Supporting what you love and Familee Connections.

*a sample of my latest sketches 

Hi everyone! 

So, I have a question for you all: 

How do you support what you love? Why do you love it?

*Obviously I love my family, they love bikes so I travel with them to watch them race every weekend.

* I love music, in particular, I love the music, lyrics and voice of Lee DeWyze. This is not shocker, as I'm sure you know this by now.

You know that his hauntingly beautiful & raw voice and amazing lyrics inspire me to create art. I do it because I love it, because I feel it, but I also do it in hopes that it helps promote Lee & his music. My ultimate goal really is for people not familiar with the music to see the art, read that it's 100% inspired by Lee's music, lyrics, voice and just him as a person and wonder, "who is this? He has to be amazing to make someone feel that way…I'm gonna check it out" (at which time they are completely enthralled and amazed by him as I am…. Swishhhhh..nothing but net, goal achieved, a new fan has been born) and trust me, I'm not the only one that feels this way, there is an army of Lee fans out there and we definitely fight for what we believe in... Lee DeWyze. 

This brings me to the definition of Fandom:The term “fandom” is used to refer to the collective fans of something such as a sport, hobby, musician, or series of books. Typically, the members of a fandom feel interconnected by their common interest, and a fandom can often be a subculture as well. Only the most devoted fans are included in a fandom, separating them from people who may only casually enjoy the thing in question.

Then there is the FamiLee…the collective of Lee DeWyze fans, who are in a category all of our own. We not only support Lee, we support each other. I will admit, I was one of those people that thought the whole idea of a fandom was cheesy and over the top. That was until I met this very special group of people that have become a familee for real. I care about these people. We care about each other as people, not JUST Lee fans. There is not enough web space for me to go into everyone I've come to love dearly in our FamiLee…but you all know who you are and I adore you all!

Ok, I got off track for a minute there….the reason for this post is Supporting what you love. One of the people I have met through this whole FamiLee thang, has been Mare. You all know Mare, she co-wrote the visual album review of Lee's "Frames" album. Brilliant writer and had come to be one of my favorite peeps. 

She is a fan of my work outside of associating it with the music. A couple weeks ago, Mare e-mailed me asking if it was ok to send out some letters about how art can help promote music. I was beyond flattered. I mean, I'll admit ...when I read what she writes I'm all  like, "that's about my work?!?! People really think it's THAT good?!?!" 

Anyway, I read her "letter" and was wowed. A shocked state of awe.... 

In this post, she is going to share this idea with you because it opens our eyes to another way of promoting and spreading the word. So I am going to pass it on to Mare to explain this to you in only a way she can!!!!!! :-)

Hey there!! It’s been awhile on here, but I’m never not inspired and I’m always writing :) As Jenn explained above, I feel like fandoms exist to support those who’ve made you feel something, inspired you, opened up a world for you.... and they also exist to create connections. Connections with others that view things in a similar way, and even more importantly.... people who open you up to new ideas or an alternative way of seeing things. When we are really lucky, some basic connections turn into life-long support, belief and friendship. 

I was up one night, looking at Jenn’s art, listening to music, reminiscing and wondering what I could do to spread the word of two amazing talents. Something you may or may not know.... when I believe in and support something or someone(s).... I do it full on. I want other people to recognize, see and feel the amazingness that I do.... I want to connect more people.

After asking Jenn if it was ok with her to talk about the art with the music, I decided to draft a letter to send out to multiple and diverse media sites. Last week, I sent those out to about 25 different people, in the hopes of just bringing attention to how art and music can relate, and how much I believe in both of these people. As much as I focused on Jenn’s art and Lee’s music, I also focused on the bigger picture....story ideas and connecting with a diverse group of people. Here’s some of what I said:

“What if music wasn’t limited to the ears? What if you could SEE music, get the feel for a song based on a visual representation first.... Vibes, instruments, voice, lyrics.... Told in a picture, a snapshot of the artists mind? Can art tell the story of a song, joining together to create something new, while bringing exposure to those limited by todays radio politics and bias? YES! And it’s becoming more popular!

Two similar but different communities are being brought together, reaching a broader scope of people. Using a different avenue, people are being inspired by music to create art, and musicians are benefitting from it. Inspiration of music for art is reaching charities, raising awareness, and all the while, gaining both the musician and artists new fans that otherwise would not have known about their work.

In July of last year I was inspired by a new song so much that I asked a friend of mine if she could paint what visually went through my head upon seeing the song performed live. This single collaboration led to a whole album review based on her art and my interpretation of both the art and music and how they just FIT. The art by Jenn M. Harding was solely inspired by the music and lyrics of singer/songwriter Lee DeWyze and his August 2013 release of the album “Frames”. The initial inspiration for this was a song of Lee’s titled “The Ride” and can be seen here:http://www.jennmhardingart.blogspot.com/2013_07_01_archive.html .The beginning of the visual art album review for “Frames”  can be seen here:http://www.jennmhardingart.blogspot.com/2013/10/a-visual-album-review-lee-dewyze-track.html  . We did this for ourselves because we were so inspired by the music. Each track on the album has its own art and story, made into a separate post. 

I have become excited about the prospect of art and music coming together, inspiring others, reaching new fans in an unconventional way, and that the idea of is growing and gaining popularity. What an amazing way to involve others, grow the arts as a whole, spread the message about new ideas and open the minds of the public. A visual artist inspired by listening to the lyrics and notes of a musician, and combining that to create a story and reach more people.... to teach people about music in a new way..... that doesn’t involve the typical avenue of promotion and politics in this day and age? I think it’s brilliant and needs to be explored.

