Nautical Sleeve Tattoo and Photographic Inspiration

Though photographs are not my artistic focus photographing is still a fun way for me to capture some of the beauty that I see in the world.  I absolutely love the ocean and nature.

You can read more about the art and significance behind my tattoo and see more photos here.

Ugh sorry...many of my photos were removed because I had posted them on Pinterest...:( but I will try to update some of them
 

The majority of my tattoo is coming from my art work (which Pinterest won't allow me to share but click the link for my Facebook Art+ Page)

Since taking these jelly fish photos I have really fallen in love with both the symbolism behind jellyfish and their inherent beauty.
(Once again these were on Pinterest)

Not all of these will show up in my sleeve but they play a significant role in the designing of a nautical and ocean (and lake) themed tattoo sleeve.

You can see more of my tattoo inspiration on Pinterest.

Creativity Prompt #11 - De-stress

Take a break from being creative and just be. I understand that when you are too busy it can feel like taking a break is the most stressful option possible. Truth is we are much more productive when we take care of ourselves. I'm not promoting a 6 or 7 hour break, but rather a 20 - 40 minute yoga session, spa visit, hot bath, reading or journaling (for fun), a run (a mile is plenty for me) or calling an old friend. Let's face it. However we choose to spend our quiet time every now-and-then we all need to unplug and just be.

A day at the beach, ocean, or pool is anything but stressful. 

See more of my ocean photography here.

Talent Showoffs: Water LIlies+ Social Justice

I recently had the opportunity to have my artwork in Talent Showoffs, a local event for artists and musicians.  Here is the Artist Statement that I used for the event.

Felicia Follum, Water Lilies (Untitled), 11x15

My work combines social justice themed Fine Art with graphic design techniques and processes. I tend to use a variety of mediums. Through research and brainstorming I strive to develop a creative language to talk about current social issues as diverse as African American hair, the LGBTQ community and Christianity, and world water.


The work on display tonight is from my in-progress series dealing with human trafficking and sex slavery. Though water lilies are beautiful plants the eco system that they have adapted to survive in is not so glamorous. The root system and underground workings of the plant are extremely complex and parallel the system that supports human trafficking. The most basic, yet significant, comparison is the function of the lily pads. Each pad takes back energy to the root, which would otherwise shrivel up and die in the mud.

Since I am still in the process of creating water lilies to represent those who have been trafficked in the United States, there are many directions in which this body of work could travel.

Please check out my Facebook page or this blog to keep up with my work and learn more about the symbols and comparisons I am making.

Rocky Mountain Water Lily

As many of you know I have been creating a series of artwork focusing on the water lily.
 This video is composed of my Rocky Mountain Water Lily photos from this summer.
I took all of the photos in Rocky Mountain and Yellowstone National Parks.

Which photo is your favorite?  I like the colors in the last one the best.