Eleatta Diver

Paper Prayers

2012-01-29T16:23:00.001-05:00

A new palette for 2012

I love January, with it's invitation to start things anew.
I thought I'd share two of my "new things" for this year.
1.) to use a new palette of color in my work
2.)to openly share my sketchbook/meditation journal

I deliberately chose a new array of colors in my palette because I wanted to stretch and explore beyond my comfortable ruts. The new colors will act as constant reminders.

I also made a decision to "open up' my sketchbook and post my painted journaling process. This is a "two-for-one special" of benefits!

Firstly, it will hopefully encourage you as I share little motivational messages.

Secondly, it will help me not take myself so dang seriously! The pages are roughly executed and lack the polish of finished work. They are my raw paper prayers.

I'm so loving this new kinda' blue addition to my palette!

Thinking/praying about the power of reciprocity: giving and receiving.

Thinking about hope and the power it has to "lift" our spirit, I scribbled the reminder to allow hope to lift. Sometimes I find myself too anchored down in fears and anxieties. So, I made a "note to self" to ALLOW hope to buoy me!

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The Power of Paint!

2012-01-25T09:10:00.000-05:00

I am more thrilled by a great thrift store than a giant mall. I love being resourceful.

I love the hunt and the challenge. In decorating the several homes spanning our 30 year marriage,

I have often proclaimed my allegiance to the almighty power of paint.

A simple can of spray paint can transform trash to treasure.

And a couple buckets of it can create heaven on earth.

Recently my daughter, Gracie, and I transformed her bedroom from cutesy to calm simply

by applying a blanket of "Lovely Grey". All hail the power of paint.

I say there needs to be a new twist on the saying, "Diamonds are a girls' best friend."-

it's really PAINT!

And this is what Buddy, my lazy little dog, was doing while we worked!

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My Dream Team

2012-01-23T09:28:00.000-05:00

My family rests while I begin planning a Durham Dreams II!

Have you ever just been so thankful that it keeps rising up on the inside of you like a cork? Pulling together the Durham Dreams gala was quite a feat. Without my wonderful husband, family, and devoted friends, I could not have ever done it! I am so unspeakably grateful for their love and support.

What would I have done without my Faith and her beautiful friend, Lucinda?

I'm currently in the gestation phase of planning a Durham Dreams II. The thankfulness in my heart just keeps bubbling up, so I thought I'd just reminisce with you and post these pics.

The crowd made it all worth the work!

My friend Rita explains one of the paintings to Mayor Bell.

Laura Watts talks it up.

John's friends volunteer their night off to help me! Wow!

Beth and Anitra - so helpful!

Gene, you are the best!

Kelly,being careful to go over all the details.

Our friends are our treasures.

Hilary!

With Eric present, I just knew everything would somehow run smoothly!

Lilly is wonderful at mixing and mingling!

We are one very tired bunch!

Bryan, my musical background for the evening.

Sarah and Adena adding their grace and charm.

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Design on a Dollar

2012-01-22T10:07:00.000-05:00

Simple design: profound style

My hobby is design. It's like a game to me. My toys are paint, lamps, pillows, wall art, and rugs. I particularly love the way principles of design apply to to interior decor as well as to developing a successful painting. When I teach on these design principles, I always highlight the particular principle of UNITY as the "big daddy" of them all. Unity is the trick by which a painting…or a room looks "pulled together" and cohesive. It is achieved both on a canvas and in a room, by a generous dose of repetition - repeating color, line or texture.

This lovely photo is from my friend Bethany's apartment and the painting is one I made for her and her husband as a barter for her event planning skills! I love the way their simple but elegant dining room is unified through the repetition of various tones of whites and creams.

Here is a pic of my daughter, Gracie's room. Recently transformed through the power of repeating neutral tones of grey and tan, it has now become a haven of rest through utilizing the principle of unity.

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The Message of the Violet

2012-01-21T20:16:00.000-05:00

" Purple Passion"February's Birth Flower by Eleatta 2011© 12x12 Acrylic

Happy February, 2012!

Did you know February has it's own special flower? The violet is celebrated as it's designated "birth flower". In creating a series of small paintings on the topic of birth flowers. I was intrigued to find out that over time unique symbolic meanings came to be associated with each month's flower. Moreover, during the Victorian era, special "hidden messages" were conveyed in the giving of certain flowers as well.

Hidden message of the violet

The violet is said to be a symbol of faithfulness and humility. The "hidden" victorian code-message took on a variety of meanings according to color. Apparently purple violets spoke "I'll always be true!" and the color white whispered, "Let's take a chance and see what happens."

