Category Archives: Poetry

Celebrating Creativity: The 8th Year of The Creative Gathering

A global community of artists exploring new mediums while starting the year with
creativity, curiosity, and connection.

As we begin the 8th year of The Creative Gathering, we’re celebrating another inspiring season of creativity, dedication, and community. This month, our artists collectively created and shared 588 pieces of art. This is a wonderful reflection of the passion and commitment within our global creative family.

Throughout the gathering, artists worked in a wide range of mediums. These include pencil, pen, watercolor, gouache, inks, and oils. They also used photography, mixed media, nature art, colored pencil, assemblage, and journaling. Each piece reflects a unique voice and perspective, with artists of all experience levels sharing their creativity and vision.

What makes The Creative Gathering so special is that it’s truly international. Artists from around the world come together to share not only their work, but also encouragement, ideas, and support. Beyond the art itself, the gathering fosters camaraderie and connection, reminding us that creativity thrives in a supportive community.

Artists often spend long hours working alone, which makes these moments of connection especially meaningful. We share our work and cheer one another on. We witness each other’s creative journeys. By doing so, we build relationships that enrich and reward the creative process.

Each year, participants challenge themselves to try new mediums, experiment with unfamiliar tools, explore new techniques, and learn new approaches. The Creative Gathering isn’t just about making art—it’s about growing as artists and embracing curiosity and exploration.

The gathering is also a wonderful way to start the year on a positive note. By committing to create daily for one month and sharing that work publicly, artists celebrate both discipline and courage. While some complete the full month, we believe that even showing up for part of the month is worth celebrating. Every sketch, photo, journal page, or painting represents a moment of creativity and intention.




To everyone who participated this year—whether you created every day or joined in when you could—congratulations. Your creativity, dedication, and willingness to share help make The Creative Gathering such a special community.

We look ahead to gathering again in September to continue our shared creative journey. Together we’ll support one another, explore new ideas, and celebrate the joy of making art. Let’s see where our creativity takes us next.

10 am Sunday Morning
10 am Sunday Morning

I’ll soon be there with snow,
I’ll wash my hair with snow,
And with a spade of snow,
I’ll build a man that’s made of snow,
I’d love to stay up with you but I recommend a little shuteye
Go to sleep,
And dream…
Of snow.
Snow, from White Christmas, by Rosemary Clooney.

We had decent snow overnight. Mingus remains under cloud cover. But our streets are dry and the snow is making a quick retreat. We may get lucky though, and have more snow tonight. Fingers crossed it will start early enough to be viewed.

2 pm, Sunday Afternoon.

Making more starts. Honestly, no idea where this will all go. But that is part of the fun, isn’t it? Claro, Que si! Yes, but of course!

Sketchy starts.
Sketchy starts.

I painted over my HUGE canvas. And I will paint over it again. My effort was not successful. Haha. I took the palette knife and played at the end, knowing it was a loss. The colors are off. I need to make a run to Micheals.

I decided that the colors I had on it before were just to, harsh. I want something more restful. So I will keep trying. Still inspired by Hiroshi Matsumoto‘s abstract landscapes.

The other idea I have long had is to do something like van Gogh’s Almond Blossoms. But there too, it is bold, strong color. I love it. But maybe one of the softer versions would work. Suzette Rothlisberger gifted me with a tube of Thalo Turquoise. Thank you, Suzette! I also have a tube of Turquoise light. Thinking on it.

Whoa, someone turned the lights down! Clouds are moving in and Mingus has disappeared again. Yay!

Happy last week of January to you! Can you believe it???

How did it get so late so soon.
It’s night before it’s afternoon.
December before it’s June.
My goodness, how the time has flewn.
How did it get so late so soon?
Dr. Seuss

Washed In Spring – LYA 2017 Side Swap

 

 

Washed in Spring. Watercolor and glitter, 4 x 6 Postcard, Trang Kang

Washed in Spring. Watercolor and glitter, 4 x 6 Postcard, Trang Kang

This is a hand-made card from my new friend Trang Kang in Texas. My scan does not do it justice. There is a soft, warm metallic gold running through out. Hints of opalescent glitter as well.

Trang named this well. The colors are bright and alive, fresh, and new. The golden glow warms me. I feel as if I am surrounded by a gentle breeze, sweet bird song, and flowers. Everywhere, flowers.

On the back, curvaceous vines, tiny blooms and this:

Forgotten Language by Shel Silverstein

Once I spoke the language of the flowers,
Once I understood each word the caterpillar said,
Once I smiled in secret at the gossip of the starlings,
And shared a conversation with the housefly in my bed.
Once I heard and answered all the questions of the crickets,
And joined the crying of each falling dying flake of snow,
Once I spoke the language of the flowers. . . .
How did it go?
How did it go?

 

I found this and thought  you might enjoy hearing Shel read it. It is a visual treat!

 

 

Thank you Trang for brightening my day. I love this card! Shel Silverstein has always been a favorite. Thanks for reminding me that I have his books on my shelf, waiting to be opened.

 

Blessings-shiraz