The Mischievous Mommy

A Collaboration with my Toddler

by Theodore & Ruth Oosterman

I was so excited for this particular collaboration because I felt it represented Theo's wild personality and I was able to maintain his original and spectacular paint strokes. He is really into mixing colors to come up with new combinations and trying out different brushes lately which makes for explosive artwork. 
One of my favorite parts of sharing our collaborative process on social media is reading the never-ending varieties of unique perspectives that explode from the same exact image. I shared Theo's original piece on Facebook and Instagram and was amazed at the wide range of imaginative answers, here are a few:

- A young girl dancing and twirling a ribbon, and a random chick to her right
- A tribal warrior/chief wearing a brown wolf’s head on his head, a purple loincloth/bottoms, and holding a blue/black rattle/stick/cane.
- A skater doing a jump by a palm tree.
- A horse jumping a hedge with a tree in the background
- An elephant on a cliff overlooking a purple fish and a yellow duck. With a tree for some scenery
-  I see a mother, wearing a long skirt and black belt, playing with her daughter in a yellow dress, who is handing her a purple ball. Palm trees in the background.
-  Conductor’s baton about to tap the stand, the deep purple is the audience waiting and the gold in the lower right is shining off the bell of a French Horn.
- Mad Hatter with a purple tea pot and yellow tea cup
- A merman with a trident with a sea creatures swimming below
- A fairy picking a purple flower while Absolem the caterpillar and a fat little yellow bird watch on.



Thank you for taking the time to share your visions and to think the answers above are just a few taken from the many! 


Watch the Timelapse Video:

    We live in a society where we are constantly barraged with the concept that to be successful others must view us that way rather than embracing the value that simply believing in yourself is enough to develop true contentment.

The first feeds into a never-ending toxic need for constant reassurance and the latter is truly accepting yourself and that being enough.

You are the lead in your life story and no one else should be given the power to write your character.

A Collaboration with my Toddler

by Theodore & Ruth Oosterman

Just the two of us, me and my moonlight, Theodore.

I have always maintained that if a person has the desire to create then they already ARE an artist. One of the greatest stumbling blocks to creating is the thing I hear most from those stuck on wishing they could but don't.

The destructive phrase: "But I'm not an artist."

That simple phrase consisting of only 16 letters has stopped this world from seeing millions of countless creations that could have been. That phrase stopped me from taking myself seriously for years until finally, I realized the only competition I have is with myself. We shouldn't be stuck on creating "good" art but rather our OWN art because no one can come close to what we can each individually create.

Bitterness

The Silent Killer




As a child, I recall my first interaction with the stereotypical grumpy old man and the feeling of absolute bewilderment that quickly followed. Good manners and kindness are character traits that are usually drilled into a child's mind, mine being no exception, so why on earth was an adult acting in a manner that would have rewarded me with a time out? As a 5-year-old, life appeared to be teeming with adventures with the seniors having lived them all. I could not wrap my mind around the concept of them being anything but joyful, these humans who had conquered life with tales to tell. Why were so many of them spending their remaining time being mean to those that loved them?

 I simply could not understand.

As a teenager, I witnessed more and more seniors turn dark and the generation a decade or two younger begin mimicking a similar resentment towards life.It was as if bitterness was a disease that had begun trickling down the generations and no one could hold on to their happiness.

As I entered my twenties the paranoia began. Were you infected overnight? I was now witnessing those a decade older than I become darkened by bitterness and resentment, their joy and spark for life had been snuffed out. It was as if they too dreaded the next sunrise and would rather remain hidden amongst the darkness of the night where vices were well hidden. The dark only mirrored their heart in contrast to the daylight which portrayed the true toxicity and progression of the disease raging inside.

Bitterness. Resentment.

Would it happen to me? Would it happen over night?

Somewhere in my late twenties, wedged in between a few hardships life threw at me, raising young children and putting my passions on hold, it happened.

Seemingly overnight, but not actually if I am to be honest.

