My Sonhos Melancolia/Melancholy Dreams exhibition scheduled to be on display in Great Falls, MT in July has been mailed off into the world today. I have this amazing sense of relief and trepidation. I am very happy and excited my work to be on its way back to my home state. However, until I know it has arrived safely, I can’t help but also feel very nervous.
Packing up my art, and completely taking over the living room.
Filed under 365 good days
When natural disasters or other monumental tragedies occur it is difficult for me to post about something good in my life. Although, I suppose, in the grand scheme of the world, horrible atrocities are happening every day–famine, child-soldiers, disease, war, human trafficking, bombings, etc. As dark and disheartening as this world can be, all I can really do is take another moment to be grateful for the love, safety and happiness I have in my life–and do my best not to take it for granted.
A couple of my loves sleeping together on the sofa.
Filed under 365 good days
This client had an opportunity most people don’t. Since she helped me to organize my art studio over the course of 5 hours, she was able to find and set aside bits of text, images, and ephemera that she wanted included in her custom work of art. She is a fascinating woman with a delightful sense of humor, and while I felt I knew enough about her to create the piece (especially with her helping to pick out the visual elements), I still felt a little nervous about the work. I am pleased with how the piece developed and the manner in which all the all her chosen elements were included into the canvas collage. I suppose the work, much like my client herself, is a bit enigmatic, some concepts seem obvious yet hold underlying tones of contradiction to those preconceived expectations. Other aesthetics are far more subtle, however, they still have looming significance.
To be honest, I wasn’t entirely sure if my client was going to be pleased with this work or not. I do understand that I can’t please everyone, and my confidence in the reaction from the intended recipient of the work does vary from one piece to another. However, I was delighted when she was more than content with her finished work.
In-progress, image 1
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Lightness & Peace, 12in x 24in mixed media collage on canvas, 2013
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Filed under comission, image progression, mixed media
I needed to wear my sunglasses when I drove to work at 7:45 a.m. That makes me happy. I feel like summer (or maybe a very delayed spring?) is finally here. I am very grateful for sunshine. Sunlight seems to make every aspect of my life better. I can’t really explain it.
Filed under 365 good days
I love Sundays. They are always my day off work when I feel I am able to catch up on life. I have been feeling the nagging pull of a looming anxiety attack. A day off helps my mind to relax, and allows me to get enough work accomplished at home to feel like I am not figuratively drowning in life.
Filed under 365 good days
This evening a couple of friends of mine, joined me in a small excursion to the city of Angra. I had been invited to events at the local art co-op before, but sadly, I had never been able to attend. This had been the first evening my husband or I hadn’t already had something planned. (Terceira is a very relaxed slow-paced island, yet we always seem to be doing something.) I wasn’t sure what to expect at the art co-op. Back in the states, I have been to First Friday local art and music creative events in my college town, etc. I am always nervous when I don’t know what to expect from new social settings. However–it was amazing. People were very welcoming and friendly. It strangely felt as if I were at home, in a way. It warmed my heart to be around other unique arty-human.
Filed under 365 good days
I was very excited to create this commissioned work. It was a Mother’s Day gift commissioned by a friend of mine as a gift for his wife from their two young sons. His wife is also a friend and co-worker of mine. She is a very sweet human who has always been tremendously kind and supportive of my work.
My client provided the basic size he wanted and a few rough guidelines as well as several photos of their children. From there, he told me to do what I do best. I tried to include meaningful visual elements, including her son’s initials, rustic farmlands, sunflowers and daisies. Both were exceedingly happy with the work, and I was delighted to have had the opportunity to create a work of art specifically for such a kind human.
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With Love, from David and Luke, mixed media collage on canvas, 24in x 12in, 2013
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Filed under art, comission, image progression, mixed media
