Perfection is so unattainable.

Long before I approach a canvas, I have the sad realization that what I make is never perfect. Might be good. Might not. But it will never reach my highest expectation of what my art should be. I can be much too ambitious in mind. Therefore, in reality, I often will not even touch my paints and brushes, or even pencil and pen, out of fear for what I cannot reach. It's a constant pull between knowing I can do so much, and not knowing if I can do anything. Will any work be my "greatest?" Will it even be great?
Any artist will, or maybe should, say that the next work is their best. Always pushing forward. Always humbling at the reality that your best can never be reached since improvement is always attainable, and perfection is not.
I love this quote by G. K. Chesterton. It's one of my favorites. He says, "Art, like morality, consists of drawing the line somewhere." The truth about both is how art and morality each take courage to make a reality. A blank page has so SO much room for mistakes. We have so much room for error, but also for beauty, in our own lives. Each mark we make is a step towards what our life will be like, what our "greatest" work will become. Our job is to create something beautiful, and the only way we can make something even worth showing is if we trust that the Lord has prepared us for the works ahead. We are created in Christ for exactly that! We are His workman created for good works. I look forward to seeing what He has planned for our lives, and the passions He will lay on our hearts. We will never achieve perfection by our own doings, yet we have the hope of seeing ourselves perfected in Christ!

Nearly ready for the swing...

Here I am again, on the edge of another school year. When this time comes around, I feel like I start sucking college aspirations through a straw too fast, which then causes mild brain freeze and a tingling imagination. I've started forming ambitious plans to spend all my time making art, learning enough math to graduate, and, of course, working out everyday while managing a full college class load and time with family and friends.
Piece. Of. Cake.
Along with those goals for the year, it's the classic story: I must form my portfolio, apply to X amount of colleges, and graduate in spring knowing exactly what I'm doing. Easy! :)
I love a good life challenge.

This Friday, I leave for a drive to Minnesota. Ten days with big skies, thunderheads, and rolling hills. If there is any way to clear the head before I make my way through the forest, that is how. I'm going to take this time to truly rest while still making accomplishments.
MN goals:

• Finish Emma and at least start Sense and Sensibility
• Draw a good bit of everything while on the trip. This is my art excursion.
• Learn to drive stick. Yes, I'm going there. It will be done!
• Spend time with the Lord as often as I can. His goals for me are far better than any I could make, and I trust Him for the path I should take.
  

Goals are fun. Goals are neat. I love goals.- The little senior sang.

I feel a theme coming on...

Ivory Keys, I Adore Thee.

I've fallen in love.

David's harp must have been a close relative of the piano....

Grinding and Churning

When I ponder last week... I'm pretty sure my thoughts resemble this:


As you can see, I'm still processing.

Good thoughts are promised.
Good thoughts are grinding and churning
Good thoughts to feed the soul

I Try

I try to be a mountain

I crumble into sand

I try to see the future

All I see- my failed plans

I try to heal so many hurts

Yet cannot stop one tear

Thus every day I am reminded

I'm so glad the Lord is near

Billy Collins: You Inspire

You Rub Off

As feeling flows down keys and strings

Round subtle down beats and over harmonies

Can words travel down stream without interruption

And where do the salmon run now?

I know Sunshine rolls down the hills of sky

Tumbles down the mountain sides

Into my skin. My eyes sing for more

I glow in reflection of the day well spent

I think...

Summer tastes like cherries.
Like dry dirt.
Like salt from sea spray.

Sunshine makes a road trip.
Makes a smile.
Makes an adventure.

My mother found this poem....

The title is seemingly unsuited, however, the poem itself is spot on.

"I Sing the Body Electric" by Walt Whitman

I have perceived that to be with those I like is enough,
To stop in company with the rest at evening is enough,
To be surrounded by beautiful, curious, breathing, laughing flesh is enough,
To pass among them or to touch any one, or rest my arm ever so lightly round his or her neck for a moment, what is this then?
I do not ask any more delight, I swim in it as in a sea.

There is something in staying close to men and women and looking on them,
and in the contact and odor of them, that pleases the soul well,
All things please the soul, but these please the soul well.

Why Art?

