2010 Diane Olsen

Diane Olsen

Dunellen, NJ US

http://www.dianeolsen.com/

My world and my dreams are filled with creativity represented here by a creative muse for each of my passions: art, music, poetry and fiber.  All are connected to nature, color, light, the rain and the stars.

I drew the picture with a rapidograph pen and ink, watercolor pencils, colored pencils, ink pens, and acrylic paint.  I used rayon and crochet thread including tatting thread for the crochet work and accented with clay, crystals and beads.  

                                                                                     

2009 Diane Olsen

Diane Olsen

Dunellen, NJ US

http://www.dianeolsen.com/

Spring Necklace

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2008 Diane Olsen

Diane Olsen

Dunellen, NJ USA

http://www.dianeolsen.com/

From My Hook

From my hook these flowers bloom-

Scattered now around my room.

Bullion buds and angel wings

Petal pink, how my heart sings!

Lace and silk and ribbons dance-

In loops and circles in my hands.

Yarns poof and swirl before my eyes!

Now how about a butterfly?

What comes next? A gathering

of crocheted fun and beads and string.

Hours pass. My fingers fumble-

But now at last: A garden scrumble!

(Scrumble includes silk and cotton fibers accented with pearl, crystal, and gold-filled beads; I sculpted the butterfly from

polymer clay.)

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2007 Diane Olsen

Diane Olsen

Dunellen, NJ USA

http://www.dianeolsen.com/

I loved doing this Elements challenge although I must admit I was

truly challenged by it! It took me a while to finally sit down and work

on them but it made me stretch and learn. Earth came the easiest, Fire

was the most challenging, Water took the longest, and the bird in Air

took a number of tries to finally look like a bird!

EARTH Lushness, wealth, and beauty. Plant growth, gardens, rocks, and

caves. The mysterious mother of all beings. The source of all

productivity. The dust we come from and go to.

WATER Earth floats in water. Life comes from the sea. It refreshes.

Consciousness from the sea of unconsciousness. Impermanence and change.

Flowing, merging, dissolving, and sprinkling. Bubbles. Sensitive to the

slightest movement. Evoking a dim memory of when there was no

separateness.

AIR Clarity and sharpness. Pure realm of idea. Infinite and free.

Wings of a dove. Breath, joy, relief, bliss. The medium of sound waves.

The universal connecting link.

FIRE Passion. Spark of life. Excitement. Creativity. Consciousness.

Fire is light. Energy. Pulsing physical force.

Air

Earth

Fire

Water

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2006 Diane Olsen

Diane Olsen

Dunellen, NJ USA

jazzalea@aol.com

I love to do many things and freeform is now one of my favorite creative endeavors especially because of this 60-Odd Challenge. I learned to crochet when I was quite young and it is such a joy.  I’ve sold my crochet work as well as original designed clay jewelry over the years in juried craft shows on the East Coast.

I’ve always enjoyed drawing and painting as well and went to art school right out of high school.  After following other passions including music, I recently returned to my drawing, working in mixed media of colored pencils, watercolors, and pen and ink.  I approach many of my drawings in a freeform kind of way.  With blank paper and lots of colors in front of me, I often never know what will come next as I add a squiggle here and a leaf there.

After art school I went on to study English, which led me to writing including lyrics and poetry. My music career followed.  I am also a singer/songwriter having performed with many different types of musical groups including 18 piece jazz big bands (It’s how I met my saxophone and flute-playing husband!)

Along with my drawing and crochet, I am currently recording a children’s album, as well as music for grown-ups. 

THIS CHALLENGE
I’m relatively new to freeform and I must say this challenge has been a wonderfully expansive experience for me!  I find now I am approaching yarn in a new way and doors have opened to all kinds of design possibilities. I was very inspired by the 61 bundles of yarns in this challenge although it wasn’t easy at first to figure out what to do.  Having to use novel color combinations made me think outside the box.  I especially loved adding surface crochet with the sparkly yarns. Getting to know fellow freeformers has also been a joy.

"Yarn Burst"

"Flower Burst"

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