The talent of Lee DeWyze and Jenn Harding inspired me to write.... to tell a story and attempt to have people relate to and hear the music in a way they hadn’t thought of, to art they didn’t see the meaning behind and understand, and maybe together.... to bring two talents to the public, where they wouldn’t have noticed before and would be given a try. Imagine if all circles of inspiration could find all of us new music, new art, new ways of seeing the world? “

It’s only been a week, so we will see what happens. Maybe someone will find a story idea from what I wrote, maybe someone will check out the music and the art and become a fan, maybe someone will be inspired to create their own art or music, and maybe.... a new connection will be made. One of lifelong support, belief and if we’re lucky..... friendship. 

~Mare

Ok, I'm back!!! Isn't that awesome?!?! I've read the same article she is referring to in this and was equally amazed & inspired it! I mean wow, people that do what I do! It really is genius ya know... To get other fans from different avenues to cross the road & become a fan of what you love to. Isn't this why social media and all these magazines exist?!?! Think about it. I'd be very appreciative of you'd share this blog post any way you can, help people see this... All different kinds! 

Thank you for reading, this was a long one (wink)

~Jenn 

Can't force what doesn't fit...

For those of you that don't know, I was raised by my grandparents . In 7th grade my grandfather passed away which left my grandmother and me...just the two of us. She was my mom, my best friend and my roommate until I moved out after art school. We talked about everything and she was brutally honest too, even if you didn't want to hear it. Lol. She passed away about 6 years ago and I think of her everyday. Last week I thought  of this sketch, of the puzzle pieces... She always used this puzzle analogy, you can't make a piece fit if it doesn't, no matter how well of intentions you have, or love, Etc. If you think about it... This fits in everything about life: a job, friends, love... No matter how much you love or good intentions you have for any of those things, no matter how much you may want something in your life... Just can't make that fit into the puzzle of your life ... I think that advice should be heard and taken by everyone. I wish I'd listened to her more, about my art.... Everything. I wish she was hear now to see how inspired I am and that I'm creating again.... She'd have me draw things for her and brag to her friends... But she never saw me truly inspired, me at my best... I wish I could show her, and talk to her about all kinds of things.... So this sketch is dedicated to her. 

While working on this, I had a million thoughts running through my head ( as always), and I couldnt stop thinking of "open your eyes".  Wow, those lyrics fit perfectly with my mindset while sketching  it...it also fit as almost a promise to fix the damage one causes my trying to cut that puzzle piece to fit where they THINK it belongs, "I'll put together what you tore apart ..." Crazy deep, right?!?! My original plan for "open your eyes" was going to be a self portrait for lots of reasons ... But I think this fits the song better. Whether you think of it from a personal angle, or whathing someone you care about cut those pieces to fit until their puzzle just isn't "them" anymore... 

I was discussing this with Mare because I can always count on her honest opinion and she seems to just "get me" and how I turn that into art... Her thoughts were right on: 

"Sometimes that last piece of the puzzle is your "self", your TRUE self. 

Ppl give pieces of themselves away kinda thing. But what if it's ruined? If it's cut like that picture, will you ever really be "YOU"?" 

I hope you like it and interpret it in a way that helps you <3 

-Jenn 

Art, Music, Inspiration & New Year's Resolutions

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Hello everyone, I hope you all had a wonderful Holiday and New Year and most importantly staying warm!

 

On New Year’s Day, I went out to buy a new sketch book. An Actual, good sized sketchbook…meant for sketching. Before I was using a lined writing journal…. I am pretty excited about it….oh, and the most exciting feature? The outside cover is plain white painting canvas…so I can paintit!

 

With the New Year, came all the snow and horrible weather, so I got to break in my book right away! **just to set some of your minds at ease, I have not abandoned the “Stay Away” painting… it’s just that we have yet to get the house totally back to normal from Christmas so all my painting stuff is away. Sketching is quick, easy and can be done anywhere… the paints I have to set up, clean brushes, etc…

 

I was thinking about my art & a conversation I had with a good friend that is an established artist and apparently it takes 10,000 hours to master your craft. I have also been thinking about resolutions and how I have never in my life saw one through; I’m sure most of you can relate to that. This year however, I decided that I am going to try to commit to a sketch a day for the entire year. Trust me; I ALWAYS have stuff on my mind… so this should be easy, right? My first few sketches are actually based on old, pre-Idol Lee Songs…. Just certain lyrics that have always spoke to me or have a special place in my heart. There are visuals that I have had in my mind for paintings in the past that never made it to canvas. 

This sketching resolution is the perfect outlet for those images. So, I’m sure you are wondering, since I have already been asked…”you are going to have 365 sketches of Lee DeWyze lyrics??? No. …. Maybe just 300 or so… haha.  Honestly, a lot of them will be lyrically inspired, I won’t lie... but I am going to include things that I see that may just look interesting to meor things that I hold close to my heart. Have no worries, I have been spending no more than an hour a day on these pages, so I will continue to work on my paintings… I still have several in the works, so 2014 will be a busy year! If you’d like to follow the sketch a day for a year journey, you can do that on instagram under JENNMHARDING also, I am not making any promises, but 365 pages is a lot… so I am making a list of things I can think of now. If you have a specific line or something Lee related you’d like me to do… send it my way and I’ll put it on the list to maybe do in the future!

 

On the status of my paintings for the “Frames” songs, I have a some work left on “Stay Away” … My plan was to go right into “Breathing In”, HOWEVER, I have come up with an idea for Lee’s new song “Again” and will be going right into that because I’m pretty excited about this one. …. Stay tuned! And do not forget to go tohttp://leedewyzeofficial.com/ to check in and see what Lee is working on!

 

 

 

 

Danielle's first Lee DeWyze Show!!!

Hello everyone! It's been a while since the last post, but I've been away and also in the process of working on "Stay Away" :-) 

Below are my sister's thoughts on her very first Lee show at the Keswick Theater in PA on Nov 9th....check it out. It's safe to say... She is a fan! 

