"Everything has a value, provided it appears at the right place at the right time. It's a matter of recognizing that value, that quality, and then transform it into something that can be used. If you come across something valuable and tuck it away in your metaphysical suitcase there's sure to come a moment when you can make use of it." - Jurgen Bey.
We had two days of power outages during which three of my kitchen applainces blew. At 9.00 a.m. on the first day we heard we would be without electricity for about 12 hours. Okay! I could either seethe about it or make the best of it. Since I had managed to make a cup of coffee just in the nick of time (which goes a long way to soothe frazzled nerves) I decided to be grown up about it and take advantage of being without appliances. No vacuuming or washing and ironing! What more could a girl ask for?
The weather was perfect for outdoor carving so most of my day was taken care of, whittling, hammering, attaching, contemplating and generally being gratefull that I could get on with my work. Added to that I had a chunk of free time to collage my next assignment for the Shelley Klammer Course I'm doing.
All in all it was a good day though I don't profess to being happy without my computer all evening. The air was a little blue for a while !
This piece is thrilling, uplifting, wow! I love the way you fit the pieces of wood into the heart, the iguana, coral and tree. I feel happy looking at it and am wondering how you felt when making it. It has some very powerful vibes.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous!! Your electrical outage certainly was no power outage - it all flowed through you. I love all the details, compartments, the elements of nature with a bit of manmade... and how it all comes together as One.
ReplyDeleteI really like this totem. For some reason it speaks to me. It is definitely nice to live without technology for a while, but I am forever grateful for the Internet!
ReplyDeleteShayla, the centre piece came together very easily so I must have been in the flow and feeling very positive about it but I'm not sure that it's finished yet. I'm wondering about a bird sitting on the head.
ReplyDeleteKarin,thank you. I do tend to put in a lot of detail no matter what medium I use. I used to make tall totems out of papier mache but in very bright colours.... with plenty of detail.
Thanks Heather, I could get used to being without some mod cons but there are others that I would really hate to be without.
Beauty...always beauty...in all that you do Robyn...your soul shines so brightly in your creativity.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely adore every single element of this piece - top to bottom without a question - a bird on the head? actually, I can see that, too. you make me want to try my hand at carving. :) and the collage just makes me want to sigh peacefully.
ReplyDeleteas for not having electricity, I'm ok if I happen to be in the wilderness, but when at home and I can't use that (pc) ... or that (food is thawing?!?) ... or that (no music), even ... well, it can make be a bit cranky. it's nice to see a much better alternative to cranky. :)
I've come back and had a few looks at this intriguing piece. I just love the sponge/coral and the idea of the bird singing in a belly. Each time I see it I notice something else.
ReplyDeleteLovely carving Robyn, esp like the heart! We used to sell keyrings made of those turtle beads so I feel really linked in to this piece...like I could reach out and touch it! Wish I could...Well done for going with the flow :-)
ReplyDeleteI am so intrigued about one little niche..right of the tree.. what are those pointy things?? Quills?
ReplyDeleteYour pieces are so interesting - would love to know why you choose the particular details you do for each one, and how you see them connected. It would be nice to watch how you create a piece. I'm glad you had the power outage - so this piece could be created! :)
ReplyDeleteI love all the bits of your new carving. You sure made good use of your time away from modernity.
ReplyDeleteI *heart* this work so much! I just love the intricate details - maybe you will show us close-ups of all the compartments some time...
ReplyDelete(Bird on the head... wonderful!!)
the detail on this piece is magnificent! you make me want to learn to carve!!!
ReplyDeleteRobyn - you are such a talent!
ReplyDeleteRobyn I love your eye for detail. There is just so much to see in your pieces. The totem is amazing...I'm going back to have another look.
ReplyDeleteShelley, thank you for saying the sweetest things.
ReplyDelete3rdEye, believe me I had to work at the not being cranky part until I was in the swing of creating.
Spot, I love the intriguing part!
Thanks Cherry, the turtle just seemed right somehow.
Grrl, yes they are small porcupine quills.
Bindu, this totem is called Nature Lover so I gravitated toward all the natural elements.
Stevie, it was a great excuse not to do housework!
Thanks Jin, I love it when people make a connection with my work.
Julie, we are birds of a feather in that we love the details.
Jeane, coming from an innovative and talented artist such as yourself I am honoured. Thank you.
Thanks Jacky.
Keep on doing those collages. I wouldn't mind doing one of those collage courses you're doing, but I have a bit on my plate at the moment.
