the other side

Have you ever observed something so beautiful you were compelled to see what was inside?
The sheer beauty of it so incredible, you are drawn to it with no resistance.
That you succumb to the pull,
 only to find that what is inside is not at all what you had expected?
The other side is different,
 it is not glistening, it is somber, and quiet.
There are is no shimmering glory, only a dark and contemplative place.
This shrine was created drawing upon such an experience.

The Relics and Artifacts Gothic Arches Set spoke to me.
 Throughout my creative journey I have always admired the designs of the past.
The truly gifted architects and craftsmen that created everlasting structures.
I learned of them in my architectural studies, I researched them in my field experience, I draw upon them for their principals and attention to detail. I want to create a piece that reflects these elements.

I hope to invoke the warmth and glow of the stained glass windows that would be found within gothic mullions. The incredible clarity of vibrant colors and golden details highlighting everlasting designs. The same warmth that draws you to experience it from within. The exterior faces are finished using alcohol ink and gold paint, capturing the light like a beacon. The windows are stood on end to form a bay simulating a small chapel or apse.

Inside, I envision an old stone church. One created by masons, masters at their craft. The faux stone finish is stenciled on with texture paste and painted stone by stone, just as the structure would have been erected. A "wooden" floor mimics the timber floorboards.

And within the niche created, a statue of our lady, the Mother of Mercy stands. She is sculpted from Apoxie Sculpt and a Relics & Artifacts face, as taught by my fellow Muse, Sherry Matthews, in a 2016 Live from the Tribe video. The sculpture is painted, crackled and gilded. A somber presence, a reason to pause and reflect on all of the graces we have been given.

I have been blessed with many opportunities in my creative journey, 

both in the architecture field as well as the arts. 

I want to thank Sandra and David Evertson for the opportunity to be part of the Relics & Artifacts team these past months, 

and to wish them and my fellow Muse all the best as I continue on my artful journey. 

I truly appreciate you taking the time to visit today.

~Ann

xxx

I am entering this into the following challenges:

 Funkie Junkie Boutique Challenge - it looks real

maiden voyage

"her maiden voyage"

~Ann Barnes

on her maiden voyage

all things bright and new

the sea of unchartered waters

drew her in yet made her blue

the currents tried to pull her

swirling this way and that

but she held steady to her course

knowing things, they do not last

of the many experiences, seen and heard

the parts that she holds tight

were the simple acts of kindness

the ones that made things right

it's the inner peace that matters

the one she's always had

the faith and hope and love,

putting good above the bad

her maiden voyage has ended

she has weathered the storm

and emerged victorious

for she has found her own

Today I am on the Relics & Artifacts Muse blog sharing a "cameo" I created with one of the pieces from the meerschaum reliquary kit, VerDay and a treasured piece of agate. 

I hope that you are able to stop by and discover my process and the inspiration behind it. 

You can get to the Muse post directly by clicking here.

My hope is for you to draw inspiration from the Relics & Artifacts blanks;

 to allow them to tell their stories through your eyes, and your art.

Thank you so much for taking the time to visit.

~Ann

  xxx

regal residence

In the depths,
 under the sea,
reside the Queen and her King.
Long forgotten relics of what once was supreme,
they are lulled by the tides,
 at rest and now free.

Sometimes I look at a piece and am struck by an idea; the vision so clear that it is simply a matter of bringing it to life. When Sandra released the Relics & Artifacts Mermaid Set, I was fascinated by the intricate detailing and various pieces, and I was bombarded with creative ideas.
Today I am sharing the first of these inspirations, a regal residence.

I chose the coral piece as the foundation because of the stability of coral formations and the way that they stand as a protective force for the shores. A resilient residence for the Queen and her King.

The Mermaid Queen and Merman King are painted with acrylic paints with ink washes for their tails. Golden accents are added with oil based paints and iridescent inks.

Seahorses have always been a source of fascination for me,
 their myriad of colors and adaptation skills are amazing.

I wanted to create realistic looking specimens with intense color hues.
 These pieces are finished with acryic paints and various inks, then splattered with gesso. The two seahorses stand guard against intruders.

The seashell, caught within the coral tentacles,
 is inked to mimic something that may wash up on the shore.
Perhaps it hides a secret inside.

The starfish details are highlighted in gold,
reflecting whatever light finds its way to the sandy shores.

I have truly been inspired by the new Relics & Artifacts mermaid set; I look forward to creating another project with these incredible pieces.
I hope that perhaps you are drawn to create something of your own.
Thank you for spending time with me today,  I really appreciate it.
I hope you have a creative day,
~Ann
  xxx


This post was originally published on Sandra Evertson's Muse blog.

Relics & Artifacts Mermaid Kit

sacred shrine

Today on Sandra Evertson's Muse Blog, I am sharing a sacred shrine,
my interpretation of the Relics & Artifacts Folk Art Retablo.
This is such an incredible laser cut piece with beautiful details and so many possibilities.
I hope that you can stop by to see the shrine and all of the special pieces contained within. You can get to the Muse Blog by clicking here.

My faith stands at the forefront in my life; it guides me, inspires me, and heals me.
When Relics & Artifacts introduced the Folk Art Retablo, I knew that I wanted to create a shrine to honor the Madonna, Holy Mary; and to do it in a way that would reflect the origins of the retablo and respect the style of its design....



materials:
Relics & Artifacts Folk Art Retablo
Relics & Artifacts Milagro I
Relics and Artifacts Mini Ex Voto
Relics and Artifacts Crosse Icons
Sandra Evertson Portugal Art Stamp
acrylic paints
brass nails
collage medium
crackle medium
crystal rhinestones
glass beads
jewelry findings
religious devotional items
wood glue
wood stain

Relics & Artifacts Muse - Lotus Blossom

Today I am on the Relics & Artifacts Muse blog, sharing a very special piece. 
The lotus blossom is a sign of awakening, rebirth, and enlightenment. I could not imagine a more appropriate project to begin my journey with Relics & Artifacts.

I hope that you will stop by and learn more about this fascinating laser cut lotus blossom and resin buddha from the collection. You can visit the post by clicking here.

I have included a list of supplies below for your convenience.
Thanks so much for stopping by,
I truly appreciate it.
~Ann
 xxx


supplies used:

Aleene's wood glue
DecoArt acrylic paint: dazzling metallic worn penny
DecoColor Premium gold oil based paint pens: extra fine, fine, chisel
Dina Wakley heavy body acrylic paint: penny, gilt
Distress paint antique bronze
Emerald Creek oil rubbed bronze embossing powder
Folk Art acrylic paint: brushed metal brushed bronze
gold gilding wax
 Minwax stains: golden oak, provincial
miscellaneous jewelry findings: headpins, gold chain
miscellaneous wooden beads
Ranger embossing ink dauber
Relics & Artifacts Deity Trio
Relics & Artifacts Lotus Blossom