Watercolor painting-in-progress: Robin-Shapeshifter

No, none of us were instant rock stars. Our success is an ongoing journey where evidence of our wayfaring hopefully runs deep into the roots of lasting impressions. The successful people I most admire are those that keep on trekking without looking over their shoulder; those who elevate others in the process and who see “competition” as inspiration rather than a source of contention or an aberration. I’ve always thought and said, (especially while I was a teacher) “Be who YOU are and don’t worry about what you think you have to be!”. Make your own mark and people will notice by default.

Lisa in the early 1990's

Lauren Mills, award winning author/illustrator of children’s books, sculptor, painter, and instructor

Jeffrey Zurawin, A.P., D.O.M, Acupuncture Physician and Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Owner, Lifegate Acupuncture

Tara Larsen Chang, Children’s book illustrator,  Event Organizer for TLC Workshops/Professional Art Series

Gary Lippincott, Gary A. Lippincott, Artist & Illustrator specializing in fantasy and historical Illustration and children’s books

Joanna Powell Colbert, Artist ~ Writer ~ Teacher

"Stroll into a Fairy Tale" by Kort Kramer

Sell sheet for Ghosts and Spirits Tarot. To be published in April 2012

Connor created a cool 3-D Animal Cell Project for Science class. It was a good review for us rusty-brained parents too. I almost forgot what Mitochondria was! Thanks Connor.

Kyra did a timeline report on one of her favorite Jazz singers, Billie Holiday. I highly recommend you search "Fine and Mellow" on YouTube to get a taste of live Cool Blues/Jazz of the 1950s at its finest.

She was also chosen "Super Star Student" and was allowed to take home the class mascot "Coconut" home for the weekend. Part of her selection required that she/we create a poster of her achievements and snapshots from her life and family. Coconut approved.

~ Lisa

Connor with his conceptual drawings

As the summer vacation winds down, so will Connor’s long drawing sessions in the studio. I don’t teach Connor how to draw–he just sits at his desk and lets bustling creative ideas flood onto paper. He is insatiable with paper and pencil. Once in a blue moon he’ll ask me a question such as “Mom, how do you draw a woman (cyborg influence, of course)?” or “Mom, how do you show a spaceship from the underside as it stretches into a blackhole?”. I don’t know how much help I can be aside from an impromptu perspective and/or anatomy lesson. But he does ask me my opinion with each passing drawing.

"Robot City Ship" (Don't mind the typos!)

Given that I don’t draw or even think like Connor, pretty much everything he sketches seems complicated to me. As an artist, I don’t tackle subject matter that entails the contemplation of blasters, the cockpit, the shields, the exhaust system etc….as much as I love sci-fi movies et al, I don’t draw with a mechanical perspicacity the way Connor does. It’s fun to see him flourish in ways that are alien to me, literally.

And what does Connor want to be when he grows up?

“I want to be a robotic engineer, a graphic novelist and be the next George Lucas”. I wonder if there is a way for him to bundle his interests up into one creative vocation. If anyone knows, please tell me how I can steer Connor in the right direction.  For now, all I can offer him is my enthusiasm and support, something that he offers me in return and together, the energy in the studio is off the charts.

Stay tuned! ~Lisa

Connor at his desk while his sister admires his work

I have grown accustomed to working alone in my studio (thus the name “Studio Hermit”), with only the company of NPR, music, and Timmy the cat aka “Studio Buddy” being the potential distractions to an otherwise intense environment. It never dawned on me to ask my 9 year-old artistically inclined son to join me in my sanctuary of creative outpourings.

After receiving a fateful call from Connor’s writing teacher, I began to see the light. Despite Connor’s history of scholastic underachievement, his writing teacher expressed interest in Connor’s creative aptitudes and offered him the chance to have his own writing corner in her classroom. In Connor’s own words, “My teacher told me that I have permission to draw on my narrative writing papers… I like making up my own stories!”. Having long since been designated a child with “attention issues”, this veteran teacher recognized that Connor thrives when given personal space. And from Connor’s point of view, he feels he’s finally being rewarded for being a storyteller—with most of his papers reflecting fantastical exploration, dark and light and human drama. Connor is not afraid to express himself as an artist/writer, and he actually impresses all those around him with his innate ability to retrieve dynamic visions from a world that only he understands. A place that has his full obeisance and where no “attention issues” persist.

