A common expression is “Art imitates Life”. It is not the finished product, but the process of making a painting that is like life. It starts with an inspiration to go in a specific direction. Then one has to gather the supplies and tools to pursue the goal. Along the way, certain choices are questioned; perhaps some brush strokes seem wrong and must be corrected. Sometimes whole sections must be repeated. At times it may seem that the original idea was more than one can achieve, too complicated, too far reaching. When one reaches that point they may feel like casting the goal aside. Knowing when to stop is so difficult. So many questions and feelings of doubt can creep in. You may ask yourself; will one more step bring it all together? Is this so messed up that there is no point in moving forward?
The need to salvage the work that has been started pushes one forward, but how to proceed continues to be a quandary? Then it is time to step back an assemble a framework around all the work that has been done. Getting some distance between the work and yourself can provide a different perspective – provide clarity around the next step. Feedback from a trusted friend can provide the spark that ignites the solution. The final piece can come together slowly, then suddenly, there it is, you know that you have it just right and the feeling is like completing a marathon. You have done it and it all has come together – that initial flutter of an idea flew and then softly landed, a feeling of accomplishment floods your heart!
To quote a lovely young lady who inspired me, “let faith replace Fear and pursue your dreams!” Remember it is the process that matters, not the finished product.
Art Heals!!
Krista Wanous
Miss International 2012
Showing posts with label Art. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Art. Show all posts
Friday, 26 July 2013
Sunday, 7 July 2013
Underwater Scenes at Kids Arc Foundation
Using a method called wax resistance, we worked with a large group of children, teaching them about creatures and things you might find underwater. We began with a large display board with lots of different underwater creatures with the Thai word and English word next to it. We took turns saying the word in both languages.
After our language lesson was over, we began with a blank sheet of paper and used crayons to draw our favorite creatures from the board of underwater animals.
Then, we covered our crayon drawing with watercolors in blues, purples, and green washes. The kids were hesitant to paint over their carefully drawn sea creatures. But, after a few demonstrations and a bit of trust, they found out the magic of wax resistance!
The kids worked very well together and had lots of imagination with little guidance from the volunteers. I found the children at this facility to be extremely beautiful. Absolutely stunning faces! Their exotic features and dark hair is something I envy and find so beautiful.
Everyone was very proud of their work and excited to show off their “magic” painting.
Their excitement for art and their very steady concentration was a beautiful sight to see. I am continually blown away by the natural beauty and simplicity of Thailand.
As we finished our day together and cleaned up our paint supplies, I noticed the gorgeous teal color coming out of the sink drain. Beauty is everywhere; you just have to take the time to see it.
Art Heals!
Krista Wanous
Miss International 2012
Friday, 21 June 2013
Minnesota Institute of Art Gala- Summer After Party
Last weekend I had the pleasure of attending the Minnesota Institute of Arts Gala After Party. A time for professionals to mingle, network, and enjoy great music.
Joined by my Minnesota International sister, Charity Bess, we worked the crowd meeting many interesting artist, art supporters, and MIA donors.
Joined by my Minnesota International sister, Charity Bess, we worked the crowd meeting many interesting artist, art supporters, and MIA donors.
The highlight of the evening was getting to see two well-known Minnesota bands, Doom Tree and Morris Day. Charity, being a few years older than I, was really excited about seeing Morris Day. Even though I wasn’t very familiar with Morris Day before their performance, I am definitely a big fan now! Every one of the guests was grooving to their funky beat.
It was such a fun evening and I was so proud to support a wonderful place like the MIA. The MIA has hosted numerous gallery shows and fundraisers for Free Arts Minnesota, my favorite! So, it was my pleasure to be able to give back to this Institute.
“Inspiring wonder through the power of art.”
Krista Wanous
Miss International 2012
Monday, 10 June 2013
Eric Carl Style Pictures with the Healing Family
Our workshop at the Healing Family Foundation was one of my favorites, but I think I would probably say that about all of the workshops I did in Thailand! During recent workshops, we have been doing a lot of craft project and playing a lot of games. We decided that we should have a change of pace so we led a workshop that was focused more on "traditional art".
The idea of the workshop was that we would be making pictures in the style of the artist/author Eric Carl. The first step was that everyone painted a piece of paper so that it had as little white space as possible. This yielded some lovely paintings. I had the pleasure of helping one of our sweetest students. We worked together all afternoon smothering her paper in paint and stamping elephant figures.
