Monday, November 13, 2006

A Holiday of Thankfulness


As the chilly north wind carries away the remaining leaves from the trees and the days grow short, I find myself pondering over the forthcoming Thanksgiving holiday. There are so many wonderful people and special moments in my life for which I am grateful. One very special relationship I have is my friendship with artist Julie Madsen.

Julie and I met over six years ago at the very first Artfest. We became acquainted with each other during meal time when we shared a table. Ever since our meeting, Julie and I have always made a point to reconnect every year during this retreat. And, as our friendship has grown, we have been able to continue to stay in contact via email throughout the year.

During the summer, I happened to be browsing a particular blog out on the web. The artist, whose blog I was reading, was recalling her contribution in a collaborative in which she was involved. A collaborative was something I had also wanted be a part of, but had not had an opportunity. After giving it some thought, I approached my dear friend and asked if she might like to participate. It would be an initmate collaboration between just the two of us. And, she kindly accepted my offer.

So in early August, Julie and I started our adventure. We each constructed journals from vintage photo albums and currently exchange them twice a month.

Although I enjoy participating, there have been times in the hurry scurry of preparing for an upcoming event, or trying to meet a looming deadline, or even having my mind just cluttered with thoughts of the everyday to-do's that I have felt gulity spending time to play. But working on my page amidst our past artistic efforts has been very therapeutic. These albums have provided opportunities for me to stop... slow down... explore.... try a new idea, and dream. The artwork created becomes a captured moment of my inner self, and reveals glimpses of a life that is passing by so quickly.


This collaboration has been a most cherished experience. Everytime I work in one of our books, I realize more and more how precious my dear friend is, and how special these creative moments are to me.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Tracie Lyn,

Thank you for sharing your story of gratitude and lovely photos of the collaborative project with Julie. What a special way to stay connected with an art friend. :)

Edina

Shari Beaubien said...

These are lovely, Tracie, as always. I especially like the spread with the blackbird.
Hugs, Shari

Anonymous said...

Creative moments with friends are the best! Looks amazing.

Lorraine said...

It is wonderul how art can bring friends and new friends together! I bet your book is not only wonderful to look at, but special to the heart...

Mary Stanley said...

Tracie, love your art work! What a great way to stay connected. Love my Fiber ATC's..thanks for getting that all together for us! Our Lowe's didn't have your angels! Now what do I do?
xo mary

Anonymous said...

Tracie,
I absolutly am in love with the barn and crow spread! I grew up on a farm in Nebraska and this reminds me so much of home. It is just beautiful.

I am also glad you are joining in on the ornament exchange.

Have a great holiday!

Delsie

Anonymous said...

Tracie, these are GORGEOUS!! This swap sounds like a beautiful thing, and the art proves it.

Anonymous said...

what a beautiful friendship...

Anonymous said...

such sweet words from my dear friend...such gorgeous work from
a talented and gracious artist...
love, julie