I never dismissed or tried to suppress these inclinations (though I was worried about his tendency to either get As or Fs—depending on the day), but I never thought that art/writing may actually be his calling. I know, this warrants a big “duh” from my audience given his genetic predisposition, but having experienced firsthand the stigmas and challenges associated with being an artist, I was somewhat loathe to promote his gifts. I of all people should know that if you are born an artist and/or writer, you are an artist and/or writer—and there really is no stopping the impulse for creative expression.

I have to admit, Connor reminds me so much of myself in so many ways. No one could stop me either.

Ace of Wands: The Fairy Tale Tarot

So I asked him: “Would you like to move your desk into Mommy’s studio?”. Connor must have done double flips—it was as if he had been waiting for this invitation all of his young life. And then he rapturously declared “I’ll be your apprentice and you’ll be Mommy Master!”.  In some ways he already has been, having posed for a few of my fairy tale paintings and having witnessed me at work for as long as he can remember.

Connor posing for Goldilocks. Connor at age 4 watching his tired mom paint.

We moved his desk from downstairs to my hideaway on the second floor and around the corner. It’s official — he is now a resident artist! Since the move, something has happened to Connor. He is eagerly taking drawing lessons from me (having grasped the basics of perspective with amazing acuity) and is the quietest, most concentrated studio companion an artist can have. He has embraced the studio zone.

Connor was always happiest drawing

His material is taking on a new dimension, fostered by his newly found confidence and pride with a title like “studio artist”. His work is vastly different than my own, as he gravitates to robotic design and graphic narratives—filling page after page with storytelling panels complete with blurbs, onomatopoeias and dynamic visuals. His graphic novels are somewhat crude but full of action and moral-driving raconteur. No one taught him how to do this—he just does them.

a montage of some of Connor's creations (before drawing lessons)

Connor is intent on bringing a new level of technical facility to his work and wants to make his worlds appear more real and tangible as he sees them in his own mind. He has an insatiable desire to learn and get better. He has declared more than once that it is his dream to go to art school. Is it my dream for him? No, I was hoping he would pursue engineering or medicine or anything that I perceive might be the easier “conventional” path. But then again, what does that really mean? Nothing is easy if you don’t have your heart in it. I pursued the arts because I HAD to—and weathered all kinds of challenges to remain true to myself. I think Connor should to be true to himself too.

“Listening to your dreams can provide you with the motivation needed to open yourself up to new experiences. If you track your inner voice and follow your instincts, you can prevail against the inevitable challenges that will test your spirit.” ~ From The Fairy Tale Tarot companion book, Once Upon a Time.

And what has ensued? Connor is happier. Connor is more confident. A girl in his class told him “Connor, you’re really smart” (he was all smiles when I picked him up from school after that), and he has already become more focused on homework and intent on achieving those elusive straight As. He needed this boost and now he’s on a mission. Homework must be completed before he can indulge in his creative exploits and it DOES get done because he has an art goal. Though his expository writing assignments do carry over into studio time, there is no need to completely separate academics from play. Maybe he can learn to merge the two and excel at both (the way I did later on). A mom can be hopeful. For now, I will trust my heart and nurture the artist that is my son. Stay tuned!

~ Lisa

It’s hard to believe that 2010 is here and my 43rd birthday is fast approaching. Yes, I too ask myself the perennial cliché question: where did the time go? If it wasn’t for my art, I’m quite sure I would have a hard time determining how I’ve spent the last year (or my life, for that matter). My paintings have always been my personal timeline—they document my own journey in a way that reflects my thoughts, feelings, observations, cognitive and soulful responses and evolution as an individual. I have been working professionally for over 20 years and have proudly amassed a nice collection of published works, with most efforts still being viable and “in print”. But I’ve also hit that midway point—wondering where my art is going to take me from here…

After finishing The Fairy Tale Tarot (read archives) and engaging in subsequent publicity efforts, I must admit that I felt depleted.  It was a long term project that had become part of my daily life (and it still is in some ways). I needed to move forward, but a stubborn wall of artistic fatigue stood in my way. I did work on 2 pivotal fine arts pieces that most certainly hinted at things to come. But after I finished, I was artistically dehydrated. I felt I needed to connect with something outside myself, but wasn’t sure what it was.

