Once in awhile....

Every so often, you fall into something so wonderful, so incredible that it makes your palms sweaty & your heart sing. This is one of those rare moments.

I was asked to create a painting on, what I consider, a fantastic relic of a find.

The piece below is a salvaged hatch from a ship that wrecked off the coast of Wilmington, NC. How long ago, this only adds to the mystery of this amazing piece of wood. And not only that, but where it was found is close to my heart. I knew I had something very special to work with, and really wanted to make it come alive, adding to it's beauty.

The wood had so much character and I knew I had to leave some of it exposed, as well as the beat up, but in tack hardware that adorned this hatch.

The first application of paint is the hardest for me. It means there is no turning back...and also screams, "What if I mess this thing up!!" But something came over me, a courage, and I painted with no hesitation or fear. For me, this was a tremendous breakthrough.

Since this was a salvaged piece off a ship, I felt it fitting to paint a sailboat. I love how this one seems to stand suspended, alone, leaving it to be the focal point.

The family's last name who I did this for started with a W, so after some research, I found out the meanings of nautical flags that ships would raise. I went to a boatyard and got a piece of canvas to create replicas of a few certain ones. The one of the left stands for the letter W, and the two others, when raised together, means "We are going on". I felt these combined together had meaning for this delightful & strong family.

I prayed about a name and the word Intrepid came to mind. Not knowing it's meaning, I looked it up and in part, it means "undaunted" and "fearless". This too, played into the whole theme of the piece. The essence of the word Intrepid, was something that was birthed in my being as I painted. This name was not only meant to be the title, but was also for me, as I conquered some fears with my art.

I was honored to be asked to paint something for this family, and also on this amazing piece of history. This is really where my heart is at...to take old, sometimes discarded pieces or found beauties, and add to their character.

This piece was one that gave me the most joy to work on thus far.

New Home for my Art

The Tuscan House is a quaint old house in my home town of Cornelius, NC, where you can find all kinds of wonderful, home decor treasures along with unique items to accent the outdoor areas of your home.

Recently, the owner asked if I would like to have my art on display and for sale at her shop. I very happily said yes, knowing my art would fit right in with her Tuscany style of home furnishings and, give me another place to sell some of my work.

The Tuscan House is located at 20722 N. Main Street in Cornelius, NC. You should definitely stop by when you're in the area and browse through this tastefully decorated shop, and who knows, maybe find that perfect gift for the holidays. Or better yet, purchase one of the pieces I have there! (no pressure though, not my style)

Out back, you'll find this cute little extra bungalow with more delicious finds!

If you would like more information, you can browse their website at

www.thetuscanhousecornelius.com

Looking Back....an Artsy Memoir

Creating a memoir with Textiles, Paper and Old Hardware

One day last week I wanted to do something different. I found this old framed piece of store bought art that I used as my technique/experiment board. It was kind of calling out to be transformed. At this point, I didn't have a clue as to what my goal was, but just wanted to experiment a bit. I thought it would be fun to put some different mediums on this one, like material, paper, some paint....then my mind started reeling and I rummaged through my box of goodies and found some old keys, hardware to an old Singer sewing machine and a sawed off end of this broken down crate I found on the side of the road one day. Now we're talking!! I thought, "Jen, let's put all this wonderfulness on this 'Masterpiece in the making'!!" (I like to speak things into existence) lol. So I got to work: cutting up an old dress of my daughters, measuring, painting a bit, gluing, but no waxing on this one, since I didn't want to dull the vibrancy of the beautiful colors. This piece forming it's theme, and as I worked on it, thoughts of my grandparents overwhelmed me. "Looking Back" had become a memoir of them. This is what it finally ended up to be, and I really love it!!

Here is a close-up of the "side of the road" wooden crate piece (bottom left of the photo) and one of the two keys. I left parts of the original "practice board" showing, like the pictures of the beach and tree scene. The tally marks are all part of the meaning of this piece. I wanted to pull out parts of my past...of my Grandpa Tord, who was a school teacher, and my Grandma Florence, who sewed and also created things as well.

Here's one more close up, showing the Singer hardware, which has numbers on each "hook part", tying in with the tally marks, and also the other side of the beach scene. I grew up with my grandparents on the Great South Bay on Long Island, so leaving these photos, embodies my upbringing. My Grandparents have been gone for many years now, so this piece is a touching reminder of the blessing they were, giving me love and a beautiful life, as a little girl.

This piece is called "Looking Back"

and is in memory of my Mor Far and Mor Mor

(Swedish for mother's father and mother's mother)

I quit.

