#130 ~ Little Party Girl

I made this one for my best friend Sonya's birthday. It was made from a photo of me taken by my foster mother, Little Honey, when I was about 4 years old. I love this photo because it was probably the only time in my life that anyone was able to get me dressed up that way. I was a total tomboy and hated all things frilly and flowered. I warms my heart that she was able to talk stubborn little me into such a getup!

The Butterfly That Started it All

I thought that I would include the butterfly of my grandpa, which was the first one I created before I set out on my quest to make so many butterflies. This one was sent in last year, and is already in the museum.
When I first heard about the Butterfly Project, I didn't think that it had much to do with me. But then I remembered that my grandpa looked into our ancestry. He found out that we had family members who were German Jews in concentration camps during World War Two.
It's hard for me to believe that humans could treat other humans with such hatred. It saddens me to think my family was there. I wish there was no war.
John Lennon's birthday was last week. He and Yoko said "War is over if you want it."
Well, I want it.
My grandpa was such a peaceful man. I miss him so much. He was one of the few people who loved and accepted me as I am. I think that is the foundation of peace: to love and accept people as they are...as long as they aren't hurting anyone, of course.

Day 129 ~ Queen of Tarts and Entourage

As I was packing the butterflies to mail to the museum, I found this collaboration piece between me and my BIF (Best internet friend) Bill Charlebois. He created the Queen of Tarts from a photo of me. I added Bonsai, the Baron of Bones, and Count Kiddy Widdy. The butterfly fairy in the corner is Bill. Check out his amazing digital art creations here: http://wjcsdigitalworld.blogspot.com/

Day 128 ~ Princess Leala

As I prepare to send my butterflies to the museum for the exhibit, I knew I couldn't do it without including a butterfly of the lovely Leala, Princess of the Manila Dunes! Leala is wearing a dress designed by famous 5 year old designer: Nyla! (The red carpet paparazzi go wild!)

Day 127 ~ Maya

Today's butterfly is dedicated to my favorite poet, teacher, and all-around phenomenal woman:
Dr. May Angelou. Here's her poem that changed my life:

PHENOMENAL WOMAN

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.

I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size

But when I start to tell them,

they think I'm telling lies.

I say,

It's in the reach of my arms,

The span of my hips,

The stride of my step,

The curl of my lips.

I'm a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That's me.

I walk into a room

Just as cool as you please,

And to a man,

The fellows stand or

Fall down on their knees.

Then they swarm around me,

A hive of honey bees.

I say,

It's the fire in my eyes,

And the flash of my teeth,

the swing in my waist,

And the joy in my feet.

I'm a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That's me.

Men themselves have wondered

What they see in me.

They try so much,

But they can't touch

My inner mystery.

When I try to show them,

they say they still can't see.

I say,

It's in the arch of my back,

The sun of my smile,

The ride of my breasts,

The grace of my style.

I'm a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That's me.

Now you understand

Just why my head's not bowed.

I don't shout or jump about

Or have to talk real loud. When you see me passing,

I ought to make you proud.

I say,

It's in the click of my heels,

the bend of my hair,

The palm of my hand,

The need for my care.

'Cause I'm a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomeanal woman,

That's me.

~Maya Angelou

Day 126 ~ Happy Earth Day!

Day 125 ~ Wishes and Dreams

I made this butterfly to go with an article I am writing for "Journal Journeys," an online membership zine for Artellaland. The article is called "Wishes and Dreams Come True on the Boardwalk." I made this butterfly with gold leaf and copper edges, and with a mirror in the center. I wanted to make something that was beautiful and lasting, because I wrote my dearest wish on the back. It's meant to be a reminder, to keep me plugging along in the direction of my dreams. It's small enough to carry with me, and the mirror helps me to look myself in the eye and believe that my wishes and dreams will come true.
I had a little "wishual" (wish ritual) to bless my special butterfly and my wish. I lit candles, said prayers and had yummy ginger-lemon-mint tea and biscotti. My childlike faith has been renewed. ;)

Day 124 ~ I am the Eggman

CooCooKaChoo!
Still on my Chagall kick...
Chagall used lots of chickens and donkeys in his work. He grew up in a small rural village in Russia, and farm animals were around, so that was what he painted. He also loved the circus, and often combined images he liked together in dream-like compositions that made sense only to him.
A clock hangs from the chicken's arm and I'm not sure what it means. Perhaps it's a commentary on just how short life is, and to "gather ye rosebuds while ye may."