Finally the time has come! I try to push my peacock feathers down as I say that my art class has come around to where I only hoped it would. I feel more respected by the Professor and the other art students as I take charcoal in hand. Sure the comment "You really capture the *blankityblank-ness* about those toes." doesn't seem like a great compliment (being somewhat profane), however, coming from that scary art snob behind his easel, I enjoyed hearing it.
Although everyone, including myself, enjoys to be admired in some way, I do not by any means draw to be praised or to impress (contrary to my last post, I realize ;) Unless, of course, impression is more literally taken, as in 'one is making a lasting impression on the viewer.' No, my intentions are deeper.
(Shamefully) I would often ask myself growing up "Why do I want to be an artist? Shouldn't I be something more? Something, well, useful, respectable, or otherwise helpful to the world?"And I did cause myself some tears and anguish this way. Yet, art has always had a grip on my heart. Other hobbies I could take or leave as soon as the next tide came in, but drawing, and later painting, were things I always thought about. Things I always knew I needed to do.
Why? Why is it that something like rubbing sticks onto paper would hold me so? I do believe I know- It is what the Lord has given me.
To me, Shading the contours of a still life feels like hugging a good friend. There is not one other job or activity that feels like it's hugging back. It's like I was made for drawing.
I an artist not (only) to produce the best works in my power, but to use the gifts and joys God has given while He allows to do his will. I have few great and grand plans for my art future. I only know that no matter what I do, He has plans for me in art and things far beyond.

I feel a Chariots of Fire viewing is needed....

These are

good things to remember:

1. Carrots and Peanut Butter. It's a surprisingly good combo.
2. Always draw to impress your art prof and that one guy that is better than you.
3. Take advantage of free minutes.

I have specifically taken these into consideration and found them useful. I hope you may do the same.

A day of Sun

Haiku

Vapors Dissipate
Smells of lilac and smoke loom
Grasses, please catch me

Enough with Numbers!

Diesel Jeans, Dancing Companies, Neck-to-knee Daisy Stems, Beads and Secrets, Colorado Trips, Frisbee Tackles, Starbucks Walks, Midnight Star-gazing, Gazebo Sitting, Sun soaking, Laughing, Giggling, Side-splitting!
And it wasn't even the weekend...

5th

40 years ago, my mother loved this.
She still remembered all the words.
She still loves it.

I found it inspiring.

4th

You know, I really am thankful.....

BUT I'm way too INSPIRED.

I think I just need another month at this...

SO, in the last Three days, I was inspired to write a song. Some of you might think "Oh whatever everyone does that. How hard is it really?"
Why don't you try and write a good one and let me know how that goes.

Well, today I finished my three day song and I was happy... That doesn't happen. I believe it was done in Divine Power and I will stand by that.

3rd

Thank goodness! It has finally happened....
It's coming, June 22nd...
I AM PUMPED.
http://www.sarahharmer.com/

2nd

I find myself thinking (worrying) about major problems of the world, and ways to fix them.
Fuel Problems, for instance, I often ponder. I think Why are we using so much fuel? How can we stop using so much fuel? What would be our replacement for this high emissions producing non-green thing called fuel? Why do I care about fuel at all I barely drive a car?
All questions lead to one thing- me in complacency about the world and all I was thinking about was a bunch of gas.
Well here is something I am Thankful for. I am thankful that it is all the Lord's. Our money, our time, our friends, our jobs, our thoughts, our fuel...
I'm thankful we belong to a God who knows exactly what is going on. He is in control.
I love that He cares.

May 1st

Wow. Today I am Thankful...
Thankful for great friends come home.
Thankful for a leather-bound notebook from Florence.
Thankful for a good team fighting for freedom.
For walking legs and breathing lungs.
For people who inspire.

This month I am Thankful.

THIRTY!

Today is a most special day. A day when the angels got together and decided to create a dream come true. They sprinkled moon dust in her hair, and a golden starlight in her eyes so blue....

My dear, Inspiring sister.

Stephanie Joy Platter

And a joy she is.

Witty, fun, caring, loving, wise, majestic, beautiful, smart.... oh don't get me going on Smart!

Happy Birthday dear one. :) I love you.

