You Are What You Eat

Greetings!  There is an old saying which states, "you are what you eat," which serves as a reminder about the importance of eating well to stay healthy.  The same can be said about what we are exposed too.  Rather it's religion, literature, music, theater, environments, etcetera, they will influence who we are.  The following are a few examples of how the latter have influenced who I am; hence, what I produce.

Angel of Protection
Tangle Card Challenge #4 - Kaleido
Art Journal Journey - Square
Simon Wednesday Challenge - Triangles
The 7 Sacraments
Tangle Card Challenge #3 - Ballenchain
Three Muses - Circles or Squares
Julia's What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday 218
Faith Trio
Inspiration Avenue - Fun, Easy, Excellent
Eva and Kristin's Paint Party Friday - Week 22 Year 3
Illustration Friday - Fresh
The art journal pages above were influenced by the books I've read about Zentangle, as well as by my study of the Bible and Celtic art.  The Angel of Protection is based on a verse in a prayer I once heard, which I like to incorporate into my personal prayers.  (By the way, I entered this piece in Sandy Steen Barholomew's contest, so if you like it, please go to her Facebook page by clicking here and vote for it.)  The 7 Sacraments piece refers to Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation, Reconciliation, Matrimony, Orders, and Unction, which are considered the most important ceremonies in the Church by Catholics and other Christian denominations.  As to the Faith Trio, it is a series of popular Christian quotes I illustrated a while back.  I actually posted this picture in my first blog post, on July 26, 2011, but my blog barely got any views back then.  LOL!

Bodas de Sangre
Tag Tuesday - Weddings
Take a Word Challenge - Dark
Collage Obsession - Gardening
Mrs. Denise Nesbitt and Roger's ABC Wednesday - D for Dress
Manon's Paper Saturdays
The tags above were influenced by the techniques of Tim Holtz, as well as by my studies in graphic design, fashion illustration, collage, literature, and the Bible.  The first tag was inspired by "Bodas de Sangre" (Blood Wedding), which was written by Federico García Lorca, the Spanish poet, dramatist, and theater director.  The play is about the the desires, repression, and constraints in a rural Spanish community and how these lead to death.  Therefore, I designed the tag to contrast the beauty of the wedding dress with the stark background.  The second tag was inspired by Acts 17:28, in which Paul speaks to the Greeks in Athens.  The passage that I took this verse from talks about how God created everything, including time, place, and history, so that humanity may seek Him, although He is not far from anyone.  I chose the different elements in my collage to represent the latter.

Last, but not least, I have a self-portrait I took with my two daughters.  Although they are ultimately God's creations, they are also the product of my wife's and my love.  In addition, as a father, I've been partly responsible for molding them into the fine young ladies they have become.  Their upbringing was influenced by my personal upbringing, my background in the education field, and my studies of His word.  I've always considered the childhood games, reading times, education, and all other time commitments I've made to them a priority.  However, they've also brought immeasurable joy to me, so there's a bond between us that couldn't have been made in any other way.  Even the times we had to deal with various "growing pains" and my own personal mistakes, are now seen as priceless memories we can now laugh about.  I consider them my greatest creations, and many times, my inspiration too.

I probably got a little more personal than usual in this post.  However, I believe I made my point as to how we are what we have been exposed too.  Although we can't avoid exposure to negative issues, it's what we do with them that's important.  May your journey be enlightened, so that you may be your personal best.  Blessings!

Comments

April said…
Your artwork is lovely. Your inspiration is even more amazing. Your daughters are beautiful. You are a very lucky guy. April #122
bing said…
interesting works of art.

you must be very proud of your daughters as seen between the lines of this post. and they must be very proud of you, too.

my first time to join the project and i am amazed at the discoveries. i have mine here ---> http://warmstonesite.com/2013/08/08/childhood-games/
Tincan Crafter said…
What a fantastic good looking family you are. I love how you described your inspiration behind everything and I loved the tag. Zentanglng looks like it could be fun but a person would have to be super patient.
Reader Wil said…
Hi Arnoldo! Thanks for sharing your life with us. Your daughters arebeautiful. Your art is exquisite and delicate. You must be a happy man!
Thanks for your visit to my blog.
Have a great weekend.
Wil, ABCW Team
Jackie said…
What a lovely picture of you and your girls
Like the zen tangle you have done and the tag with the wedding dress is just lovely
Jackie 29
Uuna said…
Thank You for Your blessing and sharing You interesting ideas. I liked to read them and I think often the same.
I like Your Protection Angel and other zentagles, too.
Happy WOYWW, Uuna #47
what amazing new artwork Arnoldo!