So at the spur of the moment, I decided to offer custom drawings through my LisaHuntArt purchase page. There have been many people who expressed interest in owning one of my originals, but felt purchases during a protracted recession was not feasible. And truthfully, I can totally understand this. My immediate solution was to offer unique drawings made to order at an affordable price. This gave my audience the power to determine the imagery and thus be part of the process, despite limited resources. Many of my friends and family questioned my offering—feeling as though I was undercharging people for time spent creating unique drawings for them. But my answer is a simple one. In the process of “undercharging” I was recharging. Not only have these drawings been greatly appreciated by the customer, but they have helped to nourish my artistic soul. And as a result, my palette has been refreshed with new piles of watercolor paint. By giving a little bit of myself to others, I in turn have received.  And creating and sharing has been a joyful experience! It’s one thing to be published and to have ones work distributed en masse, it’s quite another to know that one’s originals are out in the big world being loved and appreciated by those very people who may have purchased the publication. I now understand what it means to be a fine artist and to have originals pass from the creator’s hand to that of someone who loves the creation.

Here are some of the custom drawings I have done for people in the last 6 weeks.

I’m proud of this collection and am over the moon by all the positive responses that the recipients have expressed. There has been great feeling and meaning invested in these works. And in turn, my enthusiasm for painting has been renewed! I was practically explosive with creative energy as I tackled my first painting of 2010, The Bear-Spirit—all that pent up energy released onto the paper with glorious satiation. Thank you everyone! Thank you for helping me to feel the powerful allure of artistic expression. And if you too would like to order a drawing and be part of this growing gallery of these self-determined unique visions—check out my purchase page and let me know what you would like me to draw for YOU.

~Lisa

Shapeshifter paintings in progress

final drawing for Crow-Shapeshifter on watercolor board

As some of you may know, after 20 years of publishing intensity, I’ve taken a break from contracted assignments to work on my own material, unhindered by deadlines, dimensions, or other technical considerations. This doesn’t mean I’m abandoning my identity as an illustrator/writer — I still have plenty more to do/explore in print publishing. I simply needed to refresh myself and flex some creative muscle that has been lying languid since the completion of the monumental Fairy Tale Tarot project. It’s like taking a dive into the ocean after counting grains of sand by the shoreline. I needed to pull away from the details of my daily repertoire and just let loose. This also came about after befriending a bird enthusiast from Canada (who is about to have her first book published) and watching some PBS Art 21 episodes, where varied fine artists discussed their fascinating and individual journeys.

Sketches

With this break I’m flying free through the mountainous terrain of self discovery and am enjoying every minute of this much needed recess. I haven’t felt this unfettered since my early youthful days, when I freely dabbled in the surrealistic vicissitude of the imagination; when swooping brush strokes and splattered paint were par for the course. I want to paint big, bold and textural, and get really physical with the process.

Early exploratory work as a teenager (1984-5)

I had recently read “Pictures Telling Stories: The Art of Robert Ingpen” and inside was this passage:

“When asked about the difference between a painter and an illustrator he often observes that a painter stands to work and an illustrator always sits.”

I wanted to debunk this idea for myself! Why abandon a sense of illustrative narrative when standing? Why label myself and settle in a seat of expectation? I was determined to break my own convention: I stretched a whole sheet of paper on the one oversized  board that I’ve had in storage for years and set out to work.  And yes, moving the board around was no easy task — nor was it easy to paint a large scale watercolor. What I thought might be a brief interlude turned out to be an obsession!  The spirit of the paintings took over — not only consuming my psyche and soul but assuming my full attention in the studio, with creative chaos being a mess inducing bi-product. Oh, my normally orderly surroundings now took on a life of their own as the desire to paint supplanted the necessity to maintain order.