I had become what I feared, what I loathed. I was resentful and bitter with those who loved me the most despite my flaws. I became impatient, yelling at my children over spilt milk whereas a few years prior I would have simply made a joke and found joy in their little smiles of relief. I was furious with my partner because he left his wet towel on the bed and tied a knot in the bread bag for what seemed the thousandth time, didn't he know the pressure I was under? Little things had become mountains for no valid reason yet somehow I seemed to find numerous other reasons to justify my anger.

How on earth did I get this way?

Why was I allowing such trivial things to become stumbling blocks for the love I had towards my family, friends and my own life? All of a sudden I was that hypocritical human criticising another's mistakes and wagging my finger at the news saying, “What is happening to this world?” as if it had all changed overnight.

Only the world hadn’t, I had.

I had forgotten to make the choice. I forgot one morning and chalked it up to just a bad day, then a week went by and soon enough the choice was just too hard to make. I felt entitled to be angry and upset because the cards life had been dealing me were unfair and overwhelming. I needed a break from making the choice.

The choice to choose happiness.
To choose joy and positivity.

Bitterness exists in each and every single one of us, just waiting, biding it’s time for the moment we stop making the choice. When we weaken our resolve it seizes control of our hearts, souls and minds, beginning to control us like a puppet and before too long we are no longer in control. We become our own worst enemy as our negativity pushes love out of our lives, distances our children from us and causes them to push back. Let us not forget how it also sets fire to our ambitions and goals while whispering in our ear how incompetent and disappointing we are.

 As it all spirals out of control we place the blame on everything and everyone but ourselves because the blindfold over our eyes has tricked us into thinking we are the only ones in pain. That we are entitled to happiness and are the last to blame when really, we are solely to blame.

Take heed, please, I beg of you. Keep your eyes on those around you and remind yourself that bitterness is a disease that no one is immune to, not even the most joyful and passionate. You are not entitled to happiness, I am sorry to break it to you, but you are not. Happiness is earned every day by making the choice to be positive and when you succeed it banishes bitterness to the darkest corners of your soul where one glorious day it will be expunged forever.

Until then, fight the good battle and do not give up, I beg you. It happens overnight and ever so quickly before you know it the fight to gain your old life back will be a thousand times more daunting than it was to just make the daily choice to be happy.

I am still struggling greatly with the choice as I get caught up in my head about what I deserve and am entitled to when really, my happiness is no one's responsibility but my own and therefore my bitterness is to be blamed on no one else but myself. If you are unhappy, make changes for without a course of action you will only spiral further into the darkness. The simple act of taking control of your life by CHOOSING positivity will only lead to happiness and strengthen your willpower to stay joyful. Surround yourself with positive people who strive for similar things and if it is family that is toxic, love them regardless but encourage them from a distance.

Choosing happiness does not banish depression or sadness but it does infuse your life with positivity as you make the conscious choice to look for the good in life. Depression, anger and sadness are all valid emotions that each of us experience in order to fully appreciate the joy in life, however, bitterness does not fall into that category as it is a disease that will ruin your life.

No one is immune.

The Fierceness of Fragility

Dedicated to all my fragile Queens who are the strongest women I know.



They mistook her fragility for weakness only to learn too late it was the calm before the storm. Her fragility gracefully lay upon her head as a crown of strength that was not only made to fly but would allow her to do so miles higher than those who misjudged her. A butterfly may be one of the earth’s most fragile creatures but the journey it embarks on to become its true self is a monumental feat, let alone the height and distance to which it can soar. Fragility is a strength that allows you to accept who you are in order to be true to that self. Only then will you soar.

A Collaboration with my Toddler

by Theodore & Ruth Oosterman

Keeping the Balance while Collaborating

Collaborating with a child brings endless rewards and priceless memories, but there is a very fine balance that you have to try to maintain. As much as you want to remain the "parent" you have to let that go in order to collaborate as one. 

No one is in charge, you are equals and artistic peers on a journey of self discovery and creative adventures. 

