A place to encourage the creativity of artistic minds of all ages. Offering Ideas, Inspiration and Instruction and sharing the work of others who inspire me!
When I put the last video together, I was restricted regarding the polymer clay section of My Personal Art History. Just couldn't find the photos that I thought I had saved. Well lo and behold, the next day I discovered a pile of photograph records tucked away on my back up hard drive. So of course that meant I had to make more parts, or should I say segments to this Personal Art History series. Must say, creating figurines both hman and other kind were great fun. This Art History series is basically a trip down memory lane, sharing or journalling about my Art making experiences. So if you get inspired even a little, great. If you want to learn more about how to create clay figurines, there's a link to my figurines below.
While I enjoy memory lane, may you be even a little inspired to create in whatever way you wish.
Watch Below
Interested in the tutorial/learn with me videos? Here are the links to a few of the featured projects:
💓Figurines here are all on one page, just click the project you prefer.
Part 5 of my personal art making history. This was my time with polymer clay. Loved working in three dimensional colours. Unfortunately, I had trouble with the physicality needed to work the clay. Take a Look to see some of the fun I had. All of the pictures and more are contained in detail on my channel and this blog.
If you are new to HeArtfully Creating let me introduce myself. My name is Anita Berglund and I live in Canada. Ever since I can remember, I only ever wanted to be an artist.
Thanks to technology, I get to share various aspects of my life, our life (I have a wonderful husband of 20 years, named Craig) with whoever wants to listen. Since I was born with a neuromuscular disorder called Spinal Muscular Atrophy type 3, my muscles don't receive the messages to move like healthy muscles do. The motor neurone slowly deteriorate bit by bit. That means I once walked with a wobble and had full use of my upper body. At fourteen/fifteen, I started using a wheelchair, full time. Then as my muscles
Resin - Alcohol ink -Petri dish technique
have continued their decline, I have been able to adapt all aspects of my life quite easily. Easily because I still had use of my hands. Even as my arms were no longer able to be raised or lifted (no more hugging), I could still figure out how to create. Even in University (as a mature Art student), I had
pomegranate - Acrylic on canvas
switched to using Prismacolor Pencils instead of Acrylic paint, assuming painting was no longer possible. I believe God gave me the idea to prop my right arm up on my desk and a paint canvas on a chair seat, leaning against the back. Voila, I would be able to do my best paintings ever.
Wanting to teach and share everything creative, I started this blog. And of course hoping to find ways to earn money to help pay for my art supplies by blogging and YouTube. It was to coincide with my YouTube channel abergiecreation. As you look back, you will see that I have branched out dabbling in a variety of new media, such as alcohol ink, resin, jewellery making, wire work, beading, needle
A polymer clay pendant
felting, digital art, print making, and my favourite, Polymer Clay. That was like painting in three dimensions. Loved the polymer clay community, so many wonderful artists and teachers! It's been as if the whole world was opened up thanks to the Internet, we are able to learn anything we want. Until then it was paper pencils and paint. That made art making very easy to focus on. I must confess, as awesome as it is to be able to find tutorials on any subject matter imaginable, I definitely have found it hard to focus and concentrate on one skill. Which means you end up doing a little bit of everything but not getting very good at one thing. Needless to say, the last 10 years I've been all over the place, in a good way and financially in a bad way. Art supplies aren't cheap.
Unfortunately, as time has passed, my hand strength continues to diminish. As much as I tried working with my dominant right hand, it has just been too difficult. Energy, like gasoline in a vehicle, is also some thing that is Sparse these days. Perhaps it's due to the other big life change, the one every middle-age woman looks forward to ha ha, menopause. Even though spinal muscular atrophy does cause fatigue, this life change compounds that fatigue exponentially at times. Bottom line is as of late, I am unable to bring my two arms/hands together to work. You know how hands need to work together in order to get things done?
