Joy

Joy (Erik and Candis)

"Joy" (Erik and Candis) - mixed media on cradled wood panel, 12" x 6" x 1.75".  NFS.

​To feel a full and untrammeled joy is to have become fully generous; to allow ourselves to be joyful is to have walked through the doorway of fear, the dropping away of the anxious worried self... a giving away, overheard in the laughter of friendship, the vulnerability of happiness felt suddenly as a strength, a solace and a source, the claiming our our place in the living conversation, the sheer privilege of being in the presence of a mountain, a sky or a well-loved familiar face - I was here and you were here and together we made a world.  - DAVID WHYTE, Consolations: The Solace, Nourishment and Underlying Meaning of Everyday Words

This week in the studio, we were inspired by the story of Erik and Candis, the second winners of our Valentine's Day Love Story Contest. Awwwww.  And Candis just happens to be one of the MOST COLORFUL and HAPPIEST artists we know.  I'm a huge fan of her work (check her out on etsy here) and also of the good mojo she spreads in the world through her social media presence.  

The story of this couple is a real heart-warmer...including grade school and stickers and a forever love and friendship.  Awwww.

Here is an excerpt in Candis' own words:

I have a love story that brings me joy too. I met my husband when he was the new kid in school when we were in 4th grade. I told all my friends that I would marry him someday. I gave him all my best stickers that year we'd walk home from school together, mostly not talking. We grew up a little and a few years later began officially dating. We've been together since our junior year of high school and 13 years after I told my friends I would, I married him. We have now been married 23 years.  It is a love that was meant to be and keeps getting better every year.

​I wonder if they still have any of those stickers?

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About the art:  

This is the second collaboration of Jovan and Smith!  Beginning with black and gold gesso on wood panel, heavily textured and carved with hearts.  Posca paint pen rough sketch over top, finished with acrylic paint and acrylic paint mixed with gesso.   Gelli plate printed papers  collaged with matte medium for the clothing.  Stamps used with paint to create the "stickers".  Liberally sprinkled with smiles. :)