Finding Aimee Larissa

New Artwork Up!

2010-07-10T12:03:00.000-07:00

New photomanips, digital, charcoal & pencil work posted & much more to come!

<3 Aimee Larissa

Words from David Simon

2010-07-08T15:58:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love his philosophy. I myself especially find that I must practice daily that I cannot control the events that happen in my life but I can control my reactions and perception. It really is one of the best things I believe you can teach yourself however, extremely hard sometimes! Here is a link to his blog. Thought I would share! http://www.lovefordavid.com/

"Every impulse that expands our sense of self spontaneously expands our capacity for compassion and grace.More than ever before, I am cognizant that although we may not always be able to direct the events of our lives, we can influence our interpretations. Therefore one of the kindest things we can do for ourselves is to choose perspectives that raise us to the highest levels of awareness. Whether you are participating in one of our intensively caring workshops or are simply eating your next strawberry with total awareness, you have the opportunity in every moment to experience gratitude, joy, and a deep sense of connection to the totality of life. Do something that brings you happiness today. By doing so, you will be in the greatest service to your individuality and to the sacred."

With love,
David

<3 Aimee Larissa

Work in Progress!

2010-07-06T21:21:00.000-07:00

efore and after pics with painting progress, gold leafing delights, and new green furniture!

Before pic ~ This is actually the next door apt but it's almost exactly the same, just reversed.

The first paint....

Getting accent wall prepped for Gold leafing with red undercoat.

Gold Leaf accent walls finished look...

Opposite to the light green wall I painted a darker green.

My new find! Think I like the color just the way it is...Maybe some touching up and definitely some new funky hardware replacements.

Much MUCH more to do! I'll be posting more pics as I go along!

"A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life." Dalai Lama

Whats Your Intent Today?

2010-07-06T14:58:00.000-07:00

Share your intent today and read others for inspiration here or leave comments below! =)

My intent for today is to deep clean my closets before I get lost in them and post pics of current house painting project progress.

Sometimes things just fall into place!

2010-07-06T12:47:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July! Mine was filled of fireworks galore, sparkler dances, popper surprises, angry hamburgers (because they were extremeley spicey!!!) & talking watermelons. lol The comfortability to be silly around family is an endless gift.

I finally finished my gold leaf accent walls and am proud to say that they look gorgeous!! I found the idea on HGTV's website here. I decided to make mine a little different & will be posting pics later tonight. I'm currently at my day job taking a tiny break to write. =P

Also, a lovely piece of furniture basically fell into my lap yesterday! A neighbor moved out and left it for the landlord to get rid of. I just happened to be coming home at the same time she found it and she asked if I wanted it. Of course I jumped at the chance and said "Yes!" It's vintagy which I love. Planning on putting some mix match hardware pieces on the front. Glass perhaps? Not sure yet but super excited to have been free vintage lucky.

For any fellow artists traveling or in the Chicago area there are some wonderful seminars going on by Cloth Paper Scissors August 25-29th. I am dying to go but not sure I'll be able to this year =( I think the hardest part would be deciding on which ones to go to! Check them out here. Also you can sign up for their free online magazine on the Cloth Paper Scissors website. I just signed up today and got this nifty mixed media pdf with some really great stuff in it! =)

"Life just turns deliciously quirky when you stop resisting yourself and, instead, honor the intuition that tugs at you like a puppy on a leash in the park. Follow the magic and the magic starts to follow you". Tama J. Kieves

~ Magic in a bottle ~

2010-07-03T15:23:00.000-07:00

Creativity comes from the essence of your soul and the essence of the world around you. Always follow your passions no matter what direction they may take you. You may surprise yourself.

Here is an inspirational video I wanted to share of a woman who did just that and followed her heart.

Second Act: Mandy Aftel

Flower by Kayleor

Art is Everywhere!

2010-07-03T11:58:00.000-07:00

Even at work when you're at frustration levels have peeked you can clear you're mind and find that even sharpie art can be quite theraputic!