That it's some thing I didn't ever anticipate. I I always consider myself blessed because I was able to prepare for the weakening of my muscles. Just never really thought about losing the use of two
Needle felted hearts that I made
cooperating hands. Which has therefore, caused me to lack severely in productivity. At the same time dealing with other health issues, including that middle-aged lady one, has meant a lot of resting and battling the temptation to sink into depression. Trusting God with my life, by His grace I remain joyful in spite of the many unanticipated life factors (see our life blog www.walkingwayoverrated.blogspot.com for more on that).
I did this figurine in polymer clay
I don't know about you, but if I don't have projects to work on, motivation is dangerously low. Then wanting to do certain projects and not being able to do them, compound that lack of motivation. Diagnosed with ADHD about fifteen years ago, I realized it makes sense why when I enjoy what I am working on, it is all I can focus on. (no need for medication to do so). I get that way when watching a tv series. ER was my last viewing obsession, all 15 seasons. No other show, just ER. It's most likely how I am wired that causes me to focus on just one thing until I am satisfied it's completed or I get bored with it. Getting bored or something is then when I see the effects of that diagnosis. Focus then becomes impossible, bouncing from one subject to another or in TV World one channel to another. You could only imagine how hard it is to focus on YouTube, all those choices.
Because I knew I would slowly lose muscle use, not walking was no big deal to me. But I always assumed my hands would be usable, able to create no matter what. Facing the past couple of years has been far more challenging than I ever imagined. Not really focusing on what I can do, I focused more on what I couldn't do. There are a lot of wonderful people living with limited mobility, who lead creative, productive lives. Using their brilliant minds, they have no limits. I think of heroes of mine like Joni Eareckson Tada and Nick Vujcic, and Shane Burcaw. So, I had no excuse to wallow in self pity and do
A Doodle I did on wood with acrylic paint pens
nothing. It only takes my right hand to the this blog. It only takes that same hand to draw, to press buttons and with the arms and legs of others and assistive devices, I can get a hand to accomplish whatever I need to. Well obviously, I do approach things with reason and except that my dream of being a fire fighter or a brain surgeon just won't happen no matter who tries to help me out. My voice is still there and the grey matter God blessed me with is as active as ever!
So I recently have started bit by bit, passing on my art supplies to those who I hope will make the most of them. (I must say that is a big challenge because it's tempting to think, what if I can find a way to use them?) It's quite normal that artists can be addicted to collecting art supplies. That can mean having supplies you never even touch, but just enjoy looking at. Weird, I know, but it's true. It brings great joy, encouraging children of all ages (and even adults) to create in whatever way shape, or form they can.
Struggling more and more with feeling kind of like a lazy slug, unmotivated and not producing much of anything. The biggest decision so far in this life transition was finally made days ago. Thanks to the encouragement from my husband, that's what this video is about. About the first step in adapting and learning a new easier way to create art with one hand. So watch the video to see step One, step two is supposed to be delivered by 8 PM tonight. Apprehensive but also excited.
Watch Below- Apple Pencil Unboxed. Digital Artventure Begins
A Bite Out Of Life
Of course, when one has a physical disability, it's pretty common to adapt by doing things in whatever way you can. Our mouth is extremely helpful to many of us, to carry out a wide variety of tasks. Everything from opening pens to carrying keys, clothing, blankets and towels, basically whatever our mouth can hold. My husband carries recycle bags to the door between his teeth on garbage night!!
One of my Digital Paintings with a small Wacomb drawing tablet
If I remember correctly, one of my heroes, Nick born without arms or legs mentioned earlier, proposed to his now wife, by placing the engagement ring in his mouth and slipping it onto her finger. Genius!
My acrylic paint pens
This is not as romantic as that but, and never will be, but even though I can draw with one hand, when using drawing implements with lids it requires a second hand to pull those off. Pretty much my entire life, even when my hands were stronger, it just was always easier to use my teeth. There's no avoiding cold hard reality, especially after you hear a loud crack in your left molar while trying to yank off a large Sharpie lid. Thankfully it doesn't hurt.
