INSPIRED by blood, sweat & tears: READ ME

”..And all of the ink that was bled from your hands has painted a picture that she understands…it’s amazing…” 

 

..WAIT…What?? …Those are not Lee DeWyze lyrics? Are they? No, they are not, They are lyrics to a song called “Amazed” by Annie Decatur Danielweksi (aka Poe) 

And why are his hands bleeding? That’s creepy….. 

 

Let me explain: Let’s start with the blood, as it can come across pretty creepy but I promise you it is not. The bleeding fingers represent Lee putting his all into his music. His entire heart and soul, like he always does. The birds, like in his feather tattoo are flying up representing him putting himself out there with his work and me connecting enough to visualize it. You see now? And that brings it back to that Poe lyric; “And all of the ink that was bled from his hands has painted a picture that she understands…it’s amazing” That truly IS amazing in my opinion. 

 

Now, on to your next question…

 

Why would I do a picture of Lee playing his guitar and quote another artist’s lyric? This is another example of how the “circle of inspiration” is growing and how at the strangest times all the things that mean something to me seem to come together and make sense. 

 

You see, It is true, I have never been inspired to create before Lee and his music. No other voice has affected me the way Lee’s has. HOWEVER, when I was in high school I was a huge fan of Poe. Her music was haunting & beautiful yet dark and angry… she “got” me. Not the way Lee’s music did, but still….. 

If I could explain the comparison on how each voice affects me differently it would be this: 

Poe’s voice and lyrics are a lot like my inner voice.. like if I was venting, hoping or just needing to shout out a scream just to feel better….  but Lee’s voice and lyrics are comforting to me, like after screaming out in frustration, his music is kind of like a comforting arm around you telling you it will be ok and taking you home. Make sense?

Although the impact Poe’s music had on me was way different than Lee’s, I have all kinds of stories about certain songs and how they fit into my life or remind me of certain events at that time… but those will stay in my head, not sure you could handle those ….

 

Anyway, I was listening to my iPod at work and “Amazed” came on… I have listened to this song way more than a million times over the years, I know all the lyrics by heart…. But this time, that lyric… it hit me, it made me think of how I feel being inspired by Lee’s music and there is was… a visual! I never had a visual for someone else’s lyrics ever, but when I did… it was OF Lee… weird, huh? 

 

I have sketched a Poe song recently that you will recognize: 

I am the kind of person that then thinks back to the “whys” I mean, it did not make me want to draw back then... but there was something about it I was drawn to… now there is a reason. Know what I mean? I’ve told you numerous times before how exhausting it is to live inside this brain, you are feeling it now, aren’t you? Ha-ha. 

 

I just really wanted to share that with you because as the idea came, my mind was blown and I was soooo excited. Here is a link to hear the song: http://youtu.be/smc18aecLuI 

 

The funny thing is, maybe about 2-3 months ago, I was listening to Poe and wondered what happened to her, was she making new music? I was able to find some stuff she has done under other names besides Poe (this having to do with a major falling out with the record label) Well I found a few songs she had done with a band called ; Conjure One. They all had a slight techno-y feel to them, which isn’t really my style, but there was this one that I am now obsessed with. It is called ‘One word” and I tell you this in all honestly, from the bottom of my heart that if you could put how Lee’s music, lyrics and voice make me feel into a tribute song…. This would be it. I am posting the link to that song below, I will warn you, the opening “music” sounds a little creepy… but keep listening, I know you will love it and you will know EXACLTY what I am talking about. 

Listen to “One word” here: 

 http://youtu.be/nNwP5iOZFUE

 

 

Another cool fact about the song “Amazed” by Poe, it’s on her album called “Haunted’. It you listen to this album, as first you will be like, huh? Because each song is telling a story that doesn’t really make sense to you, with all these voices and talking before and after…. The album is a soundtrack to coincide with a book called “House of Leaves, written by her brother, Mark Danielweksi, who is an amazing writer. I am actually re-reading this book now. If you ever have a chance, purchase this album and the book. I know you will love it. 

 

I’d also like to add, If Lee and Poe ever collaborated, I could die happy (and yes, I have a Poe song for that too)... that would be so amazing and you have no idea how happy that would make me!!!! 

 

Just a random lunch time thought….

Well, not random to me, as it usually crosses my mind a billion times a day. As you all know by now 99.9% of my sketches and paintings are inspired by Lee DeWyze and his music. I have days like yesterday where I am trying to concentrate on work and out of nowhere my mind gets flooded with all these sketch ideas that I have to hold in until I get home and hopefully have the time to sketch them out. I cannot really explain it, but it’s like a flood gate just opens and I cannot think of anything else. Although it’s frustrating when I can’t just drop everything and work on my art, I love those days. I get excited about getting them onto paper or explaining them to someone (even though there are literally only two people in the world that “get “ my ideas and can picture them as I talk. Lol) I love that. 

 

Then there is the other side of this creative connection…. I would never change anything about what inspires me and the way it feels, but it is frustrating that I CAN NOT and have no desire to create when I am not inspired. When I cannot create, I get sad.  I saw a perfect quote once, “Art is the overflow of emotion into action” by Brian Raif. Exactly.  It’s another thing that is hard to explain because I do not even understand it myself. I went to Art school, I could always “draw”…I just never really wanted to. I can honestly say that I cannot create until it is Lee inspired. It could be as small as knowing he is going into the studio. 

I could not have an art job where I had to go in everyday and draw what people tell me to. That does not make me happy. The ONLY time art makes me happy is when I am listening to that voice and zoning in on those lyrics where something just clicks and I need to create a visual for it. It’s my happy place, it kind of feels like when I lived at home with my grandmother if that makes sense. Like I am supposed to be there.  This bothers me sometimes. I’ve always been pretty independent and learned very young that I can’t reply on other people, so sometimes it bothers me that my creativity is 100% dependent on Lee and him creating his music. It’s the only thing that drives my creativity and that confuses me.  

Do they have support groups for this kind of thing? 

 

 

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