GREAT!!!
thank you for joining us on
Art Journal Journey!
Your square idea is just gorgeous!

xxx
Susi
Love all of the DESIGNS.
ROG, ABC Wednesday team
Barbara B. said…
It' a so w0nderful page! Thank you.
VonnyK said…
What a lovely post Romero. You have a beautiful family and as always, I love your fantastic art.
Have a wonderful week.
Von #33
Paula (PEP) said…
Very very special - the reality you describe is very precious indeed. It's a privilege to read & I have no words.........perhaps just Amen!
Much love
Paula (PEP)
Saints Rule! said…
Wow! You never cease to inspire me! Thanks for sharing your art and heart at Word Art Wednesday!
Melanie said…
What a lovely picture of you with your daughters. They are very pretty. And the art you made is very nice to.
Have a nice weekend
Liefs, Melanie
Candy C said…
Hello Arnoldo. I always enjoy your posts but I have to say, I think your greatest creations are your lovely daughters. :) That said, I also really enjoyed reading your thought process in your post. You are so right...we are what we internalize; whether it be food or what we choose to fill our thoughts and life with. So, thank you for always being such a positive inspiration. Your tags are very nice. I especially like the wedding one. That dressform and wedding dress are stunning. Thanks so much for sharing your art with us at Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge. <3 Candy
~*~Patty S said…
Hello from AJJ
So much creativity and food for thought to enjoy here!
Thank you for sharing...
oxo
Francesca said…
Arnoldo, you are such an accomplished artist, you put me to shame. Re when you started to blog, we all start some where, now look at us. Have a good week. Hugs Francesca #67
Valerie-Jael said…
Lovely work Arnoldo! Valerie
Unknown said…
Arnaldo,
I can barely speak/write, your work is outstanding. The tag is wonderful as are your other pieces. The first time I was in Texas during the 80's we sang that scripture ( in Him we live and move and have our being) until it was securely fastened in my heart. For me dropping by your blog is a refreshing to my spirit, soul and body.
Thank you so much for posting your beautiful project with us this week, at “Word Art Wednesday”. It is so wonderful for us to see your talents on paper.
Psalm 23 Blessings,
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow you all the days of your life.
Carole Robb Bisson
Word Art Wednesday
Faye said…
Beautiful post, Arnoldo. Your words and your art are so inspiring.
Inspiration can come from almost anywhere, and when we're open to letting God show us beauty in things, we will never run out of new things to help us be creative. Your art is, as always, very creative. Thanks SO MUCH for sharing with us this week.
Karen
Word Art Wednesday
Your opening statement is so true. And, what lovely art to support it!! ~ Blessings, Tracey

http://gracescraps.blogspot.com/
Leovi said…
Sin duda mi preferido es el de Bodas de Sangre, una bonita composición para recordar a Lorca!
Too true! Television and movies are eaten just like food and can make us sick too! I wish more people realized that! I love your August tag, and the dressform on the other is fabulous! Gorgeous makes all around!
Jez said…
Firstly the TAW theme of Dark. Lorca is such a powerful and indeed dark writer with his focus on suppression and repression, so a good idea for the the theme. I don' know this pla but will look it up. Have seen a couple of others and once created a surreal stage set for The House of Bernarda Alba production, so thanks for the memories raised and I will check out Sanfre.
All beautiful and thought provoking work. At the end of seeing it all the one that stays in my mind is the sepia coloured prayer.
I'm always impressed with the scope and quality of your work, thankyou for giving me the opportunity to see it.
Tammy N said…
Your daughters and artwork are both lovely. So glad you shared a little about your family and how important they are to you. Thanks for visiting my blog and commenting on my art.
Ayala Art said…
Great photo! Congrats to yo and your wife.
Your angel is fantastic, I love angels ♥
PaintingWrite said…
It is clear to see what inspires you in your art work and that's what I love about art - we are all inspired in our lives and our passions by different things which in turn inspire our creativity. I especially like the tab on blood wedding - you depicted the story well. Your daughters are beautiful girls - no wonder you are so proud of them.
Anonymous said…
Beautiful and soulful work. You are right about influences and what we surround ourselves with. Love that photo of you and your daughter's - such love is evident. xox
GlorV1 said…
Lovely work as always. You are indeed a family man. God Bless You.
maria said…
Your art work never fails to impress me. I love them all. Your daughters look so much like you. They are beautiful and you and your wife brought them up really well.