Thought investing in paint pens would be a good way to adapt, to be able to paint and draw since working with paint supplies, has become too challenging to even think about. I didn't consider the damage happening to my teeth by removing all those lids. As well, it turns out paint pens can be very frustrating when it seems like one out of ever four or five doesn't work.
Which leads to my new Adventure in art making digitally.
Before the pens, Years ago I did try digital drawing on a Wacomb tablet. It was remarkable how you can create art using tools that simulate real media like pastels, paint and pencils. Even making it look like you are drawing on textured art paper. However, it didn't go very far because of the quality of the lower end device. I had little control with the stylus. It felt like kindergarten all over again. So I didn't bother learning or investing in anything of a higher quality.
Until now...Excited to use this new device that actually works!
More Digital Adaptions
For a few years now, I also have no longer been able to use real books due to their weight (like my newest 2 pound beautiful Bible created for decorative journalling) and as much as I like an actual book, I have been transitioning to audio books like Audible and digital books like Kindle. As well our Amazon Echo devices will even read our Kindle book texts.
Alcohol Ink - abstract by me
Ready, Set, Go!
So this is it. Even though I have spent a lifetime enjoying the handling of art supplies, all senses aware of creating. The sounds, scissors clacking, tearing of the paper, the crinkling of cellophane, the soft scratching of chalk pastels on a textured surface, the squishy, gloppy sound of mixing paints. The feel of using my finger tips to smudge graphite, spread pigments, squeeze clay, or remove pigment. How about the scents of art making? Remember Crayola crayons? Take a whiff and you will be reminded of your childhood.
All of that to say this, I have accepted that I can still make art and create😁. It's not time to give up completely. What have I decided to do instead of all the ways I created before? (Wow, that's about 50 years, I am 55). It involves Amazon and Apple and the first part of my order arrived yesterday, hence the video. Watch the video to see more. And now, been waiting all of today for the main part of the order. Unfortunately, it's almost 8pm and still no deliveries except one. Our hearts raced as we saw the courier truck pull up and as fast as our heart rates increased, they sank just as quick, as we saw a yellow bubble envelope. A screen protector! That's another clue. Too bad. Yet nervous to stop vigilantly watching out the window worrying about "Porch Pirates." Oh well, Craig and I have to close the curtains sooner or later. Amazon's order status says it's being delivered today. Not!
The anticipation increases.
While we wait, just watch the video and you will learn how I can keep on creating with one hand and without endangering my teeth anymore or using all my energy. It's all brand new to me, but not to most modern artists.
Hi guys! How are you all doing during this most abnormal season? I am guessing for many of you, making more art or trying various art making techniques for the first time is something you have been
doing lately. Considering the world has been under siege by an unknown virus, unable to carry out life as usual- makes sense that we'd all be trying new things whilst locked down. Well acrylic paint pens have been a new tool in my art making supply stash. Are you like me, hooked on art supply collecting? It is even worse since shopping online with Amazon, is way to easy.
Might as well make the most of it and create. How will we know if we like a certain art supply if we don't try it. If you've been around here you will know that Acrylic paint pens are my new supply to try and use. Wanting to see online reviews of affordable paint pens has been difficult, so I decided to try an array of pens so I can create a bunch of video reviews on each brand so others may benefit from them. Posca pens seem to be the only paint pens used over and over on YouTube, Well click here to see my only (so far) Posca experience.
Below is part one of my first part of a generalized review video covering five brands of Acrylic paint pens. In this video I tried the four out on a rock since these pens all say they work on all surfaces like rock, glass, plastic, fabric, basically anything non-porous. I use them on paper and card stock more than anything. I love them.