Day 123 ~ Love Flies

As you can see, I am studying Marc Chagall this week. He was so hopeful and romantic, and since I am feeling the opposite these days, it's been good for me to study Chagall and his beautiful work. He had such a great attitude, one which I would like to adopt for myself. I love this quote:
"I'm not pessimistic because my motto has always been to look for love. Love is all that interests me, and I'm never in contact with things that don't revolve around love. So, I am never pessimistic." ~Marc Chagall

Day 122 ~ Cat Chagall

Day 121 ~ Tera Warner

I just finished listening to WISH Summit, which is a 40 day program of inspirational speakers interviewed by Tera Warner. This year she decided to do the program for free, which touched my heart deeply. She interviewed amazing people like Maya Angelou and Marianne Williamson.
I love her interviewing style, and the wise morsels of her own that she shared while conversing with her guests. I wrote her to say that someone ought to interview her. I wasn't the only one who suggested this, and she complied! I was so inspired by Tera's interview. I've been studying hope like a subject in school, and her interview gave me hope. I especially loved her quote: "To the degree to which you have fallen, you can fly." I wrote it on her wings!
If you'd like to be inspired with a dose of hope, sign up here: http://www.wishsummit.com/

Day 120 ~ Rain the Birthday Boy!

There once was a caterpillar named Rain

He wanted to fly

And still a caterpillar remain

So he made some wings out of Leggos and glue

You wouldn’t think they would fly

But they do!

Day 119 ~ Record Store Day!

All over America it's Record Store Day today! So get thee to a record store and soak up some good vibes! If you happen to be in Humboldt County, then be sure and visit Matt and Adam at Missing Link Records.

Day 118 ~ Champion of the Tender Hearted

Today's butterfly is for Angi Kowitz Orobko, Ed.D. I had the distinct pleasure of attending her teleclass about adding joy, delight and liveliness to our everyday routines. It was fun and interesting, and I learned some good tools for future use. After class I felt energized, like I got a shot of Vitamin B. (for bliss!)
To learn more about Angi and the wonderful work she is doing in the world, check out her websites:
www.AngelaKowitz.net
www.HeartsThatCare.net
championofthetenderhearted.blog.com

Day 117 ~ Cultivating Hope

I have been off of antidepressants for 2 months now. It hasn’t been easy. I am noticing more and more how important hope is for me, like a magic fuel that keeps me going. I am studying hope like a subject in school: noticing what it takes to keep my reservoirs of hope full. If they get too low, it’s almost impossible to do those things that cultivate more hope within me.

So, what IS hope anyway?

I think of it as a deep knowing that everything will be ok, especially when there’s lots of evidence to the contrary.

Here’s the dictionary definition of hope :

1. To wish for something with expectation of its fulfillment.

2. Archaic To have confidence; trust.

v.tr.

1. To look forward to with confidence or expectation: We hope that our children will be successful.

2. To expect and desire. See Synonyms at expect.

n.

1. A wish or desire accompanied by confident expectation of its fulfillment.

2. Something that is hoped for or desired: Success is our hope.

3. One that is a source of or reason for hope: the team's only hope for victory.

4. often Hope Christianity The theological virtue defined as the desire and search for a future good, difficult but not impossible to attain with God's help.

5. Archaic Trust; confidence.

For today’s butterfly, it’s more about the background than the butterfly. I wrote in the flowers different activities that help me to fill up on hope. It’s a fridge poster to remind me of things I can do when my hope gets low.

How about you? What fills your hope tanks?

Day 116 ~ Forgive and Forget-Me-Not

To forgive someone
They say
Is divine...
Have you forgiven me?
I need some sort of sign.
I've called,
I've written,
I've tried
and I've cried.
So now I can only
Step aside
And hope that you'll
Come 'round again
I miss you so much
My old friend.

Day 115 ~ Flu Bug

I'm not feeling so hot...
I may be away for a few days. I think I have the flu.
I will catch up eventually though, like I always do.