Respect and teamwork are constant lessons for everyone involved and you have to be prepared and open for the tables to turn at any moment, which is exactly how my watercolor portrait became a bearded "Cinderella."

Finger Painting

Just picked up some watercolor crayons and thought I'd try them out. Inspired by Eve, as always, I thought I'd try some finger painting and just have fun trying to make a sunset over water.

I cannot wait to show these to Eve tomorrow and see what she comes up with. I can only imagine what sort of collaborative projects you could do with these! I'll experiment with them some more and hopefully put a few tutorial videos together, so stay tuned

Like the music? Make sure to check out this awesome musician!

Music Credit: David Dacosta - "Keep Me in Your Heart"

A Collaboration with my Toddler

by Eve & Ruth Oosterman




Two years. 

Two years of collaborating with Eve and I still can't even put into words just how much this experience has brought us closer. But as usual, I'll do my best.

Eve has been creating all sorts of things her entire life (all 4 years of it), evolving into this remarkable little artist in her own right. I can say I genuinely envy her skills and her ability to paint so carefree, full of passion and drive without a smidgen of doubt. She has definitely taught me not only more about art than I could have ever imagined, but life itself.

 We have come a long way from our original collaborations that involved Eve using a Tombow Brush pen. 




Even though we had every color possible of Tombow brush pen, Eve was obsessed with the color black and loved the stark contrast it made on the white paper. We used this method of collaboration for quite some time as Eve's vocabulary was still evolving and the drawings she handed me to collaborate with were very much abstract in method. Once I could make sure she was capable of painting in one general area for longer than 2 minutes I let her have full access to the paint. 



Our Collaborations began to take on all sorts of color from Eve's paint, the possibilities were limitless. It was amazing to watch her grasp the concept of color theory firsthand, although I love organized crafts there is nothing quite like unstructured creativity! I am convinced that is when they learn the most simply by having access to supplies to create endless opportunities. 




Soon enough Eve's vocabulary exploded and we went from taking turns to painting side by side while discussing techniques and story lines the piece was taking on. There is a very fine line between equal creative participation and one person overpowering the other's contributions, something I am still learning the balance to.



 For a huge portion of 2015 I was pregnant with Eve's little brother, Theodore, and suffering from Hypermeseis so our collaborations came to a stand still. (although Eve continued painting on her own) Finally feeling back to myself, mentally and physically, 2016 has brought our collaborations to a whole new level. They have evolved immensely as Eve and I learn new ways to create together. Our latest is story telling, every night before bed we take out our sketchbook and illustrate the stories we imagine. 




Some of our paintings are even based on these stories! Our story telling has taught me more and more about the importance of that fine line when collaborating with a child. It is never, ever about the end result, the journey MUST be why you choose to collaborate. Children's imaginations are absolutely priceless and must be protected at all costs, always encouraged and never smothered. There are many times that I bite my tongue when Eve grabs black paint and covers half of what we just did or takes us down a creative road I never would have chosen myself... but time and time again I am proven wrong. Her way, no matter how much it conflicts with my ideas, has always been the best way. This is the gift I value to no end, she has shown me techniques, ideas, concepts, etc. that I would never have thought of myself. That whole bit that Picasso said about having to relearn how to paint as a child is completely true and a lesson I am blessed to learn every time I sit down to create with Eve.  




Which is why our latest piece, "Reflection" is perfect in my eyes. I have been teaching Eve about reflections both in real life and in painting. (For example, if there is a bright moon in your painting then certain parts of the ground will show this light reflected, especially if there is a body of water) This piece started out with us using acrylics on a wooden panel with no real direction, just painting for fun. Painting with no purpose can be very eye opening and often will take on a life of it's own when certain images pop out of random brushstrokes.

About halfway through a landscape began forming and when we were all finished I asked Eve what she saw. She told me she saw a reflection of trees and the sun setting in a purple sky. Without wanting to overstep my creative portion I added some water ripples and definition to where the trees were, although I know I could go much further I just don't want to. Eve thinks it's perfect as is and so do I, which is exactly what collaborating is to be about. 