Twenty-nine

Sparks specifically sang to me today. Sometimes a melody can say what your soul wishes it could. What is it about music that grips our heart? How does it sway us? How does a song sound "sad" or "inspiring" or "reminiscent?"
Like a feeling.
A truly talented songwriter can capture a complete thought in a song, a complete feeling, while still allowing the listener to believe there is more to it. It's like a conversation- say too much at a time and you'll lose your audience.
Few people really know how to converse. Fewer write good songs. Those who do, inspire me.

Twenty-seven & Twenty-eight

Oceanography class inspires alot of things, including a few mock drawings of Hokusai's Great Wave. I know, this piece is now quite over done, and may be considered a cliche, but I still love it. It has become an icon for Japanese art, and it symbolizes much of what is important to that culture- Their great Mount Fuji (Fuji-san, as they call it), and the sea, which is important for their lively-hood. The sea is something bittersweet, it may be what they believe provides, but also what puts them in such peril. (I think the fishermen would contend for that in this painting.) It is amazing what a painting can portray.
Here are a few of my Oceanography works-
(Could not get this upright for some reason....)

Also, I added a "smack" in there for fun . (A smack is the name for a group of jellyfish. Who knew?)Not great pics... I know. Camera was running out of batteries, so I did it quick!

Twenty-six

From the right person, some things just mean more....

"Abbie, ya, she knows what she's doing."

may not seem like much, but coming from my my art teacher, Mr. Lindman, it was completely inspiring.

Twenty-five

If anything is inspiring... it's that.
Oh boy.

Twentyfour

Although I really shouldn't, I try to keep Saturdays free of "have to's" - meaning homework and the like. Yet by 2 o' clock almost every Saturday, I begin to feel plagued by "shoulds." Really, I just get restless, and after about 3-4 cups of coffee and tea and maybe one or two breakfasts (I'm a hobbit), I feel the need to get up and go! See the town! Get my blood moving! Not do what I have to do, yet do something great!
When I told my mother of my restless feeling, she responded, "Wanna go outside and tapdance on the lawn?" (I love my Mom.) My vehement yes for some kind of creative activity landed us on the Issaquah Creek Trail. The trail was my mother's inspiration. I thought it just the right place to go.
So off my mother, my brother, and my self went!
We had a great time on the trail.

After our not-so-strenuous-walk, I, of course, was hungry. So I had a steak melt. But here is the COOL part of that boring statement.
Imagine this:
Trader Joe's Mustard
Steak
Garlic Sourdough Bread
Muenster Cheese
And...
(As inspired by my sister Stephanie)....Strawberrriiiieeesss!
Good Saturday.

Twentythree

York Minister, in York of course, is the largest Gothic chapel in all of Northern Europe. This is not a surprise when you admire it's inspiring stain glass windows. At first glimpse, I thought "This is too much for my self righteous, bleeding heart to take. Didn't they know people were poor and dying even then???" I'm sure they were not totally unaware, and who am I to criticize great art of any time and place?

I've been pondering as of late whether great man-made splendor and beauty are right when the world is in turmoil- which is all the time. I dearly love beauty and all things wonderous and gaudy (Gaudi being one of my favorites in the art world, and he was not by any means subtle or sparing in extravagance.) Yet, I am bothered by those who pour themselves and their money into things of no consequence. Is life only about yourself, your friends, your family, and your happiness? No. Who is the ressurrection and the Life? Riddle me that, oh seekers of splendor.

The windows of York Minister, as you may know, are very finely detailed, yet so high from the ground, what person can even look so close as to see the ornately done pictures? The artist, John Thornton, said (roughly) that the details were done "for only God's eyes to see." Isn't that beautiful? Thornton's work was done for the Lord. His time was given for God's pleasure, just as ours should be in all we do.

Each day, why do we try to keep our thoughts clean? Why do we try (and sometimes fail) to be good even with no one watching. Ah! But He is watching, and His eyes see the details of the windows to our souls.
In the end, I feel all things we do are done through our hearts. Some things can be done for us, and everything done for ourselves will perish. And Some things... some things can be done for God.

So today, do what is beautiful for the eye's of God. The splendor of man will perish, but the Lord is forever.

Twentytwo

Can I just say....
THIS is my dream car-
Chevy Nova. Late 60's- Early 70's. Yah that's right. The one above happens to be a 73.
Today, I road in one very similar. It was tan and missing a front bumper, but I dare say I was giddy. So giddy, I was inspired to share with the world my love of this car.
"Most people don't even know what a Nova is." The driver said.
"Oh, honey, I KNOW what a Nova is." was my highly witty response.

