be considered a creative diversion. Artistic, probably not.

  The aforementioned may be a bit of a stretch, but using your power in making choices to render certain outcomes is a creative exercise.Losing track in the process of choice-making is difficult when we assess our behavior as a mistaken attempt.

 The renowned chef, author and T.V. personality Julia Child is a case in point. When she accidentally dropped a dish (or) prematurely added an ingredient out of sequence, she would remark,"... If you can't fix it, feature it ! ".Thus some may conclude that there is no room for mistakes and that spontaneity is always the pitfall of a creative pursuit. Nonsense! Improvisations are all a part of the creative process, of which distractions are inevitable.

Below is a recent attempt at Art Nouveau (done on a wood panel, not on a rock as of yet )

Conformity and balance

  It is not unusual for me to paint a rock and add a design that intentionally conforms to the shape of the rock.Usually the work can be symmetrical, as the look will retain some semblance of balance.The rocks below were painted with a gold puff paint which doesn't include that regular glow-in-the-dark feature.The strokes are modified with an exacto knife that sweeps to a point, as if applied using a very small brush.The rock is then dried and clear-coated with resin,for a high gloss finish and water-proof protection.

  These stones are pocket size and are intended for use as a meditation device,or what one may call a "Worry Stone" to alleviate anxiety. It can be used to calm the nerves as it is rubbed with your fingers before making a speech or watching a closely contested sports event. Usually any activity which may produce an uncomfortable sense of dread, which is only human when anticipating certain outcomes.