This past weekend, I was asked how to get started in art if you have no talent or don’t think you are very good. Well that begs the question, “what is art?” For years I described myself as having the artistic ability of a toad. This is in part due to growing up with friends that could draw as well as being married to an artist. However, I was a dancer for years, played music, spent many hours quilting with friends and in short, find a great deal of enjoyment making something. Art isn’t about whether you can draw, paint or create a sculpture.
Much better minds than mine have grappled with this question, so I thought I’d check around and see how it’s been defined by others. The definition I liked the best was on Wikipedia. “Art is the process or product of deliberately arranging elements in a way to affect the senses or emotions. It compasses a diverse range of human activities, creations, and modes of expression, including music, literature, film, sculpture and paintings.” In short it’s all about the aesthetics.
So with the idea of “arranging elements,” it’s finally spring in northern New England. Daffodils and other spring flowers have replaced the snow piles in my backyard. It’s time to go pick some flowers and arrange them in various parts of the house. Today’s “take a break” is all about flowers-arrange them, plant bulbs for next year, divide plants, pick up a flat of annuals for your garden, or take some flowers to a friend. Take a walk and see what’s in your neighbor. Keep in mind that shrubs and grasses look lovely in an arrangement.
If gardening isn’t an option for you, you can purchase flowers and arrange them. Need some ideas on decorating, check out the following:
• “How to Arrange Flowers Like a Pro.”
• Ikebana the Japanese art of flower arranging
Can’t afford flowers? Make them out of tissue paper or Kleenex.
• Tissue Paper Daffodils
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