Ok I know this post is way over due but better late than never right? Let me begin by saying that I love that the show was acoustic. Don't get me wrong I love guitars and drums and all that but there's just something about acoustic that I love. Like it lets you hear every pitch and every tone in a singer's voice that are sometimes hard to recognize with a band. Lee's voice...oh my what can I say. Sexy, sultry, relaxed! I loved the faces he made because you could literally see how his songs affect him emotionally. He's not just a guy that sings he's a guy who feels every lyric as it flows from his lips. Then I got to meet him.....Lee is down to earth, funny and grateful. I've been to many concerts and met many bands and very few are as down to earth as Lee is. I would definitely attend another show!! As a bonus to my LeeDay with my sister I got to see her interact with her.....as I like to call him...her muse! Watching the two of them talk I felt like they've known each other their entire lives! I always say people are brought into your life for a reason, and since my sister has "found" Lee she's been inspired more than I have ever seen! My sister's art and Lee's music...wow every song he sang I saw her paintings in my head and they just mesh together so well. The songs are deep, but it's the passion in his voice that pushes that feeling into your whole body and it takes over! Can't wait for the next show!!! 

-Danielle 

3 of 3: MY final thoughts on the visual review of Lee DeWyze's new album "Frames"

Hello! There is no better time than this exact moment to do this “Frames” review because today, I just felt extra connected to the music. 

Taking my art out of the equation for a second: One of my favorite writers out there, Sarah May Bates once wrote “There is nothing more attractive and enchanting than Authenticity” and you know what, she is right. There is nothing more beautiful and enchanting than authenticity and that is exactly what Lee DeWyze and his music is. You can sit there and compare him to bands like Mumford and sons but why, because they both have banjos? There is nothing out there exactly like Lee DeWyze and with “Frames” he proves that. Every single song is majestic, heart-stirring and awe-inspiring.

 You know you are amazing at what you do when your abilities shed light on the abilities inside of others... that other being me in this case, obviously.  Thank you Lee, from the bottom of my heart for this breathtaking album. As a fan, I am so proud of you. I am proud of you for sticking to what you believe in and not conforming to anyone else’s vision of what kind of artist you should be. I have never had so much respect for a person in my life. You inspire me, not only as an artist...but as a person. For the first time in a REALLY long time, I feel like me... I feel like people “get it” and that is an amazing feeling, and it's all because of your words & talent. Thank YOU. You were born to do this, please don't ever stop & never let the fame change you. Your mind, lyrics, melodies and soul are sheer perfection... Yet you are the most humble and down to earth person I have ever met. Your voice is like my security blanket...thank you for always being there for me with your music. "Frames" is stunning...every single track.... I absolutely love it.  

I loved every second of creating this art and I can not wait to finish the remaining songs. As you all know, I live a very busy life. With all of our traveling, I might as well be a rockstar myself. I usually forget to take time for me...having this music awaken my need to create reminds me that I need that time for myself.... To do what makes MY soul happy. I do not create my art for attention. I do not create my art for money-they will never be for sale. I create SOLELY for having the outlet to get out all these overwhelming emotions and visuals I get when listening to this music, and I get that added pleasure of knowing that people get it. They enjoy it and hopefully Lee gets it. **Warning, this is about to get incredibly real, but cheesy**...

I truly believe that I was fated to find this music and to bring it to life. I don’t listen to a song and ask myself “what can I paint that goes with this song”... I just “Feel” it and there is really no way to explain it exactly. I know I keep saying that, but it's important to me to get that point across... That this is real and I'm not just playing a part. Each song hits me like a vision. You know really, a “heavy heart” is a feeling of unhappiness according to the dictionary... however the feeling I get when I listen to this man’s voice feels like my heart is actually filling up until it’s heavy... if that makes sense... which is the exact opposite of unhappiness. It’s a confounding flood of happiness like my heart is going to burst. That is really hard to explain without sounding crazy. I, myself think it sounds crazy... So there ya go. lol, I warned you.. It sounds cheesy and there are no words to exactly describe it, but I'm doing my best. 

I’d also like to thank Mare and my sister. 

Mare, 

I have had many great friends come into my life at different crossroads. I have met SO MANY amazing people through this journey with my art and Lee’s music, But you truly get me. My art is inspired by Lee’s music.... the best way to describe this is...picture a huge, beautiful perfect bonfire. This bonfire burns bright; creating beautiful & comforting warm flames- this represents my inspiration from Lee and his music. 

When you started telling me how YOU felt about my art and how connected you felt it was to the music.... picture throwing a little gasoline on that fire.. making it brighter and twice as powerful... that is how YOU have effected my inspiration. Thank you. I love your way with words... I love how you can take the words of my favorite songwriter, add your thoughts of my interpretation of those songs... and create an even bigger picture. You are turning this beautiful illustrated story into a novel. You really should write a book. You are an amazing writer and an even more amazing person. I know you like to not put so much of yourself out there for the world, so I feel lucky that you opened up to me the way you did. I think it was also fated that we met as well. Thank you for doing this review with me... If I just wrote it alone... it wouldn’t have been nearly as special. Thank you so much. Thank you for listening to my ideas, encouraging them and  even being there for me when I needed to vent about an awful & stressful day. 

Dani, 

“Sisters is probably the most competitive relationship within the family, but once the sisters are grown, it becomes the strongest relationship.  ~Margaret Mead”

You and I have come a LONG way in our relationship and have been through so much...experiencing things that most kids shouldn’t have to...but I think we turned out pretty damn good. ... Don't you think? We weren't raised by a family that hugged or said I love you on a daily basis... But I can say that although we were always divided into different worlds... I couldn't have asked for a better sister . 

Thank YOU for being apart of this project with me. I loved being able to connect with you over something this special and important to me. Thank you for listening to me gush for hours over Lee’s music and listening to me talk about my paintings while on the treadmill. Instead of making fun of me and telling me I am completely nuts..... you seem to get it. You know that there is no way I can fake the excitement I get when talking about something I believe in this much.

