Jen Jovan Art Musings and Random Thoughts

Time for an Updo

9/20/2018

"Time for an Updo" - mixed media on paper 19" x 15". Available here and at ArtFinder.

"Where in the world has her mind gone?" you may be wondering...as I continue to explore oddities and quirks as they appear in the paint. This piece is still whispering secrets to me - the first of which is: I need a hairdo bird to fix my hair, since reaching over my head is a no-no. Where can I get one of those?

Another paint-over, this piece has a gazillion layers of paint underneath. Which allows me to leave some under layers peeking through, and to scratch through the top layers and uncover what is below. The timing of the scratching is important...while the paint is still a bit damp, but not super wet.

Maybe it's the same way with humans...easier to excavate what's underneath our thoughts and feelings when they

are still pretty new but not brand new otherwise it's just a mushy mess. And if you wait until feelings are dried hard and set in place, it is kind of difficult to get any movement in them. They stubbornly hold fast where they are.

I lost a friend this week. She was young (44) and absolutely stunning - inside and out. A gentle spirit, a creative powerhouse and also deeply wounded and suffering. She took her own life. I am crying a lot over every little thing. So now is not the time to excavate my feelings on this. But in a day, or a week, or next month I'll be able to make words around this topic without dissolving into a puddle.

In the meanwhile, let's all give the person near us a big ol' hug, and give yourself a hug from me. :)

8 Comments

Carl Stoveland

9/20/2018 08:21:42 am

As always eloquent Jen. I love the idea of scraping paint to dealing with emotions. I’m beyond sorry about the loss of your friend. I did not know her but it sounds like she was an amazing person. You’ll find your words when the time is right.

jen

9/20/2018 08:31:45 am

Thank you, Carl...the words will come. In the meantime, there is so much paint to scrape! :)

THAMER AZULE-WRIGHT

9/20/2018 08:42:41 am

Your wisdom is so beautiful; you see the lesson in everything and it brings me so much joy to read your stories!!! Hope one day you compile them into one book with each painting...I'd want the first one! Thank you, Jen, for all that you give us with words and with color and shapes!

9/20/2018 08:46:10 am

Thamer!!! Thank you! Goodness, it makes my day to hear how much you enjoy my little blog. :) A book, a book. I will put it on my wish list! xo

Dotty Seiter link

9/20/2018 10:01:08 am

1. oh, Jen. The loss.

2. The timing of the scratching IS important.

3. You've heard about my parakeet before. Kapiti didn't do my hair but he did perch on my shoulder when I read aloud to my kids, from which place he nibbled my earrings. Sweet sweet memory.

4. oh, Jen. The loss.

9/20/2018 12:40:17 pm

Dotty...still processing the loss. Scratching into paint is like baking...every minute matters! Kapiti is pretty close to being a hairdo bird! Ok, at least an accessorizing bird? xoxo

Carol Edan link

9/20/2018 10:45:24 am

I feel your loss! Sadly I have had the suicide experience much to close to home! Love your pin-up girl. Wish I could help with a hair-do bird, alas maybe hubby will have to learn hairdressing!

9/20/2018 12:38:57 pm

Oh Carol...I am so sorry to hear that. I cannot imagine. Big hugs to you.

And thank you! Don't we all need a hairdo bird????

Time for an Updo

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