How things have changed!
I am enjoying painting this series of birth flowers. I especially love uncovering all of the secret languages these flowers carried. In todays "In your face" communication style, I find these subtle, discrete messages so alluring!

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Inside my Sketchbook

2012-01-21T19:54:00.000-05:00

Joining a group of like-minded creatives for regular lunches with lots of laughter, I am reminded of the wonderful side effect of cross pollination. We were discussing The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp, tossing around ideas of ways to implement this powerful practice.

I know how much I am encouraged when I hear other's methods of cutting through lethargy. So I thought I'd share one of my practices: sketchbook journaling. A regular part of my morning, in addition to coffee, is spilling my impressions out on paper. It helps me pray, think and wipe off the dust of yesterday.

Here are some pics I thought you'd enjoy:

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Life and Death

2012-01-17T09:05:00.001-05:00

"The Power of Words" by Eleatta (c) oil pastel 5x7 ($35)

"Handle them carefully, for words have more power than atomic bombs" Pearl S. Hurd

This little drawing was a result of thoughts about the power of our words They can crush or create.

Just Peel It

2012-01-10T09:42:00.000-05:00

"Just Peel It" by Eleatta (c) 36x48 acrylic $1,300

Email! ugh!
NO ONE really LIKES email. But there's one kind of email I do like. When I hear from someone who has seen a piece of my work and writes to tell me what it's meant to them. That can fuel my tank for a week - maybe even a month! This one recently sat in my inbox:

"I want to thank you for your art. It inspires me to keep pursuing my passions."

Hopes and dreams - a common languge
Since painting on the subject of human hopes and dreams in 2008, I've found myself in countless conversations with people, either electronically or in "real time", about the process of pursuing a dream or desire. It has become one of my favorite topics. Volumes could be written addressing the ways, means, challenges and agonies of this quest! When reduced to the simplest "step", however, most agree that it's simply in the beginning or the just starting somewhere that really matters. This painting, "Just Peel It", captures this aspect.

New Year's wish for you
My hope for you is that you will find fresh grace and inspiration in 2012 to just peel your own juicy dream.

This painting is currently on exhibit in the 311 Galleries & Studios :: Downtown Raleigh, NC, as part of a group show, Durham Does Raleigh --- Art No Bull.

Just for fun, here are some photos of the show's opening:
Goldenbelt Exhibit at 311 Gallery

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Another "Young Artists' Wall" Night!

2012-01-07T10:48:00.000-05:00

Support Your Young Artists!

“Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.”

–Albert Einstein

Having 3 of our 5 children seemingly born with incredibly strong "art" genes, I firmly believe in the power of encouraging this gifting. Providing supplies, lessons as well as display opportunities and venues form a veritable launching pad from which they can experience growth and enjoyment. In a desire to foster further encouragement, I want to invite boys and girls (ages 5 -15) to come show their work in my studio in January!

I am excited to host the second "Young Artists' Wall"! I'm inviting young (visual) artists to come display their drawings or paintings in next month's "open studio" at Goldenbelt on January 20, 2012.

Goldenbelt houses 45 artist studios in downtown Durham,NC. Each 3rd Friday of the month, all of the artists open their studios to the public. Your child will be my special guest in my own studio space (#114) and have an opportunity to share in the excitement of having their own "showing"for a few hours.

This month's "Young Artist's Wall" will have a special theme:
"My favorite thing to do in Durham"

Here are the details:

* Contact info-Send me contact info letting me know you are interested at eleattadiver@gmail.com.

*One piece-Bring 1 piece of your child's art showing their favorite thing to do in Durham. * Signature-Have them sign it.
* Simple frame -Place it in a SIMPLE frame. (PLEASE!!! no pressure here! A simple "Dollar Store" frame is great!

*Index card-Accompanying each piece of art, please bring an index card with child's name and the title of their work.

*Children's art will not be priced. It will simply be enjoyed.

*Drop off- Child's art may be delivered to my studio on either of these dates:

Thursday Jan. 19 from 11:30AM-3:30PM

Friday Jan 20 from 5:30 -6:00PM

* Time for Goldenbelt's monthly 3rd Friday "open Studios" is 6 -9 PM

* You may leave your child's art displayed or you may bring it home at 9PM

* My studio hours, in which you may pick-up art are Tuesday - Friday 11:30AM-3:30PM

There will also be light refreshments served during "open studio".

This will be a fun evening and a great moral booster for any young artist. My son, Bryan, will be sharing his music for our enjoyment.

