Mixed Media Art. Photography. Inspiration.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Don't Lose Heart : Mixed Media





Don't lose heart.  That's not just the name of this piece, it's also the message that it carries.  (Warning; this post is a bit heavier than normal, but it's what's on my heart)  I created this last week, after a couple of weary weeks.  My baby boy got sick, then I wasn't feeling good for quite a while.  I noticed that there seemed to be tons of people that I cared for, struggling at the same time.  Sickness, pain, loss, and other hardships.  It seemed to all be happening at once.  I couldn't shake off a feeling of heaviness, even after things got better.   After 2 weeks I finally decided to work on an art piece.  I hoped it would help pull me out of this slump, but I knew I wasn't creating this just for me.

Many times I just grab a canvas with no idea where it'll lead me.  Not this time.  This time I received not only the visual of this piece, but also the title before I even started it.  That never happens to me, at least not the title part.  I could never think of good titles for my paintings, hence the brilliant titles "Flowers and Swirls" and "Collage With Blue Flowers" ; )   But this named itself, and seemed to create itself.  I was just the messenger.  It was created for everyone out there going through hard times. Trust that everything will end up OK.  God doesn't put you through anything that you can't handle, so try to have faith and trust that He is taking care of things.  And please, don't lose heart.

This was created on a 5x11 piece of wood with Golden's Light Molding Paste, and acrylic paints.  I added some Glass Bead Gel by Golden, and Gloss Super Heavy Gel by Liquitex to the heart to make it stand out more.  I added an embellishment that I made with copper wire that I bent, then pounded flat.  I attached it with copper tacks to "hold" onto the heart.   

I would like to dedicate this to Manya, Mandy, Kristen, Bev, Boonia V., and anyone else who needs it.  You are loved : )

Also,  I'd like to submit this to Mixed Media Monday (I know, I know, it's no longer Monday.  And I hope this isn't too heavy for my first time participating).  I'll try to lighten thing up next time : )

Esther

35 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a BEAUTIFUL post! ♥ And a very beautiful piece of wonderful art! ♥

Mandy said...

thankyou estehr...i just love your work, and this one is no exception...you are a talent, so gifted and the title just fits this ppiece...thankyou for the dedication...i am thinking i need to loose myself in art very soon...when little guy is a bit better...that is my goal...i would love to try a piece like yours using that thick moulding paste...will have to check and see if we have it in australia...just love the tyexture you put on the work, and the coours you use are just perfect...xxx

Kristin said...

What a SWEET beautiful post! How thoughtful of you - I so appreciate it and your message. I have been really feeling Mandy's plight too - and here you have poured your heart out for all of us. AND I love the story behind it, I believe that we are closest to God when we create. Thank you for your kind words and thoughts and friendship. xoxoxox

Rebecca Everett said...

That's how I am with my canvases too usually. But it is so much magical to create when you are working with an epiphany. It's amazing what you do with texturizing. And thank you so much for your novel comments on my blog. They make my day!!!

Kelly said...

Esther;
What a fabulous piece this is! I know so many people that could use this right about now. Me being one of them. Thank you so much for sharing your heart with the blog world as you can clearly see the beauty of what is inside!
Hugs to you dear friend and blessings always!

Yvonne said...

Sad but beautiful piece, Esther!

Carin said...

Oh my goodness Esther, this made me tear up! You've got such a beautiful heart. Thank you for sharing your story and dedicating the piece to all those who are struggling. The piece is absolutely beatiful. I love all your pieces, but this, I think, will always have a specail place in my heart (no pun intended)

Manya Keseloff said...

Well, where to I start... This is beautiful! I love the name, the meaning, the love that you share. I sent you that text this morning thanking you before I saw this post. Thank you for the dedication :) It means so much to me. God put us in that car on the way home from Oregon for a reason and has kept us good friends and in each others lives to be there for each other.

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. Ecclesiastes 4: 9-10

Beverley Baird said...

This is an absolutely gorgeous piece of artwork! It is stunning to say the least. the message, the art, the wishes behind it! What a meaningful gift you have given to all of us!

johanna said...

wonderful texture - and i love these colors together!

Rosie said...

Esther, congratulations... and welcome to the merry band that participate in MMM!! This is a beautiful piece of art - I am very into texture myself, but your words also struck a chord with me. It's very true, lots of people are struggling, and down in general. I feel things will change and agree with you - we mustn't lose heart... =)

Silvia(Barnie) said...

