Sunday, February 3, 2013

This I Believe & Face #3

There is a beautiful legend of a guru who was much revered and followed.  When he was not teaching or meditating, he wrote in his journals.  No one was allowed to see them.  "You may look at them only after I have left my body," he told his disciples.  By the time of his death, he had filled up scores of journals, which his followers finally opened after the guru passed away.  Stunned, they saw that all of the journals contained only one word, written over and over and over:  Ram, Ram, Ram --- Peace, Peace, Peace.


I had made a mess of an art journal page in which I tried to emboss over a collage made from prints with my gelli plate, paint the whole thing with acrylic paint and then rub away the paint from the embossed parts to show the collage below.  It just didn't work.   But the experiment left me with some wonderful texture and interesting colors and marks.  (Note to self - never give up -- each step leads to something else, and the end result can make you happy even if the steps along the way make you want to throw the whole thing out!) Squinting at it, I found a face in the lower right, and made the rest into wild hair.    Inside that hair, I found a dove.


Obviously, a girl with a dove in her hair must have peace on her mind.

"Mostly, she thought about how to make the world a more peaceful place."


This I Believe:

“There is a criterion by which you can judge whether the thoughts you are thinking and the things you are doing are right. The criterion is: Have they brought you inner peace? If what you do has brought you inner peace, stay with what you believe is right.”  Peace Pilgrim 

Thank you for visiting! I read and treasure every comment and will answer any questions as quickly as I can.

Linking to 29 Faces,  Create With Joy, Mandarin Orange Monday, Make it on Monday, Pin and Tack Spark Your Creativity (Anything Goes), Monday Mantras, Art Journal Journey (peace), Art Journal Every Day,  and Simon Says Stamp and Show (stars).

UPDATE:  My friend, Carolyn Dube, is starting a FREE online class called "Use Your Words."   Check it out!
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56 comments:

  1. Šolanje na domu-WaldorfFebruary 3, 2013 at 9:24 AM

    I love it! Such energy in this painting. The bird is awesome!

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  2. Ilona HeimböckelFebruary 3, 2013 at 9:42 AM

    Strong lines, great texture and expression and wonderfully coloured! I like it :-)

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  3. Martha RichardsonFebruary 3, 2013 at 10:16 AM

    Beautiful and the quote was exactly what I needed today ;)

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  4. Candy CFebruary 3, 2013 at 11:39 AM

    Jessica...What a lovely sentiment and such a lovely way of sharing your inspiration with all of us. I love your bright, vibrant "ALIVE" colors! I love your design of the dove also being part of her hair. I can feel your heart in this piece just by looking at it. Beautifully done! Thanks for sharing your art with us at Simon Says Stamp and Show. <3 Candy

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  5. CraftyGirlFebruary 3, 2013 at 12:13 PM

    Wow, such a work of art. Thank you for playing along this week at “Pin and Tack”. I sure hope you had fun!!! See you back very soon to play in another fun challenge.

    TTFN,

    CraftyGirl
    craftygirlcardsandcrafts.blogspot.com
    Pin and Tack / Spark Your Creativity Now DT

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  6. Chandra MerodFebruary 3, 2013 at 12:24 PM

    I like your peace woman she is beautiful! The texture and colors are so cool. I like your quotes as well. What do the words say on the page?
    May you find everlasting peace.
    Chandra

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    1. Chandra MerodFebruary 3, 2013 at 12:25 PM

      Oh I see it now you wrote it above. I love it! Peace :)

      Delete
  7. froebelsternchenFebruary 3, 2013 at 12:36 PM

    what a fabulous piece of ART! Thank you Jessiac.. have to check out Carolyns workshop!

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  8. Linda KunsmanFebruary 3, 2013 at 1:50 PM

    this is really wonderful-it has such a, yes, peaceful and positive energy about it!!

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  9. Beverley BairdFebruary 3, 2013 at 1:56 PM

    Love this piece! The quote, the play with textures, the face and dove - they all work so well together!
    The quotes tho are dead on!

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  10. SarahFebruary 3, 2013 at 3:14 PM

    totally gorgeous! I love your textural, painty layers and the face is wonderful! A fabulous composition full of colour and expression. Thanks for sharing your art with us at Simon Says Stamp and Show. Sarah.