Twentyone

Don't you think maps are just so inspiring?? I just picked this one up today, and I'm particularly excited to explore what it offers. Of course, my map may not excite most people around, but I think we can all admit that a map means adventure. From the good old treasure maps we drew ourselves as little kids, to the old world maps from hundreds- thousands- of years ago, maps generate the desire of more than where you are right now.
I once went on an entire roadtrip dedicated to the Lewis and Clark voyage. We visited many re-enactments, to scale models of boats, tents, and gadgets, and many taxidermied animals (slightly creepy, but relevant.) All of it gave the true feeling of a fantastic feat. I would do the entire trip again.
One small part of the trip that amazed me was the map that Clark drew during the voyage. It's really quite accurate! Every few miles Clark would stop and continue his cartography endeavors. The mountains, the rivers, the canyons all got a place in his book.
Map Making... A mystery.

Twenty!

Here are twenty little inspirations:

1. Dandelions
2. Friendly Notes
   
3. Disney Short Films
4. Hobbits
   
5. Little Golden Books
6. Babies
7. iPods
8. Diamonds
9. Neurons
10. Fables
    
11. Stamps
12. Mustard Seeds
13. Proverbs 3:5
14. Small Answered Prayers
    
15. Penny Whistles
16. The Seven Dwarfs
17. Pearls
18. Ants
19. Kind Words
20. Fingerprints
    

Eighteen & Nineteen

I am inspired by...

those who speak their mind.

For I often should and don't.

And by those who can stay silent.

For I often don't, but should.

Seventeen

I am taking a drawing class. Two days a week, three hour classes, and right away I know how much more I have to learn. Alot....
It's inspiring to know that other artists throughout history have struggled through proportion, shape, and perspective as I have today and for the last two weeks. I just spent about six hours on a few drawings that really aren't worth looking at. I drew the same still life 8 times at different angles. I could draw it 1000 more times and probably still not be perfect... but just imagine what I would gain from such a feat. It's the equivalent of doing scales on a piano. It's not a song. It's not a melody. But one day it will lead to something great.
That is the hope anyway.

Fifteen and Sixteen

Yesterday, I was so inspired to see my Brother, Andrew Platter, perform at this arena last night! (Just so happens that Justin Bieber will be there in July... Nice of Andrew to share the stage I guess.)
It was really a great show. The first band was super hot, obviously, and the final band, Newsboys, played some of the hottest new hits of the 90's to date! There were lights and kicks and even some 50 foot platform jumping. All in all a fun time.
That guy... so great at what he does.

Course, He's not too shabby either....

Fourteen

In today's beautiful sunshine I decided to go out for an adventure. My lack of driving abilities was made up for my residency on a few wonderful acres of woods, so I hiked at home. I walked all about the woods, and with all the right clothing, all was possible. (As the Norwegian's say- "there is no bad weather, only bad clothing." I say, along the same lines, that "Whatever your clothes can, you can.")
As a kid, I was way too afraid to do anything like climb trees or jump off of tall things. It was too risky. I, however, was a little daring, but very cautious (obviously a very torn individual). So I've been trying to make up for my lack of daring when I was young. Today I climbed trees, walked across logs, and jumped down from trees, and acquired a few scrapes and bruises. It was all very worth it and was much better than the workout I had planned.
All that being said, I am whole heartedly inspired by one particular individual....

Oh Bear Grylls, are you a super hero?

I find him... admirable.

Sometimes, his eating habits seem a little unconventional.

And some say he's not that impressive... ha!

But in all, I think he's also pretty down to earth.

Well, maybe not so much.

Thirteen

We were grass-whistling at Gas Works park. I'm the profile on the far right. I think I look like peter pan.
Behind us is a "sun-dog." Quite a wonderful phenomenon that my Meteorology teacher spoke of often as his favorite. It's really Inspiring, you might say... I made a big deal about it.

Twelve

Eleven

Have you ever been on a road trip? There is something about one that is completely magical. Inspiring, even.
However, today what inspires me is not roadtrips themselves, but the emblem of home along the way.....

Starbucks


that Inspires thoughts of home when home is far away.

I can't wait for my road trip this summer....

