Energetic Renewal

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We artists view the world through eyes that see beauty in the mundane. Anything can set off an intuitive spark that becomes a source of artistic inspiration. So it was with "Priestess", my latest work of digital art. The large circular motif and the lotus blossom were design elements in, of all things, some rubber stamped images I saw in an online catalog. They became the foundation of this piece.

"Priestess" is a composite of elements found in many ancient belief systems; the sun, the lotus, the circle. The deep blue field represents both sky (air) and water. The woman, kneeling in an impassioned pose, appears to be both drawing energy and radiating it. The large central motif, composed of discs of various sizes, can be interpreted in various ways; as the circle of life, the symbol of Mother Earth, the woman herself and the shrine at which she prays.

For me, she represents an energetic rebirth. As this year comes to a close, I take it as a sign of an exciting and energized new year ahead.

Ballo ergo sum,
Always and all ways,
- Gitana, the Creative Diva

On the mend and back in the workshop

My health issues seem to have receded so it is time for me to begin creating again. Although it will be a while before I return to crafting at full speed, I have managed to squeeze in a couple of birthday card projects in the past few weeks. One was a card for my sister who loves Asian motifs, so I stamped and embossed an elaborate Chinese dragon for her. The other was an upbeat card for my daughter's friend who turned sweet sixteen. I made that card high contrast and very contemporary, something a teenager would like. Take a look at the column on the left for pictures. You can also go to my photobucket to see these and other cards I have created in the past year. The link is at the top of the left-hand column.

Ballo ergo sum,
Always and all ways,
- Gitana, the Creative Diva

On Hiatus

As a result of lingering health issues and a pressing academic deadline, I have temporarily suspended my crafting. (For more details, read my other blog, Gitana's Corner. Use the link at the top of the left hand column.) Once I've got myself back on track, I'll be back in my workshop creating all manner of wonderful things. Be back soon.

Always and All Ways,
Gitana, the Creative Diva

My Creative Inspiration

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I come from a big family with lots and lots of aunts, uncles and cousins as far as the eye can see. When we were young, there was little room to move around at family gatherings and privacy was a foreign concept. Family was the center of everything for us as we grew up so it should come as no surprise that my primary source of creative inspiration is my family. I always do my best work for them. They get the cream of the crop. I would have it no other way.

When my children were very young, I remembered moments of my own childhood and the details that made them special. All over my house there are items that evoke special memories of my life and the people in it. I knew I wanted to give my children something tangible that they could carry with them, hold onto and tell stories about. Two of the greatest gifts my mother gave me were to teach me to sew and crochet. It has given me untold joy in the hours I have labored and in the items I have made. Although my mother never quilted herself, with the foundation she gave me, I taught myself and used this skill to create heirlooms for my children.

I had once seen a picture of a quilt created of denim squares and decided that I wanted to create one someday, but it had to be special since it would be for one of my children. While my son was still in grade school, I began saving all the old jeans he had outgrown or worn out. I saved about 10 years worth of jeans with rips, tears, patches and history. Then one day in late 2006 I sat down, cut out the squares and started on my first quilt. You would think 10 years worth of jeans would be enough for a small quilt but it wasn't, and I ended up using denim from old jeans worn by everyone in the household. It turned out beautifully as you can see in the photo above left. Every patch has a story to tell about the person who wore it and my son, who absolutely loves it, guards it jealously.


Of course, I couldn't make a quilt for my son and not have something as special for my daughter so I immediately had to make one for her as well but I didn't have 10 years worth of jeans to work with. For her, my budding marine biologist, I created a quilt in the blue and turquoise colors of the Caribbean Sea. It is not only a symbol of her childhood dream, it is also a reminder of Puerto Rico, my ancestral homeland nestled in the Caribbean. This quilt, which my daughter promptly called her toasty, also gave us an opportunity to bond when I hand-crocheted the edging. Every Sunday night the two of us would sit in my bed watching our favorite television shows while I trimmed the toasty. The time she and I and that quilt spent together will not soon be forgotten.

My family inspires me. The gifts I make for them are a lasting expression of my love. It is art from my heart.

Ballo ergo sum,
Always and all ways,
- Gitana, the Creative Diva

A New Beginning

After months of writing a personal blog in which I included examples of my creative work, I thought it was time to create a separate blog dedicated to my creative pursuits. Here is where I will post images of my work and discuss the techniques and thought processes involved in creating them. Inasmuch as one's life can not be separated from one's art, I expect there will be a certain amount of cross-referencing between my blogs. Nevertheless, I shall endeavor to keep this blog as focused on my art as possible. I hope you will find some creative inspiration here and get a new perspective into who and what I am.

Ballo ergo sum,
Always and all ways,
- Gitana, the Creative Diva