One of my biggest frustrations in being an artist is having my work come out what I envision it to be, and the process of actually knowing how get my work the way I want it. This frustration almost made me throw in the towel these past few months. My husband Dean is always so encouraging and tells me to "just have fun and paint like no one is going to see it, let alone try and sell it." Well, nice, but way easier said than done. I see wonderful works of art and know what kind of artist I want to be, but for my work to actually come out like I see it in my head...well, this is where I almost wanted to quit with this piece.

This painting, "Sweet Freedom" is the result of all that mess. It certainly didn't start out and end the way you see it now. Oh my...it was a pretty mess for sure. I painted on it some, put it away. Tried some other things, hated it, then put it away backwards as to not see that ugly, so called "art". But, I really didn't want this to get the best of me. So after months of this never ending game, this is it, finished. I call it "Sweet Freedom" for it's significance in personal areas of my life, and also for the freedom that it brought me as an artist. I learned to just do something, anything. Who cared if anyone was going to see it. I painted and didn't think, I just did. I was let out of a cage that had bound me, in my being, and in being an artist. I wanted to soar...I wanted my brushes, rollers, thrown on wax, spray paint cans and even raw materials, to show the freedom I was beginning to attain in my heart. I believe this piece does just that.

So, here's the story, via some embarrassing pictures, how it all began. After making my 24x24 frame, I put down a lot of bright colors, trying to get away from my earthy tones I always rely in. I kind of liked the all the different colors, but in no ways was I happy with this.

So from that state, I covered it up with more paint, HA! going back to those dull colors (but ones I love) leaving a few areas taped off to let some of that previous color show through. Then I sanded the heck out of it.

Now I throw on some bees wax, scrap a lot, cry, put on some more paint. Oh MAN!!! Well, this was turning into a compete disaster, and where I wanted to get out the gasoline and torch the thing. I couldn't even call it art at this point. Just lead me to the fire pit out back.

OK, so now I'm at the point of seriously doubting myself, my talents, and 'what the heck am I doing?!?' kept resounding in my hears. I'm even embarrassed to post these pictures. But, it's a reminder to myself that with persistence, turning a deaf ear to those lying voice that were constantly yelling in my head, and wanting so badly to have 'some beauty come out of ashes', I tried what my husband kept telling me, "Just have fun".

Ahhhh....I love the way "Sweet Freedom" came out, and certainly glad I didn't quit. I hope you like it too and can relate it to some crazy moments in your life that have brought you freedom when you wanted to just give up. So....Enjoy!! (and if you do enjoy it a whole lot, it is for sale!! It's a 24x24 on a handmade, wood-raised panel (which I made with my own two hands and a lot of sweat, and is $250)

In trying to get out of the box, and

just do what I want to do, this is a

close-up of some burlap and wire I

added to the bottom of the piece. I

really am glad I did. Just different,

and just because I can!

Listen, DO...and have your mind blown away!!

I love how God takes delight in me and loved me so much that he took the time to hand make me and put within me certain desires. He made me who I am, and those desires?? Well, they are there for His glory. This gives me peace and is, well, dang exciting! But, I also know that "I am not my own". I have to remember that goes for every area of my life, even art. Let me explain.

I know that God gave me the gift of being able to express myself, and His heart, through art. But, with that gift, I have the choice to be selfish with it and build up my own little world, or be part of a bigger picture. I pray that I always choose that latter, for with it comes so much satisfaction, far greater that I could ever attain, if I listen to that still small voice, and then do.

One perfect example is with a piece I did awhile ago called "Chopin". When I was creating this one, I had visions of it hanging in this certain little violin shop. But, I packaged that vision up, and tucked it away neatly, telling no one. Well, after I completed Chopin, I felt so sure that it would sell quickly. I had it hanging in the gallery where I worked and, it was also for sale, two different times, with 100% of the proceeds going to worthy organizations. Although people admired it, it didn't move. I was brought back to the vision I had while working on it.

Well, this is where it gets interesting. While I had it displayed and for sale at our church, this friend approached me...YES, the owner of this wonderful violin shop. He brought me over to my table and said how he liked this one piece, then extended his arm towards, none other than, Chopin. He said something to the effect of, "I would love this hanging in my shop". This was the violin shop in my vision...this was where it was supposed to be all along! I was blown away!!

Today, Chopin adorns this awesome music shop's walls. It's still for sale, but until it reaches it's final destination, it hangs where it was meant to be, and hopefully makes people smile.

God is faithful. He even cares about paint and brushes. But so much more than that, He is inviting us to join Him in this awesome journey through life. It's exciting... and He's asking you, "Won't you come along??" And between you and me, there is nothing better!!