SO ~ I decided to do just that! Along with a nice little thought that entered my mind after I finished. The rest of my day went along much more peaceful afterwords =)

The soul that sings is a resounding tranquil harmony ~ Aimee Larissa

"Happiness is not a matter of events, it depends upon the tides of the mind." - Alice Meynell

& my song for the day! HELLO HELLO!!! <3 Because sometimes a little dreamy trance is in order ;~)

Wishing all a fabuliscious holiday weekend! <3

Song & Picture of the day!

2010-06-25T12:49:00.001-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zudbz4hOcbc <3 <3 <3

Photography by: AClockworkBlue

My Broken Shoe

2010-06-25T11:28:00.000-07:00

Last night after taking on the task of organizing my closet and then a quick 45 minutes later deciding I'll finish it later, I found myself sitting on my couch tuning in to “Insert whatever funny movie here that I've already seen at least 5 times before” trying to mentally escape everything I've been putting off that I know I need to eventually get around to. It's like pleasure and punishment. Or is it punishment and pleasure? As I looked around the room mentally punishing myself for not completing any of these tasks, I saw my black high heeled broken shoe (one of my faves) sitting on top of my receiver, (which is exactly where it should be *ha ha*) and for some reason my broken shoe, paint cans, packed up boxes, and other items that had no business being on my coffee table got my head gears spinning. My packed away thoughts were standing in front of me shrugging shoulders and tapping feet saying “What the hell are you doing!?” or "You should be doing this or that not wasting time!" Well, I'll tell you what I'm doing. Rebelling against these wicked little character shaming thoughts by sitting on my couch blocking them out by forcing funny movie scripts in my mind instead. Staying safe instead of getting up and doing everything I want to do because of fear. Fear of failure, fear of disappointment, fear of a new me. I then remembered a recent video by Dr. Brene Brown I watched and knew I needed to shake off whatever fears I had and start connecting. Some of my new found insightfulness is also due to long talks with my mother and all of the online artists/bloggers I admire and new ones I am finding. One of my favorites who I find very inspirational is Kelly Rae Roberts. Read one of her blogs and it's like a facelift for the soul. =)

So, about me. My name is Larissa, (Aime'e is my first name, however I go by my middle, hence the title) I'm 29 and I'm an artist. Although, “I'm an artist” sounds incredibly weird to say, I figure if I say it enough eventually I'll start to realize that I'm not my artist's doppleganger. A distant mirage of what I want to be but think I'm not. Hopefully the two identities will merge, preferably painlessly and with ease but we all know that is never the case. I do know one thing for sure, if everything had been easy in my life I certainly would not be the person I am today. So here I find myself once again forking down another path in my life, recreating, welded, glued, buttoned, zipped and patched up little ole' me pushing myself into the world once again with fear and fearlessness all wrapped up in one fortuneless fortune cookie. My fortuneless cookie used to scare me but now I see it more as a “Create your own whatever” in a party card game which now sounds like a lot more fun.

I suppose my shoe is a representation and a reminder of all of my favorite things that have been torn apart and forgotten in my life that need attention and repair. I'm sure along the way I'll find new favortie things and eventually instead of repairing those shoes get a new pair. No one may ever read this and that’s ok. Many more may read it and that’s ok too. As absolutely terrified as I am of putting any of my personal thoughts down for the world to see I’ve decided to conquer my fears and follow my passions. I’ve decided to find the artist inside me.

I recently moved (recent as in 4 months ago lol) and for the first time painting my rental white walls. I want my surroundings to reflect who I am instead of a constant reminder that this is NOT my permanent home so paint and color is a must. White walls out and color IN! As I go along I’ll be posting photos of my current painting decor progress as well as old and new artworks. I'm also very new to blogspot so please check back for new links and evolving posts. =)

Thanks for reading!
& a special Thank you to my mother for always listening, giving great advice & helping me on this journey! x0x0x0

~ Aimee Larissa <3