Thank you for ATTEMPTING to help me build my own frames for the art.... we worked the saw and we still have all our fingers... “Yah!”  and most of all, Thank you for not getting mad at me when I had to send you 100 texts a day asking when you’d be finished with your write ups. LOL. Although we are polar opposites.... you are the one person on this Earth that knows all the things that make me... ME...

I am truly proud of you for the woman that you grew up to be. You are an amazing mother, you work hard and you are always out there looking to be better. I’m proud to have you as my little sister. I love you! thank you again. 

I also want to thank all of the wonderful friends I have made and the entire “FamiLEE” ..... I’m truly blessed to be apart of such an amazing fandom. Yes, there is the occasional drama... and the divide amongst groups.. but that is what makes it real... like a REAL family.... Not everyone is going to have the same thoughts on everything, or like what the other has to say all the time. But you know what? It’s the love we have for Lee and he music that keeps us there... we are all there for the same purpose... to help show the the rest of world the part of Lee that we already saw.... Thank you for encouraging me... Re-tweeting my art and all the sweet comments. I didn’t grow up in a conventional family... but you all make me feel loved, make me smile when I need it and I love you all also! :-) 

Thank you! 

- Jenn

A visual review of Lee DeWyze's new album "Frames": tracks 10 & 11.... Works in progress!

Hello Everyone! This post is going to be just me writing, as the next two tracks, “Stay Away” and “Little did I know” are still swimming in my head (and as you can tell, it’s pretty busy in there,)

...this quote just says it all......

 

So In this post, I will walk you through some of those thoughts…

 

Track # 10: “Stay Away”

I know… most of you were most excited to see “Stay away” and so am I (Sorry Melissa!) 

So, let me explain the problem here: “Art is a passion or it is nothing”-Robert Fry

 

I’m extremely passionate about this song, so I have SOOOO many ideas; all depending how you read into the lyrics…

I have so many thoughts and different interpretations of this song in my head that I am having a hard time deciding which I’d like to bring to life. Really, I have 3 pictures in my mind; in detail…I just can not choose between them! So please stay tuned for those. I am hoping to have this painting started within the next month. I’m looking at this song from the perspective of meeting someone that is so perfect that it scares you…If any of you say that you have never experienced this, you are lying.... Everyone has. It could be that you are already involved with someone; it could be that the emotions are so strong that you can not handle it, or the timing couldn’t be worse… so you are asking that person to stay away so you do not get pulled into the point of no return. Does that make sense? OR… I’m also looking at it as being involved with someone and no matter how much you love them… you just can’t do it anymore. Could have been a betrayal of trust or just too different, etc….

So yes, this song is complicated and I REALLY want to do it justice… so please know, I’m working on it and I want it to be perfect…………I give you my word it will be worth the wait ;-) 

 

Ok, Track #11: “Little did I know”

 

This one I DO have a sketch for. (yay!)  This is another song I think everyone can relate to. I am painting this from the view point of finding out that you really didn't know everything about someone you might have loved or still love... It happens all the time... You meet someone and start a relationship and you are almost blinded by the rush of the "new love high" & attraction that you ignore the signs... I hear this song in 2 ways.. It could be just that, you get off that high and realize they aren't right for you after all ( which still hurts, but you shouldn't have to change people you love, right?) OR... You are madly in love then get blindsided by something they may have done or hid from you... Either way, both of those situations suck and are depressing. I do not see this song as depressing; I find this an empowering song! With lines like "as your tears fell to the floor I turned to stone"... I mean, it takes guts to tell someone you love them more than they'll ever know, then "I'm letting go".... I wanted to capture that empowering moment, where you are able to walk away from something you love because you know it's not right for you.... That kind of drama and passion is what great movies are made of... And then to put it to music that makes you just want to dance is genius.

 Again, I applaud you Mr.DeWyze.... You are by far the most amazing story teller in the world ... Stay tuned for the finished paintings in a few months!!!!! ..... 

Next up, "Who would've known".... 

Have a great weekend everyone! 

 

 

A visual review of Lee DeWyze's new album "Frames", track #9 "Don't be afraid"

**due to the size of this painting, I needed to have 3 views. Please note this is still in progress**

This is one of my favorite songs and I will just warn you now, this will be a long post. We all have lots to say about this, so get comfy...

“Don’t be afraid” Penetrates & frees your soul as soon as you even hear the first few lines. It’s the lyrics, Lee’s voice, everything about it.

I can not imagine anyone listening to this song and not feeling 100% at ease. It’s so beautiful and powerful. Could you honestly still be afraid of something hearing this voice telling you not to be????

 

People tell you all your life to follow your heart...Although this is encouraging, “Don’t be afraid” should go hand in hand with that because if you think about it, anything that that allows you to follow your heart is scary as hell… Denying your heart & mind from what it really wants lets that fear creep in. When I listen to this song, I am hearing this amazing voice (my favorite sound in the world by the way) telling me not to be afraid. So yeah, this song holds a special place in my heart. If you think about it, before this song was even written his voice was helping me not be afraid. I created my twitter account for the sole purpose of posting my art for Lee to see. Before this, you’d never catch me being anywhere near showing my art to the public eye, especially ones that are so personal and special to me.