I have included the video down below, it is much longer than the majority of our time lapse video because I included some of the audio. While I usually document the process this time I went a step further to give you guys a little sneak peak at the behind the scenes, the bits of conversation that directs the collaborative journey. 

Eve painted this for her little brother Theo.

Enjoy!

A Collaboration with my Toddler

by Eve & Ruth Oosterman



If every one of our pieces could end up with this sort of collaborative balance then I would be over the moon. I was able to maintain all of Eve's paint strokes, involve the story that motivated this art piece and collaborate in a way that allows both of our creativity to shine.

As a queen of procrastinating I am happy to have finally sewn the time lapse footage together. I hope you enjoy watching our process and make sure to stay tuned for more Collaborations with my Toddler!

 Collaborations with my Toddler

Two years later

"The Red Boat" was the very first, and somewhat accidental, collaboration with my then two year old toddler, Eve. The last two years we have embarked on an artistic journey (more like adventure really) to discover how many ways we can collaborate. These collaborations have bonded us not only as mother and daughter, but as artistic peers. Intertwining our personalities and passions more than I could have ever imagined, pushing both of us out of our comfort zones.

 Collaborations with my Toddler

When Eve and I first began collaborating with each other I never even imagined that our creations would attract world wide attention. Ever since our first collaborations went viral we have enjoyed finding many new ways to create together, whether through visual arts, music and even baking! The main reason we share our journey with social media is to hopefully inspire and show other families how easy and beneficial collaborating can be.

Collaborating on an artistic front can be quite intimidating for someone who considers themselves as "not an artist," which is why this collaborative project will be perfect for you and absolutely anyone else! Collaborating with a child is so incredibly important, not just for them but you as well. If art isn't your thing than I guarantee you will find your own unique way of sharing your passions and interests with the little ones in  your life.

If you are a pro in the kitchen then go ahead and make that cake and fondant from scratch, but if you are like me then don't hesitate to take the shortcut and use the boxed cake mix. The best part is that your child can help you from the first step to the last, whether mixing, cracking eggs or frosting, there is very little that they won't be able to do.

You will need:

Cake mix + Ingredients
White Fondant
Edible Food Writers
Frosting
Cake pans
Rolling pin

I used 9 inch, circle cake pans and two boxes of cake mix to create a four layered cake. After letting each layer cool I leveled off the top in order to create a solid, even cake. Once my four cakes were layered to create one taller cake, I covered it completely with frosting so that the fondant would stick well. Smoothing out any bubbles and cutting off the excess it was then ready for Eve to begin decorating!



 This cake was actually for Eve's 4th birthday party and I wanted to make sure that she was a part of the entire process. I remember being a little girl and my mom always allowed me to decorate my own birthday cakes, it was a memory that has stuck with me to this day. Of course, I wanted nothing more than to pass those memories down to my daughter and what made this collaborative project even more lovely was that my mother helped too! (Talk about a three generational collaborative project)

Eve went to town with drawing and when she was all done we added edible butterflies using our leftover frosting. Eve had seen a wedding cake with rainbow butterflies and insisted that her birthday cake this year have them as well.

This would be a great project to do for all occasions and something absolutely anyone of any age can do together. If you are feeling extra artsy you could dilute food coloring or buy edible food paint and actually paint your "cake canvas."

If you try this out we would love to see what you come up with, feel free to share your creations with us!

  

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2015 was quite the roller coaster but I would expect nothing less from life. Thank you for all of the support and encouragement, it only adds more fuel to the creative fire, thank you. You have no idea how much it means!

Each piece that Eve and I created last year holds such meaning to both of us. Hidden stories, priceless conversations and a bonding experience like no other that has only brought us closer. I cannot wait to see what this year brings.

Wishing you and your families only the best for 2016, may you pursue your passions with fervor. You have been given unique talents and perspective to allow you to create what no one ever has or ever will. Your only competition should be yourself, don't let doubt or the fear of failure stop you before you even start.

