(Please feel free to read the AJE post where I introduced these Mixed Media pieces, and discussed their construction.)

Jan CoM

January. Beginnings. Resolutions. Blank slate. Fresh start. Intentions.

1: a determination to act in a certain way : resolve

2: import, significance

3 a : what one intends to do or bring about

b : the object for which a prayer, mass, or pious act is offered

4: a process or manner of healing of incised wounds

When I designed this piece, I wanted something I could wear often, if not everyday. I had chosen a word for myself that was to be a talisman for the upcoming year. I wanted to wear it and be reminded to be present, in the moment, and to live with intention.

“Live with intention.
Walk to the edge.
Listen Hard.
Practice wellness.
Play with abandon.
Laugh.
Choose with no regret.
Appreciate your friends.
Continue to learn.
Do what you love.
Live as if this is all there is.”

Mary Anne Radmacher

The piece was in olive polymer, with accents of copper and teal. The teal was so subtle – I wanted to enhance it with gems. Here its apatite. The greens are green garnet, long a favorite of mine. Copper chain, bead caps and wire are the metallic notes. The jade? jasper? beads on one side in the back are sprinkled with apatite as well. The pearls on the other side do have a coppery sheen.

I am deeply satisfied with the focal and the necklace overall and have worn it many times this month. I do have more of these mixed media pieces in the works – and will have them at Berks Bead Bazaar March 1-2.

I look forward to exploring the creations of my AJE colleagues and the guest bloggers this month. Plese join me? Links are below.

Guests:

Hope of Craftyhope –

Sarajo of SJ Designs Jewelry

AJE team

“Not all those who wander are lost.”

J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring

Journey year

This year is a journey, an ongoing adventure, a process. A return to health after surgery, a return to my creative voice. I had a productive year last year all things considered, but felt that feeling of being behind, of trying to catch up… all year. Doing enough to get by, to stay afloat, to make do. This year will be an exploration of the new, new inspirations, new techniques, new territory. But I believe we are the sum of our journey, past experiences impacting the self profoundly. So here are a few photos I have taken on places that have had a profound impact on me… (All pix are untouched, unedited. Hover over picture for information.)

Notting Hill Gate Tube, London

“It is good to have an end to journey toward, but it is the journey that matters in the end.”

Ursula K. Le Guin

Skidmore College walkway, Saratoga Springs NY

“The only journey is the one within.”

Rainer Maria Rilke

Penland, NC

“Not I, nor anyone else can travel that road for you.

You must travel it by yourself.

It is not far. It is within reach.

Perhaps you have been on it since you were born, and did not know.

Perhaps it is everywhere – on water and land.”

Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass

La Jolla beach, CA

Please visit my fellow participants at Sally Russick’s “Focus on Life”photo challenge/week 2.

” Success is not a place at which one arrives but rather the spirit with which one undertakes and continues the journey.” Alex Noble.

Jenny Davies-Reazor

artist, teacher

Tag: philosophy

January reveals… the AJE component of the month

“Live with intention.
Walk to the edge.
Listen Hard.
Practice wellness.
Play with abandon.
Laugh.
Choose with no regret.
Appreciate your friends.
Continue to learn.
Do what you love.
Live as if this is all there is.”

Its the Journey… Focus on Life #2

“Live with intention.Walk to the edge.Listen Hard.Practice wellness.Play with abandon.Laugh.Choose with no regret.Appreciate your friends.Continue to learn.Do what you love.Live as if this is all there is.”

“Live with intention.
Walk to the edge.
Listen Hard.
Practice wellness.
Play with abandon.
Laugh.
Choose with no regret.
Appreciate your friends.
Continue to learn.
Do what you love.
Live as if this is all there is.”