But this is good, isn’t it? Sometimes as artists, we need to shake things up, deconstruct and build anew. For me being an artist is more than just interpreting story or conveying expression, it’s about diving deeper past barriers and depths that we may have ignored for way too long. I suppose this is my way of dismantling potential artist’s block and it has worked to great effect!

Please feel free to visit my purchase page for more information, thanks!

Final Shapeshifter Paintings - click to visit Lisa's online store

~ Lisa

First up: It is an honor and a privilege to be part of an extraordinary gallery event focusing on the theme of Fairy Tales!

FAIRY TALES: FROM DARK WOOD TO HAPPILY EVER AFTER
featuring the art of
Leela Corman, Mary Louise Geering, Lisa Hunt, Amy Saidens, Carisa Swenson, Kris Waldherr, Karen Zuegner and Kristina Carroll.

I am so honored to be sharing artshow space with these immensely talented artists, each bringing a vision of Fairy Tale land that is uniquely their own. I will be having original watercolor paintings from the recently published The Fairy Tale Tarot (Llewellyn Publications) as well as pencil drawings from the book and limited edition prints showcased in this splendid collection of outstanding fairy tale works. This is a rare opportunity to see my original art and the work of others on display for viewing and purchasing. I have to tell you, I LOVE this gallery. It’s a treasure filled with books, art and endless inspiration. I was so lucky to have been able to spend some time in this beautiful sanctuary with my close friend and owner, Kris Waldherr. It felt so comfortable and lovely and was filled with this ineffable artistic energy that really induced feelings of creative satiation.

If you’re in the NYC area, please stop in for a reception and viewing*~* opening October 23, 2009 – opening reception 7 – 10pm ~*~Come meet some of the artists and have the opportunity to meet the proprietor of the finest gallery in Victorian Brooklyn, Kris Waldherr.

Located in Victorian Brooklyn, Kris Waldherr Art and Words is Kris Waldherr’s working studio during the week and a gallery on the weekend. Not only is her gallery a stunning place filled with art, it is operated by the internationally famous artist and author of The Goddess Tarot, Doomed Queens and many other beloved publications.

All events are held at:
KRIS WALDHERR ART AND WORDS
1501 Newkirk Avenue
(entrance on Marlborough Road, around the corner from subway station)
Brooklyn, NY 11226
347-406-5811
subway: Q or B train to Newkirk Avenue
street parking is available

Next up:

The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale‘s AiFL Alumni Art Show will be held on Monday, November 2, 2009 until November 30, 2009 at the Mark K Wheeler Gallery, The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale.

During the 1990′s, I attended the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale as a Computer Animation student. And though my specialty was not focused on computer arts (though I was expected to learn and understand 2D and 3D programs), I learned to conceptualize and integrate my traditional artwork within an innovative production environment that enabled me to hone my skills and become a more efficient thinker, painter and project visualizer. Subsequent to graduation, I worked a few years in production houses as a conceptual designer and taught various art classes at my Alma Mater before turning to full time freelance studio work as a writer/artist. But my years as a student and teacher are memorable ones. Not only did I blossom as an artist and person during my time at AiFL, I met my husband, the fabulous photographer and graphic designer Kort Kramer and forged some lovely friendships that helped to inspire and nurture me as I continued on my artistic journey. It’s always a wonderful experience to return to my roots and have the opportunity to display work at the very institution that gave me my wings and showed me the way to endless creative possibilities.

Located at:
17th Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL

For further information call: 954-308-2109
or e-mail: awites@aii.edu

Final watercolor painting: Cap o' Rushes

It has been a while since I’ve written a life-as-an-artist post. The past few months have been a flurry of The Fairy Tale Tarot promotion (something that has been a fun experience!), getting kids ready for another school year, tying up long neglected loose ends including painting bookshelves, purging clutter and prepping seedlings for the autumnal garden season.

Now that fall is officially underway, I’ve thrown myself back into my studio cave for another intense round of deadline-driven painting. The next several months will be full of creative bustle. I’ve also been preparing artwork and prints for two upcoming art shows (more info next post).