Happy New Years!!

Love,
Ruth and Eve

A Collaboration with my Toddler

by Eve & Ruth Oosterman

Eve is obsessed, and I mean obsessed, with every single Octopus she sees. We make up stories on the daily and do so by incorporating the things we saw and did that day. Inevitably, Eve ends up being the heroine of the story and saves the day by making friends with the villain (by persuading them to change their ways.) Her latest and favorite story is that of the Sea Monster Octopus.

It all began one day when Princess Eve decided she no longer wanted to be a princess. I mean, why on earth would you want to be a princess when you could be a PIRATE!? So off she went to find her very own pirate ship and gathered a loyal and boisterous crew to join. Many adventures they had, whether the high seas or monsters, they overcame them all and soon Captain Eve's reputation was known and feared by all. 

One day though, on a day like no other, everything changed. As Captain Eve's eyes scanned the horizon she noticed the strangest of clouds with an odd, dark, stormy purple hue to them. The wind began to pick up as the clouds raced towards them and the calm sea began to ripple, and ripple, until sea foaming waves began gnawing at Eve's ship. Knowing something was amiss she called to her crew to stand their ground. All of a sudden, out from the crashing waves, came the longest tentacle she had ever seen. She watched as it ever so slowly climbed into the air, soon joined by several others. She peeled her eyes away from the tentacles and looked straight ahead and found herself staring directly into the eye of a giant sea monster. The famous and feared Octopus seemed to peer into her very soul and for once she had no idea what to do! 

Eve heard a deep, bellowing sound that shook them like an earthquake. A few minutes passed and all you could hear was the knees of Eve's entire crew knocking together. THERE! There it was again, that sound that shook the world!

Eve couldn't believe her ears and took a step forward," Excuse me, did you just say... Hello?"
"Yes" thundered the Octopus, "I did." 
"Oh. Hello Mr. Octopus." Eve replied, "Might I be so bold to ask what you want from us?"
"You are the very first person to ask me this," a surprised Octopus said, "thank you for taking the time to see past my intimidating appearance. Every other ship tries to run away from my hugs and get all tangled up in my tentacles, but you ... you actually listened to me!"
Eve could not believe her ears, Mr. Octopus didn't want to harm them, he was just lonely and wanted friends. "We shall be your friends, Mr. Octopus!" And so, after some convincing, her crew saw what Eve saw. They saw a gentle, giant Octopus who was just simply misunderstood, and by not judging him on his looks they all gained a fabulous friend.
Mr. Octopus, Eve and her crew spent the rest of the day enjoying each other's company, he even let them use his giant tentacles as water slides! From that day on, their Sea Monster friend joined them on many adventures and their friendship was one that legends are made of.

THE END


Eve and I created this story as we painted "Sea Monster," and has become one of her favorite stories. Collaborating through stories is so simple yet amazing, you just begin a story and pause at the end of every sentence to let them incorporate a new aspect. Between the two of you, you direct the story through many different pathways to create something completely unique. It reminds me so much of the story games you play in camp when you are little.

The painting began as most of our recent pieces do, with a simple pencil sketch. I always ask Eve what colors we should use and she pours them out of the tubes onto the palette. After a year of collaborating I have discovered the best way to keep her incorporation at the forefront without taking it over, which is sometimes very easy to do. It is difficult to balance what you put in to ensure it doesn't overpower your partner's work. What I have begun to do is wait for her to put color down, then I will take a wet paintbrush to dab some of the color and use that to paint with. This way I am not introducing any new or distracting colors, it is all Eve's color scheme. My favorite part of this piece was her dark purple clouds and large blue waves and for her I know she loves painting in all the little fish.

I do hope you enjoy this piece! This will most likely be our last collaboration for the year as the next two weeks will be a whirlwind of family, friends and holidays. We wish you a very Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and New Year. Thank you for following our journey thus far and hope you continue to do so in 2016!

Don't forget to watch the video timelapse!!


https://youtu.be/VI_OM_zQBsg