While we waited for these to dry, we all sang some of the workshop participant’s new favorite songs, "Baby Bumble Bee" and "Baby Shark".
After the paintings were dry, we cut out shapes and glued them onto another piece of paper to create beautiful pictures of whatever the participants wanted.
Because we had never done a workshop like this before with The Healing Family, we didn't know how they would react or how well they would do with the assignment. Fortunately, everyone enjoyed the workshop, and the increased allowance for creativity. One man in particular made an exceptionally beautiful picture.
Thailand stole my heart,
XO
Krista Wanous
Miss International 2012
Friday, 24 May 2013
Across the Globe and Back Again!
I have just returned from Thailand with so many stories to tell. In keeping the with the mission of the International Pageant system, the last three weeks I have been working my platform Internationally in the city of Chiang Mai. My future blogs will cover many of the unique adventures that I have experienced along the way. I apologize for being M.I.A. the last month. I was so overwhelmed with the adventure of my trip I just couldn’t sit still long enough to write!
As I have written previously, this trip was not designed to be a public relations tour full of black tie dinners and meeting local organizers. I never wore a cocktail dress, and never put on a pair of heels. This was a down to earth, hands-in- the-paint, no make-up mission with an emphasis of teaching new creative skills to children with little to no English language skills. Cultural Canvas, an organization focused on the meeting the artistic needs of children was my partner in this adventure. They served as my host organization and connected me with orphans and under-served children in need of mentoring and artistic diversions.
My first eight hours were spent at the lovely Ping Nakara hotel where I ate one of my last “western style” breakfasts of waffles and sausage, which I ate at poolside. By noon, I had arrived at the home where I would be staying to work with children without families. Here I would experience a less-touristy Thailand. Here I would learn that geckos live indoors and that ants will find any stray crumbs even if they are inside of your pants pockets – yuck! But I also learned to love and appreciate the Thai people and their emphasis on cooperation, patience, and peace.
Thailand is a Mecca of artisans, from pottery to woodcarving that is seen in the many arts and crafts offered in the night bazaar. However, many children lack basic art supplies such as crayons, paper, paints and brushes. Every day, for five to six hours, I was involved in the activities I love, showing children to make art, make mistakes and feel the joy of creating something with their own hands. I found some of the kids had great intensity when given the right environment and supplies. One thing I found interesting is how rigid the schools and education systems are. There is very little room for creativity or imagination. Most lessons are taught in a memorization method without room for outside thought, challenging or interpretation. Because of this, I was even more driven to bring a whole lot of fun and playful creativity to my time with the kids.
This was my home for my month in Thailand. The windows on the second floor lead into my bedroom. It was a beautiful view every morning and I could even see the cross form the nearby Christian church when I opened my eyes each day. I lived with 8 other girls who were form all areas of the world, Germany, Lithuania, United Kingdom and few American girls from New York and Boston. I found them all to be so interesting. Most of them were younger than I was and had been traveling for many months and still had many places to visit. It was very inspiring!
Our house had no air-conditioning and very simple amenities. We were dependent on the cool breeze of a fan or the chilly drizzle of an ice cube from the freezer on days that reached over 100 degrees with was most days! The rain was a blessing at night and would cool off our house almost immediately. Often, we would shower in our pajamas just to stay cool throughout the night.
We rode around town in these red trucks. They were cheap and very quick! However, sometimes the driver didn’t know where he was going and would drop us of on the opposite side of town. In that case, we grabbed a Tuk-Tuk, a bit more expensive but the drivers usually spoke better English. I tried hard to learn the basics of the Thai language before and during my visit, but honestly, I wasn’t good. Most times, the Thai person I was speaking too would just laugh at me and say, “Pretty round eye from America,” and proceed to touch my blonde hair. They were very sweet and usually managed to figure out what I was trying to say. I have never felt like such an odd ball in the crown though. In America, I look like very other blonde haired light skinned girl on the street, in Thailand, I stuck out like sore thumb. I was gawked at more than I was at home parading around in a giant tiara!