A Popular Palette for 2012

2012-01-05T09:12:00.001-05:00

Here are some of the new colors I'm using in my paintings this year. Recently inspired by A Look at Pantone's Spring 2012 Color Report , I decided to tweak my color palette for this new year.

I particularly love the "bamboo" color in the top right corner of this pic.

Here are a few of the pieces I've used these colors to create.

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A Look Inside

2012-01-04T09:13:00.000-05:00

Happy January!By Eleatta© 12x12 acrylic on canvas $175

Happy January, 2011!

Did you know January has it's own special flower? The carnation is celebrated as it's designated "birth flower". Recently I created a series of small paintings on the topic of birth flowers. I was intrigued to find out that over time unique symbolic meanings that came to be associated with each month's flower. Moreover, during the Victorian era, special "hidden messages" were conveyed in the giving of certain flowers as well.

The Carnation
The carnation is said to be a symbol of love, fascination, and distinction. The "hidden" victorian code-message took on a variety of meanings according to color. Apparently red spoke "My heart aches for you!" and Pink whispered, ""I'll never forget you. Isn't that so sweet?

Behind the scenes
I'll be posting more on these flowers with the turn of each new month this year. So stay tuned. Additionally, in response to requests, I'll be posting more "behind the scenes" peeks into their creation. To give you a tiny glimpse, below you'll find a video clip of a glance into my studio with a whole new crop of flowers that are blooming.

This is my first test run using my iphone. Bear with me. I promise I'll improve! But I thought you'd like it anyway.

Hope you had a lovely holiday season. I look forward to sharing 2012 with you! Thanks for joining me.

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A New Season

2011-12-31T08:33:00.000-05:00

"A New Season" by Eleatta Acrylic on repurposed materials 24"x36"$500

I almost like New Year's Eve more than Chrstmas. (I said ALMOST!). I love the great "in between" of it all- looking back while gazing forward. As the fresh new days of 2012 unfurl, the dried old days of 2011 peel away.

This painting represents the process of the changing seasons of our lives. It was inspired by a particular text in the ancient book of Ecclesiastes:

" There is a time and a season for everything."

For me, 2011 was especially challenging. But already I feel new sap pulsing as I thankfully consider the new year. As we enter this new year, my earnest wish for you is a heart full of hope, and a life laced with peace.

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Look Up!

2011-12-22T09:04:00.000-05:00

"Look Up" by Eleatta (c) Acrylic on 18x24 canvas now $95(was$135)

Walking my dog, Buddy, is always an adventure. Frantically sniffing about for any trace of squirrel, his darting pace keeps me on my toes and watching his every move so as not to trip! But when possible I steal a glance upward. Tree tops pointing heavenward are gentle reminders to direct my life in an upward direction. They seem to whisper, "Life is more than what's under foot."

I made this simple little painting after coming back from one of these "Buddy"walks. It is my "thank you" note to a particularly modest clump of tress that regularly remind me "Slow down. Look up".

This painting is available for purchase this week for $95 marked down from $135. Contact me for shipping info at eleattadiver@gmail.com or 919-323-5763.

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Look Underneath and Beyond

2011-12-19T12:34:00.000-05:00

" Though Winds May Blow" by Eleatta (c)mixed media on 11x14 tile $95

I wonder what my kids will remember me for. I pray it's more than the stale "Clean your room." I pray it's the heartier things like "Love the unlovable." I hope they are quick to show empathy to their fellow human being. I hope that refrains of mercy haunt them all their days.

Several months ago I began making little paintings like this one. I wanted to capture the truth that there is always more to a person than meets the eye. Every individual has an unseen root system and an untold story. This is the biggest motivation to show compassion, I can imagine.

"Though Winds May Blow"may be purchased by contacting Eleatta at eleattadiver@gmail.com.

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Focus!

2011-12-17T12:29:00.000-05:00

I talk to myself. It's true. When I feel scattered, doing too many things at once, I catch myself saying aloud, "Focus, Eleatta, focus!" It works. It's my way of gently jarring myself to sort through the needful, necessary and compulsary assortment on my "to do" list.

We all need gentle reminders to focus. Especially at this time of year! A decision to focus on family, faith and gratitude will prove helpful in navigating through the maze of holiday demands.

Ready to hang canvas prints of "Remember"can be ordered here: We Remember

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Am I the Only One?

2011-12-12T10:24:00.000-05:00

Am I the only one?
I don't know about you, but sometimes I catch myself thinking strains of thought that I know are not healthy! Don't worry, I don't mean thoughts of jumping off a high bridge or anything, but just normal unhealthy stuff like,"That was a really stupid thing for me to say! or "See, she sold her painting, who am I to think anyone's ever going to buy this thing, anyway?"