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  11. AnonymousFebruary 3, 2013 at 3:22 PM

    She's just gorgeous and I adore the dove.....there is always something to be found in everything we do isn't there. I am glad you didn't give up but continued on until the painting was done. xox

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  12. GigglesFebruary 3, 2013 at 5:22 PM

    Peace is such important part of my life and have loved the peace pilgrim quotes for years!! Beautiful artwork representing this quote!! Love it!!


    Hugs Giggles

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  13. AnonymousFebruary 3, 2013 at 7:55 PM

    This is absolutely stunning! Thanks so much for sharing it with us at Simon Says Stamp and Show! I have pinned it to my "Simon Says Stamp and Show Awesomeness" pin board :) - Ashli

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  14. TraceyFebruary 3, 2013 at 9:55 PM

    Absolutely Amazing Jessica!!! I am in awe of your talent! Thanks so much for joining us at Simon Says Stamp and Show :)

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  15. Judy SheaFebruary 3, 2013 at 10:22 PM

    This blows me away. So great you didn't give up on this.. it's just beautiful, Jessica. Peace out!

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  16. EVAFebruary 3, 2013 at 10:55 PM

    Wonderful post and beautiful girl and words. Gorgeous!

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  17. Jenn BedientFebruary 3, 2013 at 11:29 PM

    Visiting from MIM :) This is really pretty! Great job!

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  18. UnknownFebruary 4, 2013 at 1:39 AM

    wow thank goodness you were able to save your journal page because this is beautiful!! i love the texture and the saying :)

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  19. Anita Houston The Artful MavenFebruary 4, 2013 at 2:54 AM

    You need a megaphone for the whole world to hear!!! Oh the inspiration I feel every time I visit you! Beautiful words to mull over and beautiful Art to adore! A STELLAR creation indeed! Thank you for showing us your stars this week at Simon Says Stamp & Show!

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  20. lozFebruary 4, 2013 at 3:57 AM

    Fantastic artwork Jessica.. I saw this on MIM..Loz

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  21. AnonymousFebruary 4, 2013 at 5:28 AM

    Lovely sentiment, The colors are beautiful and you have done this so skillfully

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  22. UnknownFebruary 4, 2013 at 6:15 AM

    i love the textures and colors. i agree with the Peace Pilgrim--a beautiful thought to live by.

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  23. Sarah-JaneFebruary 4, 2013 at 8:44 AM

    I saw your link on Make it Monday, so thought I would pop over and take a closer look. I'm glad I did because your artwork is amazing!
    Sarah-Jane xx

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  24. UnknownFebruary 4, 2013 at 10:50 AM

    That's amazing! Totally cool!

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  25. Nancy KelleyFebruary 4, 2013 at 12:55 PM

    Great post - love the fact you went back to it at a later date and saw something different (and beautiful!). Thanks for sharing on our Gelli Arts FB page :)

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  26. Sarah LeonardFebruary 4, 2013 at 1:48 PM

    This is completely beautiful - I love the words you have chosen too.

    Thanks so much for linking up :)

    Sarah @ A Cat-Like Curiosity

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  27. MariaFebruary 4, 2013 at 2:39 PM

    There are NO mistakes here Jessica. This is just beautiful and peaceful. I love all the textures and colors you got. Peaceful thoughts to you!

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  28. FayeFebruary 4, 2013 at 3:19 PM

    Gorgeous Artwork and colors. I spotted this on MIM. Faye

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  29. ScrappycathFebruary 4, 2013 at 3:28 PM

    Beautiful art! Saw this on MIM

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  30. EJFebruary 4, 2013 at 4:16 PM

    Gorgeous!

    My Orange
    Your comment will be greatly appreciated.

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  31. PiaRomFebruary 4, 2013 at 5:52 PM

    Oh my, what a wonderful story from those gurujournals :) and how your artcomes together. Looks like it was a magical process :) I adore the finished piece and the title fits so well :) Happy MOM

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  32. lorikFebruary 4, 2013 at 10:31 PM

    I like the tactile quality of your work - and especially like the rubbed back areas - beautiful texture. A wonderful. lively celebration of peace. Thank you for sharing with Mandarin Orange Monday:)

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  33. hopeFebruary 5, 2013 at 8:06 AM

    i really love the face.

