Gordy is starting his INTERVIEW process – if you are an artist, or know one that might like to be included please let us know!
Gordy: Hello and welcome to The Journal Lady® (aka The Memory Keeper and Antoinette Ledzian. Author, artist and befriended of strangers.)
The Journal Lady and I meet a few months back, her energy and “joie de vivre” was instantly clear. At that time I had no idea how wildly creative and wonderful her “ways and means” or how diverse and fun her art is. It turns out she utilizes any medium which illustrates the written word . . . She tells me that “My middle names are *Serendipity* *Organization* and *Inspiration* . . .
I love following my bliss and trusting my intuition which leads to synchronicity and continual new experiences which from stories that usually get posted with my photographic images on flickr in the form of “six word stories” . . . (see link below) That all sounds great and we kept on chatting.. When I asked about herself and her art the wonderful answer was. “Every day is filled with a new adventure because I totally trust the creative process, truly believing that through my art I have learned to overcome any obstacles, and most importantly, turn negatives into positives at every turn. Every day is a gift . . . and every corner turned presents another opportunity to create ART!”
It is clear from your wonderful website and links that you are a lady of many talents! Since you name is The Journal Lady I assume that is a major part of you, true?
Antoinette Ledzian
I Have been “visual journaling” long before it became a fad! Some of my work is featured in “Art and Healing” by Barbara Ganim. Although I am a “Certified Expressive Arts Facilitator” I don’t hang out a shingle, but DO incorporate my experiences in day-to-day living and teaching the arts.
I have studied and practiced art my entire life, taking classes with instructors from all over the world . . . from Colby Sawyer College in New London, NH to the Lyme Academy of Fine Arts, RISD, The Letterpress Guild of NE, and through calligraphic organizations or adult-ed classes. My husband and I have written, illustrated and published a book entitled, “The Cat Who Lost Its Meow” . . . a book about processing loss through art and journaling.
Gordy: Is there a process to your work?
Antoinette: I utilize any medium which illustrates the written word . . . photography, pastel, watercolor, acrylic, collage, letterpress, graphic design, fabric, fiber and, of course, calligraphy! I have been blessed with the luxury of living and creating in my home/studio on a daily basis for over 30 years. For 10 years I held a summer camp for 9-12 year olds entitled “Art Bound Camp” where we wrote and painted, combining the results in a journal, complete with illustrated covers. (links to this on www.journalady.com)
Gordy: What do you love the most about creativity?
Antoinette: The satisfaction that bubbles up from deep within, especially with visual journaling, is invaluable to personal growth. No activity nor purchase can compare to using God’s given gifts to the fullest.
Gordy: Do you consider yourself an “environmentalist?”
Absolutely, without a doubt . . . as artists, my husband and I are insatiable recyclers. From cooking a chicken and eating leftover concoctions for days, to cutting up old clothing for sewn collages, pillows or journal covers . . .
Going to the dump is a challenge at times! Even worse is returning from the landfill with a perfectly good item, which begs to be recycled.
Gordy: What connection to sustainability (if any) does your work have?
As a writer and journal keeper, my connection to sustainability goes hand in hand, as my natural well never runs dry. Creativity and resourcefulness are always at my fingertips in concrete or virtual form. This spills over into invaluable skills for adjusting to life’s ups and downs. The ability to take time to reflect is invaluable to the growth process and becoming the best at being me so that I can give back to others in an inspirational way.
Gordy: Are their links to websites of your work?
www.journalady.com
www.flickr.com/photos/colorfulexpressions/
Note: We (at Botanical Beauties & Beasties) were lucky enough to be a featured in Colorful Expressions- read all about us!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/colorfulexpressions/6339165376/
Gordy: Where, how, can folks find your great pieces?
Readers can contact me through my website. We have occasional home studio shows.
Gordy: My final question to you is …what advise, tips do you have for aspiring artist and/or creative souls?
CREATE CREATE CREATE . . . take time to use all your senses every day.
Avoid Television at all costs (haven’t watched it in over 40 years) . . .
Go to art openings whenever possible.
Enroll in classes to stretch one’s knowledge.
Be true to yourself. Have FAITH.
Keep records and pictures of your creations for reflection.
TALK TO STRANGERS . . . do interviews and post to flickr!