Fantastic, love the colours and the texure, wonderful piece of art.

Megan Woodard Johnson said...

This is lovely Esther- it's got wonderful color, texture, everything- but perhaps most importantly, it really clearly conveys the sentiments you described in your post.

My Creative House said...

This is a gorgeous painting and thanks for sharing your thoughts about it with all of us, love your work.
Anni

julie king said...

esther, i'm so happy that you stumbled into my blog today -- it was serendipity -- because it led me to your blog. this art piece and especially the message were just what i needed to give me a boost today. thank you so much for spreading your light and love.

Lorraine said...

what a fantastic piece of art and your right we are sent troubles some times to add to our inner strengths...hope your little boy is ok soon..hugs

Faye said...

A stunning piece of art, Esther.

Kristin said...

Oh, that is SO COOL! Thank you so much for your help!!!! xoxoxo

DMG said...

I absolutely love this painting. Now I can't wait to see the rest of your blog!

Unknown said...

Hi Esther,

Your piece is so transcendent! Great art is when we put our souls on the canvas. Last year I had a year from hell that really left me feeling hollowed out, and a lot of songs have come out of it. I think that is why we are drawn to creating, to express these things that are so overwhelming.
Thanks so much for becoming my first follower! I would like to send a little thank you gift in the mail, so please send me your address to sonicjoy(at)shaw.ca and I'll pop it off to you.
Joyelle

Diane said...

Esther, what a wonderful and meaningful piece! I am so glad Kristin encouraged you to enter it on Mixed Media Monday. I hope we get to enjoy lots more of your lovely art!

Liz-Anna said...

This is such a beautiful piece! And I love your wonderful inspiring blog.

Jen said...

Hi Esther, I read your sweet comment on my last little post and it was so nice I had to come over and say thank you. I am so glad I did because this post and this piece really speak to me. You shared your thoughts but I read them as mine. Then I see all these comments and know that God is really working through you, he's reaching out through you to all the hurting and heartsick. He's reminding them and me of his faithfulness.Thank you for this.
-Jen

Gaby Bee said...

I wanted to thank you for signing up to follow me... it led me to your wonderful blog.
I enjoyed looking at your work, Esther! Really fabulous creations!
This is absolutely amazing! Love the colors and the texture.
Gaby xo

Kristin said...

Oooh, thank you for your sweet message - I really love your support! Thanks for always being in my corner, xoxox

Unknown said...

Amazing Esther, Amazing.

Thespa McLaughlin said...

Your piece is completely brilliant! Love it! Thanks for coming to visit me, I'm enjoying seeing your artwork and I'm going to add you to my sidebar so I can come visit often. Hope things are going a bit better now.

Thesapa
Vintiquities Workshop

peggy aplSEEDS said...

a wonderful piece and message! thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

Oh I love your Mixed Media Monday piece!
The message is great, and I wouldn't say it's 'heavy' at all...girl it's true to life and well said!

The colours just pop, as does your wonderful use of texture!

Brilliant!

thanks so much for sharing..and for visiting me!

Ciao bella!

CREATIVE CARMELINA

The Summer Kitchen Girls said...

Esther...love this piece...it is beautiful, and you can tell it was made with a passionate purpose for those you cared for!
A perfect message...to always remember!
I've been meaning to tell you that I love your name...it was (and still is) my favorite book in the Bible...because Esther was my favorite heroine. And...I think it's fitting having that crown up there in your banner...and, this post, well, it sound like something she would have shared with the people she cared about.
:) So, I'll be sending a little prayer your way - thanks for this little post!

Mirjam said...

You have made a beautiful piece of Art!!

Sada said...

Thank you for sharing your beautiful and meaningful work. Your warmth and love is felt across the oceans. You, my dear, have certainly come into your own. I love you and am SO very proud of you and your willingness to give yourself over.

chrisw said...

Gorgeous,love this one

Caroline said...

It's a year since I pinned this & only today was I reminded. Talk about being a messenger at the right time... It's 4 months & 1day since my darling daddy died & I really needed this msg!! Thank you from the bottom of my "heart"!! :))

E Makes Art said...

Caroline, I usually respond by email or on the other person's blog, but I don't know how to reach you so I hope you check back here! Your message really means a lot to me. I feel so blessed to be an artist and to be able to share messages and touch lives through art for people such as yourself. I'm so very sorry for the loss of your father. I can't imagine the pain your going through, but I'm so happy you came across this message when you needed it!!
Much love to you,
Esther