[Due to illness, the part of Kerri Mermaid will be played today by Alethea Mermaid. ]
***sprinkles glitter***
As some of you may know, I have a side job that I love…but one I can’t really talk about.
It’s not a “day job” — writing is my day job now, and I don’t make enough from this side job to do much more than pay my AT&T bill every month.
Lots of writers in the DC area have jobs they can’t talk about, so it’s a pretty common theme around here. Most of those jobs involve a security clearance. Mine involves lots of shots and First Aid training.
I am a substitute for the Loudoun County Youth After School program (YAS). It’s only three hours a day, on school days, and only when I get called in. I cover regular leader and supervisor positions in nine schools.
And that’s pretty much all I can tell you. Because when one works with minors, one is sworn to secrecy about their actions, conversations, and identities.
I am not, however, sworn to secrecy about my own efforts that come about as a result of the YAS program. For instance, let’s take this masterpiece right here:
Earlier this year, Neil Gaiman told the world to Make Good Art. It’s hard to believe one is Making Good Art when one is Stuck in Revision Hell. I have been itching to make art for some time, and when presented with the opportunity last week, I jumped on it.
What do you think? I mean, seriously? HOW FABULOUS IS THIS??
You know you love it. (And no, it is not for sale.)
The first mermaid was the one with the sweater. I know…not the best selection for a mermaid torso, but fish are cold-blooded! Why wouldn’t a mermaid wear a sweater if she wanted to?
The second mermaid was the middle blonde in the bikini. Her tail was a bit too much like curtains, so I patched on some stones and bricks I found in a skateboarding magazine. I like the way it came out.
The third mermaid was the one in the foreground because SHE HAS A LOBSTER. ‘Nuff said.
The school of red & black fish came out great, but I’m a little disappointed that the other fish don’t *pop* quite as well. I’m also disappointed that there wasn’t a little more diversity in my mermaids–my only excuse is that I worked with what I had.
So…your own thoughts and critiques? I’m interested to hear them.
And remember, THIS IS A FABULOUS WORK OF ART, so please compliment accordingly. *grin* xox
Wow! 😉
It is fabulous, Princess Mermaid Alethea!
Hey, did you know you have a zombie in that school of fish? He’s totally eating blonde bikini mermaid’s brains! Make him stop! We blondies need our brains!!!!
Yes! (though I didn’t think of him as a zombie, but you are ABSOLUTELY CORRECT.)
Mostly, I needed one fish to 1.) swim counter to the pack because I am all about individualism and 2.) cover up the stupid COVER GIRL lettering that went over the blonde’s forehead.
In all seriousness, Alethea…I think this is FABULOUS! I kinda want to go make a collage now. No, not a collage. I meant to say: great art!!
ALL ART IS GREAT ART.
And thank you! I made my grandmother a Christmas card on Monday, with a pop-up construction paper Christmas tree decorated with sequins.
It’s crazy how far we get away from art when we don’t have kids around to encourage us.
BUT YOU HAVE KIDS! I bet you have magazines, too. And glue. Go make some art! xox
Love this – you are sooooo talented!!!!! I like the sweater-dress mermaid. Maybe she lives up near Alaska or down by Antarctica. Who knows!
p.s.
Thanks for covering for me today! 😉
Thank you, Kerri Mermaid!
*huggles*
Now go back to bed. FEEL BETTER! xox
I love your fabulous collage art, but may I make a suggestion? How about creating a fabulous collage with the actual Waterworld Mermaids? How cool and fun would that be?
I want long gloves. And maybe a cape for fun. You should definitely have a tiara. And the whole thing should be dipped in some kind of glitter. With a few sequins.
I think we should have an art night and do it! all of us. Some wine. Some glitter. Some pictures of us. And mermaid tails. Lots and lots of tails… 🙂
THE MERMAIDS HAVE WINE AND GLITTER, WITH ART.
I approve of this gathering.
There should be lobster.
xox
(PS–You do realize that any collage of our Mermaids would end up looking like THE LAST SUPPER because there are 13 of us. Just sayin’.)