Watch Part 1 of Affordable Acrylic Paint Pens Here
Amazon Links to All the Paint Pens I featured. (No, nothing is sponsored - just where bought these)
Hi guys! Happy, almost Spring time! Recently, I just purchased a few brands of acrylic paint markers from Amazon Canada. For decades I painted using acrylic paint from the tube. Stevenson was my choice brand. If you are new here, I am a visual artist who loves sharing all things creative and encouraging folks of all ages to create. In the past few years I have been focused mostly on creating with polymer clay, in 3-D. Due to my weak hands, the clay has been a challenge. That means I have to branch out or should I say, return to my original art making method, drawing and painting. Years ago I tried the Sharpie brand of oil paint pens. When they worked, they were great. But, they clogged or dried up too easily. That is the extra fine tips. So I gave up. Working on an easel on canvas with a palette and paint from tubes and jars is not a method I can return to. So to at least come close, I thought I would try the acrylic paint pens.
Which Ones To Use?
Well, there are so many brands on Amazon, I can't say. So I thought I would share what I discover here incase anyone else is interested in my discoveries. So far I am loving these great drawing instruments. Watch below to see my first review/discussion about the AROIC brand (click here to see them on Amazon). Watch Anita's Video Review On AROIC Paint Pens
Thanks for stopping by. Happy Creating!
Soon I will be reviewing a different brand.
A coloured pencil and marker illustration of a dear family we know.
Hi guys! Well I know the focus at HeArtfully Creating has been polymer clay, because that reflects where my main creative juices have been flowing into these last few years. You know what I mean! However, illustrating/drawing and painting were my number one focus or medium. And yes, painting in three dimensions, using polymer clay so to speak, has become my newest method of art making, but I still do enjoy drawing in two dimensions. However, modern technology has lead me to digital illustration. More on that in a future post.
But for today, I wanted to share a Celebration of Illustration in a video compilation of my hand drawn illustrations. Some were for fun, for gifts and because I was commissioned to illustrate for cook books and learning materials.
All of what you are about to see were created using either fine tipped permanent marker, pencil, coloured pencil, and/or coloured markers.
Watch Celebration of Illustration Below!
Thanks for stopping by!
HeArtfully Creating
Anita
Be sure to share your creations with us at our Heartfully Creating's Facebook Group
If you would like to make other kinds of gifts or even home accessories for your self, you might like this article. In December, the idea was to make gifts for some ladies we know. What do many ladies and girls like? Flowers and candles of course! Time to create floral candle holders. Often ideas are gained from simply using your art making materials. I have discovered that using translucent polymer clay and colouring it with translucent alcohol inks, or just teeny bit of coloured clay, allows you to make pieces where light can shine through. The thinner the clay, the more the light glows through. So that is what I did. Hot Pink!
This hot pink candle holder was formed around a ceramic sphere that I found. As you will see in the next article, I formed and shaped the petals onto the glass or ceramic shape. It is important to make sure you make a test holder if you are uncertain of how the baked clay will be once removed. It is possible to make it too closed and high, around the form that you can not remove it. I have one like that!
Below are some photos of the completed holder.
Hi guys! Hope everyone is HeArtfully Creating in whatever way you do. Wanted to share one of my new digital drawings that I created last week to illustrate another blog article.
A closer look at my Etsy Shop Story....
I have been creating ever since I could hold a pencil. As a self taught artist, my main discipline has been Visual. Everything from illustrating, to painting, to graphic design. It didn't hurt that early on inspiration seeds were planted, as I got to see my Dad's colour pastel and oil landscape paintings. Not to mention, my parents always provided me with craft kits and art materials. I remember playing
around with "Dip It" plastic film, wood burning, rug hooking, spirograph, paints, Laurentian Coloured pencils, plaster of paris moulds and figures to paint, spool knitting....oh, the memories.
Out of High School, I was hoping to take our university's Honours Bachelor of Fine Arts program. Sadly, it wasn't fully wheelchair accessible so I was unable to attend. After some employment stints, (not art related), while always drawing and such, I finally decided to enrol at our local College. (about 1989-1991) in Arts Administration. Even though it was a great learning experience, especially since, I got to complete a 4 month internship in fundraising at the Royal W inning Ballet and in the education department at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery, I concluded that the management side of the arts just wasn't for me. Creating is in my blood.
