Lisa Dobry: Dance of Time

Hello, I’m Lisa Dobry.

I am thrilled to be the Guest Designer today on StencilGirl Talk and share with you, A Dance in Time.

This mixed media piece was created on an 18" x 24" paper.

I’ve created a video which shares my thoughts along with the creative process behind this piece, A Dance In Time. The video will show each phase of the piece, as well as, modifications of both the Vintage Script and Opera House Empress so you can “Go Big” and maintain proportionate sizing for all the included elements. 

As stated in the video, Behind the Mask by Pam Carriker became a prominent symbol in my struggle to complete this project. During the brainstorming process, I finished with 3 other layouts that I will likely return to and create additional pieces using this stencil. Even though it wasn’t initially on my radar, it has become one of my favorites.  On many different levels, this stencil is incredibly symbolic to me. I sincerely hope you enjoy the video as well as the piece.

A Dance in Time was created using the following StencilGirl stencils:

·         Opera House Empress by Carolyn Dube

·         The Dance of This Life by Carolyn Dube

·        Vintage Script by Cecilia Swatton

·         Ornamental Petals Mask by Gwen Lafleur

·         Ornamental Compass Mask by Gwen Lafleur

·         Behind the Mask by Pam Carriker

Other supplies used:

·         12x14 Gelli Plate

·         Soft rubber Brayer

·         18x24 Mixed Media Paper (gesso prior)

·         Acrylic Paint:

o   Golden Fluid: Paynes Gray, Micaceous Iron Oxide, Van Dyke Brown,  Titan Buff

o   Dina Wakley Heavy Body, Penny

·         Pan Pastels:

o   Bright Pink, White, Brown

·         Faber Castell Pitt Pastel Pencil in brown and black

·         Sheet of music

·         Page from old book

·         Gel Medium

·         Exacto Knife

·         Cosmetic sponges

Artist Statement:
Although it’s an ongoing process, I have grown exponentially in the last year. I have found a freedom to create simply because it’s fun to play with paint and stencils. I worry less about whether it’s going to be good when it’s finished, and that has been very powerful and freeing. I am braver, apologize less for my work and take more risks because of it.

What I want most to leave you with today, is the idea that art is a journey. We are all in different spots of that journey, just as we are in different places of the world and in our lives. Learn new things and strive to be stronger in your work, but don’t let that out prioritize your love of creating, your childlike playtime, and your sense of freedom and expression. It doesn’t always have to be great art; it just has to be authentically you in that moment.

Thank you for being here today and walking along side of me in this “Dance of Time.”