The Source of Resourceful

My earliest lessons on creativity were absorbed from watching the resourceful habits of my mom. The older I get, the more I think about little lessons I picked up from her. Most valuable life lessons are caught rather than taught.

Mom’s lessons were in her everyday approach to situations. Her philosophy was that there was always an answer. There was always a solution. She made it a habit to use what was at hand to meet a need or a desire. Whether it was creating a stylish Barbie outfit with a hankerchief, recovering the couch with old curtains or making a swim suit out of tea towels, she lived by the mantra, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”

In preparing to paint the “Dream Portrait” of Pepper Fluke as the next “Durham Dreamer.” I’ve been ruminating on the topic of creativity.  Resourcefulness is the seed source of creativity. Defined as the quality of being capable or clever, resourcefulness is the ablity to put available resources to efficient or ingenious use.

Pepper Fluke, a local artist and potter, is cut from that same sturdy stock of fabric that made my Mom a fortress of possibilities. Pepper is credited in spearheading the crusade for the remodeling of the Carolina Theatre in downtown Durham,NC. One of the favorite stories from my interview with her, was an amazing tale of resourcefulness. With limited finances for the plans to refurbish the theatre, Pepper creatively solved the dilemma of acquiring paint. She summoned all interested persons to bring in their “spare beige paint.” Laughing as she recounted the adventure, Pepper relayed how that simple resourceful idea transformed the cosmetic appearance of the time worn theatre. “Everyone simply brought in their cans of beige paint, we stirred it all together, and we had plenty to use!" (And this was BEFORE social media!)

Sketches for Pepper’s “Dream Portrait” are underway.  I’ll purchase the canvas this Friday and away we go! Pepper’s portrait will be number 6. There is a total of 12 to be painted. So, I’m halfway there!

The image at the top of this post is an example of resourcefulness and is from my Redemption Series. It is made entirely from recycled and repurposed materials.  Proceeds from sales of this body of work go to help finance housing for AIDS orphans from Uganda.

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What is Creativity?

What is creativity? I think a lot about this. As an artist, I’m constantly playing with ideas in my head and dumping them onto paper. I test them to see if they will bend and stretch. As an art educator, I push every lesson plan through this sieve: how can I cultivate creative thought? During the next few weeks, I am writing on this topic of being creative. I certainly won’t  attempt competing with the volumes that have been written on the subject. I will simply offer my own observations and musings.

I truly believe all human beings are creative. However, I constantly hear adults and children declaring their deficiency as if creativity was a vitamin they lack. The truth is that there are so many different ways this creativity is expressed. Creativity lies waiting to be mined in all types of intelligences and personalities. There are Multiple Intelligence Types that displays creative potential like prisms reflect infinite color combinations.

I define creativity as the experience of thinking, reacting, and working in an imaginative way. It is characterized by a high degree of innovation. It includes originality, divergent thinking, and risk. Creativity involves the ability to produce something new, to generate unique approaches and solutions to issues or problems. It welcomes, seizes and embraces opportunity.

I am fascinated with human creativity. I will never tire of being surprised by the variety of    interpretations a class of students can render to an assignment. This is a photo of some ceiling tiles my art students and I created for a local children’s hospital. With the general scenario of making the ceiling look “happy” for sick and ailing patients, the students’ creativity really took over! 

(Can you find me? I'm so short, this looks like a page from a "Where's Waldo" book.)

Creativity is the theme for the next “Dream Portrait” in my Durham Dreams Series of paintings as I feature the “dream” of local artist, Pepper Fluke. Her desire for Durham is that “all our citizens and especially our children have some form of art in their lives - that they all have equal opportunity to explore those things that expand their horizons and bring joy to their lives.”

In closing, I have great news to share! Prints from the "Durham Dreams" paintings are now ready for ordering. The “gallery wrapped canvas” prints look amazing and they come “ready -to -hang” with no framing needed. Here’s the link:

Eleatta Diver - Fine Art - Fine Art America -

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Behind the Easel: Scraps and Pepper

Last night I attended a really exciting meeting. The Scrap Exchange of Durham held it’s planning session for a collaborative community arts project which will serve in raising funds for a new building for the Exchange to call “home”.

In preparing to dive into the planning phase for the next Durham Dreams “portrait” of Pepper Fluke, I thought it quite appropriate! Pepper’s dream for  Durham is ”that all our citizens and especially our children have some form of art in their lives - that they all have equal opportunity to explore those things that expand their horizons and bring joy to their lives.”

One of The Scrap Exchange’s main mission is to foster creativity (and recycling, of course!) Durham is one of only 13 such  locations for creative recycling facilities in the nation. Every time I open the door to the "Exchange" I feel a bit like Alice falling into the rabbit hole. I lose myself in imaginations as my eyes skim across the vast array of barrels filled with possibilities. Slightly giddy with racing ideas, I struggle to maintain focus. Alas, I gather my wits and force myself to remain calm and try to act my age. 