If you get a chance, listen to this interview Lee did a few months back with The Heights 88.7... 1) Hearing HIM describe this song is perfection and better than anything I can right about. I get it… I mean, I know EXACTLY what he means…and when he references internal monologue…I swear he reads my mind ...and 2) it is by far the best version I have heard of this song to date. I never heard his voice sound better… there is nothing else to say besides I am in complete utter AWE…

 

I found the link to that interview… it really IS my favorite interview to date from the version of “Don’t be afraid”, his talking voice, how he describes the song…everything about it. This video belongs to WyzeOwiz, you can hear it here, and it really is worth listening to the entire thing:http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=_bxEMpcFyHQ&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D_bxEMpcFyHQ

 

As far as the painting goes… I chose a sugar skull because I love the vibe and the way they look…. But I chose to show him looking into the mirror with this image looking back at him… in order to NOT write a novel here, when you read Mare’s review below...That is EXACTLY what I was going for… The mouth is made up of piano keys and his guitar fret tattoo…I will tell you though that the eyes are the most important part to me. You hear that the eyes are the windows into someone’s soul…. I was trying to capture an exact moment there. A few months ago, I flew out to Chicago to see Lee perform (right there is another way Lee encourages me to not be afraid, I hate flying, let alone traveling on my own) well I got to meet a lot of the people I have gotten to know so well through Lee & his music, It was an amazing experience. But that was when “Silver Lining” was released as his new single. Annie, (Dewyzefan6) had handed out red glow sticks to everyone in the venue to hold up when he played that song. When it happened, it looked amazing, but the most amazing part was when Lee looked up and noticed them…. The look of awe and appreciation that took over his face was almost overwhelming… Seriously, that moment needed to be captured…. This was my ode to him so he has that visual reminder of that spectacular moment… It’s the view of the crowd from HIS eyes, holding up those red glow sticks……

Here are some actual pictures of that moment taken by the amazing Karen (@Weyezsoxboo) Thank you Karen!!! 

 

Mare’s point of view knowing the art AND the music:

Listening to music is a personal experience and each song you listen to brings forth memories, emotions and feelings that no other person can exactly share in the same way. The truly gifted songwriters create songs whose words and notes make you see yourself in a new way or remind you of things buried deep within. It’s songs like these that nudge your soul. Look deeper. What are you made of? And when you see it.... Don’t be afraid.

 

The art. Of all of them so far, this is my favorite... because you really have to understand it, think about it and study it. Many people will look at a skull and be reminded of death and associate it with scary connotations. A sugar skull is actually a reminder to look at LIFE. It takes something associated with death and adorns it with reminders of life and beautiful things. They represent life. Again, the message is... look deeper. The musician is looking into the mirror and what is reflected back is a skull. The first instinct would be to turn away. It would be sending a message of ugliness, death, fear. Look deeper. It’s actually a sugar skull. A person whose true gifts, his life, his SOUL are reflected back at him. He is made of music. Reminders of his lyrics, instruments, his fight and belief in music, and the people he makes that music for.... can all be found within the skull. The musician is standing in front of the mirror, in a form everyone knows....but the reflection is one that says “Don’t Be Afraid.... Look deeper, reach deeper, trust yourself and you will see the real you.... you, who are strong and made of much more than what is on the outside. You are more than the scars, hurt, confusion and ugliness of the past. Trust in who you really are because beneath all of that is the soul.... that is where life is.....look at who you reallyare and know that it is beautiful....” 

 

Don’t Be Afraid is a personal monologue for all of us. We’ve been made by the good and bad in our lives. Life comes down to love and loss...whether it be loved ones, or something within ourselves. It comes from times of hurt and happiness.... it’s just up to you to decide which you will allow to live in your soul, which one you choose to remember. Will you allow the bad times to define you, make you guarded, untrusting, and insecure? Or will you allow yourself to let go, be open, and be grounded in the good within your life and who you are? Do you trust yourself enough....Are you strong enough to look deeper.... and not be afraid? Maybe you’ll find the answer for yourself in the soulful notes of the guitar strings and quiet but strong and peaceful voice within the song... if you truly listen and look deeper....

 

 

Danielle’s point of view from looking at the art ONLY:

 Ok let me just start by saying I love love love sugar skulls, there I feel better had to get that out in the open hehe! This painting has so many things going on that I hope everyone notices. Every little detail on the skull shows a different part of the man. He's standing there looking into himself, he knows who he is he knows every little thing that makes him who he is. The keyboard, the piece of the guitar...this is who he is this is exactly where he wants to be. If you look close you can see red glimmers in his eyes, I imagine this is his inspiration ;rather his motivation. Those red glimmers is what drives him to be the best he can be! Don't be afraid...this painting says....don't just look at me...get to know me..look inside me! He's not looking into a mirror of a man he's looking into a mirror of a soul! Don't be afraid...just be you

 

**I was going to post another link to the song here… but I think you really NEED to hear the version in my link above**

 

Lyrics: “Don’t be afraid”

Well I've seen love

And I've seen pain

But never in my life will I fear these things again

So I'll hope, and I won't let go

But if I'm holding on too tight my darlin'  let me know

 

(hey yeah....)

 

Fix my heart, and my broken bones

If I can't stand up on my own don't make me stand alone

Lift me up

So I can see the light, but when the sun goes down

I will lay in your arms tonight

 

Everybody's waiting for a fault

But I won't let them se me stumble now

I'm never gonna fall

 

Don't be afraid

Your heart has been repaid

Don't be afraid

Your soul will not betray

 

(oh....)

 

Well I've been lost

And I've been found

But never in my life did I beg to hear the sound

Of your voice

But I'm calling now

And if you ever lose your way, I'll find your heart somehow

 

Everybody's waiting for a fault

But I won't ever let them see me stumble now

I'm never gonna fall

 

Don't be afraid

Your heart has been repaid

Don't be afraid

Your soul will not betray

 

(hey yeah....)

 

 

 

---

A visual review of Lee DeWyze's new album "Frames" track #'s 5 & 6...

I am giving Mare and Danielle the night off! ...a very well deserved night off....

This post will be a little different because the next two tracks, “Like I Do” & “Open Your Eyes” have not yet made it to canvas. Not because I like them any less, just a matter of having the time to paint. I do have images already in mind for them, So I thought I’d walk you through how my mind works when I’m listening to these songs. 

**After the paintings are on canvas, we will go back to get all points of view like the other posts**

I will warn you now though, there is no possible way to describe everything that goes through my mind during my creative process.. trust me, You’d get dizzy.... 