It helped that, after obtaining a one year employment contract as the education assistant, while at the Gallery, I was given the opportunity to do just that, create. Better yet, I learned how much I love teaching and inspiring children to make art. Aside from assisting with art lessons, I also got to teach some cartooning lessons to children. They also let me Illustrate their fundraising cookbook!
Whether in school or working, my entire life has always been spent creating wherever I could, illustrating, painting, sketching - designing whatever and even the few arts and craft projects. I give credit to my dear Grandma Harris, who would have me sleep over at her home when I was a kid and she always had a craft kit for me to put together, if no kit, there were styrofoam egg cartons and other materials to cut up and make something from.
Aside from my usual creating projects, learning the new age of computer desk top publishing became a new passion. Again, self taught, I was hired to work on a local small publication doing layout and design. That lead to the inception of a small coffee paper, called Superior Coffee Talk. A friend did all the leg work, seeking out advertisers and shops that she would then deliver to. It was great fun to work on designing and publishing a fun little paper for a quick read during a comforting cup of joe.
In the late 1980s, I forgot to mention that I was blessed with receiving my first solo exhibition in the
Pictograph Art Gallery in Atikokan, Ontario. The subject back then, reflected my heart at the time, fashion illustration. And...about twenty years later (about 1998), thanks to our university finally becoming fully wheelchair accessible, I enrolled part time in that HBFA program and honed my composition, design, painting, drawing and printmaking skills. Not to mention, receiving great inspiration by being able to learn a tonne in a couple of art history classes as well as, being selected to participate in a few "Lakehead University's juried art exhibitions."
In 2001, I was blessed yet again, with falling in love and marrying my now husband, Craig.
About nine years ago, I was blessed with an Ontario Art Council "New Works" Grant. The theme was "All Creation Sings." My inspiration was to paint God's creation in whatever manner inspired me. The paintings were in acrylic and the subject matter included fruit, flowers and vegetables. Inspired by Georgia O'Keefe, I too feel that you can't just look at something like a flower at a distance or as a whole. It is when you look very closely that you can seen amazing details that most people miss. That is basically how to best describe my paintings.
On my own, working on some meaningful polymer clay figures.
polymer clay in my shop
Acrylic paint on canvas by Anita Berglund
Acrylic paint on canvas by Anita Berglund
A marker rendering by Anita Berglund
A marker rendering by Anita Berglund
To some up my Etsy Shop Story.....
Creating has always been in my DNA, my blood, if you will. It is too difficult for me to focus on just writing a story about my shop, because there is so much more. The actual online shop was a practical decision for me. In that, due to being physically challenged, I am unable to travel and do things like sell my work at Markets or do the "leg" work seeking vendors. When I saw what Easy offered, it was a perfect opportunity to sell my work.
Drawing, Illustrating, Painting, design work and such, have always been my number one focus. It wasn't until 2008, when a spontaneous, practical need, prompted my dive into designing and making jewelry! I love it, but like my always bouncing brain, my ideas lead to changes in materials and designs, so nothing is ever the same way. Well, the only consistent design, is my number one seller, "The MINI Collection" small hoop earrings.
Most recently, my newest creative tool has become polymer clay. Love the fell, the colour and the endless possibilities. For more details about me personally, please feel free to check out my blogs and YouTube Channel.
For me, making jewelry has been like painting with wire and beads and most recently, polymer clay!
A SIDE NOTE: Please, if you have children, encourage them to create. Always have art making materials available. No, you don't have to spend lots of money, just paper and pens and pencils, crayons...pressing flowers, leaves in pages, cutting, glueing, pasting....I think you get the idea. And remember, don't tell them that sky's aren't purple or green, if they colour it that way (I say that because I really did hear a parent say that to their child once, it was so painful to hear and watch)...there are no rules when it comes to kids and art. It should never be a painful process, if they aren't enjoying themselves, then, don't force them.
