Monday, April 26, 2010

Let me tell you how all this began ...


A few years back, a friend of mine phoned me up with an idea. She had an old chair that she had purchased at a local second hand shop (for $14.99) that was truly loved by her cat.

Flipping through a magazine one day, she spotted a photo of an arm chair with an ever-so-lovely vivid sunflower with a glorious red background. Although the magazine chair was upholstered with that pattern, she had another idea.

"We should paint my chair", she exclaimed. Of course we meant me. I was up to her challenge. So, without thinking about it, I agreed to go to her house and give this painting idea a whirl.

Honestly, it had been years since I had painted. My mother kept telling me that I should take up painting again. She insisted that I was really good at it. Of course my mom would say that ~ she was my mom and was obligated to say such things, so I resisted. But now, I thought I'd give this challenge a whirl. I packed my paints and my smock in my car and drove the half hour trip to my friend's house.

We discussed subject matter for the chair, and we decided that I should attempt to do a Faux Gogh. A painted chair in honour of my favourite artist of all time, Vincent Van Gogh.

To make a long story short, the chair turned out beautifully, and the idea of reclaiming old chairs was serendipitously planted in my mind.
And the rest, they say is history.

5 comments:

  1. I just love the bravery that it took to put that first stroke of paint onto the chair. Even if it was only 14.99! The Brave Artist was Born !
    Brava for the new site too. Looking forward to having a sit-down and story time whenever I stop by.
    Big Love to you !
    (Ps : Got my bookmark - it it so bright and colorful. Today is a rainy ick day but I will find a home for it on the next sunny day. Thanks so much !)

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  2. Thank you for visiting my new site, Kim. You are always so encouraging. Glad you got your Tree Hugger Bookmark too!

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  3. I remember my hubby's shock when he came home from work the very next day after I had that light bulb moment with the magazine, and the chair was on the table being painted. I am the Queen of Procrastination, and when I decide to do something it's often months, if not years, till I get around to it. Not this idea...which was truly inspired, (unlike some of my other ideas)! You've found your calling! Thanks for being brave and daring, not to mention talented and gifted. I can't wait to see where you go with it!
    ...and I'm always on the lookout for yet another chair for you.

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  4. Thank you for your encouragement ~ always.

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  5. I'm so happy to have found your blog! What a brave inspiration you are! I'll be back and visit again!

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