Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Baptism


Welcome to KESA Collections blog. This particular post is unique for two reasons. This is the first time I have had a guest blogger, please welcome Stuart Nager; published author/Creative Chameleon, practicing and living a creative life. He has become a dear friend, one of the few I have turned to for inspiration when I get 'creatively-stuck', and I am always eager to read next what he has penned. He has some awesome sonnets and short stories. 

He was only given the title of the painting and this exact picture (from my iPhone) to use for his inspiration. There were no other requests from me, he had free reign. Enjoy. 




The preacher stood in the cold river, waiting for the faithful arrive…to be saved. Rev. Joshua had been doing this forever, blessed with the gift since he could wade into the water.  He smiled in anticipation, looking forward to saving another soul, bringing them fully into the fold of the lord.
He had no congregation but his own faith. Self ordained, righteous in his belief, Rev. Joshua held his arms out, palms out, in supplication. Beatific would be an invented word for him, if it had not already existed at that moment. This was holy, in his mind, and he waited for others to join him in all that was holy.
The Rev Joshua waited the morning away, tranquil in the buzzing of the wildlife around him. Stoic, time passed him by in common communion, nothing disturbing the ordinance of his faith.  The afternoon came and went, and dusk was descending, and still no one else was there save he.
Finally leaving the water, stiff, water shriveled, he collapsed to his knees on the tall grass. Joshua felt shriven, as he had presented himself to the ultimate. He had confessed, did his penance, and was absolved, and he felt this not only for himself but for everyone, for every soul. It had been a baptismal experience of the highest power, and he would do this again tomorrow.
No one came this day; no one came the day before, or the day before that. He doubted anyone would arrive in any of the coming days. He had made his peace with this, his private communion, his baptism for the world.
He stood up, looked into the heavens and said only “Hallelujah.” 




For more of Stuart, please visit his site at www.stuartnager.wordpress.com. Sign up for his blog or enter one of his blog writing challenges. 



Baptism
24 x 30 x 1.5 inches
61 x 76.2 x 3.81 cm

The second reason this post is unique is because I am introducing a new element in some of my paintings, starting with this one...semi-precious stones! This painting contains over two carats of moonstones  and over 60  Swarovski crystals. I am really excited about this new add. I have a couple more in the works so be sure to return often to have a look : )


We would love to hear your comments on his story, my painting, our combined forces...thank you so much.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Color Blind


Color Blind
30 x 24 x 1.5 inches
76.2 x 61 x 3.81 cm




I find when I spend more time 
looking at the color of a persons words,

when I take time to observe their actions,

when I gaze into their heart,

when I squint and see a hint of their intentions,

when I stare at their voice,

only then do I see their true colors.

Are you color blind?



Sunday, September 25, 2011

Silver Lining

Silver Lining
24 x 36 x 1.5 inches
61 x 91.4 x 3.81 cm




It may not always be visible.
It may appear staggered and disconnected.
It may be dim at times.
But your silver lining is always there.




Just over 100 Swarovski crystals applied by hand



close-up to show color and texture


close-up to highlight more texture
I really love this piece.



Do you always have your silver lining in sight?  
Do you think it requires hope?  Or hope and faith?



Friday, September 23, 2011

Faith

Faith
~ SOLD ~
24 X 30 X 1.5 inches
61 x 76.2 x 3.81 cm


~The way to see faith is to shut the eye of reason~  Benjamin Franklin



~Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen~  Hebrews 11:1 



~To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. 
  To one without faith, no explanation is possible~ Thomas Aquinas




~Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase~ Martin Luther King Jr.




~Faith is a passionate intuition~ William Woodsworth






Close-up
Swarovski crystals representing Faith





Faith
(it's a little hard to see the crystals, but they are there:)




Thank you for sharing your thoughts on faith. Is it necessary? What are your favorite faith quotes? 



Wednesday, September 14, 2011

The Versatile Blogger Award

Versatile Blogger Award

 An award! Whoo Hoo!!!

I have only been writing my blog for about four months and to be recognized by not one, but TWO different fellow bloggers, well, I’m speechless. Did I mention it was on the same day?!? Crazy!

