S M Gibbons

Sunday, March 14, 2010

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!

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Nov. 29, 2009

Well, Thanksgiving is behind us and the Christmas season is fast approaching. I've been thinking about community and fellowship and how important it is to connect. Since I've been so busy over the last 3 years with grad school, I've not connected with people as much as I would have liked. Now that grad school is over, I've been playing catch up with family and friends. It feels good to connect.
I've also realized how much the connections energize me and gives me joy. I totally enjoy my house filled with people - especially the friends of my kids. They're so much fun and I completely enjoy hearing the laughter - even if it's into the wee hours of the morning! It means that the house is alive and we're alive - able to enjoy and experience the good things of life. Again, it's good to connect.
I also realize that these connections helps me with the creation of my artwork. It fills my reservoir so that when I need to tap into it - there is something there to give to me. The time spent being quiet (as I wrote about in the last blog) and the time spent in fellowship/connection with others gives a wonderful balance in the grounding of my being. It's good to experience people; it's good to connect!
So as this busy season comes upon us - enjoy the time and enjoy the connections. The blessings are enormous! Until next time, take care, enjoy, and God bless!!!