When Women Were Birds, SICK!, and 'Symbiosis II'

I would like to share an excerpt from the book, "When Women Were Birds" by Terry Tempest Williams:

'Once upon a time,

When women were birds,

There was the simple understanding 

That to sing at dawn

And to sing at dusk

Was to heal the world through joy.

The birds still remember what we have forgotten, 

That the world is meant to be celebrated.'

Oh yeah.  She gets me.

She gets IT.

On another note, I have been sick for over two weeks.  I have been in bed most of that time.  I have been able to do a lot of work from my laptop in bed (like right now!) but I haven't been able to make art in my studio.  I've had to cancel plenty of classes, too.  So I've had a lot of extra time that I could only use while laying in bed and 'taking it easy.'  With that, I've had time to watch some great movies and documentaries.  I've had time to think and reflect.  I have drawn in my sketchbook.  I have an exciting idea for a new piece of art, that will be a little different from anything I have done before.  I am inspired and anxious to get all better, so I can get back to my studio!

I will now share with you a drawing I am proud of.  It was my first out-of-sketchbook drawing in quite a while, and my largest drawing ever.  At heart, I'm a draftsman.  I absolutely love the act of drawing.  When creating the back sketch for my large paper cut "Symbiosis I" I kept being tempted to shade and get into details, rather than just mark where to cut out the paper.  So I decided after the paper cut, I would indulge my temptations to really draw with pencil, and make the same image, mirrored, the same large size, as a drawing.

So here it is, "Symbiosis II."

"Symbiosis II" graphite, 30" x 53.5", by Heather Clements, 2013.

"Symbiosis II" (detail) by Heather Clements, 2013.

"Symbiosis II" (detail) by Heather Clements, 2013.

"Symbiosis II" (detail) by Heather Clements, 2013.

My favorite part is the hair.  Just like the paper cut, the hair alone took me two whole days.

"Symbiosis II" (detail) by Heather Clements, 2013.

 And to show you the size of the drawing:

And yes, it is for sale!  If interested, contact me.

Inspiration Source #16:  "Beauty is Embarrassing." Netflix synopsis: "Get to know Wayne White, one of America's most unusual and arresting artists, with this snappy documentary that traces the ups and downs of his career.  The jovial White discusses his art, strums the banjo, plays with puppets and simply enjoys life."  I found this documentary to be extremely well done, funny and inspiring.  It is currently available on Netflix Instant Watch.  Go watch it!

Thank you so much for allowing me to share with you today.

-Heather