 Why a Medieval Woman Had Lapis Lazuli Hidden in Her Teeth
An amazing read. My hypothesis... she was reshaping her brush. What are your thoughts? READ ARTICLE HERE!!! https://getpocket.com/explore/item/why-a-medieval-woman-had-lapis-lazuli-hidden-in-her-teeth?utm_source=pocket-newtab
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 The exasperating, annoying, undesirable, unwelcome, ridiculous confounding COMPASS!!! It's been aggravating me for years. It rears it's ugly head two or three times a year, and every time I google how to undo it. Now, I decided to write it down. For some reason, it's now a tool, the Rotate View Tool (R), on the Toolbar palette. It shares the same keyboard shortcut as the Rotate tool in Illustrator. Now all you have to do is hold down the shift key and rotate back. Seems easier than back in the day, but now I will remember how to remedy it the next time it happens. (Time to edit the toolbar and either remove it or change the keyboard shortcut).
I had made many layers with the same Layer Mask and realized, after adjusting it, I have to copy this newer version to the layers previously created. Easy keyboard shortcut: Command-Option keys and click and drag the layer mask to each layer. But do this after you deleted the old mask by left clicking (or control for non-mouse users) and clicking on Delete Layer Mask.
I've been working on some amazing new ideas. Still hush hush. I did want to share with you something that I learned. When creating a mockup in Photoshop you will inevitably have to adjust and fine tune your mask layer. I clicked here and there and finally found it. Click on the layer mask thumbnail twice, and then SELECT AND MASK. This opens another window where you can begin adjust. For me, using the Brush Tool from the left hand palette was enough. Now you can begin adding to the selection. However, if you want to remove from the selection, click on the option key as you adjust. A tiny, I mean miniscule, minus symbol pops up. Unlike when working in Quick Mask Mode where you toggle back and forth with the foreground and background (X key). Also, adjust the transparency as you see fit. If you'd like to see more of the piece and less of the mask, lessen the transparency. Once your done, click OK and you are set. Enjoy!
I'm expanding my knowledge of Adobe Illustrator. I was making swatches and wanted to know what "ASE" meant.
--It means ADOBE SWATCH EXCHANGE. If you save your swatches this way the color palette files can be shared between all Adobe programs. I've been working on some pieces lately that are very detailed. Illustrator has even crashed a few times, well more than a few times. It's because my files have been too large. That's not something I really ever thought about in Illustrator, Photoshop yes, but not Illustrator. Well, yes everyone, file size is a big deal. If I had looked at my layers palette I would have realized that I was duplicating layers without even knowing it. So, if you are having issues, slow down, and take a look at your layers palette. The issue might be from there. Also, take a look at your piece as an outline (command Y ...View tab). Take a look at my image below. I didn't know I had so many things layered! Hence - check your layers and check out Outline mode.  Our lives have changed. It is difficult to process the new norm. I receive pop up messages from various news sources updating me on the latest numbers. We are currently over 100,000 infected in the US and over 44,000 of them in NY, and over 25,000 in NYC. The numbers are staggering. It wasn't my intention to write any of this when I started to type tonight, but I guess I am leaving it as a remembrance, a stark reminder of what happened in 2020.
I'm now homeschooling my 5 year daughter. As we all are. She's so smart. (I see a lot of myself in her - not the smart, just the curiousity). Loves to learn, yet, her mind wanders. But her rate of absorption is astounding. As I am more visual, she is more auditory. We did packets, IXL diagnostic testing, RAZ kids reading, did some exercises, made a garden with paper flowers, cut out paper snowflakes and so much more. She's really turning into quite the artist. Her dresses in her pictures have beautiful and complex designs on them. I'm thinking of using some of them in my designs! When I do I'll post her drawing them my design that was inspired by it. Throughout all this hectic craziness, I've managed to continue to make rug designs. I'm also setting up an Etsy store for coloring pages and a Society6 shop for art prints of the rug designs I've made. I'll post those once they are complete. Enjoy your loved ones. Hug and kiss them everyday. My current rug designs have fueled my inner stubborn, competitive self. As a result, I will be doing a different 30 day challenge each month. Each month I will choose a different subject and produce 30 pieces. This month topic--RUGS. Since I'm starting this mid month, I will hopefully produce more than one a day. Next month - hmm? Possibly, illustrations, abstractions, or the assortment of children's book concepts that I have. What would you like to see?
I have to say I'm in love with creating patterns. I've always loved looking at patterns, ornamentation, designs... anything that repeated. From the fabric my mother bought to make curtains and covers for the dining chairs, to the incredibly complex interlaces in Armenian manuscripts and khatchkars (literally a cross stone, marking a memorial stele) to the beautifully intricate rugs my uncle would bring home from work, to the gorgeous installations at the Blue mosque in Istanbul. Someone created these designs. Most done centuries ago. Without the aid of technology. That's what really fascinates me. The mathematics, the layout, the preparation, all done by what I deem to be geniuses. Until a few years ago, I hadn't put much thought into how designs got on pretty much anything we buy - cell phone cases, folders, lamp shades, etc.. I guess I assumed there were in-house designers creating all the work. I imagine this would have been the case a few decades ago, but today there are freelance artists creating them. Surface designers and surface pattern designers creating them. I want to become one. At night when I close my eyes I see patterns. So many patterns. My mind is constantly creating new pieces. Getting to a computer is a different story. And remembering those frenzied compositions is close to impossible. My portfolio is slowly coming together. I haven't created a complete collection yet, but many collections have been started. I hope you enjoy the beginnings of this new path. Currently on exhibit at Ashok Jain Gallery, 58 Hester St in NYC, from June 25 - July 20. Reception : June 27 from 6-8pm.   |
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