So many ideas... so little time!!

The challenge I face currently is one I am sure that many other artists face in today's society... it's trying to find the resources to be able to physically create. It seems to be such a shame having all of these wonderful, exciting creations just lined up in my noggen without the time and unlimited ($) resources that I yearn for. At this time I support my family in a job that is less than ideal for creation, the stress coupled with the pay of a non-profit does not lend it self to a creative spirit. I make do though, knowing that I am helping others as a career and that at least I can put food on the table for now. I do feel that there may be a little pocket of regret for not pursing the fine arts more during college, but then again you either get lucky and find a great gig in that pursuit or you are left in a drowning sea of starving artists.... It began in college, I was a double major out of the gate, but as I spent more time in the arts the more I was encouraged to quote "look towards a real future and field".... I knew then that for this art inside of me to come out and be expressed that it would be a challenge in the adult world for me. I had been constantly encouraged and supported in all of my artistic endeavors, but during my pivotal years of self discovery and career exploration I was surrounded by folks who seemed as if it were their duty to reason with me, to make me grow up, and for some reason convince my inner core of creativeness that it needed to go deep inside and live as a hobby. Inside it has been for almost a decade, welling up to the point where this creativeness feels like it will rupture covering everything I touch in bright colors and glitter. Maybe deep inside under all of this creativity and all of the ideas there is a piece of my heart that feels that creating could be my career, that it could be my success story, and that one day it will allow the lifestyle I dream of... in a studio, networked with other artists, creating everything my big 'ole Texas heart desires and in turn making my own way. This is where Grease Kitten comes in. I am now creating a place where I can document my own personal artistic struggle. That's why I am writing today, in hopes of showing where I have been complacent with my abilities, taking them for granted, sitting on a shelf in my heart..... and documenting my tale of an adventure back to those ideas and dreams that had been left behind and hopefully to a new path of self-discovery, and self-teaching and artistic exploration. This is a challenge or DARE to myself to pick up where I left off. Even if the rest of the world is not in my creations, maybe this process will intrigue them. If no one cares and no one listens, then maybe this will be a glorified journal for myself. If the latter is the case, then at least I can show that I lived, I explored, I thought, I laughed, I created, I loved, I drove, I shared, and most of all.... I tried. If you're an artist deep inside, let me hear an Amen!!

A few VW pieces from back in the day...

This is a 14 color silk screen print in acrylic.

This is an 11 color silk screen print in acrylic.

This is a 30X40" painting on board in acrylic & tempra.

Past Projects.... In the beginning I just made things for myself.

Best Advice Ever!! This hangs in my office at work.

This one's much cuter with a picture/glass in it on my desk! Look Lace!

Found Object Automotive Emblem Jewelry

This is a special His and Hers pair I made from some of my past scrap cars.... a sentimental custom piece.

Unexpected Fruition....

I have had this idea for years.... to make things for the car girls. Those of us who took auto shop instead of cosmetology or home economics. A place for the girls who like the smell of hot oil, exhaust, and a little bit of rubber now and again! We're the proud girls, we're tough, thrifty, hard working, fun loving and usually found in the garage. There is currently a growing number of who us juggle being a greasy wrench spinner and a sexy kitten... as well as much, much more! We may not be able to keep up an amazing manicure, but we change our own oil and refuse help in the auto part stores. I make sparkly, edgy, smile provoking things for my type of girls. I'm tired of window shopping and not seeing anything that really catches my eye. I like people wondering where I got my new accessory.... With the nudge of a very kind new friend, who is an amazing artistic force,this blog has officially started. This is me and how I live, it's all inspired by the culture I represent and the cars that I love to drive.... Grease Kitten!!