My Sea Decree

When I am by the sea, something arises in me that was birthed and embedded in my being from the very beginning of my life. I grew up on the water, the Great South Bay being my front yard. Seeing the morning sun shimmer like diamonds on gentle waves, smelling the salty air, fishing off my jetty and catching buckets full of blue crabs, this was my life. Maybe it's also a part of me, not only for those facts, but because that is where my family was; my foundation, my safety and protection from the stormy waves of life. I had 'little girl joy' during those years spent by the sea. I was carefree. I was loved. I was home. My deep desire, love, and longing for the sea is still so strong at times, it almost hurts. It is powerful, and my art seems to draw that passion for the sea out of me. I hope each piece I create lets you also experience, in some small way, what is in my heart.

This piece is called Sea Decree III. I am in love with the how the creator of these words so beautifully captures the calming effect the sea has on the soul. It spoke volumes to me, so much in fact, that I have incorporated this writing in various pieces.

"When anxious, uneasy and bad thoughts come, I go to the sea, and the sea drowns them out with its great wide sounds, cleanses me with its noise, and imposes a rhythm upon everything in me that is bewildered and confused." R.M. Rilke

Sea Decree III

Bees wax, latex, paper and pencil

on a very cool old, wooden box

15x20x3

Not sure I want to sell this one yet.

Taking it to the Streets

Every 1st and 3rd Friday nights, in the artsy district of Charlotte, NC known as NoDa, you'll find a gathering of folk ready for a good meal, hitting up the delicious coffee shop, out to hear their favorite band, and those who have come out to browse the many local artist's tables which are set up along the street. My daughter-in-law Sarah, my son Chris (who helped carry, set up and made us laugh most of the night!!), and I decided to take our works of art and participate!!

We had so much fun, one just being together, but also meeting such an array of wonderful people who would stop to say hi and see what we were selling. The night was chilly, but our spirits were high as we got such a wonderful response of love for our art. Sarah is the co-owner of Solomon's Song, where she makes 'soft jewelry'. They really touch people's hearts with not only their beauty, but with the individual messages attached to each one. I brought a variety of different things; my paintings, vintage button bracelets, and a few other diddies that I came up with. We both sold some, not a lot like we hoped, but the time we spent together was a blast, and the people we met made it all worth it (not to mention the most absolutely, delicious fish and shrimp tacos we had from Cabo Fish Taco!!)

One reason I do art is to shine light in a dark world,

and to share 'love' in a unique way.

We did get to share that love in NoDa...and hope to on many other Friday nights to come!!

Here's a few new pieces I did which I brought along with me.

I hope you like them!!

"Spring is in the Air"

16x13 on a handmade Poplar wood panel frame

$75

I really wanted to do another watercolor of birds, and loved the way one other one I did came out. It is very similar, but on this one, I painted some cute little, different birds. I can't seem to get away from birds...my little feather friends!!

This group of paintings are done with beautiful vintage greeting card prints of birds which my mom gave me, that I wanted to put on some nice wood. I chose a piece of Poplar and had it cut into 3 8x8 pieces for this set. I also can't seem to get away from using my old Underwood typewriter, so the verses on each one are done with that. I chose Pslam 23, 91 and 136,

which are dear to my heart.

Here is an up close picture of one of the 8x8 vintage bird pictures. I really wanted the wood grain to show through, so I took the minimal approach on these. Simple, yet full of hope with the scriptures...and just a splash of color.

They are $25 each and ready for hanging.

Just Create

Since stepping out and doing what I felt I was called to do, in leaving the gallery, which was the only place I actually had my art, I panicked. It's not that I sold tremendous amounts of work there, but it was the only avenue I had to actually do that at this time. I was on my own, and I panicked. Where was I to sell my work, where do I go, should I utilize the internet??? All these questions resounded in my head and it was unsettling. I knew I did what I felt like God wanted me to do, and that was to listen for Him, to place my art where He told me, to do with it what He wanted, for the kingdom's sake. Soooo, that was it! Just listen, not to the nagging questions in my head, but to Him. Stop trying to figure it all out. Just create. That was what He told me "Just Create". It was a new time, a new season, one to just paint, listen and if a door opens, then fine, walk through it, but my job was just to do what I really enjoyed.

This new season is like spring for me. It is a time of the newness, a time of the Spring Song. So out of that came this mixed media painting.

I did a watercolor of two cute little birds on a branch a while back, now just waiting to be displayed somehow, not just remain sitting in the pile I was collecting. Birds are so wonderful to me, and so is scripture, flowers and music. This painting ended up with all of those, kind of a collage of my favorite things. One of my most loved verses is in Song of Solomon, where it talks about winter being over...spring coming...and the birds singing a new song. Well, how appropriate for this piece, and this new season in my life. Thus it's name, "Spring Song".