I think the seed of my love for bits and scraps was sown by my Mom’s sewing basket. (No pun intended!) Although it was only about the size of a hat box, to me it was a veritable treasure chest. There were buttons, baubles, and scraps which I was given full access to use. There was no turning back. I became addicted to creating something from nothing. As a child it brought endless pleasure. As an adult, I contemplate how to share this joy and pass the baton. I believe this is the essence of Pepper’s dream. This is what I’m germinating - how can I translate this into a painting. I have a few ideas, so “stay tuned”. 

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Behind the Easel : An Unveiled Summary of Rev. Mills' Dream Portrait

Last Friday evening was the unveiling of the fifth Durham Dreams’ portrait. There was standing room only in my little studio in Goldenbelt! So many friends and supporters of the Durham Rescue Mission gathered to honor the founder, Ernie Mills. I thought I’d give a summary of the meanings behind the imagery in this very special addition to the “Durham Dreams” series of paintings.

     

This piece, titled, “A Step of Faith”,  portrays the “dream” of Rev. Ernie Mills: “to rescue the discarded relics of society, mine the diamonds in the rough, and see lives transformed into fully functioning members of society.”

The hand, symbolizing the work of the Mission to reach the addicted, touches and imparts strength. Where the Mission touches a life, there is a transformation in skin tone. The humanity of the addict grows as the entrapment of addictions fade.

The thorny snares of addictions slowly fade into a beautiful fruitful vine. The helping arm of the mission lifts the spirit, strengthens heart and uproots the addictions that paralyze.

The “seeds” of faith that have been “sown” in the community by Rev. Mills and his wife, have born much fruit. Fruitfulness multiplies as seeds of hope are scattered and sown.

A brightly colored palette of blues, greens and purples speak of the beauty that the Mission staff see in the individuals they serve.

The next portrait to be created in the Durham Dreams Series is the “dream” of Pepper Fluke, a local artist and community activist who led the crusade to refurbish the Carolina Theatre in downtown Durham. Her dream is to see the arts enjoyed by everyone!

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Behind the Easel: The History of A Mission to Help

  


History of the dream:  
This month's "Dream Portrait" of Rev. Ernie Mills and the Durham Rescue Mission is unfolding beautifully. Within one week I was able to open the canvas and reach a 75% mark of completion!
Rev. Mill's dream has been an honor to paint: "to rescue the discarded relics of society, mine the diamonds in the rough and see lives transformed into contributing members of society." In this post I thought I'd include a brief history of the Mission founded by Ernie Mills.                                            




Founded
Founded in 1974 by Rev. and Mrs. Ernie Mills, the Durham Rescue Mission is a  faith-based, non-profit organization whose goal is to mend shattered lives by ministering to the homeless and addicted in central North Carolina.

The Durham Rescue Mission
The Durham Rescue Mission originally began as a safe shelter for 12 men, but in time their men’s ministry grew to provide shelter for over 100 men. As the mission expanded their were able to open up homes for mothers with small children, single women and, eventually, families.

The Mission
The Mission is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They provide food, clothing, shelter,  vocational training, continuing education, job placement, permanent  supportive housing, and Christian counseling 365 days a year. With the support of individuals, businesses, civic groups, foundations, grants, and churches, they have been helping the needy and homeless for nearly 40 years.


Images
 Here are a few more pics of the imagery I am using to convey Rev. Mills dream to see lives rescued and transformed: 

 This portrait of Rev. Ernie Mill's dream will be unveiled Fri. evening, July 16th at 5:30 in my Goldenbelt studio (#114). It will join the others in the series of the "Dreams of Durham" and remain on display until the spring of 2011. Prints in the "Durham" series are now available for purchase. Reverend Mill's portrait will join the collection next week when it's completed!

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Behind the Easel: The Composition

The essence

Boiling down my interviews with the individuals selected to be participants in Durham Dreams, I search for what I call “the essence” of a dream. I look for core values. I look for a few common themes that I can use images of association.

Searching

In searching for this in Rev. Mills’ dream, it seemed to me “rescue” was the an appropriate word. Combining the idea of rescue with the theme from the parable of the “good Samaritan”, I am creating a composition that explores their powerful implications. 

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Behind the Easel: A Step of Faith

July's Durham Dreamer: Reverend Ernie Mills

July’s featured Durham Dreams subject is Reverend Ernie Mills of the Durham Rescue Mission. Rev. His dream that I am “translating” into paint is to serve the city of Durham by “reaching the discarded relics of society, mining the diamonds in the rough, and training them to be fully functioning members of society.”

I am so excited about the way this “Dream Portrait” is shaping up! In this post I’m sharing some “sneak peeks” for you. As the fifth piece in this series of twelve renderings of  the dreams of honored visionaries in durham, this particular one holds a very special place. (I know, I think I’ve said that for each one!) Having the privilege of sitting with Rev. Mills during my interview with him was a treasured moment. While we talked, many images filled my head that I pondered for his portrait. However, upon reading Ernie’s complete story in the book, Durham Rescue Mission History (“A Step of Faith”), the “portrait” idea of this unique dream crystalized. So much good has been done by this humble servant. So many stories of transformed lives filled the pages of this simply written account of a story of faith. Boiling these down to extract the essence  to render this dream, I decided to use imagery from the story of the “good Samaritan” Not only did Rev. Mills reflect his deep love of this parable, but it also encapsulates the core value of the Mission. Here is an article highlighting their desire to model the parable in developing the Good Samaritan Inn.

