The Butterfly Effect: Lee DeWyze style

It has been said that something as small as the flutter of a butterfly's wing can ultimately cause a typhoon halfway around the world - Chaos Theory

 

The Butterfly Effect refers to a popular hypothetical example of chaos theory, which illustrates how small initial differences may lead to large unforeseen consequences over time.This post is not about time travel or “chaos” like in the movie, "The Butterfly Effect", but an explanation of how this theory applies to inspiration. How is this relevant you ask? How does this apply to the music of Lee DeWyze? Think about it. This all started with one act. It started when Lee auditioned for American Idol. Technically, it goes back to his friend that talked him into auditioning for American Idol. If that one event had not happened…most of us would not be friends; we would have never met. I might not even be creating art at all. Can you imagine? I went several years without creating anything. In the last 4 years of being inspired by Lee DeWyze, I have created a total of 18 paintings and 223 sketches. All inspired by HIS words & HIS voice. That’s kind of a big deal. Lee’s voice creates a Butterfly Effect of inspiration. When I hear his voice & lyrics, it inspires me to illustrate his story and post the story behind it, then seeing me post something might inspire someone else to do the same and so on and so on… get it? The continuing acts of us inspiring each other builds and builds into what can almost be the fluttering wings of a butterfly.

 

This post is not going to be about my art. Outside of the title piece, you’ll see none of my stuff today. This is dedicated to all the other Lee DeWyze fans that have been inspired by Lee and his music. There are so many people out there affected by his music… he inspires them to draw, play instruments, sing, write....even get his lyrics as tattoos...The list is long. Obviously his lyrics play a huge part when inspiring his fans, but it’s not just that. It is his delivery of his words, his character… the whole package.

 

You are about to enter the online gallery I have created to show you how Lee inspires his fans. Halls of picture frames....full of brilliant thoughts, inspirations and other musings from fans inspired by Lee DeWyze. There are so many talented people out there that have been affected by his music and they deserve to be in the spotlight. So many people actually, that I was unable to use ALL the submissions in this post due to the size, however… that just means we’ll be able to do this again! You never know, seeing all this other work might inspire more people. So without further ado, Welcome…….

“You have been created in order that you might make a difference. You have within you the power to change the world.” 
― Andy Andrews, 

 

 Below each piece, you will find the creator's name and some info: 

Portrait by @Maximized702- this is just one of Max's amazing Lee drawings! He has done several more of Lee , including one with Jonna. 

Portrait by @cristististi – this is just one sketch out of the many creative projects that were inspired by Lee 

Portrait by @ArtByAbigail- Abigaail is an amazing artist that does all kinds of portraits and figure drawings. She actually does commission work! So, if you are interested in any of her work or want something more custom, you can e-mail her at abigailervin@gmail.com

The two pieces above were not submitted, but found by other fans on the Deviant Art site. I made sure the artist’s names were posted on there so it was clear who creates them. These are SOOO amazing and way too good not to share! That bottom one in color? Crazy good! 

Tattoo in progress: @Marekatslp –This is an in progress tattoo inspired by Annabelle, the first song she ever heard that had a life of it's own and she just wanted that feeling with her always.

The two above were submitted by the same person, @Lees_biggestfan. Kelly not only created this amazing picture frame with song lyrics on it, but her “Stay” tattoo represents her favorite song. Lee actually wrote the word on her ankle and the tattoo was done over it.

These two lyrically inspired tattoos belong to @sidewaysSavage. Both are beautiful pieces designed around beautiful lyrics.

This tattoo belongs to @Freecielynn. Set in a beautiful frame to capture the essence of his latest album “Frames” is a message from Lee, with his signature.

The two collages above are by @Jessk2489. Not Only has she created amazing gifts for Lee like this guitar strap, but she has a lyric tattoo, plays guitar covering his songs, and has created a bunch of little Lee DeWyze treasures.

@Jessk2489, @Lees_biggestfan & @Palantineleefan have become super close friends through meeting up at Lee shows, before a show they created this bear dressed like Lee to give him after the show.