1 Odd Thing and 2 Truths:
The odd thing is, however, that no matter who I talk to, it seems everybody thinks these sort of thoughts at least some times! It's strange that we humans are so prone to sabotage ourselves. We should all just call a truce with our brains. Truth be told, there have been times that I've just blurted out loud "Just be quiet!"as a means of jarring my thoughts back into the proper grooves. Another truth to tell is our thought-life has incredible power in how our day plays out….even how our very lives play out!

Thoughts are seeds
Negative thoughts blow into our mind as easily as dandelion seeds. They float noiselessly and creep into crevices without warning, adversely affecting our outlook. There's an unseen war on our minds which the wise person knows how to detect and do combat.

Rules of engagement:
Here are some suggestions for dealing with "seed management":
1. Stop and do periodic checks on what kind of thoughts you are entertaining.
2. Purposely sweep out the negative and sprinkle the good, by taking mental stoke of things for which you are thankful.
3. Encourage someone. (This is one of the best ways to give your own brain a truck load of life-giving thought-seeds!)
4. Smile more- even for no reason at all… just smile.

These are 4 of my best ways of keeping my thought life growing good things! Now, it's your turn. How do you manage your "brain battles"?

The painting above, Field of Hope II, is available (through this link) for purchase.

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Practice Patience

2011-12-09T13:31:00.000-05:00

"Patience"by Eleatta © 12 x 12 acrylic canvas $95

This quiet little painting illustrates a great truth attributed to the French sculptor, Auguste Rodin

"Patience is also a form of action." ~Auguste Rodin

Patience is not usually associated with "power" attributes, but it is pivotal to successful living. Contrary to popular opinion, patience is not something that some specially chosen people are just born with.Patience is a choice and we CAN make a decision to cultivate patience.

What exactly is patience, anyway?

Well, that could be a lengthy answer, but, simply stated, it has two main components:

1. It is is a persistence in our capacity to keep on going even though you can’t yet see the end result.
2. It is a decision to make peace with the "now" moment in which we find ourselves. This one act results in a boat load of peace!

Why is patience so important?

Besides making those around you a heck of a lot happier to live or work with you, it keeps that deathly trait, anger, from squeezing life's juices right out of us!

Here are 6 little acts that can help the seedlings of patience grow stronger:

Eat more slowly.

Stand in a long checkout lane and smile on the inside - even on the outside.

Spend time in nature and really notice!

Watch a child at play.

Smile a lot more.

Breathe deeply on purpose.

What is the hardest thing for you to be patient with? How do you think you might change that?

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The Endless Immensity

2011-12-06T14:14:00.000-05:00

This painting is a response to my thoughts about the subject of creativity after coming across a compelling quote from Antoine De Saint Exupery. I am often asked about my creative process. Although I could fill volumes on the topic , I feel Exupery said it best. In commenting on the development of the creative process he said it is like "a longing for the endless immensity of the sea.”
Such a lovely phrase, isn't it?

Creative thought is born from a longing. This can be a longing to express feelings, to give shape to thoughts, or to release concepts.

In this longing, there is a necessary germinating process which allows thoughts and ideas
to swim freely. This phase, being completed, gives rise to art's truest expression.

What are your thoughts on creativity? How do you define the creative process?

The above painting, "The Birth of Creativity"(18 x 24) is available for purchase : $ 175 plus tax/shipping.

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Just Like Helium

2011-12-01T10:00:00.000-05:00

Who doesn't love helium balloons? Something about a bundle of them just spreads cheer. Hope is like that too. A person whose hands hold armfuls of hope, brightens any room they may enter.

This painting is sold but prints are available here:
hope-rises-iv-eleatta-diver.html

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Enjoy One of My Hand Painted Vases in Your Home

2011-11-21T01:23:00.001-05:00

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All aboard…The Christmas Treasure Train is leaving the station! Anitra from The MamaZone and Angie from Laughter Does the Heart Good are thrilled to be your conductors on this wild ride for gifts and cash!

This giveaway hop is a little different than most because it has the added element of a cash treasure hunt! As you hop through entering the giveaways on these fabulous blogs, keep your eyes open—you just might find some hidden cash! Here’s how it works:

Visit each blog listed below and enter to win.
After you enter on a blog, look for the image of the Christmas Treasure Train.
If the train contains a three digit code, make a note of it.
Once you collect all 10 randomly hidden codes, enter here to win the Grand Prize of $100 paid via PayPal.
As an added bonus, if you enter every giveaway involved you’ll earn 25 extra entries into the Grand Prize drawing (Sweet!).

