Dear Lee & Jonna.....

Hello Everyone, 

Sorry for the long absence, I have been so busy, I’ve hardly any time to write or draw. I do have some projects in the works, however I'll tell you about those another time. 

I’d like to take this time to ask all of you to send love and prayers to Lee & Jonna. 

Per Jonna’s message, Their dog Bear, is in the hospital 

 

Anyone that is a fan of either Lee or Jonna knows that Bear is very important to them and we practically watched him grow as a puppy along with them. 

I just want to let them both know that we are all thinking about them and are here for support.

Lee & Jonna, From the bottom of my heart I am so sorry that you have to go through this. I will not pretend I know how you feel exactly, but I could imagine and it breaks my heart. 

 

As many of us know, the thought or scare of losing a pet is devastating. They are not just animals; they are our best friends, our family, our children and the ones you tell your deepest inner feelings to. You know they will never judge, just listen and comfort you with their unconditional love…your biggest fan of all. 

If you look back throughout the time you spend with your pet, you see love and  milestones of your life shared. 

If you need anything, I'm sure I can speak for everyone when I saw we are here. 

 

Much love, hugs and prayers coming your way! 

Why I think you'll love "Stone" by Lee DeWyze

Critic Vs. Fan

 

What exactly does it mean to be a fan and to be part of a fandom? What is the difference? I think this differs from person to person, but I can tell you one thing, my perception is different than it once was. I’ve always been a fan of music, where I bought the music, went to concerts and paid extra attention when those bands were on TV or the radio. As far as fandoms go, I was under the impression that these were reserved for the phantics, the crazy people, the boy band lovers. That was until I became a Lee DeWyze fan and before I got to know my friends in the Lee DeWyze fandom, the FamiLee. Cheesy to you? It’s not. I’ve met the greatest most loyal friends I have ever had in this FamiLee. It works just like a real family. We argue, we disagree, but at the end of the day we are all there together to support something we all love…Lee DeWyze. That is all that matters. Not who buys the most, who goes to the most shows, not who agrees or disagrees with his personal choices… It’s about Lee as a songwriter, singer and musician. 

 

So who is Lee Dewyze? People outside the fandom might just say “he is that guy that won American Idol; he is another white guy with a guitar."Guess what? He is so much more than that. 

 

For those of you that don't know who Lee is,  would you like to hear about Him from the perspective of a music writer; that gets paid to write about anyone they are asked to write about ? That has only listened to a couple of his songs?? 

OR would you like to hear about Lee Dewyze from the perspective of a fan, someone that knows his music, knows what he is capable of? The second, right? That is where you are going to get a true gage of someone’s talent, to read about how they touch other people’s lives and hearts on a daily basis.

I invite you to read back through this blog to get an idea of just how much Lee inspires me to create art and hear the stories behind each one , but this post; this post is dedicated to explaining his music. Lee is currently working on a new album and I can not even begin to tell you how amazing the new music is. We have only heard a few new songs at shows...but it's going to be amazing. 

I'd like to tell you about Lee's new song "Stone". I'm going to tell you about it from a Fan's perspective. To be fair, I'm going to also include a side by side comparison to the "Top characteristics of a great song" according to the "music business" . 

Why should you keep an eye out for Lee’s new song “Stone” being released soon? 

Characteristics of a Great Song

 

                       VS

Lee DeWyze’s new song“Stone”

 

1. An idea that has an original element; if it's been done, it's not great.

-Stone: Everything Lee writes is original. People have compared him to Mumford & Sons, but I never saw that. I’ve never heard a song crafted the same way. “Stone” has this powerful emotional impact . It makes you feel hopeful and somber all at the same time. The passion that comes across in this song is overwhelming

 

2. A common thread, musical and/or lyrical, that people react to on a gut level; if they don't relate, it's not great.

- Stone: This one actually made me laugh out loud. I do not think it’s news to anyone that I relate to Lee’s music and lyrics. Lots of people relate to him and his words, it is what makes Lee so special. You can see HIM and yourself in every single song he writes. So are his lyrics relatable? …hell yes they are. Only a great song writer can make you feel a song the way Lee does. “Stone” pulls you in until you are rocking to the music along with him… feeling it in your bones .  

3. A killer hook. You need one line that sums it all up and concentrates the message and the emotion into one climactic moment; if there's no payoff, it's not great.

-Stone: “Lay my body down” This is the definition of a killer hook…. While he is stomping his foot and strumming his guitar.. it makes you stomp along and sing and feel it. You want a visual? Think of a Baptist church scene while someone is being baptized… so much passion, hope, renewal... all while singing and clapping….

