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!!!! 

 

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 

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 

Some things you may not know about me...

Hello Everyone!

I just started my 2^nd sketchbook of 2014 and was thinking I want keep you more in the loop because I plan on doing a lot more with this one.  A lot more Lee inspired ones…..Especially if we start hearing some new music soon.

I decided to make this post about me …Why you ask? Maybe if you get to know “me” better, you’ll have a better insight as to what it takes to inspire me and why I choose the images I do for my paintings and sketches…  Let’s start with some things you DO know:

 

• My husband & son ride bikes. Like, all the time…. So if I am not sketching, I am on the road for races (BMX, Mountain bike & Cyclocross) we basically live the life of rock stars on the road. Busy Busy Busy... But I love them with all my heart and that is what we do. This is why I have not done a painting in a while…it’s easier just to pack my sketch book and take it with. I do miss painting though, so hopefully I get more time for that soon.
• I was raised by my grandmother. (But did you know that I miss her so much that when I hear Miranda Lambert’s “The House that built me” I pretty much retreat to myself in order not to have a total melt down? That song is my life…and Owen’s summer camp is right across the street to that house, so I see it everyday and just wish I could go inside to see what they’ve done to it.
• 99.9% of my art work is inspired by the music & lyrics of Lee DeWyze, I can not stress enough though that before Lee, I have never been INSPIRED to create, didn’t even know what being inspired felt like.  I mean, outside of the occasional warm fuzzy tingles you get while listening to some main character’s inspiring speech in a movie…. Nada…. How crazy is that? I never sit down and TRY to think of what I am going to draw for certain lyrics. They always come into my head at random times. I can be super busy at work listening to music while I’m typing away and an idea will come to me so quick I have to stop what I am doing and write it down. (at any time you will find me with lots of post it notes with descriptions, ideas and doodles on it so I do not forget)  Nothing has ever flowed that naturally for me… like, ever…. I have had a few “almost inspired” moments though… One of my all time favorite visual artists is Francesco Clemente. He is an Italian artist that did all the art work for the movie “Great Expectations”.  In the movie, they want you to think Ethan Hawke did them, lol, I promise you he did not. When you initially look at his work… it looks messy and makes you almost think “well I can do that”… but there is just something about them that I love. For as simple as they are… there is soul in there…. The eyes are not detailed at all… but can SEE into them… I love that. I guess you can say that movie inspired me a little bit because whenever I watch it, I’d get the urge to draw… but I never would follow through because I didn’t know WHAT I wanted to draw. ….

 

 

 

 

• I’m obsessed with scary movies! All kinds! There are very few that can “scare” me. I do have a special place in my heart for Cheesy “B” movies…. The tackier the better in my opinion. However, I do not like Alien movies (with the exception of “Alien”) …

 

 

Now, I’m going to share some things about me that you probably do not know. However I won’t tell you everything…Heck, I myself don’t even know…. I learn something new about myself everyday lately. …

 

10 Jenn-isms…..

 

1. I will not embark on any road trip no matter how short, without a play list made special for that particular trip. Everyone that has been in a car with me knows this. And I ALWAYS randomly throw in a fun/ cheesy song in there to make people laugh.
2. I am deathly afraid of natural disasters. Seriously, I could be chased by a serial killer and not be nearly as afraid as if I was in a tiny earthquake… Any where I am, you can be sure I already thought of where to go if there was an emergency. Lol (for real) …
3. Growing up I was a swimmer and soft ball player. I LOVE the water and I LOVE baseball….
4. My favorite job ever was a lifeguard and pool manager. I loved everything about it… even having to clean the nasty filter baskets.
5. I can accurately recite every single line to every character in all of the SCREAM movies. …
6. I can impersonate  Forrest Gump perfectly
7. My favorite band, before Lee came along was LIVE. (however anyone that knows me at all knew this already)
8. I skipped 5^th grade
9. When I was 6, my mom pretty much traumatized me with a werewolf mask and the movie American werewolf in London (probably while movies do not scare me) Anyway, a week later  my hamster bit me on my pinky and I was convinced it was going to turn me into a werewolf …
10. The ONLY TWO scary movie people  that have EVER successfully scared me are:

• Zelda- The sister from “Pet cemetery”
  

 

• The girl with no mouth in the Twilight zone movie 
  

 .....scary as hell, right?! 

Well, that's all for now...I have a couple more posts coming up as I get back into my groove, so check back soon! 

-Jenn

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

-Jenn 

A story of insomnia , intuition & creativity

“I believe in intuition and inspiration... At times I feel certain I am right while not knowing the reason” (Albert Einstein)

 

Hello everyone. This post is going to be a bit different because I really want to figure out a way to word my reasoning behind my art that actually does justice to my “whys”. I have several posts in the past where I am trying to explain this feeling, but those do not even get you close to understanding.  Last night I couldn’t sleep…again. Had it been a weekend, I would have gotten up to paint. I kind of wish I did because having a creative mind and all those hours to do nothing but think can be a confusing place.  I find myself thinking of the perfect way to describe how I feel when I am listening to music and feel the need to create.  I can’t really tell you why, I just KNOW it in my bones…. I came to the conclusion last night that it all comes down to Intuition. The whole concept of intuition fascinates me and I think that now since I am somewhat acting on my intuition… I am viewing it a bit differently.

 

Nights like this I lay there questioning why I am doing this? How do you know the difference between intuition or if you are just crazy? Then I go into self doubt. I have starting following some amazing artists on Instagram who are so good that it makes me second guess my own talents- but then I think that they are just drawing portraits of celebrities, etc… there is no heart involved…this makes me feel better about my own work...and the list goes on….

