7 Art Mediums to Explore

Art is a truly beautiful aspect of human culture. Drawing and painting have been around since the beginning of time, proving our need for artistic expression. While foundation mediums such as pencil drawing, paint, and colored pencils, are impressive in their own right, this list takes a look at some out of the box ways to create art.

1: Ink- An ancient and humble medium, ink can be used for more than just simple pen drawings. Using brushes to paint with ink, or even colored ball point pens gives ink more diversity. Ink is a versatile medium with its own unique style. Experimenting with ink can give art a bolder signature look.

2: Gold Leaf- Gold leaf is gold tightly pressed into paper thin sheets. While it has been traditionally used for decoration, some have turned Gold Leaf into art. Whether on canvas or wood board, gold leaf creates an eye catching masterpiece.

3: Paper- Paper Art is a collection of art forms using paper as the primary material in three dimensional creations. Its cheap, readily available, and easy to use compared to other three dimensional art forms. Some artists have truly mastered this art form, creating detailed and delicate pictures.

4: Dirt- Perhaps one of the more bizarre art forms, Dirt Art is created mostly on the canvas of dirt covered cars. Using brushes and fingers, artist use negative space to create astonishing masterpieces. The value of this art form is how thorough and detailed it can be with such simple tools.

5: Crayon- Crayon is generally seen as a child's art medium, however this diverse tool can be used for multiple high quality art forms. Two common styles are melted crayon art, and crayon carving. For melted crayon art, crayons are glued to a sturdy platform, usually canvas. The crayons are arranged for interesting designs or color combinations. They are then melted to produce bright textured images. For crayon carving, the wax of the crayon is peeled and carved using needles or X-acto knives. The finished product is fascinating crayon sized sculptures.

6: Avocado Pits- Most would not turn to food for artistic expression. One artist however, did. Struck by the intrigue of the avocado pit, she decided to carve it. After much experimenting, the result was magical creatures carved from the small unassuming feature of the avocado pit. Proof, that anything can be turned into art.

7: Animation- While not existing in the same realm as more standard art mediums, animation still requires versatile artistic skill. For those who enjoy digital or more action and movement oriented art, animation may be an interesting art medium to explore.

Art comes in all forms, solid, liquid, 3-D, 2-D, physical and digital. Art is abstract, reflecting the human experience in a way that words cannot convey. This list only scratches the surface of out of the box art mediums. Exploration is the heart of creativity, it encompasses the essence of art. Be adventurous, don't be afraid to break the rules. The result may be a fascinating and entirely unique creation.



Which out of the box art medium would you give a try?

Enigma

7 Reasons to Love a Bookworm

There is something magical about curling up with tea and a good book, the weight of pages in your purse, and the fluttering feeling you get in your stomach when you get a new book. Bookworms are a social class of their own. Possessing powerful minds and keen watchful eyes, bookworms are a force to be reckoned with. These are seven reasons to love a bookworm.

1: Silence- Bookworms are rarely afraid of silence, always with a book on hand they will simply pull it out and stuff their nose in it.

2: Imagination- Bookworms often have bursting imaginations from years of internal adventures.

3: Smarts- Whether your a fact or fiction lover, bookworms have broad knowledge from all sorts of obscure topics.

4: Libraries- Any self proclaimed bookworm will have a solid library that you can borrow from. Permitted you return the book in perfect condition!

5: Understanding- Most bookworms are reserved but very caring people, especially those who read fiction. After spending so much time in other peoples heads, its easy to slip into anther's shoes.

6: Bookish Humor- With quirky wit bookworms have a wonderful and sometimes surprising sense of humor.

7: Easy to Please- A bookworm is rarely difficult to please. Whether its gifts, entertainment, or conversation, books are the answer to everything.


What do you love about bookworms?

Enigma

7 Reasons to Appreciate Generation Z

Besides having the name of a zombie Apocalypse survival group, the new generation of the USA has a lot to offer this crumbling country. I have my issues with Gen Z but I do also recognize that they are sorely under appreciated, and under estimated. Generation Z experiences stress  from a young age that we could only dream of. They are a generation that is left picking up the pieces of those left before them, striving to make a future for themselves. These are seven qualities to appreciate about Generation Z.

1: Motivation-With ever growing competition in the job market, and general high expectations, Gen Z has acquired intense motivation for schooling, relationships, and life ambitions.

2: Flexibility- The world that Gen Z is growing up in is an ever changing, shifting environment. This is creating a generation with a flexible mind, the ability to bend around ever growing obstacles and go with the fast flow of life.

3: Endurance- Gen Z exists in a rapid speeding world. In order to survive and excel in the chaos, Gen Z has acquired endurance like no other generation before them.

4: Adaptability- A separate attribute that flexibly. The adaptability that Gen Z has acquired allows them to mold themselves into any persona in order to accomplish a task or get a desired outcome.

5: Creativity- Gen Z is a generation that has exploded with creativity. With the growth of technology, Gen Z has taken full advantage of new artistic outlets. As well as creating new art mediums, Gen Z has also used these mediums to artfully convey messages of hope. And to share their view of the future.

6: Humor- While much of Gen Z's humor is disturbingly dark, I find that within that humor is a persistent optimistic streak. Many are using this positivity to help others and improve the world.

7: Guts- Last of all Gen Z possesses a vital element for survival of modern day life. Guts. This generation has the guts to stand up for what they believe in, to say no to what is wrong, and to go for the glory.

What is your favorite attribute of Gen Z?

