Drawn By Music

Etching/watercolor. © Rochelle Fox 2002

After staying up all hours of the night drinking countless forms of canned caffeine, I stepped back from my etching and braced myself for a critique. I was barely awake and hoping my work would speak for itself.  My fellow classmates and I stood around the table waiting for the first person to be questioned, scorned, appraised or embarrassed… it was always an unpredictable and scary experience with Robert Rivers, the boot camp professor of printmaking. He's an extremely intense, dedicated, obsessive artist and he doesn't have the patience for anything but hard work. 

Rivers, with a pensive look on his face, had a serious question for us,… "What is your favorite music, band, or song?" Naturally, I was confused by the relevance of the question, blanking completely and struggling to think of the right answer. It had been months since I played a song over and over again, feeling that same strong emotional connection to the lyrics and melody. As Rivers went around the room listening to people reluctantly answer the question he seemed disappointed. We had been so focused on the artwork and perfection that we forgot about the passion that goes behind it. It's what fuels the creativity and gives it substance. The creative process is a multifaceted one. The more we develop and nurture all aspects of our lives, the richer our  work will be. 

If you find yourself in a paper-crumpling, seemingly dead-end rut, perhaps other things are being neglected. As artists we often find ourselves delving into a secret world of imagery, theories and grandiose ideas. It is equally as important to connect with other forms of creative expression and passions. Travel, eat delicious foods, listen to your favorite band and let it take you back to a sweet moment in your life. Keep a journal of all things inspiring; a collection of thoughts, colors, sketches, dreams and music lyrics.

The Sketchbook Project 2012 

Sign up to join the 2012 Sketchbook Project. Each participant receives a blank sketchbook that will be exhibited on the 2012 tour and cataloged permanently in the Brooklyn Art Library.

La Dolce Vita

I recently broke my 5-years-without-a-vacation period and went on an amazing trip to Italy! I decided not to do too much research (which I left to my boyfriend) and simply discover something new each day. It was the most incredibly inspiring 9 days I’ve had in a very long time. Walking the streets of Rome, eating delicious hazelnut gelato, pizza by the pound and perfectly cooked pasta... I took in every sight, smell and sound from the city. The energy is simultaneously, unbelievably alive and relaxed. A perfect balance of passion, joy, beauty, determination and attention to every delicate detail. A stroll through the park in the morning, a glass of Merlot in the afternoon, and all the random things that happen in between... Enough to feed the soul and rejuvenate the creative juices. After walking through the surreal, polished marble-covered walls of the Borghese Museum we walked down a winding path of the greenest park. We found a cool, shady spot under the trees and spent hours watching people walk by. A perfectly sunny, yet breezy Spring day in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. A small piece of heaven.

I continued working on a pen and ink drawing that I had started before we left for our trip. Simply creating a beautiful shape that becomes a flower that spirals into a leaf and blossoms into a branch. By allowing this organic process to develop I have discovered the balance of obsession and playfulness in my work and life... La Dolce Vita (the Sweet Life)!

Follow Your Botanical Bliss!

My nature-inspired designs and yoga wear have an element of restorative, healing energy and vitality. From sunny daffodils of Spring to enchanting lotus flowers in bloom, my work is intended to bring a little bit of harmony and balance into your everyday life!

Decorations and inspirations for your wardrobe and home! My black and white, pen and ink drawings (all drawn with a tiny .005 micron pen) come to life on each item in this whimsical shop. From shirts to scarves, blossoming botanicals and dreamy daffodils are transformed into wearable works of art. Some of the designs wrap around the body as if adorned with a delicately detailed tattoo. These organic, dreamy patterns and prints transcend the paper and find a new home to incorporate into your life. I create a vivid rainbow of hybrid flowers, taking you on a journey through a world of swirly, feathered petals and my signature striped clouds.

Lady Lotus, the goddess of beauty, fortune and wisdom brings good luck and celebrates the bounty of nature in my work. I often features the glowing Buddha, surrounded by the delicate balance of nature. Each color corresponds to feng shui elements, attracting all good things into your life! Whether it’s love, prosperity, balance or healing there’s something for everyone.

I am inspired by carved marble walls of Indian temples, Indigo Isnic tiles of Turkey, Vinyasa Flow Yoga, Rainbow cookies from New York bakeries, camping adventures, getting lost on long walks in the city, yogi tea fortunes and all things creative. In the words of Bill Cunningham, “Those who seek beauty WILL find it”

Silk Scarf on Etsy

What are you inspired by? What's your favorite 80's love song, children's book, and ice cream flavor?

Go "Green" for Mother's Day

 Check out my latest print on the Etsy shop. Add a little splash of Spring to your home or office with this vibrant, floral screen print! This beautiful bouquet of daffodil and hibiscus flowers blossom on intertwining vines of foliage, reaching up through Rochelle's signature striped clouds. The ethereal green sky is symbolic of growth and healing. Green is the feng shui color of renewal, fresh energy and new beginnings. Give the gift of Green this Mother's Day!


http://www.etsy.com/listing/73354928/spring-floral-screen-print

Carpe Diem

Lily Pond at The Botanical Gardens

Over the past few months I’ve taken the time to absorb as much knowledge as possible in the pursuit of discovering my creative process and the “bigger picture.” As an artist it is so important to set measurable goals, celebrating breakthroughs and milestones along the way. I have made a daily commitment to putting an intention on the day, which has had a profound effect on my life. If we intend to be a generous, loving and giving person naturally our actions will follow. Each morning I boldly declare “Today Who I Am Is The Possibility of Being... Productive, Ambitious, A Creator of Miracles, etc."  

I am continually discovering new ways to develop my creative process and support a healthy lifestyle. Acknowledging inspirational people and personal mentors has been an invaluable part of this discovery. I truly believe that the universe is aligning itself to bring all the right elements together to create a fabulous future, with dreams realized beyond our imaginations. We just need to keep adding to our magical, mystical cauldrons of ingredients till we get the perfect recipe!

Tip of the week: What is your goal for the next 50 days? Try to set a goal that has measurable progress. For example, If you’re working on a series of paintings, how many would you like to create? Break it down and see how many you’d need to finish each week. Go forth and conquer my friends! Carpe Diem! 

Books I've Been Reading:

Creative Visualization by Shakti Gawain

Visionary Business by Marc Allen 

 

Lotus Snowflake Scarf Design

"[I]f you feel lost, disappointed, hesitant, or weak, 

return to yourself, to who you are, here and now.  

And when you get there, you will discover yourself, like a lotus 

flower in full bloom, even in a muddy pond, beautiful and strong. (141)"

— Masaru Emoto (The Secret Life of Water)

Botanical Snowflake Scarf Design

This pen and ink drawing is based on my creative experiment with cutting out 

paper to form Om symbols, lotus flowers, hearts and other botanical elements. 

I use a .005 micron pen (and a lot of patience) to create these images.

Soon to be printed on silk scarves! 

Here's a photo to show just how tiny these pens are:

Image by JooJoo