Naked Truth Dressed as Story

An old Yiddish tale.

Once there was Truth who went around naked as the day he was born. No one wanted anything to do with him. When people would see naked Truth, they would turn around and run away from him. If for any reason, people had to be in the same room with Truth, they would not even acknowledge his presence. He was never welcomed by anyone. Ever. 

Poor Truth. He was very lonely and sad.

One day, Truth was out walking and came upon Story. Story was clothed in a splendid robe and headdress of many lovely colors. Story was beautiful to behold.

Seeing Truth, Story asked, "Why do you always look so sad?"

"Things are bad for me," said Truth bitterly. "I am old, so very old and no wants to have anything to do with me. They refuse to even look my way."

"I am very old too," said Story. "In fact, the older I get the better people like me. People do not run from you because you are old Truth. They run from you because you are naked. Here is a secret, everyone likes things prettied up a bit. I will lend you some of my colorful clothes. When you put them on, you will find that the people who pushed you away will welcome you into their homes. In fact, they shall willingly seek your company."

Truth listened thoughtfully to Story's words and decided to follow his advice. Ever since, from that time to this, Truth has covered his nakedness in Story's many colored robes. Truth and Story have become the best of friends, walking hand in hand. Everyone loves the happy pair who are welcomed everywhere they go.

Naked Truth Dressed as Story
by Ann Marie Newman
2011

Back Dreamin' & Creatin'

I've had a resurgance of creative output lately. I've finished a few hobo scarves, hair clips, Whimsy Trees and this!

I made it using cardboard, plaster casting, an old black wool sweater, old hardware, hot glue and computer parts. It will go with two UFO-type stories I'll tell later this month. I wanted it to look like a space station. I have a flasing light that goes into the black hole. It's about 20x24 inches and rises ten inches out from the wall.

It is inspired by Lee Bontecou's work that hangs in the C3 at the DMA. Here are two examples of her work.

My work is a more literal interpretation of hers of course, and made a LOT more cheaply. But, it serves the purpose that I need if for. That is what counts.

Close-ups of my work.

Wait until you see my next project. It's totally different!

 

Thursday nights at the Dallas Museum of Art

I love, love, LOVE going to Thursday night artist encounter workshops at the DMA.  I meet excellent artists who work in a variety of mediums and learn new creative skills. As an added bonus, I have made some wonderful friendships with the "regulars"; people in the DFW community who love to attend these as much as I do. Here are some photos from this summer.

 Martha is creating a very clever & interesting sculpture made from stuffed animal parts.

 Interesting "franken creatures" made from assorted stuffed animals. Which one is mine? Guess.

 Drawings from the week before to prepare for our franken creatures. This was an exquisite courpse drawing activity. Different people composed 1/3 of the picture, then at the end we saw the whole picture. I hate to draw, but this was fun.

 My franken creature looks rather sweet & cute, but BEWARE!!! It likes to eat little creatures.

The group posing with our work. We did this in like 1 1/2 hours. Not bad.

I'm Back!

It has been an eventful & often tragic spring and summer. My lovely mother-in-law took a turn for the worse in her battle with breast cancer. Much of my time was spent with her during her final months for she was a great and true friend to me and I wanted to be there for her. Her passing was more painful than I could have imagined. I miss so VERY MUCH every single day.

Now that September is here, the temperature is finally under 100 degrees in Plano, TX, and life has settled into new routines. I finally feel like getting back into the swing of things. So, I hope to blog more regularly again.

At least, that is the plan.