The hop and hunt will run November 21st-December 5th and the Grand Prize winner will be announced on the 6th. Ready to win? Here’s what I’m giving away:

You know how much I love sharing my art with you, so I'm giving you the opportunity to enjoy win one of my hand-painted vases. They are available in my studio and retail for $25. If you'd like to bring one home with you, simply enter using the Rafflecopter form below. Give it time to load, then click the link that says "Click Here" or "Click For Instructions." Follow the instructions then complete each task and click "I Did This." You may choose to complete as many of the tasks as you like to earn additional entries. The contest is open to U.S. residents.

Now, visit the other great blogs below!

The Laborious Journey

2011-10-18T10:52:00.000-04:00

"Where Dreams Grow" by Eleatta (c) 36x48 acrylic (SOLD)

Where Dreams Grow was created as a tribute to the wonder in which the human heart cultivates a dream. Conceived in the secret place of the soul, it is nurtured through thoughts of hope and faith. Due to the power of it's innate life within, it pushes through layers of obstacles. Because of it's laborious journey, it's resulting fruit is humility.

In preparing for the Durham Dreams Reception Gala, I have chosen this painting to summarize my thoughts concerning the sincere lives represented in the DURHAM DREAMS series.

Below, I have posted images of some of the "dreamers" featured in Durham Dreams.

Pepper Fluke, Durham artist

Bill Shore, Director of US Community Partnerships for GSK

Kelly Bryant, Durham historian

Cora cole McFadden, Mayor Pro Tem

Rev. Ernie Mills, Founder of the Durham Rescue Mission

Sherif Hill, Durham County Sherif

Mary Ann Black, Director of Community affairs at Duke University Health System

Bill Kalkof, President of Downtown Durham Inc.

Evelyn Schmidt, Founder and CEO of the Lincoln Health Center

Significant Things

2011-10-16T15:06:00.000-04:00

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'" Growth" by Eleatta Matted 5x7 oil pastel ($65)

Significant things take great time to grow; the power of love is their most potent fertilizer.

I created this little oil pastel about a year ago as I was in the middle of creating my DURHAM DREAMS series. Highlighting an assortment of Durham leaders' "dreams" for their beloved city, this body of work is comprised of a dozen 36 x 48" paintings.

The genesis of the series was the amazement I felt as I began hearing the transformation Durham has undergone over the last 15 years. Upon holding a studio space in Golden Belt in-Downtown Durham, I became enamored at the story of revitalization.

This small work pictured above,"Growth," is a snap shot of the monumental effort, commitment and dedication.
It also became a source of encouragement to me personally, as I persevered through executing the series.

DURHAM DREAMS is now on display in the Strickland Gallery inside the American Tobacco Campus in Durham. Dreams Become Reality is a tribute to the amazing people in this unique city. The exhibit is open to the public through Oct. 31st.

The will be a Durham Dreams Reception Gala on Oct. 25th in Bay 7 from 7-8:30. Free and open to the public, all are welcome to participate in a special evening of reveling in the power of dreams when they become reality.

What's Your Secret?

2011-09-28T08:59:00.000-04:00

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"Be Still" by Eleatta (c) acrylic on 11 x 14 canvas

Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

I've been thinking about the difference between trusting and fretting. The way I see things is that the practice of showing patience and forbearance holds untold possibilities and fruitfulness.
In contrast, however, fearful striving leaves one feeling empty and unfulfilled with vanishing narrow options.

Life holds ample opportunities to be tested and vexed. I don't have magical answers but there are a few things I've seen to be true.

One is that I believe It's better to be patient with what is before us because we can not see the big future picture.

The other is the secret power of showing kindness to those in our sphere of influence. This simple practice has an amazing way of buffering us from much of life's tempestuous winds.

How Do You Spell BRAVERY?

2011-09-27T09:27:00.000-04:00

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"I'll Go This Way"by Eleatta (c) oil pastel on 5 x 7 paper ($65)

The essence of being brave is daring to pull away from where the crowd is going.

I'll Just Go This Way or prints of it may be purchased here:
Eleatta Diver - Fine Art

A Choice

2011-09-25T14:31:00.000-04:00

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"I Dream of You" by Eleatta (c) acrylic on 36 x 48 canvas (sold)

When I stop to think how much my daily level of joy truly depends on my responses to life's challenges, I'm humbled by the responsibility.

"Happiness, like unhappiness, is a proactive choice."
Stephen R. Covey (The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People)

"Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be"
Abraham Lincoln