 

Are you confused and dizzy yet? Welcome to my world. I also lay there and think, is lee’s brain this jumbled when he is up and writing songs? Is that what was going on in that beautiful mind when he wrote “Don’t be afraid”, Because acting on your intuition and what you feel in your heart can be scary! You have to trust that voice inside you and not think about if there are people out there that will actually “get it”…..

 

All this thinking led me to checking out all the quotes on Pinterest also, which gave me the idea for this post. I found so many quotes that spoke to me and I thought they’d help me explain my reasoning to you. Are you ready?

 

The textbook definition of Intuition is the ability to acquire knowledge without inference and/or the use of reason the word intuition comes from Latin verb intueri which is usually translated as to look inside or to contemplate. Intuition is thus often conceived as a kind of inner perception, sometimes regarded as real lucidity or understanding.

Intuition provides us with views, understandings, judgments, or beliefs that we cannot in every case empirically verify or rationally justify

 

Intuition comes in several forms: 
- a sudden flash of insight, visual or auditory
- a predictive dream
- a spinal shiver of recognition as something is occurring or told to you
- a sense of knowing something already
- a sense of déjà vu 
- a snapshot image of a future scene or event
- knowledge, perspective or understanding divined from tools which respond to the subconscious mind

 

When it comes down to how I get my ideas for my paintings, I rely heavily on all of those listed above.  Every. Single. Last. One. This is how I just KNOW……. Isn’t that fascinating? I think so…. Especially with my last painting which wasn’t even based on a song?  Again, I laid there just over thinking and something just told me to get up and sketch….didn’t know why, just felt I had to. Then I wake up to find out that Lee was up writing a song. Ha-ha, excuse my language for a sec, but that shit is just weird….

 

These are the kinds of things that bring me to get lost in all these art & intuition quotes… I get lost reading these, I feel like they just “get me”….

 

Here are some of my favorites and a little insight as to why they speak to me as an artist…..

 

1. “A good artist lets his intuition lead him wherever it wants.” Lao Tzu
2. “Good design begins with honesty, asks tough questions, and comes from collaboration and from trusting your intuition.”
   Freeman Thomas
3. “The painting leads the painter, and it becomes an intuitive experience” Ardath Davis

 

I love those. But #2 I think fits the best. The fact that I am painting honestly from my heart and what I feel and it IS collaboration. Maybe not an intentional, as I am pretty sure Lee does not write songs with the thought of how I’d paint it… lol... but you get my point. On a side note, how amazing would that be though? Lol.

Anyway, back to the matter at hand. Then there are quotes like this that take my brain in a whole other direction: 

 

“Intuition is an essential part of the whole experience of living. Although it will not help predict the future or how people will behave, using intuition as a guide makes life more rewarding. It helps you follow what seems to be the right path, even when social convention or common sense appears to tell differently” 
― Sylvia Clare, 

 

 

I read this and then start thinking about conversations I have with people regarding my art and them trying to rationalize it. (trust me, I have tried to rationalize it.. you just can’t)

 

So, there are very few people in the world that I feel “get it” when I talk. Mare is one of them. I do not feel weird telling her some of my inner thoughts because you seems to know exactly what I mean (and I cherish this, it’s rare, and again I can thank Lee for allowing me to meet her) We have talked many times about intuition because I KNOW that is what drives my need to create, but I still just don’t understand it.  Her explanation makes so much sense to me:

 

“Intuition is basically your heart speaking. Sometimes, your heart just knows more than your head does.  The heart usually defies logic... what it feels can't be explained, it just IS. Logic comes from the brain.... it kind of plays devil's advocate to your heart. It questions, causes doubt, makes you over-think. But which one is honest? Which one should you believe and trust? Is common sense always right? Does there always have to be a reason? Sometimes it's easier to follow your brain... follow logic. Is that where the honesty is though? I think following your heart... following intuition... although it may sometimes be more difficult, is where truth lies. When you follow your heart and intuition, everything that comes from that, is strictly FROM the heart. The heart doesn't lie. When you don't follow intuition, and listen to logic... I think whatever comes from that is "less"... it's been smeared. – Mare”

 

 

Here  are some of the questions I am asked on a daily basis by people outside of the Twitter word and FamiLee, my answers and also quotes that I feel answer those for me:

 

* Q: Why are you here? Why don’t you have an art job?

A: I went to art school and hated people telling me how to do things and basically teaching me to use my unique talent to draw exactly what other people tell me to. That is soulless to me and not what I want. I’d be miserable and it would take the joy of creating for me.   - I know intuitively when the work is right, no training can teach you this, it is simply a matter of feeling. (Robert Ryan)

 

*Q: If you do not want to make money off of these Lee inspired paintings, why do it? A: I do not want to make money off of Lee’s success. I do not roll that way, I do it because I love it and that is that. It’s the only time, oddly enough, that I feel like myself…..

 

And last but not least, I have been told by more than a few fellow, accomplished artists that I am limiting myself as an artist by painting only Lee songs. My answer to that is:  But that is all I want to do and it makes me happy.

End of story.

 

Danielle's first Lee DeWyze Show!!!

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

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

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

-Danielle 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Now Onto Track #6: “Open your Eyes” 

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

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

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

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

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

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

- Jenn 

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

 

What is a visual album review you ask?

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

……..And so it begins……….