As I have written previously, this trip was not designed to be a public relations tour full of black tie dinners and meeting local organizers. I never wore a cocktail dress, and never put on a pair of heels. This was a down to earth, hands-in- the-paint, no make-up mission with an emphasis of teaching new creative skills to children with little to no English language skills. Cultural Canvas, an organization focused on the meeting the artistic needs of children was my partner in this adventure. They served as my host organization and connected me with orphans and under-served children in need of mentoring and artistic diversions.
My first eight hours were spent at the lovely Ping Nakara hotel where I ate one of my last “western style” breakfasts of waffles and sausage, which I ate at poolside. By noon, I had arrived at the home where I would be staying to work with children without families. Here I would experience a less-touristy Thailand. Here I would learn that geckos live indoors and that ants will find any stray crumbs even if they are inside of your pants pockets – yuck! But I also learned to love and appreciate the Thai people and their emphasis on cooperation, patience, and peace.
Thailand is a Mecca of artisans, from pottery to woodcarving that is seen in the many arts and crafts offered in the night bazaar. However, many children lack basic art supplies such as crayons, paper, paints and brushes. Every day, for five to six hours, I was involved in the activities I love, showing children to make art, make mistakes and feel the joy of creating something with their own hands. I found some of the kids had great intensity when given the right environment and supplies. One thing I found interesting is how rigid the schools and education systems are. There is very little room for creativity or imagination. Most lessons are taught in a memorization method without room for outside thought, challenging or interpretation. Because of this, I was even more driven to bring a whole lot of fun and playful creativity to my time with the kids.
This was my home for my month in Thailand. The windows on the second floor lead into my bedroom. It was a beautiful view every morning and I could even see the cross form the nearby Christian church when I opened my eyes each day. I lived with 8 other girls who were form all areas of the world, Germany, Lithuania, United Kingdom and few American girls from New York and Boston. I found them all to be so interesting. Most of them were younger than I was and had been traveling for many months and still had many places to visit. It was very inspiring!
Our house had no air-conditioning and very simple amenities. We were dependent on the cool breeze of a fan or the chilly drizzle of an ice cube from the freezer on days that reached over 100 degrees with was most days! The rain was a blessing at night and would cool off our house almost immediately. Often, we would shower in our pajamas just to stay cool throughout the night.
We rode around town in these red trucks. They were cheap and very quick! However, sometimes the driver didn’t know where he was going and would drop us of on the opposite side of town. In that case, we grabbed a Tuk-Tuk, a bit more expensive but the drivers usually spoke better English. I tried hard to learn the basics of the Thai language before and during my visit, but honestly, I wasn’t good. Most times, the Thai person I was speaking too would just laugh at me and say, “Pretty round eye from America,” and proceed to touch my blonde hair. They were very sweet and usually managed to figure out what I was trying to say. I have never felt like such an odd ball in the crown though. In America, I look like very other blonde haired light skinned girl on the street, in Thailand, I stuck out like sore thumb. I was gawked at more than I was at home parading around in a giant tiara!
I was happy to not be driving on these roads. The traffic is absolutely crazy. Mopeds, cars, tuk-tuk’s, and red trucks are everywhere and riding in the most unsafe conditions. In most cases, nobody is following any kind of laws from what I can tell, and sometimes they just drive on the complete opposite side of the road. The scenery was beautiful and I was thankful to have that to focus on during our “close calls”.
This is where our Cultural Canvas offices were located. It was a modest home with a big art supply closet and open yard to invite the neighborhood kids in to do projects. Although we traveled around the city to other facilities everyday, this is where we started and ended each day.
More blogs coming soon!
Krista Wanous
Miss International 2012
Wednesday, 7 November 2012
Workout Playlist
November is Arts + Health Month!
As my fellow International sisters know, the American Heart Association tells us that the best way to keep your heart and body healthy is exercise! In honor of Arts+Health month, I am combining my favorite way to stay fit, weight lifting, and my favorite art form, music. I don’t know about you guys but I just cannot work out without my IPod. I love music that has a great beat and gets me energized. Here is Miss International 2012’s, work out playlist. Enjoy
Madona – Girl Gone Wild
Ellie Goulding – Lights (Dubstep Remix)
Machine Gun Kelly ft Arron Lafette– Fantasy (Remix)
Katy Perry -Firework
Graffiti 6 – Annie You Save Me (Remix)
Lady Gaga - Fashion
Planet Funk– Lemonade (Benny Benassi Remix)
Rihanna – Only Girl In the World
ATB and Paul Van Dyke, DJ Special K - Trance
Katy Perry – Who Am I Living For?