I will start with track #5: “Like I Do”

For as much as I LOVE this song and can relate to this it (as I am sure we all do or did at some point of our lives..), I was having a hard time picturing the exact image I wanted to portray. I have so many but at first my mind just kept going right to the lyric “You were standing there, with street lights in your hair” ...That seemed like just the obvious route and I didn't feel I’d do the song justice.

 I was watching the movie “Hitch” the other night and in one of my favorite scenes there is a line from Albert (Kevin James) where he says to Hitch, “You know what it is like getting up every morning feeling hopeless, feeling like the love of your life is waking up with the wrong man? But, at the same time, hoping that she still finds happiness, even if it’s never going to be with you?” I love love love that line, especially when you look at his character and the character he is talking about. Anyway (I warned you, my mind is a labyrinth...) The point of that was that I was watching that movie and thought, “damn, that song would be a perfect in that scene.” Now, back on track....

 This is a song that everyone can relate to, whether you are looking at it from a jealousy standpoint like, seeing your ex with someone new, knowing that you will always be better for them. That new person could never know them the way you did. Which Is how I hear the song being told...OR...from the perspective of seeing someone you love, whether they know it or not, seeing them with someone thinking that the person they are with could never love them or know them the way you do. I think every single one of you have been in one, if not both of those situations. 

Today at work I was listening to “Like I do”  and I finally had a thought that I was pretty happy with.... But I am not going to tell you! :-)  I said I’d explain my thought process... not give away any surprises.... 

Now Onto Track #6: “Open your Eyes” 

This song...needs to be on a movie soundtrack, like.. ASAP... It’s beautiful, haunting, and brilliant! If I were a film writer, I’d seriously write a movie just so I could use this song.....which is why... I have decided to make this one a self portrait. Now, no worries... I’m not going to paint a “selfie” holding a rose.. or anything cheesy like a typical self portrait.. hopefully you all know me well enough that you kinda figured that... 

To me, when I say it should be in a movie. I have a specific scene in mind... I picture hearing it when the lead character has a life changing epiphany, when they realize something they should have been seeing all along .... 

I relate to this song on so many levels from “Everyone can see, Everyone but me” to “Remembering where I end and where you start”... 

I often think about the fact that my life is  MY movie... it has constant plot twists, dream sequences, main characters as well as characters that have been written off or those yet to appear. There are a lot of things personally specific to me where this song is screaming at me to open my eyes.... It just strikes this cord deep inside me so deeply, there was no other option for me than to portray...me...... 

I will share something awesome with you though since I teased you earlier... It’s not a promise because I have yet to try it and see if it will even work, but my HOPES for this painting are you have a super, 3D textured background.... I plan on ATTEMPTING to first cover the canvas with the lyrics in raised braille... not sure where that came from, but when the thought  ran through my head I was pretty damn excited ..... 

So, there you have it... if I went through every single thought in my head we’d be here forever.  haha. The next post will be back to our regular format for Track #7 “You don’t know me” ... talk to ya soon!!!!!! Have an awesome night 

- Jenn 

A visual album review of Lee DeWyze "Frames" : Track #4 "Frames"

*this painting is rather large & wide...making it hard to take a great picture! But you get the idea 😉 

Frames, the title track (#4) is not only my favorite song on this album, but quite possibly of all Lee DeWyze songs. Instead of searching for the perfect words to describe the melody, lyrics and his voice… I’m going to describe it as this….everything about this song puts you under this mesmerized spell with its beauty. Or I can go the route we all describe it as: Hauntingly Beautiful!  Without being dramatic about it, I listen to this particular song about 20-30 times a day. I love it THAT much.

I’m excited to talk about this one because if there was ANY one thing that can show you just how in tuned I am to this man’s music… it’s this one, even though the art itself looks so simple and minimal.

 

The obvious choice for the visual here are picture frames…no shocker there, but this thought process has an interesting story.  I was actually thinking of another painting that I was working on while I was at work. (shhh..multi-tasker…my creative mind never shuts up) well literally out of nowhere this image just randomly popped in my head. I was so excited that I got out a piece of paper and started writing down the colors I wanted, the textures…. Everything about it. I actually put my other one on hold to start this. Out of all the inspired paintings I have done, this one hit me like a Mack truck. I had this painting done in about 2 days. This was the same week that the album was released. *fun fact: did you notice that the only frame that has a picture in it was one of my original Lee-inspired paintings? It’s for “Dreaming Alone” off of one of Lee’s Pre-Idol albums* see?:

 

  I was telling Mare about how strongly I felt about this idea and how it just came out of no where… Then something freaky happened…. Lol…. Ready?

 

So the day the album was released, a lot of us fans had already pre-ordered it. So we were all excited to go home and see if the album was delivered, like a little child wating to open their Christmas presents. I’m sitting at work and I get a text from Mare to the effect of “Do you want me to show you something, or do you want to be surprised?” well. Um…. Now you have to show me. Lol. Can’t do that to someone…

So she sends me a picture of the CD art… and it was eerily similar to my painting! The colors, the textures… everything…  How weirdly awesome is that? A few things that made it so freaky were that 1) the image came into my head so fast when I wasn’t even listening or thinking about that song at that moment. It was like it pushed its way in there  and 2) since the Album was already being delivered they had to have already been at the printers before I even started my painting. Obviously I have always felt a strong connection between my art and the music but damn, this was just too much. You can see the side by side images here. I am also including one of “The Ride” which is track 8, however we already wrote about that in a previous post. When I got home, I noticed that another pic in the CD art had a similar vibe to the Ride painting. Mare saw this also but was waiting for me to see if for myself… what do you think? Also, I wanna know what Lee thought when he saw the painting, haha… since obviously the art was already on it’s way to being printed.  :

 

Here is Mare’s point of view, as a fan of the art and the music:

 

I will start off by saying this is one of my favorite songs on the album and one of my favorite pieces of art. Trying to break down and edit everything I feel, hear and see is extremely difficult. Isn’t that what truly makes it all “art” though? Something that makes you feel SO much, that it’s hard to put into words.... It goes to my soul. I feel this song. Literally. Sometimes, if you’re lucky, notes, lyrics, tone... they vibrate within your body in an un-namable place...