I seem to juxtapose intense painting sessions with recuperative respites. I know it’s  probably more ideal to maintain a steady pace throughout the year, but somehow, those pockets of mental rest prepare me for the next round of explosive creativity. I seem to build up the need to do art before unlocking the dam of ideas, mixing paint while settling myself within the realm of my own alternate universe. During these active work cycles, it’s very hard to pull away from my studio. Thus, I have a conspicuous clock on the wall across from my drafting table. Otherwise, sacred art time would render linear time irrelevant. After all I do need to feed the cat and pick up the kids from school.

Initial rough sketch in journal with notes

Right now, I feel very Ace of Swords. My mind has affixed itself on the necessity to paint. I have a clear vision of what I will be doing for the duration of fall and winter. Yes there will be those inevitable life going ons that gingerly make their way into one’s daily sphere, but I know when I sit down to paint–there will be little pause.

In the Fairy Tale Tarot, Ace of Swords is represented by Cap o’ Rushes. I’ve always loved this story and really connect with the unrealized heroine in the painting. I love the fact that she’s able to adapt (literally, using rushes to weave a garment)  and focus on what she needs to do to prevail under challenging circumstances. In my case, it’s the reality of a busy season ahead. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, I am viewing it as the beginning of renewed challenges full of creative opportunities and exciting studio sessions.

Pencil drawing of Cap 'o Rushes

The work I am exploring is daring–and reflects a maturity that is starting to penetrate how I see the world. I truly believe working on The Fairy Tale started something–and has made me believe that exploring the depths of our being, shadowy chasms and all is not a detriment but rather an opportunity to become more whole, more expansive and simply more aware of who we are and what our unique place on the world stage might be. The work I’ve been doing in the past few years reflects this growth and the realization that there is no such thing as “arriving” as an artist. It truly is all about the creative journey. And with that, farther and with a bolder brush I go!

And just in case I start feeling irretrievably lost  during the painting process, there’s always Timmy “studio buddy” there to help keep it real!

~Lisa

I’m delighted to be the recipient of so many positive responses to my fairy tale deck. As you know, this project is joy to me. It’s a summation of my creative life in every way—writer, artist, dreamer, lover of fairy tales and all the stories (real life and fantasy) along the way. It’s who I am and it delights me to no end thinking that these stories and art are captivating to others. My deep heartfelt thank you to each and every one of you!

Some generous spirits have emerged with photos and blogs showcasing The Fairy Tale Tarot. Here’s a picture of The Fairy Tale Tarot laid out in an inventive spread. The photo was provided by Hearthcricket, omnipresent member of Aeclectic Tarot and now a blogger herself. Check out her blog: faerymusings.blogspot.com

Here’s Hearthcricket’s “Storybook Spread” that she has generously shared with me:
You read the cards in the same order as you would read words on the page of a book, top to bottom, and then flip up to the next page.  The idea is to get the cards to flow and unfold into one story, thus the querent’s reading!

1   2      5   6
3   4      7   8

1&2 read together as the past events, both physical and emotional.
3&4 read together as the querent and the present situation.
5&6 read together as the obstacles one must overcome and actions to be taken.
7&8 read together as the path one should consider and the final outcome.

And here’s a wonderful blog dedicated to The Fairy Tale Tarot and fairy tales in general, started by Ginger. Her insightful posts and thoughtful interludes demonstrate the richness of these tales and how they can mean so many things to different people. This is one reason why I love fairy tales so much—they’re endlessly fascinating, poignant and thought provoking. And Ginger’s site is full of fairy tale candor that simply whets one’s palate for more…

enchantedfairytales

And if you missed it, here’s a wonderful review posted at the American Tarot Association site:

Lisa Hunt Talks Tarot Art

In further news, though I may be a self-proclaimed studio hermit, I’m emerging out of my shell to give two live radio blog interviews in September. It has been years since I’ve spoken in public (partially because of the all-consuming nature of this project!).  I’m excited (and a little anxious) to discuss the inspiring and riveting nature of The Fairy Tale Tarot project… and whatever else the interviewers decide to throw my way during these “live” appearances. It should be great fun!

