Thank you Caron, I feel blessed to be able to have an outlet like this, where the journey and the final product are both healing in their own ways 
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Ah yes sweet child! Many souls are blessed with spiritual as well as physical gifts that never get used…… 
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I am of the firm belief that while some people may be more inclined towards art, anyone can make art regardless of their skill, since it is about the joy of the process and the act of creation, rather than the ‘value’ of the result! 
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Very well said my child!
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What a beautiful memorial, Claire. You’ve captured your buddy Gak so well, and your love for him shines through. I know this will mean a tremendous amount to your mom.
That is wonderfully expressed. You’ve captured this well, too. And I agree completely agree with what you said about the joy of the process and the creation, regardless of skill. I noticed when working with young children, if they’re asked, “Can you sing? Can you dance? Can you draw? Can you sculpt?” the answers are always “Yes!” And they can. And they do. And it’s all joyful, all wonderful. It’s only later that children start to fret about the eventual result of their artistic efforts not being “good enough.” Do some have more God given talents, producing results that more people like? Sure. But every person’s honest efforts are good enough in their own way. It’s sad that so many people restrict the flow of creative energy.
Your art is a blessing to you, and to those with whom it is shared. We are honored that you choose to share it with us.
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Caryl, this made me tear up in the best way, I am so lucky to have found such a lovely community of people here
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That’s the sheer beauty of innocence.
That’s what life does when it beats us down sometimes….
It truly is kinda sad……
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Life has been messy and busy recently - I got hurt in a pretty stupid way at the exact same time as my work has been ramping up, all while summer pay for grad students is around 1/2 of what we get during the school year, so art has been weird and inconsistent
But I have finally created my very first hand carved and self printed shirt, for a friend for her upcoming birthday!
I also made her a painting inspired by vintage national park posters (which I love) that depicts her favorite national park (Yosemite) and one if its resident bird species (Stellar’s Jay). [I still struggle with bird proportions, that is one ROBUST jay 
]
I have some fun art plans cooking, so I hope I can get back into it!
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That print came out so good! Very neat and clean
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Those are artfully beautiful Claire! Btw did you ever get your little companion?
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Read through this thread and it was AMAZING!
Here’s one of my little doodles:
A sun conure Bonapartenkyensus!
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He arrives July 8!! I am so excited!
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This is gorgeous!! If you draw more, please share here!!
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Thank you! Not bad for doing it one stamp at a time on my floor
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Oh no, I’m so sorry you got hurt. 
I hope you recover quickly and fully.
Your friend is bound to be thrilled with the shirt and the Stellar’s Jay. (I’m really loving that shirt!!)
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Very cool!
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Thank you! I’m on my feet again but my leg will probably never be the same (grade 2 ankle sprain and ligament tear on the same side I hairline fractured my hip 10 years ago, I’m gonna have an insane gait at 60 )
I am so proud of the shirt!! My goal as I get better at both the stamps and the printmaking process is to sell customized clothes eventually
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Oh, golly. That’s a rough injury to work through. 
I’ll be saying prayers for you!
You should be very proud of that shirt! It’s beautiful! How long did it take, if you don’t mind my asking?
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I’m excited for you Claire! And I too am so sorry that you hurt yourself! You’re way too young to be maiming yourself like that dear girl! 
. I hope you heal quickly and properly! 
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That’s cool. 
I hope he’s quieter than the standard sun conure!
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