Ten

I have this poster in my room. It was originally a lithograph done by Ben Blessum in 1937. I am inspired by it daily and I hope that you are today. It happens to be in my favorite painting colors- Blue and orange- about my nearly favorite place- Norway- portraying one of my favorite cultures- the vikings ;) I fell in love with the poster the minute I saw it at the Fargo Mall in North Dakota, and I brought it four states west to my home (I went back to Minnesota first, hence the "four" states.) It fits perfectly on my yellow walls and displays my Norwegian pride very well.
I love it.

(My poster doesn't have the travel info on the bottom. It simply says "Scandinavia" in very modern letters, which I personally prefer in this case.)

Nine

So here's the thing- I love watching Evening Magazine on King 5. I feel so enlightened with almost every viewing. (The sportisodes are really not my thing. I don't really care what the Sounders do in Arizona during the springtime, but I'm glad others do.)
I get so inspired watching the wood carvers, the tightrope walkers, the entrepreneurs, the designers, the parks, the raptors, the chefs, the volunteers, the proactives! - I could go on.
Truly, though, it takes me away. I like the feeling of idealism. Things are happy. People are "real." Lives that you want are being lived, and it all seems in your grasp. Dreams are close and the Northwest is made a place of wonder! It's like watching grown up "reading rainbow." Meeghan Black isn't at all what LeVar Burton was, but we must make do....
Oh Look!

How'd that get there....

Anyway, if you want to be locally up to date and educated in some way while also being transported to a seemingly better alternate reality. Try and give it a watch.
Evening Magazine may not be your weakness, but it is certainly mine.

Eight

Today I went without shoes. I walked the pavement, the classrooms, and the cement steps on just my feet. I had a few friends join me, and many more around the world joined for the same cause. We did it voluntarily for people around the world who don't have a choice. Truthfully, it wasn't so hard for one day (granted, a little cold at lows of 44 degrees), but, of course, I had shoes to go back to.
Many people don't.
Many children can't attend school because they are not allowed without shoes.
Many men, women, and children have diseases and infections they get from not wearing shoes.

Someone said to me that this point could be made just as a statement. I don't need to go bearfoot for this, but I didn't do this for a statement. I did it to show I care. I did it so others can be aware. I did it for myself. To Learn. To Soften.



I'm inspired by them.

Seven

I met a very Inspiring Kenyan woman today.
She spoke about God and Jesus.
She was so real.
So honest.
Rose.

Six

I'm inspired by Fridtjof Nansen.
This wonderful Norwegian was an accomplished oceanographer, inventor, zoologist, artist, statesman, professor, 1922 Nobel Peace Prize winner.

Wow. What a Viking.

Four & Five

New Beginnings inspire a...

Haiku

Easter is New Life
Our new lives in Christ begin
When we are reborn

College can be sad
When people don't know the truth
They think they know

Each day I hope- pray
They will see what Easter is
And start to believe

Three

The Greeks and their-
Yogurt

+
Their Movies

= Me, Inspired.

This guy might have helped...

Two

Inspiration for today- for life:
His Sacrifice
I chose "The Crucifixion" by Degas because I visited it at the SAM for "Inspiring Impressionism" last year. Of course, it is a picture of our Lord's death on the cross. Although the actual happening would have been far more gruesome, moving many more than this simple painting could ever do, the piece comes back to me often, perhaps because of it's ironic nature. The sky is bright with little tufts of clouds, and the entire picture is so clean, yet it was Jesus. Dying. for me...
That's inspiring.

Today is Good Friday. The day to Remember.

One

A month for inspiration. At least one for every day.
We can do this.

Today I am inspired by....

My new red toms
Ropes just for adventures




And how gray days like today seem mysterious and make me want wander...

More to come!

For Andrew

"The Autumn Hawk"

I painted this for my brother at Christmas time. The Sharp-finned Hawk was quite fun to do. I had never really painted feathers before, and I had a good time trying. Took about six hours on 140lb paper, cold pressed. I put those black strips on the frame myself (with Stephanie's help ;) and I do think they look pretty dandy.

I have another winged project coming up that should be very exciting.... ;) But you'll have to wait.

Australia Day

Twas the day for the Aussies

And all through BC
Dear Eliza was stirring
To bring green cake and glee

The picture was taken in the cafe at Bellevue College on January 26th- Australia Day!

