Cookala

I love mixed-media art and experimentation with various materials and techniques. I enjoy the creative freedom that mixed-media provides...no limits, no rules. I enjoy the playfulness of sharing with other creative souls and think of creativity as life-giving. I believe that creativity can thrive if allowed to exist in a non-judgemental incubator. I am drawn to natural elements, lots of color and texture. I love animals and rusty things. I'm not much into cutesy things.

I love well-made films and appreciate film as an art form. I especially like films that focus on all that is good about being human. At the top of the list is "Shawshank Redemption".

I enjoy a well-written mystery with interesting characters and turn of plot. Always looking for recommendations. I enjoy the Stephanie Blum bounter hunter series for mystery/humor.

Although not quite a mystery, I very much enjoyed a book that was painful to read but which I couldn't put down: "The Kite Runner"

Magazines: I love, love, love "Cloth, Paper, Scissors"

I very much care about the environment and so try to re-use items from the trash as often as possible. I am always experimenting with materials that were originally intended for other uses.

I believe that any artistic gift or creative expression that I have is God-given and therefore my desire is to express it in a way that brings joy, knowledge, encouragement, humanity to others (and to myself).

-International Ephemera -Old black & white images photos or magazine -packaging with interesting shapes or images -interesting faces from magazines -wire mesh of all kinds (even belts) -old jewelry pieces (metal, glass or leather) -bold printed graphics or lettering -ideas for using materials in new ways -anything that could create or build texture -newspapers, magazines, art magazines from non-English speaking countries -rusted flat things -clock and watch faces -thoughtful and uplifting (non-religious) quotes -mixed media artists who enjoy experimenting with unusual materials

I am a 66 (born in 1943) year old just-retired woman who is passionate about creativity. I was born in Philadelphia, PA and moved with my parents and brother to So. Calif. when I was 18. I moved from Calif. to Eugene, Oregon in mid-80's (I think).

I was married for about 5 years in the late 60's...and decided I didn't like being married. I do not have any children. I have two cats who are the perfect companions, but I don't get goofy about cat memorabelia.

I have cousins in Eugene who are very busy with their families. My mother died in 2004 (at 86), followed by my brother 3 months later (at 66). My dad just died last week (5/7/10 at 102). I find that the loss of my immediate family is stirring a desire to reach out via internet to like-minded people and mixed-media artists.

If I had to summarize my personality and character, I would say that I try to live by "always do the loving thing!" I have a deep, abiding belief that I will be guided (in life and in art) by a loving, internal force. Call it God, call it the Universe, I only know that we all have it if we listen carefully. I believe that many religions cause separation and intolerance and personally feel no need to hear about your religious beliefs and I will respect you enough to not force my beliefs on you.

I want to encourage all to explore their internal playful child and come out and play! Play with paint, paper, fabric, fiber, clay, stamps, glue, buttons, thread, rubber bands, crayons, markers, wax, wallpaper paste, joint compound, starch, bleach, Tyvek, sprays, resins, fruit stamps, paper bags, tissue paper, plastic bags, wallpaper, wrapping paper, old greeting cards, Citra--Solv...let your creativity express itself!

I always, always, always respond...so if you haven't received something from me within a reasonable time (allowing for mailing), please contact me.

I will always rate. I will only give out a heart if you have put a little more effort into the swap than was called for. I love decorated and altered things (pcs, books, journals, envelopes) and give a heart for any attempt at art. I think we all have a creative spark and I want to encourage you to at least try, knowing there is no judgement, only applause for the attempt. YES, YOU CAN!

I am an HGTV addict: Favorite HGTV shows are: Color Splash, Divine Design, What happened to Myles of Styles?, Design on a Dime.

Other shows I enjoy: Gilmore Girls, CSI, Law and Order, Bones, House, The Closer. Artist profiles on Ovation channel, PBS specials about nature, PBS (OPB) sewing/art quilting shows, craft shows whereever I can find them, Old movies (especially 40's), ,