Wearing Two Hats
Posted on | August 15, 2010 | 6 Comments
The moment I decided to support myself as an artist I began to wear two hats, one of artist and the other as businesswoman. Blending the two has had its challenge to say the least. Being creative for me is not being restricted and allowing myself to flow like a stream wearing out little nooks and crannies along the way. The repetitive actions over and over finely tune and hone a path that in the end will yield the desired results that I am seeking. Couple that with switching my hat to take care of the business aspects of my craft, and I find its much harder for me, but through trial and error am attempting to harness my impatient spirit and do the steps needed for success.
With so many mediums available today to explore I have recently added a new one to my ever growing experimentation…beads. While attempting to not stretch myself too thin, it’s hard to not push the envelope a bit and see where the blending of mixed media will take me. Sometimes you have to just let go of of a perceived outcome for your true vision to take shape. 
The newest pieces I have been creating are a blend of all my favorite things: polymer clay, gemstones, bead embroidery. These are a few pictures of recent wearable art pieces, a blend of art and adornment. Each piece has a special meaning and story behind it and as such each piece began with an idea that ‘changed’ as I worked. Funny how that happens.
How do you balance your hats? Your vision?
Tags: artists vision > bead embroidery > creativity > elysian field originals > gemstones > polymer clay > valerie ashley > wearable art
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6 Responses to “Wearing Two Hats”
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August 15th, 2010 @ 2:47 pm
“…… each piece began with an idea that ‘changed’ as I worked. Funny how that happens.”
Yes, funny how that happens isn’t it? My paintings were almost always that way.
I love your beading and the way it makes everything intricate and dainty… The pendant/brooch somehow reminds me of Christmas and I’m not sure why….
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August 15th, 2010 @ 3:16 pm
I adore your art and I look forward to seeing feature new ideas you shape and mold together . This is like nothing I have ever seen before .I especially am liking your newest item P1110590 . Being part Cherokee , this piece brings me to my roots and hope to buy this one soon . Keep up the great work and I know you will go further then you ever imagined .
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August 15th, 2010 @ 3:47 pm
Hi Val, I’m glad to see your blog. Your creations are amazing! Best wishes and much success wearing your two hats! Tammy
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August 15th, 2010 @ 3:53 pm
Not altogether sure i do altogther balance my `hat`, so best I dont go there.
Love love love that faerie cuff. That hat has been succesful as far as i can see, but then most of yours are. Jealous ,x
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August 15th, 2010 @ 4:28 pm
Thanks Sue, Desiree, Tammy, and Joy! I still have quite a ways to go in the balancing of my hats, preferring one over the other but needing both.
@Sue, the brooch was a free style piece inspired by the colors of fall, which I’ve always loved. When I look outside my window at the trees I see the trees first but then when I squint just a wee bit all I see are the colors. You’ll have to let me peek at your paintings, you were always such a talented gal!
@Desiree, the Wolf Moon piece was inspired by the passing of Peter Steele, lead singer for Type O Negative, as well as my love of wolves. Look for more wolf inspired pieces to come.
@Tammy, thanks sweetie for popping in and for your support! xx
@Joy, it is always lovely to hear from you my friend across the sea!! I see you are also branching out with your felt critters. Absolutely adorable!
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August 16th, 2010 @ 3:34 pm
Val,
Each piece you produce get’s better and better. I love all you work as you know I tell you all the time. You have really picked me up with your beautiful spirit. I really appreciate you and your sisters and now my sisters in spirit. I am so excited to recieve the beautiful piece I just bought form you which will be the first in my collection of your beautiful creations. Much Love and Best Wishes Always,
Diana Scott
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