I heard a fact today. Australia is one of the top five most "free" countries in the world, (China being the most free. I know-What?) and I do believe that makes it worthy of celebration. January 26th was once known as Founding Day or First Landing Day according to early Sydney almanacs. It is now recognized as Australia Day due to the fact that on that day in 1788, 11 British ships filled with convicts reached Australian shores, making Australia their home. It was not widely celebrated as a national holiday until 1994, yet today, over half of Australia's 21 million residents gather to barbeque and set off fireworks, but most importantly pay homage to their great nation!
Good on ya, mates!
(And Eliza for the cake!)

A moment for today

On the outside of my church just above and to the right of the door, there is a concrete stair that ends in a very small balcony only about ten feet off the ground. On sunny days, I like to sit there. The spot itself where my church lies is not very pretty, but sunshine makes everything agreeable, and today I sat there reading about Vermeer and listening to music play over my phone. It's good to create moments for yourself to get vitamin D and a good art history education. Rose colored glasses help.
My set up:

Reading Girl

I've made a book list (A small for sure one as of yet). It was a New Years Resolution of mine to do so, and to follow through with reading a few.
Upon suggestion:
"The Last Sin Eater,"
"Three Cups of Tea,"
and "Into the Wild" are are what I'm planning as of yet. I want to add at least one C.S. Lewis, but after that I feel like I'm hungry in a grocery store with about 7,000 more options than I need. A little overwhelmed. I think I need more suggestions....

I once repainted this and gave it to my sister. Sometimes I really just want to be- "Reading Girl"- Renoir

Rwanda Baskets

I love these:

And I wholly support what this company is doing. Watch the video on the home page to really find out more.
The Rwandan women inspire me. They push me to be so much more... I wish I could buy all their baskets.

favorite

My mother asked me a little while ago what my favorite feeling was. I still cannot give an absolute answer, but I have decided that this might be the closest thing...
It's not this place itself that I love so much. It is the essence that fills it. My woods is my favorite feeling. When the cold wind blows through and sends every leaf rustling with chills...
That's what I love. The sunshine screening through the green canopy in spring and summer. The versatile stage of color that sings throughout the fall. The gentle mists that rest so near to the floor in the rain.
Its the memories hidden in each tree ring.... or not so hidden.So many memories.

In Honor of Luke Gullberg: "I'll Meet You at the Top"

Hello Everyone,
I was truly inspired by Luke Gullberg, and I know you were as well. I have painted this portrait and I am selling the prints for $10 to raise money for Luke's climbing wall at Lakeside Bible Camp. Please contact me if you would like to know more.


















Thank you,
-Abigail Platter
bombadilgirl@gmail.com

"All who wander..."

"are not lost."
I once thought this quote was from the Bible because it seemed so familiar and true. In actuality, it is Tolkien.
This is where I want to wander-
Maah Daah Hey Trail


























Mt. Rainier























Tibet

















































This weekend I wander to Lakeside Bible Camp, where I certainly never feel lost.

Looking up above, I think I have a thing for mountains...

Workspace

I believe that besides my guitar, my art desk is the best Christmas present I have ever gotten. Two years ago my parents bought me a clean, white desk just for drawing and painting. I LOVE it. Having a specific workspace is highly important for doing anything creative, because I can leave it up for as long as I want without it being in the way.
This is my workspace in all it's functional glory. Facebook just aids in the creative process, I swear. ;)

Quick Experiment

Now, this started as a "just about to wake up" dream. I attempted to make it impressionistic. It came out a sort of "tribal abstract." Ah... the creative process.
I successfully avoided my psychology homework with this escapade. I wonder what it means...

Highlights

I would dare say that 2009 has been the most important year for me thus far. It was like taffy, so sweet and good, but it took so much pushing and stretching and molding. It was just as it needed to be!
In chronological order ( I think) is a small list of the wonderful happenings of '09:
-The start of many Bainbridge trips for this, last, and future years to come
-Bangs. Best hair decision ever
-Painting
-Medford Roadtrip with the Girls.
-Lakeside Teen 2
-TCL 2, SO important!! Discoveries were made there...
-Parties!
-Starting School for the first time. Ever.
-The Lord's Everlasting Love found constantly throughout the year.

2010..... What do you hold?