That snowy sky

Lately, I've had so many ideas, it's hard to keep up with them. I'm content to go to my studio and sit there during these last remaining, chilling days of winter and create. But frankly, right now I don't want to do any updates or talk about what I'm doing. I want to get real. I hesitate to write a blog many times because of thoughts like, "Is anyone even reading this?"..."What am I accomplishing by doing this?" I like sharing thoughts and photos of my work, in case that maybe someone is being inspired. But really, who's out there? 

If you are, let me know. Let's connect with each other more. Let's remember what it was like to actually communicate with each other, to acknowledge each other with something more than a Like button on a social media site. If someone smells good, tell them. If you really like them and want to be closer friends, tell them. It doesn't have to be some grand gesture, just a simple few words of acknowledgment. "You inspire me". I've said this to people, and it feels good. I've known many artists, and I've gained a bit of enrichment from each one. 

We could all use some form of human interaction. Animals are great. I love them. Some days, I wish there were only animals and just a few decent humans. But it could get pretty lonely, even for us introverts. Pretty....lonely. Let's learn to communicate again, shall we? In the meantime, let's give our animals some love.

luna mctuna

Staying simple to become greater

An artist's mind can become easily cluttered with so much more than just the creative process, especially when that artist is in business for their self. It's easy to succomb to stress and lose your creative flow. Too easy. It's almost critical to punch a re-set button each time your momentum starts to slow. And if you've been around for 15 years, this button becomes even more necessary. I always say an artist is an artist, no matter what. But sometimes you can lose your enthusiasm to go to the studio and stay there, happily creating all day. 

That does not make you less of an artist. It means you're human.

something i love to get lost doing, photography

It's time for me to hit that re-set button. In the past, I've found it easy to motivate myself. I get inspired by looking at other artists' work. I get ideas by looking at colors, nature, designs, patterns, etc. My creativity builds whenever I buy new wire, new gemstones and pearls. Lately, it's been easier to store ideas away in my brain for later...and later again........and then much later. In other words, I'm pushing it aside more often and dealing with other things in life instead. 

Sometimes, you need to simplify. Sort, organize, get rid of what isn't necessary, take care of yourself, take care of things that occupy too much of your mind [bills, car trouble, etc.].  

Do that, and your work can become something even better than before. The last time I re-organized my studio, a fresh batch of ideas popped into my brain, and I was sitting there bringing them to light. 

Well, I'm going to do it again. It's time to de-clutter and re-organize and get re-inspired. There's a fresh batch of wire and pipe in the studio, as we speak, to help me do it. Stay creative!

Thanks for reading, Sharon R Bass

old school and such...

It's not a mystery to myself and to most people who know me well that I'm not the biggest participant in the social media world, nor am I at all savvy with tech stuff. So when it takes me a whole year to post another blog, it is because I still write my thoughts in this thing called a paper journal with the once innovative tool called an ink pen. 

However, I do dive into the internet sea and swim around here and there. This is what I've managed to do lately:

-I created a new website: www.watergirldesigns.com

-I have been updating my etsy shop, which sat empty and sad for a long time 

-I have been focusing on the five galleries and shops I sell my work in. I included a list of them below.

Aside from having more of an internet presence, I've been in the studio working on men's jewelry. I also have new pieces for women to sell in galleries and to add to etsy.

I won't lie, Watergirl Designs ran into a bit of a funk for a couple of years. The demands of my second job and of moving around several times took their toll on my creativity. Now I feel it again. It's hard to not feel it when you're an artist. You might get sidetracked, but it stays with you. That flame, which sometimes dims to blue, never dies.

re-discovering the blog

Watergirl Designs is going through some changes in 2016, including a newly updated website [website maintenance is the biggest pain!]. I've also left a couple of galleries and am facing new opportunities with other galleries. Gotta keep moving, keep chasing the horizon. I plan to have more of an online presence because even though Watergirl Designs has been pretty active in the real world, you basically don't exist globally unless you're live online. More updates as the year progresses. 

Also, photography has become a bigger part of my life, so I'll be sharing it as well. The photo of me jumping was taken by my talented friend Libby Watson, who has a versatile photography style and is great at photographing anything. Till next time! 

new year, new aspirations...

On the heels of my last show of the year, which is the Presents of Art gallery show by the Upstairs Artspace in Tryon, NC, is the highly anticipated 2012. At the end of every year, I always set new goals for the coming year with a newfound vigor. 2011 ended well with a new venture, my work becoming part of the indie-pendent boutique in Atlanta, Ga. and with the gallery show. How to pick up where this year left off has been most perplexing to me this time around. Those droplets of water are still drifting through the air, yet to splat upon their intended places. I am not Miss Planner, tight & well-organized schedules have never been my forte. But I look forward to keeping you all posted as the droplets do fall. Shows? New galleries? Yes to both...let the mystery begin to unfold...Thanks for following and Happy New Year!

steel wire sphere - 'endless'

since June...

Another round of Art in the Park Asheville took place in October, a very successful month for sales, despite this wounded economy. New venture on the horizon: A new gallery/boutique in Atlanta, GA [more details in the near future].

I'm working on new designs. I'm also working on adding more pieces to the etsy shop, http://www.etsy.com/shop/watergirldesigns

And now, I want nothing more than to get to work on new pieces. Au revoir for now!

p e a c e     o n    e a r t h



June Kickoff of Asheville Art in the Park

AAitP 2010 [right in front of fountain]

The first Asheville Art in the Park of the year happens Saturday June 11. Lots of unique, local artists will be set up near Vance Monument and the fountain in Pack Square downtown. Come check us out. Show creator Andrew Montrie aka Muddy Knees Ceramics and his work will be around. I'll be in space B10 with my handmade wire jewelry. Support local artists. We donate 10% of our sales to area non-profit art-based organizations.

wire orbs pendant

Orbitals, wire orbs, and pearls galore in original designs. If you can't make the show, visit http://www.watergirldesigns.com/ to see my work. The website sorely needs updating, but you'll get the idea.

p  e  a  c  e

gypsy