4. A well-reinforced hook. The story should create a tension that peaks or resolves itself in the hook. Also, people have to be able to remember what your song is called when they go to the record store to buy it or call up the radio station to request it; if there's no build and release, it's not great.

-Stone: “down in the river where I threw my stone”…This lyric hits every point listed above. It creates that tension, and easily reminds people what the song is called, “Stone” I’ve only heard this song live, but this hook gets stuck in your head and that’s ok with me. 

5. A great story, even if it's a simple emotional snapshot, needs to have something interesting to draw the listener in; if it's boring, it's not great.

6. Real feelings; if it's fake, it's not great. 

–Stone- (#5 & 6) I am going to speak to these two characteristics as one.. The story this song tells you is extremely emotional, passionate and real. All of Lee’s songs come from real feelings, there is no denying that. “Stone” however seems so raw and personal.. it draws you in and can either make you feel hopeful or lost depending on your own mood when listening. It takes a truly great songwriter and song to make you feel so many emotions in 3 ½ minutes. 

 

7. A great publisher or plugger to get it cut; a song isn't great until it's out there doing its job, touching lives, and earning money.

**I’m still thinking about this because I am not sure I agree with the statement that a great song has to earn money….There are way too many songs to count in the world that make millions that have none of the characteristics listed above and only make money because they are force-fed to us by the industries. I am not the type to bash ANY artist publically so I will not give examples, however I know we all can name several  *wink*

 

So there you go…. Using the knowledge of a professional music standards AND the point of view from a passionate music fan…it’s official:  “Stone” is a fantastic song and Lee is an amazing songwriter… BOOM. 

**UPDATE** Circle of Inspiration

Hello everyone!

On my last post, I talked about the circle of inspiration and Jess (@jessk2489) turning one of Mare’s poems into song. Guess what? I have that link for you to see! I apologize getting it to you so late, but life just gets so crazy sometimes!

 

Anyway, Let me start off by saying that it is no short of amazing!

You can listen to the song and view the video here: 

http://youtu.be/HyZD2Tq2Gqk

**unfortunately you have to actually click on the actual link above, not the picture.**

 

Poem/ Lyrics:

Who am I

Tell me what you see

Define me by my face

Tell me what to be.

 

I know what I am

You see the good side

I'll never show you

Cause you can't love what I hide

 

Give me your words

Feed me with praise

Beneath the facade

A black soul is crazed

 

Believe what I show you

Empower the lies

Behind this mask

Is all you despise.

 

Below is a message from Jess, about being inspired to turn these words into music and also how her boyfriend Bill came to sing the song:

“I read Mare's poem and instantly felt like I was in it. The moment I read it, I heard the song in my head. I picked up my guitar, and within 2 minutes had written the chorus of the song. It came so natural and easy. It was like breathing. I finished writing it, but I did not like how my voice suited it. I wanted it to be darker and lower and thought it would be cool to hear a guy sing it. Well lucky me, I have a boyfriend who loves to sing, and I asked him to do it. He loved the idea, and we shot the video that afternoon. The whole thing just came so easy. It is amazing to see how all this inspiration and creativity flows from person to person. “

 

Isn’t that amazing? I mean, Mare wrote the poem, so I cannot imagine how she must feel about it…but knowing how inspiration hits me personally…. I totally get it and am amazed. Awesome Jess!!!!! And kudos to Bill for being so happy to do this!!!! You are a good man!!! 

Want to know what Mare thought?: 

"When I decided to post some of the things I write, I really didn't expect them to be read. I also have this "thing" about people reading what I write because it lets people "see" me. I decided to stop being afraid of that all the time and just put some things out there. After this particular poem, Jess messaged me saying she had done something with it and hoped I didn't mind… and included the video. MIND?! I watched the video and I cried. Someone thought enough about my words, heard what I was saying, heard me, and allowed me to "hear" what my feelings or thoughts sounded like. What she created was her own interpretation, and at the same time… she got ME right. I was floored and speechless. I inspired a song?! I still don't have any words for how that makes me feel, but it DID inspire me to keep writing and sharing… because maybe, just maybe, I was inspiring someone else. All I know is, this ever-stretching circle means the world to me. ~Mare"

 

I’d also like to share with you another example of the circle growing…. Thea (@allofTHEAbove90) wrote this beautiful piece for Lee:

 

Just in case you cannot see all the words on the picture, you can also read it here:

 

  

