My husband, who was my boyfriend at the time made me rethink my views on art.
I used to think that because GOD freely gave me the gift of creativity, that I in turn should not expect payment for creating.
What I was actually saying is that my job wasn't worth payment.
I do give away quite a few things, I think my perceptions about my self-worth where wrong.
GOD does intend for us to thrive while using what HE gave us, to earn a living. I believe that generosity is a by-product of a fulfilled life. When you feel full spiritually, it spills into every part of your life.
That is exactly the type of transformation I was experiencing.
Trevor made me see that I was an artist. Up until that time I had assumed that the only people deserving that title were fine artists like Michelangelo, Monet or others of the like. I had never really thought about my abilities as being very special or extraordinary. My husband on the other hand did.
From then on he would always introduce me as his fiancee the artist. At first I was a little embarrassed, but I got over it and soon after I started saying the same thing.
This next project is the very first piece I ever sold.
I sold it to a wonderful couple about to be married who had recently purchased their first home.
They wanted some unique pieces to furnish it with.
They paid $200 for this table. If that isn't a boost in the confidence department, I don't know what is. I must have been walking on cloud nine for a week.
Let's begin
I did not own a camera at the beginning of this project, but I do have completion photos.
Here are the steps for this project.
THE TRANSFORMATION
1) I found it in the garbage when we lived in Mississauga, Ontario in 2006, so it was FREE!!!!it was actually being used outside as a bench I think because it was pretty weathered.
2) I sanded it down until it was nice and light. The top is actually two thick boards butted up together, the legs are square posts. Very chunky and sturdy looking.
3) At the end of September we pack up and move to the East Coast.
Trevor and I are both from here so it was nice to come back.
I was born in Dalhousie, NB and Trevor was born in Parry Sound, On but he grew up in his Mom's native Halifax, NS.
Needless to say, any progress on the ads table had to wait until we were settled in.
4) I paint a black frame around the edge of the table.
5) I then find inspiration on the computer while looking through vintage ads on E-Bay
6) I select a variety of them and begin narrowing down the list to the ones I like the most.
Here are the ones I chose:
Miel soap, A brand pears, Coke, Coffee, Whytes Bros, Heddon tackle (you have seen this one before), Dixie Laundry, Budd cream soda, Burger Boy and Fry Girl, Oranges, Campbells' Soup, Delahaven Tangerines, Fruit Belt, Lemon Meringue Pie and finally Laundry 15.
7) I then begin drawing all of the ads in an overlapping manner.
8) Painted using acrylics.
9) Signed it on a small plaque I painted on the front edge.
10) Finally I sealed it with 6 coats of gloss acrylic varathane.
I hope you like the results as much as I did.
I really hope you enjoyed the photos.
Bye for now.
