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Getting the tools out to create a new patio or a graphic design using Illustrator keeps us very busy. Looking through our photos, I believe we are blessed with a supportive family, a good work ethic, and the creative skills that make our lives more interesting and sweet. Some sarcasm is fun too. Today, I posted a few of my FAVORITE photos from 2017 to now. It was hard to just choose a few. Follow me on Instagram to see more.

The finished patio was designed and built by my husband.

First work, then play, at home in Charlevoix with Dad, Ron, and Mom.

My niece Emma Lynn, the newest edition to our family.

Banana bread with strawberries, walnuts, and chocolate chips. My artwork as a tea towel.

My screen saver on my old Mac that is resting now.

I hope to share smiles, fun and photos with you in the future! The new plan is to create a new WordPress site where I can share more of the process of my artwork and textile designs with a professional.com site.

I would like to stay in touch. Follow this blog MeyerClarkStudio and Instagram and Facebook and my textile designs at ClarkyWorks.

Have a blessed Summer!

~Tresa

Inspired by my freinds on WordPress and the Daily Press, Favorites.

Liquid Research

When ideas come to fruition, it is an accomplishment to be happy about and to reflect upon. Then, I remember the saying, you are only as good as your last design. Oh, maybe that statement is a little harsh, but I hear this a lot.

Having a plan is a good idea. I like to do research as my ideas come together in a sketch. Or, I could just jump into the project on the computer, but I find that to be less inspiring, (except when I’m dealing with typography). Having more info will help me understand my subject matter, and maybe take a different angle on my initial plan. Sometimes, getting away from the creative process, and just living your daily life is a perfect way to expand the mind, while concentrating on other things.

Some liquid research does the trick. Attention boaters, this awesome place is called The Landing Restaurant on Lake Charlevoix in northwest Michigan.

tikiTeeshirt — A tiki baby tee shirt design by Tresa Meyer-Clark.

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And that is how it’s done.

This post was inspired by the daily post.

~Tresa

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Next to Him

Recently we attended a funeral of a friend’s nephew. He was 21, a member of the army reserves, and buried with military honors. I’ll never forget the image of his father looking down at the folded flag on his lap with three bullet casings on top. I’m sure he was very proud that his son had lived to serve his country, and found his higher purpose in life.

I have never been a part of the military, and would never aspire to that duty, probably because I’m an artist who likes to break the rules. However, we all have rules to live by. We recognize the norms that society places on us as we become good citizens of the earth by honoring God, family and country.

Funerals always have that effect on me, to further analyze my life, and what I’ll leave behind. Spending quality time with my husband and family is the most important. But there is still a voice that is nagging me to do more. What will I do to make a difference in someone’s life? More than that, help others see something that I feel is a good thing. How can I feel productive and viable in using my artistic strengths to help others?

My creative journey as a God fearing person — with husband by my side — is a blessed life, next to him.

Tresa

On our way to the lake house.

This post is inspired by the Daily Post and celebrating life.

Ice cream Sunset

I’m not sure when it started, the need to capture the sunset, and all the memories it brings.

Looking forward to Spring.

~Tresa

Through the Lens

This post is about my creative process.

Away from technology, experiencing life through the lens of my camera, is my favorite place to be. Whether it’s a pink reflection on the lake, or orange flower petals reaching for the light, I’m in my happy place. yessssss.

dock2017 — Northern Michigan Sunset, Lake Charlevoix

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I didn’t know the shape of this succulent plant would be so intoxicating.

I was drawing the angular shaped flowers in my sketch book — when I decided to go to the computer and start a textile design — my next favorite place to be. My heart was beating faster. I used the B&W version for reference to draw an idea in Illustrator.

flower1445

table2553 — Fabric design by Tresa Meyer-Clark

Taa Daaa! The finished textile design for a tea towel and a table linen.

77-1024-1024-l — Photo from Roostery.com/ClarkyWorks

ClarkyWorks is my textile design shop on Spoonflower and Roostery.com. There, you can choose and customize my designs in repeating patterns for fabric, wallpaper, gift wrap, home goods, and fashion.

Thank you for checking in on my creative journey. Your comments and questions are welcomed.

Today’s post was inspired by The Daily Post on WordPress.

Accessibility & Design

We all know someone or have a loved one with a disability. Below is a great article from AIGA on design, and how to convey accessibility to buildings, transportation, and also about, user-centered museum information graphics. The isotype icons (below) are evolving, along with amazing Apps like BlindWays, providing clues to accessibility where gps fails, and AccessNow, rating the status of restaurants and concert venues etc.

This article has inspired me to think beyond my own small world. I’ll be looking around more to notice how these symbols are used in my city, at events, and utilized in public spaces I’ll be visiting this year. On the lighter side, so maybe, the martini glass should be a beer stein, and the boat should have a side view.

Please share. Your thoughts are welcomed!

~Tresa

Make Your Point

I remember when my parents hired a designer to work on the decor for my bedroom when I was in high school. The curtains and the bed covering were a green and rust paisley pattern. At that time, I was not impressed with the moroccan style motifs. How things change when your taste in decor develops over time. Thanks Mom and Dad for having great taste!

This is a surface design project with a paisley pattern using the pointillism technique. The layering of dots imparts texture and depth. Can’t wait to order the fabric and paper swatches in the pink and the brown to perfect my craft. This is just the beginning of creating graphics for this collection. If you are interested in licensing my designs, please leave me a message through my contact page.

~~Tresa

Pointillism9-28BluePink

Pointillism9-28BrownBlue

Inspired by the Daily Post, Layered.

Bees Don’t Digress

Taking time to smell the roses, and photograph them is not always easy, especially when you have a few minutes in the morning before work. I am a nature lover, so I always get up early to enjoy my morning time. I’ve been known to get distracted by the bumble bees when I’m having my morning coffee. Their buzzing is very busy and non-stop. But, the cardinal is busy too, hopping around in our tomato plants. I smiled when he finally flew to our Rose of Sharon tree, and then I hurried to captured his portrait.

The birds are not visiting as much when we are working, but the bees don’t care.

I digress, Time to stop and smell the roses.

~~Tresa

This post was inspired by the Daily Post, “Shiny” on WordPress.

Guaranteed to Satisfy

As promised, our video from Mackinac Island on July the fourth. It was a very satisfying experience having lunch at the Grand Hotel. The view of the Straits of Mackinac was stunning from the highest point in the cupola, where we enjoyed a tropical cocktail. We always look forward to our next visit, satisfaction guaranteed! In the mean time, we have lots of photos to cherish and post later!

Do you have a favorite vacation memory?
~~Tresa

This post was inspired by our summer vacation and The Daily Post on WordPress.

Satisfy Your Heart

I’ve always had a desire to make stuff by hand. I thoroughly enjoy every process of developing a concept through photographing product vignettes. These are a few of my treasured images. The beaded photos are from when I was around 14 years old. It is very satisfying to look at old photos and remember just how far I’ve come, and feel blessed to be able to satisfy my heart, and create.