“Entering into the darkness of dingy rooms and dark saloons, my place amongst it all was unknown. Maybe I didn’t belong here, but I forgot these thoughts as every doubt left my mind, trying to escape this reality. As I stood in front of judgment and opened my mouth, a slew of thoughts and emotions filled the room to the tune of my very existence. They talked and they laughed and they judged as if I wasn’t just pouring my heart out for the world to see, but rather spilling the words to have them be repeatedly trampled on, nothing. I stared down at the floor, maybe just old, but clearly layered with dirty memories of self-doubt and broken dreams. Looking up suddenly, my attention caught soulful eyes and listening ears and a breathtaking halo of light overwhelmed the darkness. Suddenly my words mattered, as four lips moved and moods lifted and the dimmest glow of hope was imprinted into my heart. Quality over quantity.  She will never know what she did for me that night. Not faceless, but nameless, not just listening but feeling the words, hitting hard at the core of her being. All that mattered was that it mattered. Thoughts were not lost in a sea of carelessness, but found in an indescribable realm of purpose. Words were not enough. By Thea”

 

 

I love it!!!!!! And I wish I had the time to feature everything people create and the things they do because Lee inspired them! Maybe going forward I can spotlight a fan once a month, maybe do it interview style and share what they’ve done? Hmmm… that might be a good idea!!!!

 

I hope you enjoyed these two examples of how this circle of inspiration continues to grow…. Thank you Lee, for inspiring such beauty simply by doing what you love.

 

-Jenn

 

"The Circle" & Sweet Serendipity

 

Talk about Sweet Serendipity... This post started off in one direction... And fate took it in another, and another…. It seems like when it comes to being inspired by Lee…that always happens. That being said, I thought I should post it before it evolves again.  It’s like a snowball effect of awesomeness.

 

We all know that I am inspired by the music, lyrics and voice of Lee DeWyze. Every lyric to every song that comes out of that beautiful mind is perfection. Words cannot describe how excited I am to hear more new songs from Lee. 

So what does being inspired actually mean?

 

In my opinion and experience, when you are truly inspired by something you feel it in your bones, a physical reaction from deep down, like it’s what you are supposed to be feeling.  It happens without warning.  It occupies your entire mind leaving no room to think about anything else, you are passionate about it and it’s effortless. Intense, right? Yup….. You cannot TRY to be inspired. When it is legit, it just happens and it is, in fact, intense.  If you are reading this thinking I am being a bit dramatic, then you in fact have never felt what it’s like to be truly inspired by something and it’s nearly impossible to explain it accurately.  Can you imagine being that effected by one person’s voice? To have their words and music actually reach your soul? It is an amazing feeling and it’s even more amazing to connect with others that get it.

 

I have mentioned before about the “Circle of Inspiration” when Mare, my sister and I did the visual review posts for the “Frames” album. Lee is my primary source of inspiration, but when I hear people being passionate about what I created and that it inspires them to create…That butterfly effect of inspiration almost explodes into MORE inspiration.  Back when Mare and I worked together on the visual review and we talked about the circle of inspiration, I had a sketch idea to create that circle... Lee playing, my hand PAINTING that image of Lee playing and Mare writing. Mare has said in the past that it's been hard for her to share what she writes. Well recently, she has begun posting her poems. She's said that part of the inspiration for her comes from watching us allow people in to that vulnerable art world, and finally feeling safe enough to share. That and her writing inspired me to revisit that initial sketch idea and to bring it to life because it symbolizes this massive bond and friendship that has been created from us creating.

 

"The circle"

A world's been created 

Fed by one, all along

A musician, a writer, a painter 

All inspired.... by song.

The musician creates 

This world from his heart 

The words and the notes

Inspiring art.

 

The painter who sees 

His notes and his words

Bringing to life

What she has heard.

The writer who feels

The meaning behind

His songs and her pictures 

With her soul and her mind.

Together this circle

Is fed by each other

Heart, gut and soul

Music, feelings and color.

 

...amazing right?!?!?! Mare wrote this about the circle of inspiration we are in. Lee writing...singing and playing...that inspires me to create...inspiring her to write.... It's magic!!!! And we were so excited to share this with you!!! 

I love discussing my ideas with Mare because she seems to “get it”; she can see my vision almost immediately. Sometimes I’ll try explaining an idea to Mark or someone else and I get just a blank stare and a shrug, but she gets it. And then the way she has with words when she is excited about it just inspires me even more! Have you ever read some of the stuff she writes? As I mentioned above, this past week on Twitter, Mare posted some poems she had written. They hit close to home, and I think a lot of others felt the same. Right?  I know I have said this before, but I have the utmost respect and admiration for songwriters and poets.  Kind of like Lee’s Lyrics, that is what they reminded me of….. A song or a poem comes from deep within a person…. It’s them being totally vulnerable, letting you in…making you feel exactly what they are feeling. In my case, making me feel it in my gut, inspiring me to create a world for those words to live in.  It truly is magical.

