The Art of The Fool

Recently I was invited to participate in a group show celebrating the artwork and history of the Joker card. The curator's partner has an impressive collection of these playing cards and wanted a forum to display and share them; therefore, sharing a passion of his with the boutique's collection of artist was a natural development.

My entry, "Who is not a fool?", is approx. 8"x24" made with acrylic paint, collaged paper with a final resin coating on a wooden cradled panel. I approached the challenge of creating a painting based on someone else's interest the same I would a graphic design job. I researched, sketched out ideas, planned, referred to the "design brief" many times and then executed & refined my painting. In the end I felt I had successfully interpreted the brief. However, I was concerned that maybe I was being too literal to include numbers, card symbols, even the set up of 2 card-like forms. Perhaps I it is too organic. Maybe not enough (apparently self-doubt is abundantly thriving in my mind).

Eventually I made my peace with the painting telling myself it is a new expression of techniques I learned in the workshop I took with Jill Pilon. "If it sells," I told myself, "I will have paid for the course." Off I took it to the gallery/boutique, tartooful, to be hung. 

What enthusiasm I received! I am filled with appreciation from all who commented on it so favourably. Your support made the entire experience that much more satisfying for me. And happy time, my piece sold on Opening Night.

Painting & the Art of Balance

Have you ever tried to balance anything such as standing on one foot, or holding a cup full of tea on a saucer while walking quickly, or 2 dates in one evening...? Tough stuff, right? I find a challenge in balancing my time so I can paint.

O.K. so I don't have copywrites to that issue, but it's still a struggle. Local artist Robert Genn regularly address this complaint in his bi-weekly newsletter. His suggestions often include the direct approach such as prioritize. And he's right. For me I believe that prioritizing is a huge challenge. Because my livelihood is currently not dependent on my painting, it falls under the category of "hobby". And, between my family, work, and standard house-hold duties, personal time is limited.

So why I am bitchin' about this? Well basically because it's my blog and I can. Additionally because I am reflecting on what's real and what am I putting up as barricades & excuses.

Lately I have taken a different approach to investing in my "hobby". I have reviewed what other personal interests I have prioritized over painting such as going to bed slightly early in order to read. Of course there is a strong argument for the restorative experiencing of relaxing in bed, but there is an equally strong one for the restorative experience of creatively expressing. And I am choosing that path more often.

When I paint I feel a release of energy, of joy, of need escape my body. I feel proud of myself, excited by the results of my efforts and connected to my innate creativity and talents. I can go to sleep knowing I have nurtured my soul by honouring what it craves to share. My goal is to continue on this path which will ultimately result in a new show... I guess I better get back to it! Please send me your supportive thoughts to keep me on track!

i am enough.

A colleague of mine forwarded me a link to a truly inspirational speaker. Below is the intro as posted on TED as well as the link for you to listen to. I believe the world is healing as a result of the actions and sharing of people like Brene:

Brene Brown studies human connection -- our ability to empathize, belong, love. In a poignant, funny talk at TEDxHouston, she shares a deep insight from her research, one that sent her on a personal quest to know herself as well as to understand humanity. A talk to share. Brene Brown On Vulnerability.

Can I learn to create raw, uninhibited works?

No words are actually needed with this post, but I will write something anyway. Basquiat. His work is raw, energetic, inspired and uninhibited. I strive to express as he did. Maybe the more I practice not to care about the results, the rawness of my original intent will shine through. Time will tell.

In the meantime, I'll be attending a weekend workshop this weekend hosted by local Vancouver artist, Jill Pilon. Her work has a similar graffiti spontaneity to it. I'm looking forward to learning some new techniques!

I'll keep you posted on my progress!

Staus Quo & Not At All Status Quo

In spite of noting that my current art is "status quo" I feel it's evolving. I am continuing to explore the concept of creation via pregnancy; the concept of growing a human within our own body and as well as the fact that some couples cannot have a baby. Some choose to adopt, some in vitro and some simply hope & pray. It's all deep soul and heart-aching material that's beautiful but not pretty. In fact it's usually messy & often tumultuous. And it stirs me.

To support my interest not only do I have my fairly recent status as Mother to inspire me, but close relatives, friends & a family member of mine have also become proud parents after years of trying. I feel humbled by the ease at which they have adapted to their new roles & their new lives. The deep joy of having their heart's desire fulfilled makes most of the common new parent challenges seem like a walk in the park compared to the past pain of living month to month wondering if this time will be different.

Concurrently while I am emotionally and mentally examining all to do with creation, my mother-in-law is dying of pancreatic cancer. This is not at all status quo in our world. This approaching end of creation causes me to grieve for her death on a daily basis. I am seeing her get smaller and smaller. I still see light in her eyes and a smile on her lips but she is tired and in pain. I know she does not feel ready to die but she isn't scared. But we are all very, very sad.

I will be creating new works in her name in the coming months to honour, love and celebrate the life that is and has been Eileen Wilma (née Ruttberg) Nelson.

Please keep Eileen in your heart and prayers for a gentle journey back to God. Thank you.

"Moore" Art

Well 2011 is well underway & I'm only just surfacing to say hello. Hello! I thought I'd chat about a fav collage artist of mine, Tisha Moore. Tisha, who BTW I've never met but been a fan of for a good 10yrs, lives in neighbouring Seattle. She has evolved her art way beyond personal interest. She is integral to a number or annual retreats, such as Artfeast & Fiberfest. She holds workshops & is a guest speaker at many events. Additionally she's designed for Stampington.

Before I go further, check her out. How cool is all that?

What I love is Tisha's use of colour, her "jaunty" juxtapositioning of elements. I love how she seems to design with abandon. Always a strong focal point but energy & vibrance abound. And of course her ever present & obvious love of typography! She offers a great overview of her style on her journal pages. I'd like my bedroom to feel the way that looks!

After immersing myself in her Journal Pages for the past 15min., I have found myself in Tisha-inspired dreamland now & I am very happy. So many concepts, so many textures, so many colours...

Enjoy. Be inspired. Use a glue stick today.

Motherhood

OK so this blog is off topic. It's not about art. Well perhaps about the Art of Living or even the Art of Living Sanely. My daughter is 2 1/2 years old. Of course she's lovely & the most beautiful, talented, cutest etc. ever! However, did I mention she's 2 1/2 years old? What an age. Curious, expressive, busy, demanding, bossy, defiant. Yes I am digressing here. I'm exhausted.

Apparently from the age of about 2 until maybe 25 we know EVERYTHING. I vaguely remember my own mother complaining about my attitude. OK so I'm saying it, she was right. I was a royal pain. And now I get another 20+ years of payback.

Sorry my dear daughter that I'm complaining about you online. However, maybe the Art of Living Sanely is partially accomplished or reached through such expression -- an "installation" that expels stress through the act of typing out one's frustrations. Perhaps it could be interpreted as public journalling. Whatever. All I know is that I feel better already. Also her Dad is tucking her into bed right now so that helps too : )