@marekatslp-Mare is an amazing writer. She did the visual Album review with me for "Frames". She has often explains how she finds herself again & again in the music. That connection makes her want to write

 

The two above pieces are portions of a novel that @alloftheabove90 is working on that was inspired by listening to the music. This is the first time she has shown anyone. I can not wait to read the final product!

@Assorted_raisins (instragram)- Sabrina writes and takes photos. She created this “frame” piece to tell you how Lee inspires her

@melissawill1 – is currently learning to play the piano thanks to Lee. I cannot wait to hear her play! Melissa is from Australia and has traveled to L.A to see him perform.

@67grandma – Claire travels all over the US to see Lee play. She is been to 28 shows so far spanning from Boston to L.A. and at 72 years old, does not plan on stopping anytime soon. I love this woman

@Isye8586- Isye is so amazing and sweet. She is so moved by Lee and his music that she traveled to Chicago to see him all the way from Indonesia!

 

@MissDeterm1ned- above you can read how Lee inspired Jenna who is currently enrolled in a program in Chicago. Lee inspired that journey all the way from Finland.

This is just one of the MANY creations made by @Weyesoxboo. Boo is an inspiring person in her own right, but above you can read how Lee inspires her and her many colorful creations

Click on the link to bring this image to life! 

http://ashea.net/SL_TakeTheTimeToFind.gif  

Another animated creation! Click here: http://ashea.net/DontBeAfraidMaze.gif

These last 3 pieces were submitted by @dewyzefan6 . Follow the links to bring these creations to life. Annie id one of many people that are totally invested in promoting Lee & his music.

Thank you to everyone that has submitted the work above!Everything looks amazing. The stories are very inspiring.

  Due to the amount of submissions I received and hopefully those of you that have been inspired by this, we WILL be doing it again, so stay tuned and  Thank you ALL for all you do for Lee…I can not even begin to list everyone that spends their days requesting songs, spreading the word, etc. You are ALL amazing. I feel so blessed to be able to have gotten to know you all and can’t wait to welcome more into our continually growing circle.

A message to Lee:

 Dear Lee DeWyze, Thank you for inspiring us. Thank you for sharing your amazing gift with us, bringing us together and for not letting the industry change you. We may be viewed as crazy fans to people outside of the FamiLee, but I am sure I can speak for everyone when I say that is ok! Through your music, your words… we have all found something special and applied it to our lives…. Each one of us is an artist…...and a writer...and a musician... a friend...a promoter... and most of all a famiLee. All because you made that decision to audition for a reality show. So, Thank you. Thank you So much Lee!

 

  I highly suggest that if you aren't currently following Lee DeWyze, you do so. Go out and purchase "Frames", I literally listen to it everyday..... 

Below are all the ways you can follow Lee and keep up with what he is doing. If you are lucky enough to be near wherever he might be playing...don't miss it! There is nothing like seeing this man perform live!!! The music is taken to a whole new level when you can SEE the passion behind that voice!!! Never before have I seen or heard someone more meant to make music.Go check him out!!! 

And check this page out also! Another fan creation full of Lee info!!! Fans working together to promote what we love! 

http://www.ashea.net/LeeDeWyze_Info.pdf

Thank you everyone!!!! 

-Jenn 

Coming soon!!!!!!!

Hello Everyone.

Thank you to all that submitted work for my secret Inspiration project!

This week I will be sorting through them all and getting them ready for the post, which I plan on publishing on Sept. 1st! So keep checking back!

 

Things have been a bit quiet on the sketch front lately, but only because of Life happening. I'll have some more art to post within the next week!

 

Hope you have a great day and do not forget to check back on September 1st to see your work on display!!!!!!

 

Thank you!!!

 

-Jenn

 

WHY I think you should listen to Lee DeWyze...

Hello everyone. I have a follow up to the last artist's muse post. The story below this sketch will explain it, I just did this tonight and it's called "synergy"

Have you ever had a creative soul mate? Not as in “you are my soul mate I love you lets get married ” kind of way…. But someone you are in sync with on the creative level ... It exists almost everywhere.... I guess a less dramatic name could be synergy. 