 

When I hear this song, I actually imagine a spectrum of feelings pounding within a heart. If feelings of sorrow, desolation, hollowness, hurt, disillusionment, reminiscence, reflection, haunted, aching, anger, hope, regret, loneliness, defeat and acceptance could be visually seen marching through someones heart and soul... well that’s what I “see”. I live those feelings every time I listen to it. In the background of this song, there is a specific beat... a slow one, that gradually picks up speed, before slowing again. It’s those feelings taking place within the song...and the heart. The guitar, the tone of his voice... that’s what makes the story within the soul wrenching lyrics resonate. 

 

Visually, I imagine a person sitting in a dark, empty hallway, on a dusty floor with only their memories surrounding them. Filling in these empty frames with the images behind their eyes. The art is the visual view inside the imagination of the writer as he writes. The wall is old, weathered, textured, stained and cracked.... so are memories and imaginings. It’s how we can sometimes feel if we go down that dark hallway of thoughts in our minds. The frames are antiqued, without a pattern up on the wall... a few are missing and leave only a reminder that they were once there, and one..... one has an image peeking out. A torn, hazy picture... but it is still hanging on. This wall, and these frames have been through hell, and yet as a whole, they are painfully, achingly beautiful. 

 

“What could have been... What would have been.... What was..... What if, what if, what if.... Just make it stop....”.... Echo's that we all hear at some point in our lives.... I know I have.

 

 

Here is Danielle’s point of view, looking at the Art alone:

Frames.... this is such an awesome painting. The first thing that pops in my head is forgotten memories, lost friends, dreams abandoned by the wayside. Although in another perspective perhaps the empty frames represent an inner cleansing in order to rid ourselves of negative and replace our old frame with  positive. There are so many ways this painting can be interpreted whether it represents positive or negative emotions would depend on what mood I'm in when look at. Either  way I can take away the notion that we as individuals are free to fill our frames with anything we wish...and only we have the power  to empty them when those things no longer full fill our needs. 

 

 Listen to "Frames" here: 

 http://youtu.be/oKKXrQr9vGs this awesome video was taken by Kelly ( @LeesBiggestFan) thank you!!!!! 

Frames lyrics:

 

My heart is getting heavier, heavier than I ever thought it could

And for awhile I believed that I was Superman but I misunderstood

And you could chase me down, 'cause you know how, I wanna feel like what we had was good

Now my heart is getting heavier, heavier than I ever thought it should

With this empty space I can't replace the overwhelming memory of your face

And in this hall of empty picture frames I wish I never even knew

These halls of empty picture frames who knew the heartache they could do

Halls of empty picture frames I wish I never even knew your name

Sleepless nights I'm terrified I wonder if I'll ever leave this space

But I'll lay here and wait my dear in case you ever need a place to stay

Well I know that this is just a song but maybe it will reach your ears someday

We both know I fucked it up now suck it up, and live and learn to love another way

Oh, easier is said than done my heart is growing heavy anyway

Well it's better to have loved and lost at least that's what the lonely people say

Well, I feel alone, I told you so, and time and time again I let it go

But if you've never had a broken heart then there's no way in hell you'll ever know

Oh my heart is getting heavier, heavier than I ever thought it could

My heart is getting heavier, heavier than I ever thought it should

Now my heart is getting heavier, now heavier than I ever thought it could

Well my heart is growing heavier, well, than I ever thought it should, ever thought it should

Now my heart is getting heavier, heavier than I ever thought it could

And for awhile I believed that I was Superman but I misunderstood

Well you chase me down, 'cause you know how, I wanna feel like what we had was good

But now my heart is getting heavier, heavier than I ever thought it should, ever thought it should

I feel alone, I told you so, and time and time again I let it go

But if you've never had a broken heart than there's no way in hell you'll ever know

 *********************************

I'll be away for the weekend, so we will continue the posts on Monday!!!!!

Have a nice weekend!!!!! 

 

A Visual Album review: Lee DeWyze "Frames" track #1 - FIGHT

I triple dog dare you not to clap your hands and stop your feet when you listen to this song. It is Powerful and uplifting. This is the first track on “Frames” and actually one of the first songs from the album that us fans were introduced to at Lee’s shows.

Talking about this painting is easy. The entire concept was a no brainer.  I wanted to bring out the bold and fun beats of the song with a fun and colorful background. The background is actually my version on a picture that Lee posted on his instagram: Leedewyzeofficial , It was a picture he took in the studio while working on this album. It just felt like the perfect platform. I actually based my entire painting off of this pattern: (photo taken by Lee DeWyze)

 

My favorite thing about this song is that when you hear it… you KNOW it is Lee Dewyze. This is why I made it just him, his banjo and headphones. Instead of painting his likeness, I filled the entire outline with the lyrics. This makes sense to me. To me, Lee IS his lyrics… it is all you need to know the man behind the music. This one is THAT simple folks. As we go through the rest of the album, my stories behind why I painted what I did are more in depth. Like I said, this one is easy…..

