Still inspired by my lifelong love of dandelions, I have been making new dandelion pieces since my last post. I am surprised to be so satisfied with the petals being left attached—as seen in the 1st photo below. There were supposed to be 3 gifts for 3 people. But, after seeing them together, I just can’t separate the trio. So, I reckon I have more to do.
Still here. Still making art. Still writing. Still requiring creativity. Hope you all are staying inspired, too. -Z
Here, I am attempting to wipe some of the dust off of my blog. Just gonna go…
Today, I received a package in the mail from my friend Jerielle. Earlier this year, she asked to buy a piece of art I made, but I was insistent that we—instead—barter. She has been making lovely “Daily Doodles” I have always adored. In the past, I have even tossed around the idea of getting a tattoo.
Anyway, I sent her the doorknob piece pictured below and she—in exchange— sent me one of her doodles I have posted underneath. I just love my friends and their art and seeing their art and having a piece of his or her art in my home! Makes me SO happy and I will never stop seeing the light from the creative sides of the ones I love.
I have continued to make more of my doorknob pieces. I really love making them. After realizing that I have been focusing mostly on gold lately, I wanted to do something more silver. I do love silver and here is what I came up with:
The subtle, chevron print gives it a bit of a watery, fish-like vibe (at least in person). I actually debated hanging the key from a fishing line and hook and possibly adding other similar embellishments.
After my weekend plans out-of-town were canceled, it was comforting to know I had MANY constructive things to do (TCB) at home. Consequently, the wall has received another treasure.
· To see more of these and other bits & pieces of my life, please check out my IG page:
https://www.instagram.com/zacdaq/
All the best,
Z
I have continued to do my lock/doorknob/key/etc. art pieces & have had an amazing time working on them. I might be a little obsessed. Here are 2 I just finished:
Z
I haven’t been inspired to write very much, lately. But, I have been all about redecorating, creating pieces of art to hang, and to finally getting around to finishing so many things I have been putting off. Sometimes, I swear I could just keep going and going and never even finish a To-Do List. I am very pleased at how much I have completed, but still can’t help but notice the mound of laundry I need to do, the tub that could be scrubbed, etc. But, for what it’s worth, the above and below are a few pics of the things I have been focused on.
Z
Recently, a friend of mine sent a text that read, “Can I call you?” I was available and let her know. She called and stated that she was in a bind and that her school (she works at a college) had an art exhibit that day and she was concerned some of the people who were supposed to have art displayed would not come through. I agreed to send a few photos over electronically for her and her coworker to print out and get out there.
I receive a frantic call a few hours later. “Zac, I just got home from work. The lady in charge of the fundraiser just called me and said that you won an award and you need to be there to accept the money some woman put into the prizes.” I did not realize my piece could win any competition and definitely was not expecting to receive any money. I had a half hour to get dressed and show up to receive the award. It was actually fun.
Later that night, I got to thinking about how strange and fun that experience was and how much I love a sporadic adventure. I considered this an adventure and was extremely grateful. I remembered something from earlier in the week.
My buddy from college, Heath, is a rapper and just released a new album. He put a post on Facebook and was interested in finding out how many of his fans would be interested in receiving an autographed actual CD in the mail (apparently these have been fading out for a while). I had neither listened to his album nor had seen him for years. But, he was always so sweet to me and was one of those guys who is an awesome person—genuinely! The mouse pretty much clicked itself.
The cool correlation between these two events left a smile on my face. I have begun to realize, over the years, how important it is to support our friends who are doing their thing and following their dreams. All too often, people expect art to be for free (even friends) and it can leave anyone who has created something and put themselves out there feeling vulnerable and insecure. I want to fight that. I am a supporter of my friends who create and I know from experience that the support can and will come back.
Just wanted to share my thoughts. Oh, also, I got second place. Coming in second never felt so good.
Z
An hour ago, I finished reading my friend’s first novel. The time I took to finish was, admittedly, way too long. But, I was determined to read only when I could give my full attention. Falling into the creative work of a friend is something incredibly delicate and special.
The characters, storytelling, and page-turning quality were present the entire time; I would have found the statement to be true even if I did not know the author. I finished completely pleased with the way everything turned out. However, I really wanted to know what was to come. I imagine my reaction is a goal of any novelist. I immediately contacted my friend and shared my thoughts and feelings.
I started thinking about how proud I am when a person I know creates something beautiful. These days (and really every day), supporting the people around us who are creating and expressing themselves is beyond necessary. Whether or not thousands of people ever get to read my brother’s essay, see my neighbor’s drawing, or hear my Grandma’s song she learned to play on the keyboard last week is far less important than the support we give each other—at the end of the day.
Perhaps I am being sentimental. But, I will always appreciate the time and energy an artist I know has put into a project. Love is probably the best word.
Z
Recently, my Grandma gave me an envelope full of postcards from the early 1900’s. Most of them are from her side of the family. The photo above is a spread of them. The penmanship, images, and every crease or rip are just so exciting to me. I love moments from the past and a postcard is a beautiful piece of mail from a person saying, “Hey, I’m somewhere on this planet — thinking of YOU.” Kind of a lost art. But, I have to say, these are a stunning argument to bring it back.
Below is my absolute favorite of the bunch. I had so many feelings when I held this particular one. The man walking away is such a powerful image and I stared at it for quite some time. I believe these postcards carry messages worth keeping.
To continue my sharing of our adventures in Europe earlier this month, I am sharing some of my photos from Berlin, Germany. Carrie and Leo, two of my amazing friends, and their baby live there. Carrie is a South Georgia native who moved there a few years after college. I have always been in awe of her decision.
Berlin is a great place to walk around and enjoy the sights. Liz, Jon, and I were told we brought the wonderful weather in our luggage. You could see the look of gratitude on the faces of the locals as the sun beamed down.
The final photo is what I discovered when I looked over the railing at a beer garden called Café am Engelbecken regulars. I am a huge fan of turtles and I was very happy. As I said, the weather was marvelous. I actually recall having one of those moments where you just sorta tilt your head back and wish there were more moments in life like these.
More photos from our trip to come…
Poetry, short essays and other work showcased by a Scientist, Philosopher, and Adventurer. Posts on Monday and First Fridays.
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