Glad you decided to share your photos on Orange you glad it's Friday. Thanks for joining and I hope to see you again next Friday. Enjoy your weekend.
PiaRom said…
I love all your wonderful tags this week, but the sun rises, as I see the photo of you and your loved daughters :D ♥ Conny
http://piaromsartjournaling.blogspot.de
Unknown said…
Your art is just beautiful. You are so gifted. You should enter that tag on the top in Zeffy's dress form challenge. It's beautiful. I pinned your tags to my Beautiful Tags board. I pinned your Zentagles as well. I should have asked first, but they are all so beautiful. Hope you are well. Have a great weekend. (((HUGS)))
Kimmie
WOYWW #4
Lovely post. You are a proud father and quite rightly too :)
Ivy said…
I love your Angel of Protection, what a beautiful piece! HPPF!
Christine said…
lovely work this week and thanks for sharing this beautiful photo of you and your precious daughters. You sound like a wonderful dad.
Once again, I'm here from WOYWW and IA. Your zentangles are sure beautiful and so appropriate for the IA challenge. I also love the tag you made for your first blog post. Beautiful.
Giggles said…
An extremely sage post with beautiful artwork! I believe you reap what you sow and this truly is evident in this lovely post! You are a beautiful family, truly blessed! What you have invested your heart and soul in has brought amazing results! If only you could minister the importance of this to others!! Love your protection angel...
Wonderful post my friend...truly one of your best!

Hugs Giggles
Maggie said…
It's so true that what we are and what influences us shows in our art.

Your daughters are beautiful, what a wonderful family portrait! And I especially love the tags you've posted. Thanks for sharing!
denthe said…
That's a beautiful photo! I love the lettering in that first card ...
bellefrogworks said…
Arnoldo - your blog is always filled with the light of the Lord. I admire that you are so consistent in sharing your ultimate inspiration. Your daughters are beautiful - but most importantly they seem to be beautiful within.
Anonymous said…
I love that your photograph was actually the result of childhood games! That's great. They are beautiful and they are also very very lucky!
Meihsia Liu said…
Hi, Arnoldo, wow.... all your creations are amazing (as always). Your daughters are so beautiful! Thank you for sharing this great post. :)
Peanut said…
Your art is a priceless gift, not just to you, but for all of us who get to see your work. You are truly blessed. Thanks for sharing your experience with us.
xxx Asha
Sunny Summer Crafts

Anne Manda said…
Great post - so true! You have such a beautiful family! Love your intricate drawings and the beautifully detailed tags!
Barb Cady said…
This is a lovely post. All your art is interesting and your happy photo is uplifting! Such riches you have been given!
Suzanne C said…
Lovely post through and through. I love the tag you created for the Airmail challenge. The big clock with the little clock is beautiful. I love the circular movement on your tag! Thanks for playing along with us at Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge.
Unknown said…
Bellissime immagini che raccontano tutta la tua dirompente creatività!
Bellalullo
lorik said…
Your art is beautiful and it was lovely to see you and your family and read what you had to say. I love you tag too... thanks for sharing it on Mandarin Orange Monday:)
Anna-Karin said…
Beautiful post, projects and text. Thank you for sharing! Love those two tags. The wedding dress is fabulous. Thank you for sharing with us at Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge Blog!
FABBY'S LIVING said…
You are an artist at it's best, my friend! I love your amazing art and you're all so happy and beautiful! Thanks for sharing so much with us! I was so happy to have you over. Have a wonderful week.
FABBY
Thank you for sharing your art and wisdom and personal stories! They make me think about, what I can do to become a better person, a better mother.
But, people can be good people even when they have grown up in lesser surroundings. Your daughters seem to have been very lucky as you also, if I got you right in your post.
It is good to learn about how other people think and it is something we can learn from!
Sending you greetings and wishing you and your family the best,
Ilona

Laurel Beard said…
Fantastic! Thanks so much for joining us at the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge! :)

XO
Laurel
Winnie said…
I am so far behind on my blogging and visits this week! I enjoyed your post! I adore your Sacrament piece! Just gorgeous. Hope you will frame it or display it in some way. Your tag is amazing, the dress against that background was a great effect, and love the mini pearls. Your photo with your girls is expectional, just seeing those smiles says it all.
Jen Price said…
Beautiful photo of you and your daughters!
Dagmar said…
Wow wow wow - every thing a great artwork!!! Such a lot of inspiration!
Espectacular....
Cumprimentos
cheiron said…
You are this week's winner in the Simon Says Wednesday Challenge Blog Triangles challenge! Thank you for playing along and be sure to contact us to claim your shopping voucher!
Lin said…
Congratulations, Arnoldo! Your first few sentences of this post echo my upbringing, also, and I so agree with you! This is a lovely work of art!
Unknown said…
Congratulations on winning Simon Says.
Blessings,
Carole
Unknown said…
Wow lots of challenges in this post! and all are really well done I am not a fan of zentangle but can appreciate the work that goes into it.

I really enjoyed the tags you created and those in the previous post as well

Love Dxx
Saints Rule! said…
Beautiful Arnoldo! You never cease to inspire me! Thanks for sharing at Word Art Wednesday!