my quiet rage…

I don't know what to do with my rage. The reality of our country is sinking in. I had been in a state of shock for weeks after the election.  I was in denial for months--I was in denial until the inauguration.  Normally, I can use art to express the everything that builds up in...

2016 visual journal: adventures in change

Like other intuitive works, this journal's imagery originated more from my creative subconscious than any intentional concept development.  As I have gotten older, I’ve made an effort to be more present and aware of my instincts and intuition. Interestingly, I can now look back at works I created over the past few years, and see...

less giant beheaded blue man group…

Last September, in 2015, I painted a public sculpture in the city of Grand Forks, ND.  The city had purchased several large concrete head-planters, placed throughout their downtown.  Originally they were painted bright blue, which was a bad idea.  Luckily, they were open to local artists painting them to make them a little more unique...

within seven weeks: week no. 25

As I mentioned in my pervious post, Ten Years & Ten Images, I didn't attend my ten year high school reunion.  It wasn't that I didn't want to go, it was simply that living in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, made travel back to the US more than once a year difficult and expensive....

within seven days: week no. 24

This week I took part in the Grand Cities Art Fest 2015 (my first art festival ever).  This is a regional juried two-day outdoors art festival that (conveniently for me) takes place in Grand Forks and East Grand Forks.  I was accepted several months ago, and taking part costs a couple hundred dollars.  I was...

within seven weeks: week no. 23

When moving to a new city, it is always difficult to make new friends.  With my social anxiety, I have a tendency to very-much-genuinely want to spend time with new people when they invite me.  However, by the time that day comes around, I get super nervous--what will we talk about?  Am I dressed okay?...

within seven days: week no. 22

I asked for a raise.  It was terrifying.  I didn't get it.  I ended up feeling rather embarrassed that I had asked.  However, in reality, I'm glad I did.  It was far out of my comfort zone; I did it anyway.  I learned the worst thing that will happen is--I won't get a raise.  I can...

within seven days: week no. 21

I renewed my gym membership, because I super love zumba.  A workout where I get to dance like a weirdo and get in shape?!  That is perfect.  Granted, the intention of zumba, is not to intentionally dance like weirdo, I just have no rhythm and coordination--and love to dance anyway, so weirdo-dancing-ness is inevitable for...

within seven days: week no. 13

This week, I scheduled and received a gel manicure all by myself.  I received my very first manicure ever at about age 24.  I have only had about two or three in my life, and I have never gone alone, or made the appointments.   Getting a manicure shouldn't fill me with anxiety, but it...