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  34. dentheFebruary 5, 2013 at 8:37 AM

    So great! LOVE it!

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  35. UnknownFebruary 5, 2013 at 6:17 PM

    I love this Jessica, the colors and design are wonderful and it puts a smile on my face. Thanks for sharing your talent with us at Make It Monday.

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  36. UnknownFebruary 6, 2013 at 9:08 AM

    I'm so happy to find you, not only do I admire your art I admire your writing! And....we are practically neighbors...I frequent the Montclair Art Museum for its offering and great classes.

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    Replies
    1. UnknownFebruary 6, 2013 at 9:11 AM

      I'm glad you found me too! That's so cool. I don't go to MAM as often as I should. It is a treasure. The Newark Museum is wonderful too. Welcome!

      Delete
  37. KarinFebruary 6, 2013 at 5:21 PM

    wow this is stunning!

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  38. DebbieFebruary 6, 2013 at 6:54 PM

    What a great post and page! I love the story you begin with, and the story of how your piece evolved into this beautiful page!

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  39. Marjie KemperFebruary 7, 2013 at 12:17 PM

    How fabulous! I love that you didn't give up and also didn't just gesso it to start over... this face is so rich in detail and emotion. And the journals story is striking! Peace to you, my friend.

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  40. AnonymousFebruary 8, 2013 at 10:44 AM

    Absolutely gorgeous

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  41. Candy CFebruary 8, 2013 at 11:29 AM

    Yay Jessica! Congrats on being selected as one of the TOP THREE Stars challenge pieces! I loved your project...so original and beautifully done! I'm so glad you were chosen. <3 Candy

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  42. Arnoldo L. Romero, MLAFebruary 8, 2013 at 5:17 PM

    Congratulations on being selected as one of the top 3 entries for SSS&S, Jessica. Blessings!

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  43. SandraFebruary 8, 2013 at 5:50 PM

    Beautiful. you are very talented.
    I hopped over from MIM for a look
    S xxx
    PS. I have Candy http://sandicatsworld.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/10000-candy.html

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  44. ClaudineFebruary 8, 2013 at 6:47 PM

    What a Beautiful art journal page, congrats on your win at Simon Says Stamp!!!

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  45. barbarayaya62February 9, 2013 at 12:05 AM

    Beautiful art page! Very very cool! barbarayaya

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  46. MauraFebruary 9, 2013 at 11:04 AM

    Beautiful art page! Lovely win!

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  47. UnknownFebruary 9, 2013 at 2:46 PM

    Hi Jessica Congratulations!!! I really enjoyed reading about your thoughts as you painted this lovely piece. The words compliment your artwork beautifully. Hugs Helen x

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  48. Words and PicturesFebruary 9, 2013 at 5:59 PM

    What an amazing piece - the words are wonderful swirling in all that colour and texture! Congratulations on your top 3 at SSSaS!!
    Alison x

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  49. Suzanne BouchardFebruary 9, 2013 at 10:44 PM

    What a wonderful painting! i love the texture and how did the face!!!

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  50. Norma GomezFebruary 16, 2013 at 9:17 PM

    This is absolutely gorgeous and I love the story you shared too. Thank you so much for sharing, you've definitely inspired me :D Have a wonderful weekend!

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  51. Arnoldo L. Romero, MLAFebruary 17, 2013 at 10:40 AM

    She's beautiful, Jessica. I love the sculptural feel of the paint application. Blessings!

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  52. lena-dailyscrapFebruary 21, 2013 at 10:11 AM

    This is really beautiful, dear Jessica! She reminds me a little bit of the Avatar girl and she was/is beautiful too! Great idea!

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  53. katFebruary 23, 2013 at 4:26 AM

    Wow this is absolutely gorgeous, really love it!

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  54. ~*~Patty SFebruary 26, 2013 at 12:14 PM

    Fantastic and inspiring PEACE offering in every way!
    Greetings from Art Journal Journey
    oxo

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