Synergy; an abstract concept, is the combination of multiple ingredients producing a result greater than the simple arithmetic summation of the individual components.
For example; flour, water, yeast, and heat yield bread. Or in this case: a songwriters mind, talent , an artist and the passion to bring that music to life. 
(That at least is what I HOPE describes my art...because that IS the point)  

I want to share something with you... I'm not always "on" when it comes to my art, sometimes I am just blocked and it sucks. Like last night, I wanted to create soooo bad, but I just had no drive, no ideas that had me excited, so I drew a flower. When this happens I kind of get in a funk. I don't expect everyone to understand that, but I just get this heaviness in my chest, and almost sad.... But then, outta nowhere... Lee will post something about going to the studio, and that's all it takes..... Just like today's tweet. Seriously, wish I understood it, but I don't..... But knowing that he is in there, creating music...it fuels creativity on an insane level.....the image of this sketch just popped into my head without warning. When this happens, it makes me so happy. 

I read a quote on Pinterest the other night about soul mates. But I didn't interpret it in a romantic manner.... It was almost quite possibly the most accurate thing I've seen that can describe the feeling I get when I listen to Lee's music and when I visualize what I sketch or paint . 

It's like I have a connection to the combination of the lyrics, music and his voice. I almost feel like I've BEEN there, ya know? Hard to explain... But that's exactly what being inspired feels like... I feel the songs, I feel his voice and I just feel comfortable there.... It's instinctual. That's why it's so important to me to explain it to you over & over again because I've never experienced that kind of creative flow before. It's why I'm so passionate about getting the word out about him and his music... It's not fair that the rest of the world can't feel this when they hear his music.... I mean, that talent needs to be HEARD ....by everyone. This is why I paint, this is why I blog about it. Trust me, I do not like to be in the public eye, I'm not doing this for me..... I'm doing this to bring you closer to this amazing music. One of the greatest songwriters I've ever seen. I really do truly believe that. I believe in Lee DeWyze. ....and you will too! 

Hope this brings you one step closer into why I am so inspired. 

Good Night xoxo 

-Jenn 

Ps: speaking of connections and synergy...I posted a picture for Throwback Thursday of my Frames painting. A week after I finished, my advance copy of Lee's Frames album came out...and the art on the inside sleeve was freaky close to what I had painted.... I posted this, and Jess K commented...it fit this post do well... I'm adding it. Thank you Jess !!! 

An artist's muse...

John Lennon had Yoko Ono…Salvador Dali had Gala Dali…Frida Kahlo had Diego Rivera…..Their Muses……

A muse is someone who has such an influence on another that he, she or it becomes the focus and inspiration for that person's work. Whether one’s muse is spiritual, an animal or a person, an artist should be indebted to their muse. Without the inspiration, encouragement, numerous day dreams they give the artist, there would be no art, no poems, no music…. Can you imagine? My favorite Muse story is Frida Kahlo’s. haha, it was unusual and quite dysfunctional… but fate at it’s finest. She first saw Diego Rivera, who was already an accomplished artist when he was painting a mural called “Creation” in her school’s auditorium. She would hide in the back and watch him for hours and became fascinated by him. Without going into their whole history (because I can…), after an accident that left her bedridden for a long time, she began painting, and eventually started showing her work to Diego. She admired him, wanted him to tell her she was talented, worthy of her talent... He encouraged her and worked with her. They not only ended up getting married, but they inspired each other. It is a fascinating story. Have you ever seen the movie “Frida”? If not, I suggest you do… it’s amazing. Actually, while watching this movie one day, it inspired me to apply my Lee art to her bold and colorful style. Lee's raw soulful voice and style just lends itself to this vibe. I started it two years ago. It has yet to be finished or titled…. Someday I will….the border is the design from one of his guitar straps, that alone took weeks...

So, a Muse should be celebrated and the story should be told. Maybe your muse will inspire others? Maybe your muse is so amazing it needs to be seen and heard by everyone…..so go listen to Lee DeWyze's album "Frames" ... You'll feel it too, I promise . 

It is no secret that Lee is my muse. I could write a post every single day trying to explain it… but trust me… you still won’t get it. I really really wish I could explain it to you, but I just can’t. If I had a super hero powers...I'd want to be able to make you feel what I felt.... You'd be wowed....