First I would like to thank Deeone Higgs, author of  Kingskidd Chronicles .I KNOW he reads so many blogs so the fact I was on his radar just tickles me. He is someone I have known shortly and have come to enjoy sharing and challenging each others thoughts and ideas. Thanks D!

Secondly, I would very humbly (curtsying) like to thank Mike Shippey, fine author of HABITUALVICTORY.COM . I have to admit I was thrilled to receive the award from my friend Deeone but to be surprised by a stranger…well, that’s just down right cool. Thank you Mike!

So, there are a few rules for the recipients of this wonderful award:

  1. Thank the person who shared the award with you, by linking back to them in your post. 
  2. Share 7 things about yourself.
  3. Pass this Award along to 15 recently discovered blogs and let them know about it. 

Seven things you may not know about me.

1 ~ I nap daily. Seriously.

2 ~ After the Bible, I find the construction and assembly of the dictionary and thesaurus very illuminating and engaging. Sadly you would not know this by my limited vocabulary and poor spelling.

3 ~ My favorite breakfast is chicken enchiladas with two fried eggs on top. I don't have it often but that is probably why it continues to be my favorite.

4 ~ When I was 18,  I played in three different soccer cups (tournaments) in three different European countries. And yes, it was very cool.

5 ~ As much as I love all my 4-inch heels, I can quickly kick them off (gently of course) to don a helmet and gloves to ride an ATV in the sand dunes.  

6 ~ As much as I love sports, I don't really get into boxing. Yet, I love ALL boxing movies and I find chess-boxing fascinating. I'm still trying to figure all that out too.

7 ~ I LOVE love.
     

Well, there you go…just when you thought you knew me ;)


And the award goes to....

 1. Tale Spinning by Stuart Nager
 2. Art From My Heart by Marie Segal
 3. Learning to Live Organically by Natalie Levins
 4. An Awakened Mind by Maria Portas
 5. How to Make it Big in Your Home Business by Terri Pattio
 6. Blog of Tim V. by Tim Villard
 7. What Little Things by Samantha Bangayan
 8. Working Naked by Lisa Kanarek
 9. The College Wallet by Greta Hansen
10. Bill's Big mlm Blog By Bill Gelwick
11. Work with Brian and Felicia By Brian and Felicia White
12. Laurie Justus Pace by Laurie Pace
13. The Coffee House Coach by Arthur Tassinello
14. Leslie Saeta Fine Art by Leslie Saeta
15. Pushing Giants by Kenneth Morgan


The blogging world is less than five months old to me. I am certainly a newbie. Finding 15 blogs was a challenge for me, I realized I need to and would like to read more and broaden my topics some.  I really enjoy supporting other's endeavours and I wish the above authors an abundance of success in all things. In the above blogs you will find motivation, inspiration, laughter, art, business tips, how-to's, stories, poetry...
I encourage you to stop by each one and say hello and congratulate them on their well deserved award.

If you have any questions or comments, as always please feel free to ask/post below :)

Friday, September 9, 2011

The Awakening


Close-up of The Awakening




Once or twice in our lifetime,
when we open our
eyes,
ears,
heart,
and mind
simultaneously
is when…and only when…
we experience 
a great awakening.

Two panels.
Each panel is 30 x 24 x 1.5 inches
76.2 x 61 x 3.81 cm



Close-up

























Has this been your experience too? 
How have you been awakened?

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

LoveSick

Close-up of LoveSick



My eyes refuse to cry; does it matter?
My limp arms no longer have you to hold.
Heart, why do you pound, then pitter-patter?
Lungs, I long for breath, please expand and fold.

Oh tears, why do ye hide? Set yourselves free.
Sad eyes, help the blue tears fall…push, kick, shove.
These empty hands are full of your memory.
My lonely fists clinch to capture your love.

Tears, why do ye resist?...flow again flow
Release yourself…today…tomorrow…when?
If my fingertips could touch your shadow
But for a moment we’d be joined again.

LoveSick, living without your love – feigning.
Gravity, pulling down my tears – streaming.



LoveSick
24 x 48 x 1.5 in
61 x 121.9 x 3.81 cm

Have you ever been lovesick? Do you think this sonnet describes it accurately? I'd love to hear your thoughts.