First up, the Dawn and Laura show (9/14/2009 11:00 AM ):

www.blogtalkradio.com

And in September, I will have the chance to interview with Misha:

www.themixtalk.com

I hope you’ll be able to tune into both shows!

And finally, Llewellyn is going to have a wonderful giveaway: signed uncut press sheets of the deck. Here’s a photo of these frameable and collectible sheets. They’re highly sought after because of their rarity. Even I am only in possession of one or two of these “hot-off-the-press galleries” showcasing The Fairy Tale Tarot cards on one large poster-like sheet.

Here’s how you can win one of these coveted “posters”:
Llewellyn is going to have 3 drawings for Tarot Update subscribers and 3 Facebook, 3 Twitter contests. Be on the lookout for future announcements on Twitter and Facebook (follow/friend me to get the latest). And stay tuned right here for further details!

~ Lisa

~ Imagine working on something with heart and soul for five years.

~ Imagine having faith in the process despite the realization that it would be years before seeing the fruits of one’s labors finally come together in (you pray!) a spectacular way.

~ And given the duration of such a creative endeavor, one must not focus on the monetary side of things, because in publishing, most of the time you work with very little funds and lots of hopeful speculation.

But it’s the passion for the subject matter and the love of the process that drives a project forward. To first set eyes on the finished product is like giving birth or having reached the zenith after a long climb populated by unknown challenges. The joy in accomplishment is like standing tall on top of the conquered mountain in awe of what seemed impossible (and there are quite a few fairy tales that help support these sentiments).

I still wonder how I did it because in the beginning I really looked up at that steep precipice skeptically — my only convincing motivator was the sheer desire to set upon the journey of what turned out to be an immensely invigorating experience. Where did all that ineffable energy and deep desire to write and paint come from? I don’t think I will ever be able to answer that question. But I can say that The Fairy Tale Tarot is a testament to unwavering artistic dedication, hard work and a strong belief in one’s vision. Somehow I resolutely reached the top of the mountain and now I’m breathing the sweet, joyous air of having done something deeply satisfying!

~Lisa

Celebrating!

Me in my studio transferring drawing to watercolor paper

Painting is not just something I do, it is an extension of my soul and an inherent part of my well being. I have sketched seriously nearly every single day for the past 25 years, and there is always a painting in progress. I write as well– the two disciplines often converging in journals/sketchbooks and from the imaginative reservoirs constantly percolating in my restless mind. When I’m not drawing, painting or writing, I’m at least thinking about what I want to draw, paint or write. And for me, creativity is never a forced thing.

The idea for fairy tale tarot came to me one night. I’ve always loved and studied fairy tales, perhaps more than any other genre. My all-time favorite book is the 1971 release of The Giant All-Color Book of Fairy Tales. I received it when I was an impressionable four year old and it has been a constant companion ever since. To this day, it still holds a place of honor in my studio.

My favorite fairy tale collection from childhood

Although these stories formed me and my life as an artist, with their expressive timeless messages and universal symbolism, I hadn’t thought about how useful and beautiful they could be in the context of divination. Then one night while discussing stories, folklore and tarot with my husband Kort, he suddenly exclaimed, “What about a fairy tale tarot?”. I was thunderstruck! Of course! A fairy tale tarot was the most natural idea I could possibly imagine exploring and I truly felt undaunted by the tremendous commitment and dedication such a project would entail.

All the sketchbooks I filled while working on the Fairy Tale Tarot

Many years later, here I am reviewing final PDF files of the images that I just received from my art director. I can’t even begin to explain what I’m feeling as I pore over the card files and await the final book edits– the beginnings of the finished project. These final months before heading to press represent a culmination of many years of research, studies, sketching and tarot formulation. The creation of Fairy Tale Tarot is my personal magnum opus, a lifetime journey come full circle. I have great reverance for my ragged copy of the Giant All-Color Book of Fairy Tales. It made me who I am today.

~ Lisa

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