- Published on
Your inside person doesn’t age. Your inside person is soul, is heart, in the eternal now, the ageless, the old, the young, all the ages you’ve ever been.
- Anne Lamott
Let's take a break from space this week and plant ourselves in the studio, where a large figure has begun. Beginning with charcoal dipped in water on canvas. We shall see where she goes from here.
This is the week I turn 59, which makes everything (in my head, at least) about me. No, not in a "where's my cake? where is the party?" kind of way, but everything is being filtered through the lens of turning this age - what does it mean? Who am I now? Where the heck am I heading?
Excessive introspection is the curse (or super power) of the introvert.
So when I came across the Lamott quote, a question was answered. Who am I now? I am all the ages (and all the things) I have ever been.
- Anne Lamott
Let's take a break from space this week and plant ourselves in the studio, where a large figure has begun. Beginning with charcoal dipped in water on canvas. We shall see where she goes from here.
This is the week I turn 59, which makes everything (in my head, at least) about me. No, not in a "where's my cake? where is the party?" kind of way, but everything is being filtered through the lens of turning this age - what does it mean? Who am I now? Where the heck am I heading?
Excessive introspection is the curse (or super power) of the introvert.
So when I came across the Lamott quote, a question was answered. Who am I now? I am all the ages (and all the things) I have ever been.
Work in Process
My inside person (I love Lamott's phrasing there) is, indeed, soul and heart. And I do think she grows larger - takes up more space- in my being with each passing year. My outside person seems to shrink; skin, hair, bones....even my coloring washes out as I age. But this just leaves more room for my inside person. I imagine someday, when the outside can no longer contain the inside, there will be a shift in my existence. But for now (the eternal now) I am just tickled as heck to be here with you, dear reader.
Now, where is that cake? :)
Now, where is that cake? :)
- Published on
"If I Were A Space Cat" - mixed media on cradled wood panel, 12" diameter. Ready to hang. Available August 11 - 12 at Fusion Gallery.
If I were a space cat
Sleeping all the day and yowling half the night
All the treats would be mine to eat
If I were a cat in space.
I wouldn't have to primp much.
Meowy yowy yowling rowly yowly yow
If I were a little bitty space
itty bitty tiny little cat.
- sung to the tune of "If I Were a Rich Man"
Sleeping all the day and yowling half the night
All the treats would be mine to eat
If I were a cat in space.
I wouldn't have to primp much.
Meowy yowy yowling rowly yowly yow
If I were a little bitty space
itty bitty tiny little cat.
- sung to the tune of "If I Were a Rich Man"
Goodness gracious. What is HAPPENING around here? Even the animals have ventured out to space. Well, it's what happens when no one is supervising and I have a new studio to explore. Wonder Mike is all for it, as long as HE doesn't have to wear a helmet.
If I Were a Space Cat
Here's a smidgeon of demo and a look at some of the other spacey pieces at various stages in the process. (sound ON! It's a cute kitty ditty)
About the art: After drawing with a colored pencil, acrylic painted on wood panel, liberally spritzed and squeegeed and rubbed and splattered. Once all the layers are thoroughly (REALLY AND TRULY) dry, ink added with a Rotring Tikky graphic artist pen.
- Published on
"When in Doubt, Wear Red" - mixed media on cradled wood panel, 12 x 16 Ready to hang. Available August 11-12 at Fusion Gallery.
WHEN IN DOUBT, WEAR RED
- Bill Blass
You, dear reader, who so graciously accepted my prediction that space helmets would be all the rage this fall, might also have been wondering if RED is the color to wear in space.
I say YES!
As an artist, I have a love/hate relationship with a lot of colors. Red is one of them. It screams of power and passion and also blood and fire. There is a lot of emotion in red.
I am drawn to red paintings, red dresses, red walls. And apparently red houses. Yet on my body, red is something I shy away from. Take a look inside my closet and you'll see black and gray and white and maybe blue. Neutral and nothing else. Red feels overwhelming.
