Inside the Spin-Mosaic Studio

Wether you are a Visual Artist, a Musician or a Writer, claiming the title of "Artist" comes with raised eyebrows, questions, assumptions. It can be hard to wade through the stigmas. Many of us have our own journeys and our own stories of the journeys. Within those stories, are the moments of being marginalized or misunderstood. We, as Artists have the choice to remain silent, go with the status quo, or to speak up. We do not need to wax eloquent, convince, or coerce. But we do, owe it to ourselves and every other Creative, to be prepared to give a ready answer. Speak up. We never know when others are listening who also have creative interests. Our voice may be the first step towards theirs. [...]

Every Artist and Creative has experienced the "Fail" or the "Do Over". We call them "mistakes." What do we do with those random one or two works of art that just don't want to sell after multiple exhibits or social media highlights? Is this where we strike a garage sale mentality, offer a clearance sale or holiday give-away? Sometimes. But, maybe there is another option behind "Curtain #4". Maybe Leonardo Di Vinci and many of the early Art Masters knew something we didn't. They came from a day where materials and paints were harder to come by. Maybe our easy-access to 1,000's of art products has stolen from us the "Art of the Paint-Over" and the freeing of seasons of inspiration that go with it. Beneath the esteemed Mona Lisa, peel back the layers and there are not one, but several earlier versions. The earliest version has been speculated to be an entirely different painting with an entirely different model. What does it do to the heart of the artist to completely paint over a "perfectly fine" work of art and paint another over the top? For me, I have found freedom here, in this small act of taking of bold brush loaded with white gesso and painting over. It's a simple thing, but just might bring a smile as genuine as the Mona Lisas to your own face as an artist. It has for me! [...]