 

You can listen to the in studio version of “FIGHT” here: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=HFPIzdKq3go&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DHFPIzdKq3go

 

“Fight”

I wrote this song to make you feel alright today
I wrote it to make everything alright
And I would sing it every single day if you would say we’re fine

I can feel your heart is beating careful
‘Cus sometimes I pretend that I don’t care
I can’t believe I never let you know how much I need you here

‘Cus I will fight and I will beg
I just want to hear you say
That tonight will be alright and you will stay


It’s times I feel like you don’t know me anymore
And other times I think you know me best
I could love you better but I’d never wanna you less


So run away and I’ll be runnin next to you
I’d never let you run away alone
Before you run too far away I think that I should let you know

‘Cus I will fight and I will beg
I just want to hear you say
That tonight will be alright and you will stay

So put your hand in mine
We’ll be fine, I know
I know it, I
If you stay tonight
I promise I will show you

‘Cus I will fight and I will beg
I just want to hear you say
That tonight you will fight

‘Cus I will fight and I will beg
I just want to hear you say
That tonight will be alright and you will stay

So put your hand in mine
We’ll be fine, I know
I know it, I
If you stay tonight
I promise I will show you I will fight

 

 

Mare’s point of view as a fan of the music:

 

*A little music history*..... The Banjo was used originally in African folk music over 150 years ago, but has roots as far back as the late 1600’s! It was brought to the US during times of slavery where it eventually influenced blues and bluegrass music. It tends to be used for lively and upbeat music..... music that is needed to fight, find strength, give energy.... 

 

For me, when I hear this song, it’s about believing in someone, encouraging them, finding hope and following them through the dark. I think everyone has situations in life where you just get TIRED of whatever struggle, big or small, that you find yourself in. It could be a relationship, work, a health issue, or your own demons and life in general. Sometimes it’s watching someone you care about go through something. This song is like an interruption of the monotony of the daily fight. It tells me to REMEMBER. Remember there are people who care, that nothing is as bad as it seems, and no one is truly alone. Even on a bigger scale.... You may be sitting by yourself now, struggling with something.... BUT..... you aren’t the first person to feel or go through whatever it is... There’s an entire world out there, fighting with you. Take a step back and realize you ARE strong enough.... you just have to CHOOSE to be...and it’s ok to lean on others. Sometimes it takes more strength to lean on others than it does to face things alone.

 

What helps me to ‘Fight’ day in and day out, is music. I have very broad and dynamic tastes in music, however...... there is one voice, one artist, one song writer, one musician, that I typically immerse (literally) myself in when I NEED music. He’s here, in this painting, visually reminding me of the sound of his music by being made of lyrics I love....pouring out of him and into me...holding an instrument whose notes make my heart pound, reminding me I’m alive. The vintage shadow of the musician made of his lyrics. The same person and music I’ve always known...in a position I know well. The music lives inside of him.... and he is fighting HIS fight.... in the studio. It is MY reminder..... to FIGHT..... It’ll be ok.....I’m not alone. Thankfully, the music will always be there for me

 

And Danielle’s point of view looking at nothing but the painting:

 When I look at this piece it says to me, let your creativity flow. I feel like I should be filling the world with my thoughts, my ideas; like I want positive to fly out of me and engulf the world! This painting says come feel what I feel...like the melody he's playing is pollinating his surroundings with his own positive energy. 

Now hurry up & get ready to watch Hart of Dixie in the CW at 8:00pm!!! Listen for "Fight"!!!!!!!! You might have just enough time to get a snack... 👏👏👏 

 

 

A VISUAL album review of Lee DeWyze's "Frames", track by track ....

 

What is a visual album review you ask?

 

“Art is love made visual” this is my favorite quote and I am taking it literally. I am taking the music I love and making it visual for the world to see ”

 

As many of you already know, my name is Jenn Harding and I am an artist. All of my work is inspired by the music & lyrics of Lee DeWyze. I started out just doing a song here, a song there… Every time I hear his voice it inspired me, but I usually just choose my favorite songs.

 

Ever Since “Frames” was released on August 20, 2013 under Vanguard Records, I have a painting for just about every track. I have listened to nothing but this album and my mind is just flooded with visuals.  There are a few paintings not yet started, however I at least have an idea and sketch for it.

There have been some amazing write ups for this album- fantastic reviews from talented writers. I mean, how can they not be fantastic? It is 43.48 minutes of pure perfection. 

 

The goal of the next 13 posts is to take you on a journey through my mind, sharing with what I see and think as I listen to these tracks….

There is a special place in my heart for ALL of Lee’s music, but the songs on “Frames”, they are extra special. He put so much of himself into these songs; you can’t help but be enthralled with every single song. He is taking you into the inner workings of his mind and heart. Not only are these songs coming from a place that is so personal to him… they are relatable! So much in fact, that it almost makes me feel like you are a part of them, like he was reading your mind when he wrote them. Do you know of any other song writer that can give you that experience every-single-time? (I bet you do not…)

The lyrics are hauntingly beautiful and alluring. His voice is (as always) this modulated smokey gruff , yet comforting all at the same time.

 

Each song takes me to a totally different place in which I’ll be sharing with you.

The format of each one will be the same and will be in the order the songs appear on the album.  You’ll be able to view the painting inspired by that particular song, hear the song, and read the lyrics. I’ll then explain to you how that song makes me feel and how I came to paint what I did. Not only will you be reading about my inspiration, you will also me getting the viewpoint from a fellow Lee fan who knows the music & lyrics, @marekatslp. She will be able to tell you how the painting affects her since she knows the music and can appreciate where I’m coming from.

I am fully aware that I am limiting myself as an artist to only painting Lee DeWyze music, but that is what I feel and painting what you feel is the whole purpose of creating art, correct? In order show you that these paintings can be appreciated by more than Just Lee DeWyze fans, I’ll also be posting the view point of my sister, Danielle Mazzo. She will be writing about the painting just as she sees it… not know the lyrics, not knowing the song, etc….

 

So are you ready? Please stayed tuned for my visual review of the first Track of the album, “Fight” – Which will be featured in Tonight’s Season Premier of “Heart of Dixie” on the CW at 8:00 PM.  Make sure you tune in!

 

While you are at it, please check out what Lee DeWyze is up to as well!http://leedewyzeofficial.com/

 

……..And so it begins……….