- Bill Blass
You, dear reader, who so graciously accepted my prediction that space helmets would be all the rage this fall, might also have been wondering if RED is the color to wear in space.
I say YES!
As an artist, I have a love/hate relationship with a lot of colors. Red is one of them. It screams of power and passion and also blood and fire. There is a lot of emotion in red.
I am drawn to red paintings, red dresses, red walls. And apparently red houses. Yet on my body, red is something I shy away from. Take a look inside my closet and you'll see black and gray and white and maybe blue. Neutral and nothing else. Red feels overwhelming.
When In Doubt, Wear Red
For this painting, a pen and ink mounted on board and then painted, red was the only choice for her shoes. Isn't she, in her way, Dorothy? In another land, dressed in her finery, adventuring with the locals...as long as she has those shoes, she can always find her way home.
so much gratitude to instagram.com/burnsidestudio for this pic
Dear reader....an anniversary of sorts passed this week. Five years since being hit by a car while cycling. What do we do with these things? We make art.
A book's spine holds all the pages together⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
yet lets the reader open, thumb, sift, devour.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
As the book ages, so does the spine⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
pages come away⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
seams split⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
the book lays wide open⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
splayed to the world without resistance⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
can you hear it sigh⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
and surrender?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Splayed⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
my own spine⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
age and injury⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
sigh and surrender⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
softly, gently open⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
and now the light gets in.⠀
A book's spine holds all the pages together⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
yet lets the reader open, thumb, sift, devour.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
As the book ages, so does the spine⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
pages come away⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
seams split⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
the book lays wide open⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
splayed to the world without resistance⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
can you hear it sigh⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
and surrender?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Splayed⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
my own spine⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
age and injury⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
sigh and surrender⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
softly, gently open⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
and now the light gets in.⠀
- Published on
"Build Your Wings on the Way Down" - mixed media on cradled wood panel, 12 x 16 Ready to hang. Available August 11-12 at Fusion Gallery.
What if your place is in space?
What if you were born in the wrong location, and your heart longs for celestial views?
What if you were born before space was even a place where billionaires could go?
What if your pen and ink wants to be a full-fledged painting?
This helmeted dreamer has taken control of the studio, mounted herself on wood and added a little (very little) color to call herself completed. And she has a sister (a very SASSY sister) who is following along closely. Which led to a cat. Which may lead to who knows what. I only know the muse is dreaming of outer space and its contribution to the dreamy inner space of my little sci-fi imagination. And also I believe space helmets and dresses will be all the rage this fall. Better grab a helmet before they are all sold out. :)
What if your place is in space?
What if you were born in the wrong location, and your heart longs for celestial views?
What if you were born before space was even a place where billionaires could go?
What if your pen and ink wants to be a full-fledged painting?
This helmeted dreamer has taken control of the studio, mounted herself on wood and added a little (very little) color to call herself completed. And she has a sister (a very SASSY sister) who is following along closely. Which led to a cat. Which may lead to who knows what. I only know the muse is dreaming of outer space and its contribution to the dreamy inner space of my little sci-fi imagination. And also I believe space helmets and dresses will be all the rage this fall. Better grab a helmet before they are all sold out. :)
Build Your Wings on the Way Down (finished version)
- Published on
"I Was Earth" - mixed media on cradled wood panel, 12 x 12. Ready to hang. Available August 11-12 at Fusion Gallery. on Facebook.
In my youth, I was thought to be invincible.
In my adolescence, immortal.
Oblivious freedom, then
Conscious denial.
In mid-life, a recognized need to take care.
Longevity required reversing past neglect.
Sustaining new behaviors.
I was Earth.
-Michelle B. Larson
The BOBS have gone wild. From birds on balls to balls on beings. I am still infatuated with space helmets. And now adding pen and ink to paintings.
The BIG SLOG (moving) is nearly done. The studio is assembled, the cupboards are populated and the lights are on. One more trip to the old house and then the keys to that one will be in new hands.