I hope you like it. I hope it sings newness over you, as I am letting the Lord do that for me right now. It is a new season, one filled with fresh life, and hope.

Blessings on this beautiful, bright and sunny day,

Jenny

I love my vintage Underwood typewriter and show off it's amazing skills on a lot of my work. Here is an up close shot of the verse and the cute little guy who sits so happily under it.

Seasons of Change

In some ways, I love change. In others, with things that my heart gets strongly attached to, it's hard. Very recently, I had to make a decision that was hard, heart-wrenching and scary, yet filled with peace and a bit of excitement.

I have had my work in a gallery for almost a year now, my first 'Art Home'. I absolutely loved it there, love the people, and working at it was a joy every Friday afternoon. But the Lord started to draw me in a direction that didn't flow with what I could do with my art while being bound to this, or any gallery. The seeds of change were starting to take root, and I knew I had to follow what my heat, and God were saying.

From the very beginning of God birthing this gift of being an artist, I've known that one of it's main purposes was to be for His glory, and in that, help those going out into the world to share about His love. I didn't loose sight of that, I don't think, but the focus of that purpose got buried a bit. It wasn't that I wasn't willing to give when He told me to, it was that I was restrained from being able to do with my art what I felt He wanted me to do with it. That was frustrating, but I just went along with it, loving the place I was at. Well, even when you love something, sometimes you're called to give it up, to do what God has called you to. For me, it was that I had to leave a place that I loved, to be able to fully do with my art what I feel is in my heart. That change was hard, but peaceful.

So, for now I will create, with my ears open, and the BORDERS gone for my work to do what it was intended to do.

I feel free and liberated.

In my next post, I will tell you about one of the painting I did and the story behind where it's currently making it's home.

Art Together!

One of the biggest blessings for me, is to be able to help others in some form or another.
Being able to do this with my art, is the best!! I am amazed
at the opportunities God gives me to donate my art so others
can go out and share His love with the world.

Recently, my daughter Lizz and I combined our creative talent
giftings, her awesome photography and my paintings and jewelry,
and had a benefit sale at our church to for two Sundays
in a row. All the proceeds went to help with her expenses on her
journey with YWAM. She is going to be trained as a team leader,
then actually lead a team in one of the programs called "Call to
All", then for three months, go with that team on an outreach mission
to some overseas country.

For her, it is her calling at this juncture in her life, and for me, to be able to use my talents to help her get there,
well, there's not much else more satisfying.

Our church, RiverLife Fellowship, was so generous and bought most of our art!! I am amazed to see how when
you step out and go with what the Lord leads you in, His faithfulness is overwhelming!!

Lizz leaves in one week. I will be so excited to see what amazing things happen for her in the next few months...

but am going to miss that girl so very much.

Jen

Adventures=Treasures!!

One of the most wonderful things is stumbling upon an awesome find. My son Chris and I went out today and found this road we've never traveled on hidden back in the woods, so we did some exploring. We ended up at this cool old barn where we thought we would give ourselves a self-guided tour. Oh the wonders we found!!!

There were old bottles galore and with no "No Trespassing" signs anywhere insight, we thought the mice wouldn't mind if we took a few home. Some were old 1 gallon jugs.
Here I found a very old "Par T Pak" wooden crate with most of the bottles still in it.
Here's such a cool shot of the wooden crate and bottles, adorned my by the weather beaten barn. Simply picture perfect!!

I absolutely love adventures and what they surprisingly bring!!

I can't believe I have a blog spot. I've finally joined a large portion of the world, and am going to let it be known, what I've been up to! This, is kind of scary. But here I go!!

I am an artist. That, when it comes out of my mouth, sounds so wonderful. I have always loved art and doodled on most everything that came to rest in front of me. But not until this past year, I became what is know as "The Working Artist".

I am a Christian. My love for the Lord, and the wondrous words that He shares with me, hold a high place in my heart. When he tells me..."Your art will change the world"...I first laugh, then when it starts to unfold doing just that, I BELIEVE IT!! This is where the name "bordersBEgoneART" came from. I truly believe that my gift was given to me, to help people go out into the world and share the love of Jesus. He has given me countless opportunities to create a work of art, and the proceeds given for that very purpose. I consider it a joy and an honor.

As I continue this blog spot, I will hopefully be sharing all what that looks like. I'll be getting picture posted of my art and the things I've been drawn to create. It all is very unique and reflects my love for the things on this earth, and who I am...but that's another blog all in itself.

I pray you will be blessed...as I am, to be able to do something that I love, and help others along the way.

Jenny