Day 114 ~ Nowhere Man

This is the Nowhere Man from Yellow Submarine, also known as Jeremy Hilary Boob.
I love this quote by the Nowhere Man:
"Yes is a word with a glorious ring! A true universal euphonious thing! Engenders embracing and chasing the blues! The very best word for the whole world to use!"

Day 113 ~ Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds

Day 112 ~ The Only Gal in the Band

I have been watching The Yellow Submarine and getting all kinds of inspiration from it. I want to spend a few days creating various butterflies from the movie.

Day 111~ Sleepy Butterbear

I don’t know why, but I have been so exhausted lately! I mean like fall-asleep-at-the-wheel sleepy! A friend of mine used to make these herbal spring tonics to energize and sip away the winter blues. I found one online I’m gonna try, since I already have a lot of the herbs here to make it. Gee, I hope it works or I may have to start drinking coffee again!

Today’s butterfly, or should I say “butterbear,” is quirky and misshapen, like the one who made him. He’s made from a blanket and an old pair of pj’s. It seemed to fit, since I’ve been so sleepy lately.

Day 110 ~ Good Fortune

Made with handmade Chinese paper, beads and fortune cookie fortunes.


A wise man turns chance into good fortune.

Day 109 ~ Paint Blot Butterfly

Last night as I was going to bed, I realized I had yet to create my butterfly for the day. I took out my journal and squirted some paint between the pages. I rubbed the pages a bit, then opened them and put my journal by the fireplace to dry overnight. This was what came of the experiment.

Day 108 ~ Cowboy Neal

I'm re-reading Jack Kerouac's "On the Road" as I often do at this time of year, wishing I could take a road trip. Since I already made a Kerouac butterfly, I thought I would make one of his side-kick, Neil Cassady, AKA Dean Moriarty, AKA Cowboy Neal, driver of Ken Kesey's busload of Merry Pranksters.
I got to meet Ken Kesey once at a book signing. I wish I could have met Cowboy Neal. Since he lived about a third of his life on the road, I made his wings out of road maps.
I love this line from the book:
"The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn like fabulous roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars and in the middle you see the blue centerlight pop and everybody goes "Awwww!"

Day 107 ~ Buddhafly

Buddhafly Haiku

Smiling Buddhafly
Green mossy belly laughing
The forest loves you.

Day 106 ~ We are all works of art

Day 105 ~ Shutterbug

For the past few days I have been walking around my house collecting as many items as I possibly can for The Betty Chin Sale. Betty Chin is this amazing local Mother Teresa/Angel who feeds the homeless. I’ve been feeling the need to really simplify for awhile now, so I have been putting items into the sale box that I never thought I would part with. It’s a very good good thing, but also somewhat bittersweet, because I have decided to donate my father’s camera. He was a great photographer of nature. I have switched to all-digital now, and I’ve just been hanging onto his camera out of nostalgia. I’d rather see it go to help someone than sit in my closet not being used. (My dad would have agreed) As I was taking out the last roll, the film got caught and I had to open the camera and expose it. That’s what I used to make today’s butterfly. I know it's not beautiful, but it got me thinking in new and inventive ways, and that's what matters.

Not to worry, the roll I used wasn’t the last roll of film that my dad shot! I found that one not long after he died. We talked a couple of times a month, and he was always telling me about the peleated woodpecker on his property. He was very excited about this woodpecker, because it was formally thought to be extinct. He kept saying he’d send me pictures, and he never did get around to it. But when I took out that last roll of film, there they were: about a dozen shots of the peleated woodpecker!

*If you live in Humboldt County and would like to attend the sale or donate items, here's the info page: http://www.facebook.com/betty.chin#!/notes/betty-chinn/bettys-garage-sale-fundraiser-saturday-april-2/211241365554843

Day 104 ~ Sticks and Stones

What do you do when someone you love knocks you totally off-balance with words that feel like hard slaps? You know, the kind of words that leave you feeling blue, like there’s something wrong with you?

What do you do?

How do you get through?

There was a time not so long ago when a situation like this would have had me running for a big old bottle of red wine. Last night I wrestled with that temptation big time. It’s been 6 weeks, and I really miss it. I pray a lot to get through one more day. I paint in bright colors to cheer me up, and say kind words to myself to ease the pain. This rock is a reminder that no matter what anyone else thinks of me: I Love Me! (If it makes me seem weird, so be it. I’m not here to win any popularity contests!)