One does not need to be a famous artist to have a muse, nor does there need to be a romantic aspect to the artist and muse equation. An artist’s bond and connection to their muse is exactly that… a connection. Take mine for instance…. I connect to the lyrics, how he puts them to music, when he performs them...the sound of his voice...it’s almost like the music is a security blanket, it’s comforting. There’s this invisible pull his music has on me…that’s the best way to describe it. Like, if I hear a song… or even think of a song… it’s almost this overwhelming & heavy sense of relief if that makes sense. It’s comfort, happiness and pride. As a fan, I am so proud to hear his music evolve exactly the way he wants to…. Being someone to also creates….. it’s an amazing feeling … so I get it…It makes not only my heart and ears happy… but I am happy for him as well…. Ya know? I guess I should stop here though because I can probably write an entire book about it and still not describe the feeling that makes Lee my muse…..

I’m no where near as great as all of those famous artists listed above and I never will be…. But it’s legit. It’s original work that is genuinely inspired by an amazing songwriter… no fillers….. just pure awe. I did a sketch a while back that best shows you that comfort and contentment  I was talking about...you know when you see the pictures of artists with their muses? This is my version of that... And my favorite sketch out of all of them with a fitting quote...

To you this might be just two people sitting on a sofa...or a fangirl listening to her favorite singer... But it's supposed to represent a performing artist creating the music that inspires the creation of my art...and hopefully that art inspires others...and so on...and so on.... This sketch represents happiness and contentment ...and a continues circle of inspiration. I hope you can see that... 

Now I'm going to watch Frida now...thank you for reading!  

Have a good night! 

-Jenn 

 

Top secret and I need your help!

Hi! I have an idea and I need your help! 

I know for a FACT that I am not the only one inspired by the music & lyrics of Lee DeWyze..... Are you an artist that had created Lee Art? You don't have to be an artist to be inspired or create something! Have you learned how to play an instrument because of him? Got a lyric inspired Tattoo? Do you write? If you would like to be a part of a top secret special project, please send me a private message on the FB page (Jenn am Harding Art ) twitter ( @jennmharding )  etc. Send me a message and I'll give you more details into what I'm looking for. 

***IMPORTANT***

There is a deadline to contact me and submit your work!!!

I'd like to have everything by AUGUST 15th

Hope to hear from you soon!!! Remember, contact me for the details :-) 

-Jenn 

"Sketch of the night" by YOU!! Thank you! Our first Interactive sketch!

 

Hello everyone!

Last night I tried something a bit different with my sketch of the night and I thought it went pretty well…..

As most of you know, a majority of my people sketches have no faces. I like to let the gestures of the people show the emotion. Most of the time, they are attached to a Lee DeWyze song lyric. In these cases, most people take it all the same way…with the occasional difference of opinion with how one person takes the song as apposed to another. What about the non song related sketches? Sometimes I will be going through some of my own personal thoughts or emotion, sketch it, post it… then am fascinated by how people see it. Sometimes it’s right on point, sometimes I’m like “Really? That’s how they take this?” Which brings me to last night’s sketch…. The first of what I hope to be many …. An Interactive Sketch!!!! What is this you ask?

 

Well, I’ve had a lot of things on my mind….and the below sketch is what portrayed that. (I am not going to tell you WHY I drew what I did…) It was not based on a song… it was just how I felt at the time.  I decided to put it out there and let YOU caption it!

 

 

I posted this picture on the Face book page, Twitter and Instagram asking you all to caption this picture! I got LOTS of replies from all 3, mostly in message forms… I guess they were secret, lol. Anyway, I made a thought bubble for everyone’s reply. Some people were pretty darn close, some were silly and some were just simple and light hearted ranging from sadness & loneliness to playing hide and go seek! The final product is below…

 

 

….even though a lot of the things were not on my mind (haha)... the end product looked very much like my mind… jumbled and full of EVERYTHING….. I thought it ended up looking pretty awesome. I hope to do more of these in the future… so if anyone has any ideas, let me know!!!!!!!!  Thank you to all of you that participated!

 

As an extra bonus, I had a visual for "Silver Lining" because it was in my head... So here ya go :-) 

Have a good day everyone!!!! 

-Jenn

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