Enigma

New Beginnings

Although the calendar date of spring was last week, for New England this week is just beginning to have the real taste of spring. The snow is melting, and staying melted, the birds are out, and the sun is alive and well. Its been a long wait, but it seems spring may finally be here to stay. 

In response to the return of the sun, and my motivation, I start to plan out all sorts of things, such as craft projects, To-Do Lists, and even long term goals. Spring just has a way of jump starting the year. It's a time of renewed energy and purpose. A time to clean out the dust of winter and start anew.

Bellow I've compiled a list of suggested To-Do's for Spring, mostly from my own goals:

-Clean out your closet

-Go for a walk

-Spend time with your pets

-Finish uncompleted crafts

-Make summer plans

-Try out new recipes

-Make time to read

-Go on a short trip

-Pick a bouquet of flowers

-Avoid spring bugs!



What is your favorite spring activity?

Enigma
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7 Ways to Improve Your Artistic Mindset

Being an artist is not about profession, skill level, or medium, its about mindset. Having an artistic mindset is what makes the term artist appropriate. Whether you love photography, calligraphy, or watercolor, if you have the desire and imagination to bring your unique perspective to life, you are an artist.
That being said, it does take effort and a conscious awareness to perceive the world in a artistic way and convey that through your chosen medium. I've put together seven things you can do to encourage your artistic outlook.

1: Ponder: Taking time out of your day, whether it be ten minutes on your lunch break or before bed can help your brain develop ideas.

2: Be Open-Minded: Allowing yourself to be exposed to other cultures, mediums, and art styles will keep you full of new ideas. Studying others also helps you become a well rounded artist.

3: Inspiration: Inspiration is fleeting and unpredictable. However, seeking out art that inspires you to keep going when its tough can go a long way to improving your craft.

4: Do Things You Love: Inspiration and passion come from things we love. Whether its reading, jogging, or playing with your dog, more often than not, our passions will bleed into our art.

5: Surround Yourself: Surrounding yourself with your chosen art medium will help you consciously and subconsciously absorb style and technique. You'll start to notice patterns related to each medium.

6: Take Art With You: Having a portable means of doing your art will not only help you practice more, it will help you stay in an art mindset even when rushing through the day.

7: Practice: Perhaps the most important piece of keeping an artist mindset and improving your art is practice. Practice is the one surefire way to improve at anything, art is no exception.

What is your artistic expression?

Enigma

7 Reasons to go Hiking

Hiking is a simple activity with many benefits. Recently I've been exploring local hiking trails, slowly building up my experience. Hiking reconnects you with nature, giving you a sense of humility and appreciation for what nature provides for us.

1: Exercise: Hiking is a great way to get an all body workout. Your trail can be long and vigorous, or short and mild. The choice is yours.

2: Beautiful Scenery:  Most hiking trails have scenic views or interesting plant and wildlife. Perfect for those with an interest in photography.

3: Family:  Hiking is a wonderful family activity. It gets everyone out and moving, and creates many precious memories.

4: Adventure:  Hiking can be a great adventure. You never know what special sight or experience you'll come across.

5: Fresh Air:  While this is a great companion for exercise, fresh air in itself is a wonderful motivator to hike.

6: Contemplation:  Hiking is a beneficial way to turn the brain away from the everyday hustle, to ponder.

7: Its Cheap!:  Besides basic safety items and equipment, the only thing you need for hiking are feet!

What is your favorite hiking story?

Enigma

Life of Pi

Life of Pi is a genre of its own. Haled a modern classic, it truly lives up to the hype. Written by Yann Martel, the story follows the survival of Pi, an Indian boy who is stranded in the Pacific after the Japanese cargo boat headed to America sinks. Finding himself suddenly orphaned, Pi's predicament is further complicated by the zoo animals that take refuge from the wreck in his life boat. One of these refuges is a 450 pound Bengal tiger.

The plot starts out leisurely with stop and start action, but that does not make it less riveting. If anything the slow thoughtful theme of the story deepens every action and brings home the impossible situation Pi is faced with. Pi's internal dialogue and revelations at sea are moving. This story provokes an infinite question that everyone has an opinion on. Is there a God? It would be hard to go through Pi's situation without the support of some type of faith. As Pi shows in the story, his faith is severely tested and at moments denied. The religious thoughts and questions brought up in Life of Pi are eye opening. It truly is a life altering story for those with an open mind.

The characters are few and unique. Pi's family is a big part of his life and the set up for the story, but the longer Pi is at sea, the more the mention of other characters dwindle. Richard Parker, a commanding presence on his own, is simplistically described. His personality is elaborated throughout the story by Pi.
Pi himself is an interesting character. He holds fast to his own beliefs and opinions. Yet is willing to grow and adopt other beliefs if they connect with his morals. A boy of science and faith, his perspective is anything but ordinary.

The incredible journey at sea is wrapped up with their rescue. Pi shares his experience with the authorities and anyone who will listen, but the majority are skeptical of his story. Richard Parker runs off into the forest is not heard from again. As the story closes, the surprising true facts about this event are described: There really was a boy who was lost at sea in the Pacific for 227 days, a Japanese cargo ship really sank at the same time and area as in the book, and this boy claimed he was at sea with a Bengal tiger the entire journey. This story leaves you feeling uncertain, maybe even hollow or uncomfortable. It leaves you with a big question, and a sense that more exists in this world than we comprehend.

What are your thoughts on this out of the box novel?

Enigma