It's tough and somewhat scary to admit these things...

We are all tender, fragile, and so easily hurt. Sometimes we hold onto those hurts for years and years. I prefer to let them float away on a river of my tears. My heart has been broken dozens of times, and each time, it just keeps getting bigger and wiser.

But first, my heart must heal yet again….

Sticks and stones may break my bones

But words can break my heart.

Day 102 & 103 ~ Tea for Two

Everyday for the past 10 years I have been putting my vitamins into a Chinese tea cup. Today, for the first time, I noticed that the tea cup has these beautiful butterflies on it. I thought I would create my own versions of them here.

Day 101 ~ Billieboy

This is my cousin Ursula's cat, Billieboy. I like turning him into art for her birthday, which is coming up in April, along with Aunt Claire's. But since they live in Germany and all, I have to mail out their gifts early. I'm mailing them their butterflies for gifts, which means light postage! Yay!

Day 100 ~ Aunt Claire

It seemed fitting to have my Aunt Claire represent my 100th butterfly for this project, since she's nearly 100 years old! She is the mother of Ursula (butterfly #99) and lives in Germany. But she used to live in Adrian, Michigan and was married to my dad's older brother, Ruskin. When I was growing up, we spent holidays with them. I think of all of our relatives, my dad felt most comfortable with them. He could be his eccentric self around them, and be accepted as unique instead of weird. He liked to do things the old way: making maple syrup from maple sap, making soap, growing heirloom veggies, etc. Back then, everyone thought he was quite an odd bird. (even me, I must admit!) But now I find myself trying many of his hobbies, like canning and making wine.
It's hard to believe that my Uncle Ruskin died almost 20 years ago. Aunt Claire moved back to Germany, and I haven't seen her since. I still remember her voice perfectly tho. It's funny, the details we remember about a person.
I know her outfit doesn't match, but I went with it anyway. I copied one of my dad's wool scarves to make her slacks. It's not our family plaid, but I hope it will make her happy. My dad loved his plaid wool scarves, so I hope it will bring her back happy memories of him, as it did for me too!

Day 99 ~ Ursula

This is my cousin Ursula, who lives in Germany. We rediscovered each other a few years ago after my dad died, and I am so grateful to have her in my life! She's a wonderful pen pal and sends letters, photos and lots of great art. We share a love and appreciation of art. I used a print by Ursula to create her butterfly wings.

Day 98 ~ Crafty Chica

I just had the distinct pleasure of working the dashboard for a class taught by Marney Makridakis of Artellaland and Kathy Cano-Murillo, a.k.a The Crafty Chica.
It was a wonderful class about putting more love into everything you do in life. If you would like to receive a recording of the class, you can sign up here:
http://www.artellaland.com/ARTbundance-Class-Wonder.html
Check out The Crafty Chica's website for her latest novel that's getting rave reviews:

Day 97 ~ R. Crumb

I am reading the very thick and interesting "R. Crumb Handbook," all about America's favorite underground cartoonist: Robert Crumb. I have always loved his style of drawing, so I thought I would try my hand at drawing him. He's also a blues man, and has a band called "Crumb and his Cheap Suit Serenaders." Here's an awesome video I found of Crumb and his band live. The slides are all drawings by Crumb of his favorite blues men and bands he is into. Check it out here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAdb8pCfk7s

Day 96 ~ Lil' Basket of Joy!

This is my friend Vanessa's lil' basket of joy! Aint she cute?
Speaking of joy, girls and butterflies, check out this amazing new program Vanessa has created here.
I'm so proud of her!

Day 95 ~ Spring!

I made this butterfly for the first day of Spring. It was inspired by Botticelli's "Primavera." Spring has always been my favorite season: the season of new life!

Day 94 ~ Sonya's Baby Gift

I made this really cool 8-pronged mobile for my BFF Sonya to hang over the bed of her soon-to-be 5th child. I used all of the butterflies I made of Sonya's family, plus one of me: the proud and blessed Auntie M!
Please say a prayer for Sonya and the baby. They had to admit Sonya to the hospital yesterday because the baby wasn't very active. This has been a very difficult pregnancy, but I have faith that this one will be as healthy and bright as his 4 beautiful siblings!

Day 93 ~ Velvet Border

I found these little canvasses with velvet borders at Michael's for $2.00 each, so I got several. This was the first one I painted.

