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Sunday, April 7, 2013

The Weed and the War Chest

This may not be about what you are thinking!  If "weed" to you means reefer, Mary Jane.. any of THOSE things, you are wrong. 


This is an actual weed.  I plucked it last fall from the marsh by my house, because I found both it's beauty and humbleness astonishing.  It has faded a little, (those little seed heads were a much more luminous pale, clear green) and may have collected a little dust, but the elegance of the little blossoms and the bronzy glory of the twisted leaves has not changed.  And I wish I could show it to you as it looked when I collected it, with the sparkling blues of the pond and sky behind it.  I often either take pictures of, or collect things I find inspiring. Since this has managed to survive the entire winter in one piece, I believe some aspect of it will possibly end up in my Battle of the Beadsmith work this year.  At this point, you may be thinking I have been into the other sort of weed after all!

This will be my second year of Battle of the Beadsmith, and I really enjoyed last years event, despite my personal grief.  About half way through my process, my mother passed away. Her death changed my work entirely, and it became a memorial to her.  You can read about it here if you like.  But I'll remind you too...


I am super proud of the fact that my "Missing" made it into the third round, placing it in the top 25% of entries. The "sweet sixteen" to use Steven's analogy.  And I am very happy to have the opportunity to participate again this year in the 2013 Battle.

Last year I talked about what I might do for my battle piece here on my blog.  Not this year.  Because I have no sketch, and no specific image in mind.  I do have inspiration, ideas, and I have a war chest, which I have been filling since last fall when I picked up the weed.


So, some of those bits and bobs, and maybe some from the OTHER layers of the chest, will end up in my battle piece 2013.

I am going to enjoy the ride.  And THANK YOU Steven Weiss, (of Beadsmith fame!) for concieving of this wonderful event, and managing to herd 192 artists through their paces.  I think it must be very much like herding cats!  If you would like to watch the battle, just let me know and I or Steven can add you to the group on facebook!

27 comments:

  1. That reminds me a lot of what I start with... I find that picking out the bits and pieces that will actually end up in a finished piece is both the most challenging and the most fun. Of course my pile is never complete it always takes a second trip to the stash before anything is finished.

    Have fun and I can't wait to see what you create.

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    1. Indeed Kathy Jo, I think you last post was about packing a mobile battle chest of your own! Thank you, I AM having fun, and liking my results so far. :)

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  2. I love your color palette, very soft and kind. Enjoy the ride!

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  3. Good luck to you Marsha, and may this year's battle be nothing but a joyful process for you. I'm looking forward to seeing what you do with your weedy inspiration!

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    1. So far, it has been a very cheery process. Thank you, and I cannot wait to see what you will do too!

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  4. Love the weed! And it's such a good analogy for the battle. Weeds pop up where you least expect them and can sometimes be breathtakingly beautiful. And you have to love their persistence and joyful exuberance. Kinda like you, Marsha ;)

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    1. Yes, I do get the bit and my mouth and run sometimes, no? I'm glad you find it admirable. Best of luck to you as well!

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  5. Oh gosh, I am just sooooooooooo excited!!! Your warchest is full of goodies, what a stash of weaponry you have there!! And... I love weeds and things too, so I don't think you're off at all, lol. ;) I sometimes collect interesting twigs or leaves and look at them for days. Also rocks, of course.... I am actually in process with three of my 'found' rocks this week, in fact!! I cannot wait to see what you make, and even more, what you write about what you've made and your path with it. I look forward to your blogs soooooooo much, Marsha. Much love to you!

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    1. My love back to you Nancy. I look forward to seeing your rocks and your ultimate battle piece as well, and am a big fan of your blog!

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  6. I love the weed and the war chest and all the mystery that surrounds them. I am sure a masterpiece will end up being created and I cannot wait!

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    1. I cannot wait to see what you will do as well! Thanks for reading and leaving a comment. :)

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  7. I am not surprised your piece made it to the top 25% last year, you do amazing work, and I am so looking forward to see what you will make this year as well.....by the way I am also participating this year. Good luck to us all!!

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    1. I am excited to see what you will create Naan! Best of luck to you. :)

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  8. The war chest is looking fabulous and I can't wait to see what comes of it. May the beady gods be with you Marsha!

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  9. I'm intrigued to learn what you do with your weedy inspiration. I know it will be gorgeous and over-the-top intricate. I, too, am glad that I'm not pitted against you in the battle... ;)

    Kate

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  10. thank you for sharing.all of them are so beatiful

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  11. Marsha,
    I am just enamored with your War Chest and the sharing of your story for this years Battle. May the Bead Goddess keep your finger nimble. Battle On !

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    1. Thanks Cathy. So far, so good! I am excited to see your work as well. Always so geometrically perfecti!

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  12. I'll be eagerly awaiting the reveal of your Battle piece, Marsha. Your work is always inspiring and your warchest of goodies promises much inspiration, indeed!

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  13. Wunderschön und Atemberaubend! Gratulation.
    Natalie

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