 

As this snowballed, another Lee fan and friend- Jess ( @jessk2489 ) had always been inspired by Lee, playing guitar, sometimes covering his songs. As Mare was posting poems, one spoke to Jess and she put Mare's words to music she created, and surprised Mare by sending her the video. Mare was so touched that someone was inspired enough to put her words to music, she emailed me all excited. We had already been talking about this post and how Lee inspires so many people that it just goes on and on and here was another example! Maybe someday Jess will share it. :-) 

Inspiration is hard to define, but as the circle continues to stretch outward, I thought this picture was a start. I know that Lee and his music give so many the urge to be creative in some form because his music makes people feel.... And that's where inspiration starts. 

 Thank you for reading this! Now time to re-tweet, post on Facebook, etc... Share with the world this gift that Lee gives us, just by doing what he loves. 

- Jenn & Mare

It all started here....

Ok, so I was listening to my ipod on shuffle today and I keep hearing Lee's version of "The Boxer". I get serious Goosebumps and all kinds of emotions when I hear this version of this song for a few reasons:

 1) it’s the first song that Lee did on Idol that actually made my heart skip a beat and physically affect me ( it still does) it's the perfect balance of his voice, the arrangement & the lyrics that just put this spell on me. It actually touched my soul. Simon & Garfunkel are amazing songwriters, but I truly believe Lee made this song his own and there's no other way to listen than with his voice. Lee's voice is just so beautifully masculine.. It tells that particular story better for me. I FEEL it. I BELIEVE it.

2) It was this song I was listening to when I had the very first URGE to paint from his voice… a strong one. My original intent was for that first painting to be for "the boxer" but I could never get the sketch to look right….trust me... I tried. I did sketch after sketch and threw them all away. None of them showed you exactly what I wanted them to.

I decided to resurrect this project because the feeling I first got from this song not only still exists...it's a million times stronger.  

When I hear it now,  I get all those feelings, but then I get this overwhelming  feeling of happy because back then...I hadn't seen him live yet, I hadn't met him yet, I didn't have twitter, I hadn't done a single sketch....and to think of how far I've come? 12 live shows later, over 300 images I've created inspired solely by that voice....I'm truly amazed. Not to mention the incredible people I've met... I couldn't ask for more. 

I put so much of myself into this art from the very beginning because I've been truly inspired by this amazing talented musician. 

...that's all... I just felt like sharing .... 

Hope everyone has a great weekend 

-Jenn 

Lee is on the road!!! Tour dates & other cool stuff

Hello everyone! 

Exciting News! Lee DeWyze has released new tour dates and has tweeted that there are more to come!!!!!!! He is currently in the Midwest, but making his way this way!

**This was created by Lee, not me

Keep up to date by checking Lee’s Website for more dates as they are released!: http://leedewyzeofficial.com/

Knowing Lee DeWyze is on the road traveling makes me incredibly happy and excited.

Why am I so excited you ask? It’s funny because I have seen him live many times and there are some fans out there that can double, even triple my number!

What keeps people going back for more? What makes people travel across the country to see this one person perform? The answer is Passion. You can see it in him, every. Single. Time.

I grew up going to concerts, As a matter of fact I am sure I mentioned this before, but I was taken to my first was when I was 6, I was in 1^st grade. Skid Row & Bon Jovi. My parents were very much into music, especially rock.

My dad played bass in several bands, supported friend’s bands, worked the sound boards, played roadie and even wrote a couple songs… you name it. So I wonder where I got my love of music from? Anyway, I can not even count the total number of concerts I have been to in my life. Heck, I saw the band LIVE 23 times alone!

You know what though? No other concert gives me the same feeling as I get when I go see Lee perform. My favorite shows are when you can see the fire in Lee’s eyes when he is performing- you can feel that he is putting 100% of himself into it and joking in between songs and telling stories… in that moment, it is honest to God my favorite place to be….

I have read several articles that talk about touring not making sense for indie artists today because social media is more effective. I disagree with this. Nothing beats seeing someone perform live… you SEE their passion, you SEE the gratitude on their faces…. Sometimes you can tell they are tired or homesick, of course…. That is natural… but at the end of the day, they are traveling the world sharing there gift with the very people that support them and share that passion. No amount of tweets or face book posts can top that. 

