#TBT and a thought....

Happy Thursday Everyone! 

Here is a little throw back sketch for ya from back in the day. It’s a Lyric sketch for “All Right” by Lee DeWyze 

“I told her she could stay the night…we were up to the morning light and that’s when I knew my friend that everything was all right…”

 

My post has nothing to do with that Lyric… but I was sitting here at the end of this very busy and hectic workday, thinking about all the running around I had to do AFTER work…. when Lee’s voice came on my iPod. Instantly I am calmed, I started thinking that this would make a great post….How amazing it is that a voice can feel like a security blanket. Instantly calming you and putting a smile on your face. This thought then lead to me thinking of this sketch because they are in a blanket fort… haha, I don’t know... I told you my mind is a confusing place. 

 

We will be away all next week, so I should be able to get a bunch of new sketches done. Stay Tuned! 

 

Talk to you soon! 

 

-Jenn

INSPIRATION : Paying it forward, a chain reaction

Warning: I again, am going to try to explain to you the pin ball effect that happens when my thoughts cause when I see one thing that leads to a million other thoughts…. 

 

I read this quote on Instagram a while ago that was posted by @Thegoodquote  (I highly suggest you follow them!) http://instagram.com/thegoodquote

“It’s amazing how quickly your mood can change, how deep your heart can sink and how much a person can affect you”

 

…we all know how this can apply to a person, but I feel it also applies to music and then how music applies to my art. 

Like, you can be having a horrible day… overwhelmed by the stress of your day or overcome with sadness for some reason. But then you hear a specific song, sung by a specific voice… and it all melts away. OR; it could have the opposite effect and you could be perfectly fine. Then hear the angst or pain in the lyrics and you can be overcome with a heavy heart. Music is some powerful S***. 

 

Speaking of powerful...Have you ever read anything posted by @PrinceEA  or seen his video posts on FB?

*photo belongs to Prince EA*

https://www.facebook.com/PrinceEaHipHop

He is so inspiring! He is a rapper and activist that posts videos with his thoughts on politics, sociality, environmental and life issues.

I was introduced to his posts when Mark showed me a video called "Why most people die before 25" and I remember being so in awe by his words and the way he said them; we even had our 7 year old son listen. Watch that post here: http://youtu.be/oKAmujgS4mo?list=UUDgUAAHgsV2fFZQm2fIWBnA

 

Well I read a post he did the other day about a conversation he had with an artist friend Lori Gilbert (please check out her work, she is amazing!!!) http://lorigilbertfineart.com

 

When he asked “What is Art to you”, her reply spoke to me…. I totally get it; specifically when she said, “When I first started painting it settled my soul like nothing I had ever felt before…It just centered me in this really beautiful meditative space.…”

You can read the entire conversation: https://www.facebook.com/PrinceEaHipHop/posts/10153408992079769:0

 

The reason I wanted to share this with you is because as I read what art meant to Lori, I knew exactly how she feels. Although my work is completely different and not on that level, when I am creating it definitely settles my soul. It’s my happy place. I am creating a world where beautiful music lives. 

(If you are reading this for the first time, All of my illustrations and paintings are inspired by the music and Lyrics of Lee DeWyze. 

 

In the post Lori also mentions that growing up she struggled with depression and anxiety, just as I had and how creating made everything look different. This is exactly how I feel. So by now you are saying, " I get it… you relate to another artist…” Yes I do, I love to hear how other people think like me when I spent most of my life around people I didn’t have much in common with. It’s the joy of social media! I’ve met so many amazing people that think like me and it really does make you feel less alone. The thing that caught my attention the most though was when Lori said, “I never need inspiration, I honestly am creative 365 days a year and just need a project” This statement fascinates me because art takes us to the same place…but I NEED that inspiration. I NEED the music; I NEED to know that Lee is creating more. Trust me, I’ve tried to channel other artistic outlets, but I can’t.  No commission piece, drawing something else meaningful to me… nothing else takes me to the same place Lee’s music does. I reached out to Lori to talk to her about this because I love to know the “whys”.  Let me just say, she is so sweet ! She’s planning to go back and read through this blog to get an idea of where I was coming from. I cannot wait to hear her thoughts on my blog to talk about the difference of needing to be inspired vs. not. 

 

This all brings us back to the original intent of this post. Music is some strong Sh**…

The other day I was having an awful day full of stress. I had this sadness in the pit of my stomach because I haven’t had any time to create and haven’t seen anything new posted from Lee. Then, that night… Lee had a "Stage It" show, played NEW songs and INSTANTLY I was happy! Ideas were flowing…. I needed that show. I am not even going to try to explain the feeling of contentment it gave me... the world was right again. 