 Durham Magazine - The DM Blog - Doing Good at The Good Samaritan Inn

Imagery:

The imagery I’m using to depict the “good Samaritan” is a limp, slumped figure being pulled upwards. The hand is symbolic of the Mission and therefore has been placed at the focal point of the painting. Where the hand touches the arm, there is a contoured depiction of muscle. Strength is infused into individuals through the impact of the Mission. There’s much more I’ll share about the imagery in tomorrow’s post, so stay tuned! 

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Project Daily Bread

Behind the Easel: Ernie Mills' Project Daily Bread

Each month as I do research while gathering ideas for the featured “Dream Portrait”, I enter a wonderful maze of inspiration. The individuals that have been chosen as candidates for Durham Dreams are such incredible human beings, giving so much of themselves in service to their community. This month’s journey into the stories of  the “amazing grace” surrounding the Durham Rescue Mission and it’s founders Ernie and Gail Mills has been deeply moving. Reverend Mills’ mission and message has not only been extraordinarily effective, but also  extremely contagious. The Durham Rescue Mission draws volunteers of all ages, as seen in this video clip. Project Daily Bread is something I know you’ll love hearing about. 
    

Defining an idea:

Sometimes I get a lot of insight into an idea simply by looking up  the definitions of relevant words. In beginning this "Dream Portrait" of the Durham Rescue Mission, I wanted to focus on the idea of rescuing. 

Rescue:  the recovery or preservation from loss or danger.

Feeding the Hungry - a rescue from hunger:

 Everyday, the Durham Rescue Mission provides three nutritious meals to hungry men,women, and children.With the generous support of their donors, they are given the opportunity to serve over 190,000 meals each year.

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A Time to Rest

Rest. It seems to be such an evasive commodity. Recently our family got to get away and practice the lost art of rest. Away from all technical tentacles that tug so hard at our attention, we rested. Our eyes rested as we viewed the beauty of nature. Our minds rested form the barrage of imagery our computers spurt. Our spirits rested as we gathered as a family and practiced thankfulness. 

It was a treasured time of not only relaxing, but also reading and thinking. Having brought several books accumulating on my bedside table, I soaked in a luxurious time of consuming and germinating ideas.  

Of course my sketchbook filled up too, with fresh ideas for the next "Dream Portrait" for Durham Dreams. This month's featured participant is Reverend Ernie Mills of the Durham Rescue Mission. More about this in the next post - along with some pics of the initial sketches.

The next dream: 

The dream of Ernie Mills that I am translating onto canvas is as follows:   "to rescue the discarded relics of this world and mine the diamonds in the rough, so that they might be fully functioning members of society.” 

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Behind the Easel: Durham Dreams presents the dream of Reverend Ernie Mills

Happy Independence Day!


An Introduction:

I thought it fitting to introduce July's "dream" subject on Independence Day.

Rev. Ernie C. Mills and his wife, Gail Mills, Co-Founders of the Durham Rescue Mission are the subjects of this month's Durham Dream "portrait. They have dedicated their lives to the cause of bringing independence to those enslaved by the addictions of drug and alcohol abuse. This "Dream Portrait"will depict the desire of this dynamic faith duo "to rescue the rejected relics of the world and help mine the diamonds in the rough that they might become fully functioning members of society.

A vision:

With a vision of helping homeless men addicted to alcohol and other drugs, Ernie and Gail Mills came to Durham in 1973 to start a new ministry. In November 1974, the doors to the Durham Rescue Mission opened, providing food, shelter, clothing, and counseling for 12 men. Today the ministry has grown to three campuses and can provide for 200 or more men, women, and children. From simple beginnings, they have seen countless answers to prayer and faith. Quick to point to the source of their success, they thank God that they have seen the expansion of this ministry to provide food, safe shelter, clothing, vocational training, biblical counsel, job placement, permanent supportive housing, dental, medical, vision, and continued accountability for residents to remain drug free.

An interview:

Sitting to interview this humble man who has spearheaded so many productive programs and seen countless lives transformed was a privilege. Having the opportunity to paint his dream is an even greater honor. I look forward to sharing the process with you over the next two weeks. 


An unveiling: 
As always, the completed "Dream Portrait" will be unveiled during open studio at Goldenbelt. This month's date is July 16th. The painting will be on exhibit there along with the previous portraits of Bill Kalkhof, Sheriff Hill, MaryAnn Black and Bill Shore. Reverend Mills' portrait is number five in an ongoing series, unveiled at the rate of one per month, which will number twelve when completed. They will remain in my studio until next spring when they will be featured in a public exhibition and go on sale.  A percentage of the sales from these pieces will go towards helping rebuild East Durham.


Prints available this month: 
Prints of each of the "Durham Dreams" series of paintings will be available for purchase by mid July.

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