Friday, November 6, 2015

I'm Burning Bright-or Want the Sunshine to Be

It's Friday, I've spent the last couple evenings in my happy place journaling. Thinking maybe one of these days I should pull out some unfinished canvases and get back to painting,  But right now I am happy journaling. Oh yes and I've been watching the beginning of season 3 of Last Tango in Halifax which I just discovered is now available here in the US. 
So my journal page has a Gelli printed background, some die cut and hand painted burning candles, a stamped and then painted angel, some painted and outlined letters. This is the page I am called to make as I adjust to all this evening dark. 
I like how these candles came out. The flames are my favorite part of this page.
I didn't mean for this page to have any deep religious significance, but I guess wanting the light can have multiple meanings depending on your point of view. Isn't that the beauty of journaling and art in general?
I m linking this post to Paint Party Friday. Thanks to Kristen and Eva for hosting this fantastic art connection page. And I think you could call this page the colors of autumn, so I am also going to link to Art Journal Journey which is hosted this month by Susi and is another fantastic site to check out some great journaling and art.
And I started reading this book this past week when I was still feeling under the weather. I haven't finished it yet but I will say I am really enjoying it. For one thing  I am learning all about octopuses (which according to the book is the correct plural pronunciation) and also so far I am learning about the octopuses at the New England Aquarium in Boston, where I have been a ton of times. I like the local connection, but even if you live far afield and will never make it to or have ever been to Boston, it doesn't really change how good the book would be for you.
Did you know that an octopus has most of its touch sensors in its tentacled arms, and that they have distinct personalities?
You know if this is your type of book or not so I am stopping my review here. 
So last night I once again couldn't stay awake through the whole Project Runway show, and it is the finale, so you know what I am going to do when I first get home from work today.
Busy weekend on tap too- and I am looking forward to having a little fun. I've been home doing fall chores or being sick the last month of weekends and I think my psyche needs a little playful cheer.
I am just hoping that the hockey team we root for and are going to see on Sunday will not play too badly-since they seem to be having (another) off year.
Anything good on your agenda?
Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend!


15 comments:

Valerie-Jael said...

Wonderful journal page, love the colours and the ideas you have shown. I think we all crave light when the darker days of winter are coming, I know I do!Have a good weekend, Happy PPF, Hugs, Valerie

sirkkis said...

Very impressive and beautiful page, Erika.
You have so many great ideas on your art. Love.
Have a happy weekend xx

Karla B said...

I guess we all crave the light that's why we need darkness.Only in the dark we can see the light!Happy PPF ♥
“Light can only be understood with the wisdom of darkness.”
― Ka Chinery

Giggles said...

Beautiful heartfelt journal page! I love Last Tango in Halifax..Enjoy! Very interesting book...thanks for sharing...great post!

Hugs Giggles

Nancy Chan said...

Where there is light, there is no darkness. I think the book about octopuses will be a good read. Have a good day!

Faye said...

I did so enjoy seeing your richly colored art journal page today, Erika. I loved the text your used and feel they are appropriate in many different ways. Certainly, the days are darker to our eyes. The times seem darker too as more and more acts of violence appear on the scene everywhere. Thanks for showing your powerful piece.

kat said...

You have made some great pieces for this Autumn time, I've enjoyed my visit and looking at you beautiful Autumn tributes, as well as photos, how I love those orange/red leaves, so striking, a magical season indeed!

froebelsternchen said...

Wonderful page! I am in awe of the flames .. great!
Hope your team will play well and I wish you a super weekend- very interesting facts about this octopuses!
I will have a nice weekend with dinner out with friends on Sunday--and our weather is very nice just now!

Thanks a lot for joining Art Journal Journey again..with this wonderful light-page!
oxo
Susi

sheila 77 said...

Gosh, Erika, what a powerful work of art, from the amazing background and the six lit candles to the angel (good or bad?). And then the words! Definitely awesome.
Thanks for the reminder of the "Last Tango in Halifax" which a friend recommended a while ago but I forgot about it.
Hope you have a good weekend. Happy PPWeekend!

Jeannette said...

Oh My,your pages is amazing,love the angel and the candles,remind me at the song candle in the wind,you know this???


Hugs Jenny

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

I apologize for being so late visiting, but I haven't been on the computer at all today, or even most of yesterday.

Goodness Erika, I've watched the Last Tango in Halifax for two years now. And yes, I live in the states (KS). So I'm surprised you haven't seen it sooner. Unfortunately, I seem to have missed them this season.

All those candles should bring you out of the darkness and brighten up your nights. The angel will see to that, I'm sure. LOVELY, lovely art.

DVArtist said...

This is so pretty and reminds me of a line in a poem. Where there is darkness there is light. Where there is light there is NO fear.
Have a wonderful weekend
Nicole/Beadwright

Carol said...

Love your journal page! I am having so much trouble adjusting to the time changes this year and that is unusual for me. I just crave more sunlight this year.

Nordljus said...

Great page, I like all the layers and patterns you created. I enjoy watching Last Tango in Halifax too, I really like Anne Reid (there was a series some time ago with her in it called Ladies of Letters, hilarious!). That book sounds interesting! I don't know anything about octopuses.

Nancy Briges said...

Great layers and colors. I am getting ready for Thanksgiving. Doing one meal at home and one in another state with the kids and grandson.