The Old, the New, and the Old wins.

It seems that I typically write a blog entry after I've given a person my business card and sheepishly say, "It's way outdated".  I let that be a good motivator to update, and hope I get that new entry written before they actually look me up!  lol

So today, to set the stage, I grab NOT the yummy cheesecake that's sitting in the frig, which is loudly calling my name, but know summer and the beach are fast approaching. A dotted banana wins.  And so I write. 

Spring is in the air!  I just love the new life that is emerging from the earth and the sound of the birds with their songs of joy that winter is almost over.  And the warm air!  Gosh layering clothes is all cutesy (and a bit more flattering), but give me those warm days to put my Birkenstock want-to-be's and a t-shirt on! And...that warmth is a gift to me to be able to spend a little more time in my studio without having to thaw it out each time I feel like creating.  Using half of the gargage is nice for getting messy, but who has central heat out there?!?    

Photo: True dedication even when I can see my breath & my hands hurt from the cold.            (I since then have a heater)  Working on Joy Comes in the Morning.  

Before I get into what I've been up to lately, I wanted to share a few of the photos that I got back from my photographer (my wonderful son and daughter-in-law) from the solo art gig at Old Town Public House.  It was such a special time, one memory that frequently, still plays out in my mind.  

Below:  Sitting in front of "I Found My Way Back Home" I & II  30x40 

             And the second photo, being serious, like I own the place and think I am famous.    

I love this photo.  It shows me, standing in front of a crowd, talking about my art.  For those that know me, those things in and by themselves, were a true miracle!  

And....what a fun night this was! 

I'm so grateful for the opportunity to display my art there for 3 whole months 

and to also have so many people come out and support me. 

When I did this show, I created a body of work (14 pieces!!) where I soley used paint.  I wanted to try and simplify my work and to just let the paint speak for itself, without relying on textiles, wax, and so on.  Trying this was a challenge, since for me, it's so much easier to build a work of art around a certain obvious and tangible theme.  Putting a pictue of, say a boat, or a page from a book, and letting that be what anchors the piece and causes it to take on life from that certain thing, I feel is so much less challenging and less stressful.  So to paint with only paint, for me, was much more stretching.

Well, my big night was over,  I took a break from painting, the show came to a close and I brought all my art home.  A break though doesn't last long as the hard pull to get 

back in my art studio is ever present. 

That mixed media love is starting to 

emerge again!

With most of my work, I ususally have about 3 paintings on one board.  I paint something, hate it, cover it up with something else...and so on. Those are the ones that end up as some of the best due to all the cool layers and little bits of awesome color that peak through.  This one is no exception and ended up as something I really like! 

"Joy Comes in the Morning"

24x24 on wood 

Close up of the book page with 

a great little message on it.  Light. 

The urge has been strong for me to get back to what I really love to do, create again with different mediums.  I went rummaging through all the stuff I can't help but collect like papers, pages, photos.  Then, I got out my wax pot.  Gosh, just the smell alone of that delicous wax was makes me so very happy! I just love the feel of that warm wax as I brush it over the board and the way it causes unique textures and fun little surprises. 

"Rest Easy"

24x30 Mixed Media

  

On this piece, I felt to write 

"Come...And I will give you rest". 

A cool little piece of a page with a message that ultimately holds the key to peace... 

real, lasting and true peace, and that friends, is Jesus.

Another FUN Happening!!

My dear friend suggested that we each put a piece in the Home Grown event at The Cornelius Arts Center.  I love this place and so I quickly agreed.  Below is opening night.  I entered one of my Mina Blommor pieces.  This night was so special as our little group was all together, something that is hard to do these busy days. 

In my next blog entry, I'll be writing about The Breath and The Clay gathering that my friend and I are attending next weekend. I'm so, SO excited!!

Thanks for taking the time to read where I'm at in my creative journey.

Be blessed!!  Jen