Nicki Minaj- Moment 4 Life
Kelis - Brave
Mike Posner – Evil Woman
Pretty Lights - Finally Moving (Remix)
Lady Gaga – Retro, Dance, Freak
Selena Gomez – Who Says
Rihanna – Who’s That Chick
Beyonce- Woman Like Me
KT Tunstall – Suddenly I See
Rihanna – Diamonds
LMFAO – Sexy and I Know It
Michael Jackson – I’m Bad
XOXOXO,
Krista Wanous
Miss International 2012
Monday, 13 February 2012
The Shape of Love
To continue with last year's tradition, here are our favorite heart-shaped items to commemorate Valentine's Day. From tops to accessories to home decor, we love heart-shaped anything (especially chocolates). And if this post doesn't fulfill your heart's desire (!), then check out assorted hearts, a pretty and sweet blog that shares random images of the universal symbol of love.
1. Top Shop | 2. Asos | 3. Delia*s | 4. Aqsa | 5. bhldn | 6. 8000 Nerves | 7. Yardsale Press | 8. Forever 21 | 9. Urban Outfitters
<3
Jen & Saira
Sunday, 2 October 2011
Guest Blog: Chicago Renegade Craft Fair
Our friend attended the Renegade Craft in Chicago this year and was kind enough to write up a post for us on the great things she came across in her travels. So, here's a little guest blog treat for you from our fabulous craftfair correspondent, Hillary. Take it away, Hil:
The windy city was more hot than windy during this year’s Chicago Renegade Craft
Fair (RCF) in early September. More than 300 vendors filled Wicker Park – where
Renegade got its start in 2003 – for two days of crafts, workshops and good local
Chicago food. With so many vendors it was hard to pick a handful to highlight but
here is a short round up of some interesting finds!
Known as the strongest shape, triangles were all over the craft fair in a variety of
forms. Whether as tents (see bottom of this post), banners or jewelry – like the
above necklaces from NICE by Caitlin Holcomb – it was clear that the triangle is
trend in the craft world right now.
The triangle necklaces below were only one of the many cute items on display by
Chicago-based accessories designer Wanderlustings.
Letterpress items are usually my weakness when it comes to booth hopping during
a craft fair and this fair was no different. While a lot of vendors had their best
letterpress cards on display, I particularly loved these super cute 2012 letterpress
calendars, complete with little wooden stump bases, from OneCanoeTwo. Though
we’re a few months away from 2012 and the holidays, this calendar is a great little
gift and is perfect for a cute desk accessory.
While it was difficult to think of the cold weather ahead during this warm
September weekend, there were a number of knit items on display at this year’s fair.
In particular, these colorful crocheted flowers from Mojo Spa got me thinking about
what jackets I could add a fun flair to.
Beyond the typical prints, baby clothes, stationary and jewelry you’d expect at a
craft fair, this year’s Chicago RCF also showcased these interesting wood ties from
Wood Thumb. Certainly a unique spin on a typical go-to gift for men, the Wood
Thumb website claims this fancy tie “gets you into all the clubs.”
Know a crafty kid? Another popular and eye-catching craft at this year’s Chicago
RCF were Hip Huts. Designed with brightly colored, fun fabric, these small tents
could be crafty additions to the typical child’s playroom.
While these items were only a snapshot of this year’s Chicago RCF, there were many,
many other talented vendors that had unique crafts on display. I would also be
remiss to not mention my boyfriend Bryan – Yardsale Press – who was busy selling
prints and coasters at the Chicago fair. Thanks Jen and Saira for allowing me to guest
post! Much love to PDR!