No matter what words you read on social media, they are just words until you can see the sincerity on that person’s face, see the look in their eyes as they sing along, etc…. Touring is important for a musician.  When you go to a Lee DeWyze performance, he never does a song the same way… ever. I found a quote by Taylor Swift that I liked:

I like touring extensively because I think the more hours you spend onstage, the more you know who you are onstage.

-Taylor Swift

She is right because I know that as a fan, every time I see Lee on a stage, you can see him finding his place and it is amazing. He belongs there. Gosh, I love music…..

You know another quick story about music and my dad, Over x-mas I had the best conversation with him.

It started off with him talking about his Grateful dead tattoos. I have always knew he was a huge fan, but I found out that night that he saw them perform live 137 times and can remember every detail about every single one of those shows.

Now we all know I was raised by my grandparents and never had a close relationship with my parents, but that night was the first time in 35 years that I felt truly connected to my dad. To hear the passion in his voice when he talked about a certain guitar riff in a certain song…. We have something in common! It never ceases to amaze me what the power of music can do. I mean, it has connected me to so many people that have become a huge part of my life… I love that! I feel like I belong somewhere, people that love all the same things as me!

Ok, ok, enough mushy stuff!

How about an Art update?

I have completed and delivered my commissioned piece I was working on! It was for Annie and her daughters. I am so glad they loved it!

I have done a few sketches over New year’s while camping:

This was a picture that Jonna had taken of Lee and Bear. There was no way I couldn’t NOT draw that, right? Lol so with the permission of Jonna, I did it!

This is a piece from an awesome BoHo store I follow in Instagram. Lol I only had pencil & pen, so I used a Q-tip & blush for the color in the rose. 

They are called OfAMuse and they are in Texas. You should check them out, they have amazing home décor and clothes!

This was just a random doodle I did because I was bored and did not feel like drawing, but I did… I’m sure you know what I mean!

I did this while sitting at Owen’s swim practice. It was just a visual I got in my head from something I heard. And I am incredibly happy with the way it turned out!

This is my first sketch of Lee's new song "Stone"

And last but not least, While in the camper on our last night, I created this little guy and put it out on Instagram for people to help me name him.

After his name was chosen, I posted that I’d be doing another interactive drawing. This is still open, so please go find me on Instagram: @JennMHarding. I need 3 more “scenes” .. what happens to Reginald Boney III next?????

Go to Instagram to read the store so far and post your idea there!!! 

Other than this, Work has been incredibly busy, but I am looking forward to making more time for creating.

I am currently working with a local musician friend that I’ve known for almost 20 years. He is working on a solo album and I'm helping on the cover art concept. I am excited to share it with you when it’s done!

 Hope everyone enjoyed the post and will have a chance to get out to one of Lee's shows!!!!! Keep checking his site!!!! 

-Jenn 

Happy New Year!!!!

Happy New Year everyone!

 Thank you to everyone that has followed me on this art journey!

Towards the end of the year life has gotten in the way and kept me from drawing or painting, However going forward into 2015, I promise to make more time for creating! I plan on having much more work to show you this year.

 

Thank you Lee DeWyze for creating the one single thing that inspires me. Words can not even begin to describe how excited I am to hear the music you have in store for us for 2015. Your voice is truly my favorite sound in the whole world, thank you for sharing it.

 

 

Speaking of the art and the music that inspires it, I have an awesome story to tell you about the hummingbird tattoo I got in Kentucky back in October. I had a whole post dedicated to it in mind, but then just got so busy!

 

As most of you know, I got a hummingbird with the word "muse" in brail in it on the inside of my right wrist. I wanted something to represent both the art and the music because it was so important to me, and I wanted it on my right side, the hand I create with…..

 

About a month after, I went to a birthday party for one of my son's friends and his mom was looking at my tattoo. She is an Acupuncturist, and was telling me how the placement is such a great spot for me as an artist because it's located on my Pericardium channel, meridian. It Stimulates energy and connects emotion and mind. It's a strong point: 

"The Pericardium has a powerful influence on the patient's mental and emotional states.  Its goal is to "create feelings of joy and/or pleasure for the emperor (Heart)."

Isn't that amazing? I love that stuff! Hopefully that will aid in my goal to create more work in 2015 than I did in 2014. 

I Also promise to post more because I have sooooo many great project ideas swimming in my head already! 

Happy New Year everyone!!!!!! 

-Jenn