Mar. 14, 2010

Well, now it's really been awhile since I've written - so sorry about that. Things have been very busy - good - but busy. I'm very excited because I'll be exhibiting in the Enso Gallery (above Space Gallery on Santa Fe) beginning in April. So if you're in Denver, check it out!!!

I'm working on a new series of works without the object and it's been interesting how much I came to depend on the object. With it, I had a given focal point and now, without it, I must create that for myself. It seems very obvious but considering I've been using the object for so long, I had forgotten it. Funny how that works sometimes. The things that are right in front of you are hard to see at times.... Hmmmmm.....

It's been a fun journey though, because I'm relearning painting and drawing. I'm encorporating both within the work (still encaustic) and it's been a blast. I did have one jarring happening in the studio.... I wasn't able to get into work for about 3 weeks and found that my rhythm was so interrupted that it was hard to create. It took me awhile to find my rhythm again which got me thinking on how much I depend on my studio practice to keep me in rhythm. In fact, it keeps me whole - I really must create - I truly depend on it. What I did learn was that even though I was out of practice (it's funny how 3 weeks gets you out of practice) I had to rely on my intuition and memory to create. I had to trust myself which at first I doubted. Isn't it weird that it can happen even after 30 years of creating???

That's the exciting part of creating especially if you're pushing yourself, pushing your boundries, and pushing your artistic limits. I try to challenge myself to keep the work fresh and not contrived. The last thing I want to do is rely on a formula. I do try and work in a series in order to keep pushing the possibilities but as soon as it becomes routine, I'll change things around to keep it from being mundane. It's important for me to explore all of the possibilities in order to truly know what's available to me as an artist. But when I'm exploring new territory, new opportunities, it really becomes a faith walk - a walk that I must take in order to learn new things and see new possibilities. It is also a walk that allows me to rely on my reservoir of knowledge - one that has been filled with years of experience and one that has sustained me during times of questioning and doubt. It is also a reservoir in which G-d has poured His abundant grace and mercy that enables me to create! For that, I am eternally grateful!

So that's what's been happening lately... good things so far! I can't complain. So until next time, take care, God bless, and enjoy!