Sunday, 5 June 2011
Renegade Craft Fair 2011: Brooklyn, NY
In the NJ/NY area and trying to decide what to do this weekend? Skip the beach traffic, gather some friends, and come out to support local artists at Brooklyn's 7th Annual Renegade Craft Fair! If you remember, we attended this craft fair last year and were overwhelmingly impressed by the number of talented artists in our area. Unique and original handmade crafts from greeting cards to jewelry to bath products and home decor can be found here at very reasonable prices. Though some vendors will take credit cards, be sure to hit up the ATM and get some cash for those that don't (and also for the wonderful little Italian ice carts that we're hoping will be there again this year). The fair will take place this Saturday and Sunday (June 11th and 12th) from 11am-7pm at McCarren Park and will feature over 300 vendors. Here are a few of the vendors and items we are really excited to check out:
XOXO
Jen & Saira
Friday, 1 April 2011
Popular Tattoo Designs - Top 5 Most Popular Tattoos
Tattoos are the ultimate in self expression. They make a statement about who you are and what you are about. Different tattoo designs have different meanings. Adaptations of various designs can add your own stamp to the body art so you can make your own statement. If you are trying to decide what sort of tat design you want, here are the most popular ones last year with an overview of what they mean.
1. Tribal Tattoos
Symbolizes belonging. The Tribal designs were by far the most popular, coming in with approximately one third of requests. In the past, tribal body art identified different tribes and were very important to the identity of the tribe and the individual. Today, tribal body art is an appealing fashion statement, that allow people to show off their individuality combined with a bit of mystery. These tats use aggressive dark lines in jagged symmetrical shapes and are most common in black and skin tones but can also be infused with color to brighten the overall look.
2. Stars
A symbol of protection and guidance. They are popular because they can go anywhere on the body and can be any size you want. They are also popular because they are timeless. Compass and nautical stars were very popular amongst sailors as they relied on stars to guide them on their journeys, so they used the tattoos as luck. These days, the meaning of stars depends on the number of points it has. The most popular places for the star designs are around the shoulder, ankles and navel.
3. Angels
Symbol of devotion, spirituality and faith. Angels are popular because they are very symbolic, representing many values such as peace, spirituality, and protection. Some of the more popular tattoo designs relate to Religion and Spirituality (due to angels being seen as the link between heaven and earth), Love, and the Struggle between good and evil.
4. Crosses
Strong religious symbolism. Popular as a symbol of faith, belief and hope. Crosses are popular because they can be effectively combined with other designs. The cross tattoo is very versatile because they look good most places on the body and small or big.
5. Wings
Symbol of spirituality and freedom. Wings are associated with angels, representing protection and guidance from above. Wings are also associated with butterflies, birds, dragons, fairies and a host of other animals. Wings represent freedom for many people and rising above problems. Some wing designs spread right across the back, which look very impressive. A popular place for women to get a wing tattoo design is on the lower back.
Where to get good designs
So, these were the most popular tattoo designs last year. The next step is to look at some pictures or flash to get ideas to work from. The easiest, cheapest source to start is the internet. Get ideas here, but remember that most of these are low quality and lots of people also have access to these pictures, so they are not very unique. You don't want to see someone else with the same tat design as yours!
A cost effective option is to download a package of thousands of popular designs off the internet which are good quality and relatively unique. Then add your own touches to your favorite one for the artist to incorporate. That way you get top quality body art that is totally original for a fraction of the price it would cost for a tattoo design to be drawn up from scratch.
Monday, 21 February 2011
Incredible Tree House Community in Costa
Finca Bellavista is a self-sustaining community in the jungles of Costa Rica. So if you are fan of everything that is eco-friendly and like to merge with nature this can be what you need. Finca Bellavista encompasses 300 acres (1.2 km2) of rainforest.
The community features houses built right on top of the trees in the Costa Rican rain forest, connected by zip lines and sky bridges. These tree houses are accessible by stairs and ladders from the ground, reminds me of the Swiss Family Robinson.
The sustainable tree house community was founded by Americans Erica and Mathew Hogan not just as their own private escape from the crazy city life but as a community that attracts permanent residents and travellers from all over the world. New residents can purchase plots starting from $55,000 and build their dream tree-home; travelers can rent room for the short or long term.
And just because you’re in the rain forest doesn’t mean modern amenities aren’t available; limited solar powered electricity, hot showers, and even wireless internet can be accessed. But the whole point of this community is to get away from it all and get closer to nature. Two rivers run around the community with crystal clear water and plenty of waterfalls for taking a dive on a hot summer day. A small town is a few miles away and the ocean is a short hike away. Some of your neighbors will include monkeys, lizards and lots of bugs; Finca Bellavista is like living in an episode of Natural Geographic.
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