ReplyDeleteboo to dodgy elastictrickery duffing your appliances; you thought your air was blue...I dunno what colour it was here when the car packed up, but it wasn't pretty! :)
ReplyDeleteThat is beautiful totem Robyn...
(And thank you..it's been a week now but miss him bad!)
X:)
I love your latest totem. Hope life returns to normal for you soon
ReplyDelete1
Robyn, I love the fact you "made the best" of a day with no power...and look at what you achieved. Your carvings are always so beautiful...thankyou for the close up heart...I love the way you have fitted the smaller pieces into it, with such sensitivity.
ReplyDeleteYour collage is exciting!
BTW Robyn, I think you have left the lights on :)
The lights hsould go out more often. Lovely work as always.
ReplyDeleteStupendous piece. The carving of the heart is exceptional. Fantastic!
ReplyDeletei love the heart, robyn... well heck, i love the whole piece (!), but the heart is so perfect there. and your collage is stunning--as usual!
ReplyDeleteGreat thing about carving is that electricity is helpful but not necessary. I too still can work outside, we have a quite pleasant november, around 15 degrees C.
ReplyDeleteI like the totem very much, especially the heart idea.
WOW...this is amazing. At times I wonder how you create art out of nothing. Then when I read the Jurgen Bey quote then it made a lot of sense. But surely some people, like you, are far better at noticing that "Value"...Thomas
ReplyDeleteLovely and warm thing. Respect.
ReplyDeleteI wish so much that I could reach though the screen and touch your carvings. Peer in each little compartment. See up close the hand prints of your work. Maybe one day I'll be able to see one in person.
ReplyDeleteThis is wonderful!
when i look at your work i think i am looking into a treasure chest with little sections in it. all those objects that you have included are things that i'd definitely treasure.
ReplyDeleteso bangalore is not the only place with power cuts! the quote that you have included is lovely. i've written it down for my own reference.
Your work never ceases to amaze me, your style is magical. The heart in this piece is brilliant. Maybe the power needs to go off more often so we get to see more beautiful work.
ReplyDeleteRobyn, your piece, "the nature lover," is so beautiful. His (her?) face is so serene, worshipful and your carvings are so unique. I love the tree. And your gifts from the ocean, and the little bottles filled with treasures. I would love to hear the story of each little detail! Have a great week! Roxanne
ReplyDeleteJason, when things have quitened down you should do the course. I'm getting so much out of it.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mimi.
Chris, everything is back to normal again.
Jo, I had such fun making the heart.
Thanks Jackie.
Seth, wow...all this praise will go to my head.
Thanks Lynne, I'm not usually a heart person but it seemed to be right just there.
Thinker, so far it hasn't been as hot as most S. African Springs (27- 32 degrees C) but as it gets hotter my work routine will have to change.
Thomas , its all a learning process :-)
Thanks RB. I wonder how your work is coming along. Your house must be looking stunning.
Leanne, thats the way I feel about your work. I would love to see it face to face.
ReplyDeletePriya, I've been wondering why its taken me so long to find a use for all my treasures...but now its a great feeling to be using them for something. Discovering meaningful quotes is a thrill isn't it?
Ro, don't wish any more power cuts on me :-)
Roxanne, thank you. Maybe I will sketch a little story map for my next one. Hope you have a great week too!
good morning, robyn... for some reason, blogger or my computer (not sure which) won't allow me the pleasure of opening your photos further, so my laptop view willhave to do... the heart is brilliant, of course... but it all flows so beautifully, whimsically, and rhythmically... i'm in love with your little monster in the upper left corner.
ReplyDeleteThanks Virginia, the monster is a grumpy chameleon. We see fewer and fewer chameleons these days...probably because of all the insecticides.
ReplyDeleteLOVE your new totem! Especially the iguana and the heart! As Aunt Leanne says, I would love to see it in person!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Queeny C.G.
Thanks Queencrafty. That would be great. Imagine meeting one day. You, me, totem and Leanne.
ReplyDeleteThe totem is awesome! I don't know why, but whenever I am around one, I have to run my hands over it. I have to feel it... Looks like you spent your time very well. You are so creative and it shows that you love what you do!
ReplyDeleteWow, your totem is amazing! I love all the tiny pieces that compose it--they make it so interesting and fun to look at.
ReplyDeleteLove love love this totem. love the heart, with all the grooves of age and time, and all of the details.
ReplyDelete