Day 92 ~ Riverdance Rob

Today's butterfly is a collaboration between me and my good friend Bill Charlebois, who is an awesome digital artist, writer, and all-around Renaissance Man. You can see his cool creations here: http://wjcsdigitalworld.blogspot.com/
Bill created this image of our groovy Irish friend, Rob. It seemed so fitting to have him here for St.Patty's Day! Rob is a dancer, so I gave him moving legs for dancing jigs. Since his arms don't move, he reminded me of a Riverdancer, hence the name! I actuality though, he is a very vibrant dancer who moves his arms and all parts of his body. See him dance here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIaxJgyQXgc
Enjoy this silly little dancing video I made of Rob, and have yourselves a safe and celebratory St.Patty's Day!

Day 91 ~ Hey Jack Kerouac

Tonight I listened to my favorite radio show: The Jazz Underground on KHUM.com (Tues. nights between 7 and 9 PM.) The DJ is the ultra cool Ryan Lee, who happens to be re-reading "On the Road" by Jack Kerouac, one of my favorite books. In fact, Jack Kerouac is one of my favorite humans, even though he's only here in spirit now. Tonight Ryan Lee played an hour of Kerouac-inspired jazz that I got lost in as I created this butterfly.
I discovered this awesome movie called "One Fast Move Or I'm Gone: Kerouac's Big Sur." I liked it so much that I purchased a copy. There's this clever little secret pocket built into the dvd case, and I noticed a piece of paper sticking out. It turned out to be a copy of a letter written by Jack Kerouac in 1961 when he was riding on the California Zephyr train from Lowell, Mass. out to San Fransisco. I copied the letter and used it for the wings.

Day 90 ~ Greetings!

Day 89 ~ Illuminated

I made this cool shadow box-type thing with parchment paper, a box and a candle. As you can see by the faint brown spot towards the top, it almost started on fire! So I will have to get some of those flame-free candles at the dollar store for this instead. Otherwise tho, I love the way that it turned out!

Day 88 ~ Matisse Mate

I decided that my female Matisse needed a mate offering her a star that he pulled down from the sky as a gift of love.

Day 87 ~ Matisse

I have been studying Matisse and learning so much! In the past I discounted him as overly simplistic, but I have a whole new opinion of him now. His daring use of bold primary colors, shapes and patterns revolutionized contemporary art. When Matisse was in his 80's he became very ill with cancer. While he was confined to his bed, he came up with a whole new art form: colorful paper cutouts which he would expertly shear from big pieces of brightly painted paper. I love that he kept creating right up until the very end of his life! His final project was a beautiful chapel which he designed for a nun who helped him while he was ill. I was so inspired when I saw the chapel, and I intend to visit it one day. Here's a video so you can see what I mean:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hk0x0nFLH_U
I tried my hand at Matisse-style paper cutouts for today's butterfly.

Day 86 ~ Tsunami of Love

I started making these little encouraging angel dolls as a fund raising effort for Haiti relief last year. They are hand-stitched and stuffed with lots of love. If you would like one for yourself or someone dear to you, please drop me an email at artlovin1@suddenlink.net. For $30.00 (which includes US postage) I will send you an encouraging angel in the colors of your choosing, and half of all sales will go to the Red Cross Japan Tsunami Relief.
I also set up a fund raising page here
I titled this Tsunami of Love because, like the butterfly who flaps its wing and starts a tidal wave, the smallest effort of love can quickly gather with others and become a powerful force for good. We are all connected by the small acts of love we freely give, whether it be financial or just a simple kind thought. That's the kind of love I want to share with the world.

Day 85 ~ Kandinsky

The cool thing about this butterfly projects is that it's making me want to learn more about the artists I admire. I have been studying the art of Kandinsky. I love his childlike use of color and shapes. I'm inspired by this quote by Kandinsky: "The artist must train not only his eye but also his soul." I train my artist's soul by nourishing it with a wide variety of creative delights, colors and sensual stimuli. When it thrives, I thrive.

Day 84 ~ Mardi Gras

Happy Mardi Gras everybody! Let the good times roll! Laissez les bons temps rouler!
I listened to jazz and wished for mint juleps while creating this butterfly, and teetotal toasted my favorite city N'awlins!