 

What do you know about Lee DeWyze? 

That he won American Idol? Well let me tell you, he is the most amazing songwriter I have ever heard. He is my muse and I cannot create without his music. There are plenty of other songwriters out there that write amazing songs- a lot of them write for other artists to sing; there are a lot of amazing singers out there that have tons of people on their payroll to write them the songs they sing…. Lee DeWyze does all that himself. Of course there are people he works with, but he writes from the heart…from HIS heart, on his own. His voice is amazing, raw and full of passion. Lee DeWyze makes sure the music comes together the way he intended it to… This music, that fills my heart and helps me create in my happy place is the product of Lee himself… That alone is admirable and inspiring. There is no better feeling than seeing Lee live, to see his passion. Yes, I’ve seen him play live several times. I get asked, “don’t you ever get sick of the same show?” No!! Even if you see Lee two nights in a row, he never sings a song in the exact same way. Lee DeWyze is a true artist. This new album he is working on is going to blow your mind, I know it…. Go take a listen to Lee's album out now, Frames. You will NOT be disappointed, I promise!  I wish I could write more, but I don’t want to write a book. If you read back throughout this blog…you will get the idea. There is inspiration everywhere. I am fascinated with talking to people that inspire me, knowing what inspires them and sharing where this inspiration comes from. I love it all. Give Lee DeWyze a listen… you will see what I mean. 

THANK YOU Lee DeWyze, PrinceEa, Lori Gilbert and The Good Quote for inspiring me! This is my attempt to pay forward the inspiration you've given me to my readers. 

Please share this to keep that inspiration going and don't forget to check the links above! 

 

Thank you! 

-Jenn 

 

Everything is connected ...

Hello! 

I have a little something I’d like to share with you that I typically don’t… 

Many times I try to do a post explaining the feeling I get when creating and how the ideas come to me when I listen to Lee DeWyze’s music. There is always at least one odd coincidence with whatever I come up with…. 

 

First I’d like to start with my creative process: 

1. The ideas flow when I am listening to Lee DeWyze, When he posts new lyrics OR at times they will just come out of nowhere (so basically, ALL the time) 
2. A visual comes to my mind and I usually go out in search of similar “poses” to what I am seeing in my head, so I have a visual guide to help with my proportions, etc. and place it into the world my mind created & make it my own. 

 

 

I know a lot of people do not give any thought to their gut feelings or intuition, but when it comes to my art… I do. I’m going to share with you an example…. 

 

Sometimes when I am scrolling down Pinterest or watching a movie, I’ll see an image that just affects me… like, I know I’ll be able to use it, I can feel it. 

 

I few months ago, I see this on Pinterest…. 

I do not know who the artist is, but I just thought that I should keep it because I was just drawn to it and thought I could use those hands in my own way someday….. 

 

Yesterday Morning I woke up with the urge to sketch. I did not have anything new to draw; I did not have an idea, nothing. I went about my day with this nagging feeling to draw, but had nothing. Well, after a couple hours of cleaning I sat down on the sofa to relax and check my phone. That same picture came up on Pinterest as “something suggested for me”. 

 

About 10 minutes after that, Lee posted new lyrics…

 

You can imagine my excitement when all of a sudden; out of the blue… he posts these beautiful lyrics … 10 min after I was reminded of this picture that just happens to fit perfectly! On a day I had the urge to sketch. A day I was home alone with no outside distractions. All of that… lead to this…. 

 

I love when this happens. This is WHY I love art. This is what happens when you are truly inspired. Unless you create, you might not understand… but you cannot always just sit down and create because you are allotted that time. It has to come with a force… that is when it is exciting and you fall in love with the creative process. That is when it becomes part of you. 

 

It’s funny because right after he posted, Mare texted me “what are you going to sketch???” and I just replied back that I already had an idea. 15 min later, I posted my sketch, then Jaime tweeted me this: 

 

…Funny how the world works. I love that and it only happens when I am bringing music to life…. I absolutely love that!

 

One last thing, I also had just gotten a journal the night before to keep with me to jot down ideas when they do just pop into my head unexpectedly….. 

 

…….SEE?!?!?!...........

You know, something like this happens with every single sketch I do.

 

EVERY. SINGLE. ONE.

 

All 523 of them and counting. It fascinates me and I hope whatever this is that responsible for my connection to the music and lyrics and takes me to this creative place never goes away …. 

 

 

-Jenn xoxo

 

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.