Emergency Self Esteem Kit

I'm not sure what to call this--a book/bundle/box? All the bones (trust what's in yours too!) are real, painted and varathaned, strung on a stretched, twisted and stitched cording of copper knit. The yellow pearl in the centre of the backbone piece in the interior is a real freshwater pearl. The words inside and the poem on the front remind me to listen to myself, not criticize or subject myself to second guessing. I'm calling it my "Emergency Self Esteem Kit". I found all the pieces for this without digging through boxes, just intutitively grabbed and used. Each step naturally led to the next, from the colours to the embellishments.

The front (These are clickable, except for the text ones which are easily readable as sized):

Emergency Self Esteem Kit front

The poem, a original by myself:

there is no emergency exit in life,
no escape route,
no tunnels laid out
with a string of lights to guide,
no end but the life lived in wonder,
finished in love. 

Above:Emergency Self Esteem Kit open left 

 

Giving way to your "worst" is not necessarily a bad thing! It can mean going in a different direction, twisting things around to a new perspective, trying something new, or appreciating something purely for what it is unchanged.

Emergency Self Esteem Kit open right

Retracing can also be reinforcement of a good thing, a strengthening, a unique viewpoint from a new compass point, or remembering something seemingly trivial that is actually important.

Emergency Self Esteem Kit open whole

 Or rather "INspite" of or "DEspite" them! Whether they are others or yourself, envy, jealousy and negativity are not constructive. The desire to learn, to improve, to break the rules to make new things and to create new life/ideas is a better comeback than any "oh yeah, you and who's army?"

Emergency Self Esteem Kit back closed

Emergency Self Esteem Kit back openNow it's going to be much easier to put things in

 

~~~~~Or take them out, as i please  ~~~~~~
Finished size when "bundled' is 6" square and about 2&1/2" deep.

I need one thing to put inside this, but nothing has spoken to me yet. It will find me somehow, and soon :} Originally, i was going to make a sheer heart and wrap that in the centre, but it feels now that something will come that is perfect.

All opinions in this entry are my own :} 

Comments

[Sequana]

Wow....that's pretty deep.

[Midge]

The impression is intriguing and you certainly (for me) seem to be echoing and reflecting the peculiarity of dreams. That fantasy world wherein the strange and oddly beautiful sensory experiences seem so normal and integrated despite their seemingly disparateness in the conscious world is beautifully crystalized in your work. I can hardly wait to see the grand finale.

[Gail V.]

Do you have any critics (other than yourself)? I can't imagine anyone criticizing your work or your truly and wonderfully artistic nature. How do you manage to complete so many pieces? I think I spend too much time in the dream stage....

[arlee]

Thank you Annie and Midge! Deep is as deep does for dreams and the id and ego :}
Gail, you BET i have critics! As for doing so much, one could say i am obsessed, and dreaming is a stage to start at.

[quiltpixie]

hey I recognize some of those creativity nudges! :-) Love how you've used them.

[arlee]

That's right Donna--and thank you again!

[Cathy W]

Wow Arlee! such an inspiring piece!
I can't decide which quote is my favorite -- the three are right on the mark.
I truly love your creation!!!

your friend in Texas

[laura]

Arlee, you are amazing - such energy.I love the complexity of the finished piece!
Laura

[Jacqueline]

It is a gorgeous piece Arlee.I wish I could see it up close.

[laurence]

It's very beautiful. I love texture.

[Ann Christine Dennison]

Wow this is a truly inspired piece and I really love this creation!
Well Done :-)

[MA]

I just have three words for this...awesome, awesome, awesome! You never cease to amaze me.

[Carol T]

Amazing, a triumph, I love it wel done you.

[Maureen]

Arlee
I never fail to be amazed, and in awe of your works and the depth of meaning in each piece.

Self doubt can be destructive,but you beat it into submission and prevailled.

I want to be an Arlee when I grow up!

[arlee]

Thank you all for your lovely words of encouragement and praise--it means a LOT to me!

And i don't *wanna* grow up, Maureen :} You can do it *for* me then!

[kim]

Great piece arlee! just wonderful - inside and out

[karen]

I love the concept of this! It is a wonderful work. A very good way to push through a moment of uncreativity or a time of self doubt about ones art. Good job and beautiful work!

[sue b]

This is a great piece Arlee.

[Corryna]

You touched my heart with this wonderful work! It looks good and gives a good feeling to everyone that gets it in her or his hands.

Corryna

[Mags]

Hi Arlee I have commented on this one before, but on blogger I think. I hadn't seen the full post then. It's a fantastic piece of work. I love the quotes especially the one about giving way to your worst impulse!