In my youth, I was thought to be invincible.
In my adolescence, immortal.
Oblivious freedom, then
Conscious denial.
In mid-life, a recognized need to take care.
Longevity required reversing past neglect.
Sustaining new behaviors.
I was Earth.
-Michelle B. Larson
The BOBS have gone wild. From birds on balls to balls on beings. I am still infatuated with space helmets. And now adding pen and ink to paintings.
The BIG SLOG (moving) is nearly done. The studio is assembled, the cupboards are populated and the lights are on. One more trip to the old house and then the keys to that one will be in new hands.
The Universe, with its quirky sense of humor, timed my takeover of Portland Open Studios Instagram account with the first day in the new studio. Wonder Mike was excited to be momentarily famous while I was spinning the various plates of technology and fervently hoping none of them crashed to the ground. None did. Woot!
In case you want to take a peek at what happens when you give me free rein on Instagram, here's a little video for your entertainment (volume on!)
For those of you in the Portland area (or those who might want to visit in October), the studio will be open to the public for two weekends as the artists of PDX Open Studios 2021 cause a ruckus by allowing just anyone and everyone to see what they do and how.
Wonder Mike says "bring treats."
- Published on
Build Your Wings on the Way Down (a work in process)
"Build Your Wings on the Way Down", 11 x 16, W.I.P
“If we listened to our intellect we'd never have a love affair. We'd never have a friendship. We'd never go in business because we'd be cynical: "It's gonna go wrong." Or "She's going to hurt me." Or,"I've had a couple of bad love affairs, so therefore . . ." Well, that's nonsense. You're going to miss life. You've got to jump off the cliff all the time and build your wings on the way down.”
― Ray Bradbury
“If we listened to our intellect we'd never have a love affair. We'd never have a friendship. We'd never go in business because we'd be cynical: "It's gonna go wrong." Or "She's going to hurt me." Or,"I've had a couple of bad love affairs, so therefore . . ." Well, that's nonsense. You're going to miss life. You've got to jump off the cliff all the time and build your wings on the way down.”
― Ray Bradbury
It's like Dorothy clicked her heels together and now we're going home. The malarkey maven and her little dog Wonder Mike are beginning THE BIG SHIFT, from one abode to another. Or, as my wise friend says, to our new memory receptacle.
This move is a cliff jump. I'm building wings on the way down. While all this is happening, I've become fascinated by space helmets...which I think of as bubbles. At first I thought "huh, that's odd. Why the helmets, Lola?" And then the universe dropped this Bradbury quote in my laps and the lightbulb flashed inside the helmet, I was blinded for ten minutes, and then I got it.
Cliff jumping, to someone with a spine injury, is terrifying.
This move is a cliff jump. I'm building wings on the way down. While all this is happening, I've become fascinated by space helmets...which I think of as bubbles. At first I thought "huh, that's odd. Why the helmets, Lola?" And then the universe dropped this Bradbury quote in my laps and the lightbulb flashed inside the helmet, I was blinded for ten minutes, and then I got it.
Cliff jumping, to someone with a spine injury, is terrifying.
So as I metaphorically jump off a cliff, my brain grabs the nearest symbol of head protection (in case I land upside down) and begins to sketch it. What a delightful place the brain can be!
There will be a brief hiatus in the blog while the studio is disassembled and reassembled. Fortunately, the living beings can remain intact throughout the process. :). But on the other side, dear reader, let's have some amazing adventures together!
There will be a brief hiatus in the blog while the studio is disassembled and reassembled. Fortunately, the living beings can remain intact throughout the process. :). But on the other side, dear reader, let's have some amazing adventures together!
Congratulations to Carol E!!!! You're Wonder Mike's chosen winner in last week's reader giveaway! A piece of original art is heading your way. Thank you for participating! xo
- Published on
"Cemetery Worker" - pen and ink on paper, 16 x 11. W.I.P.
Well, let me tell you, ants are the dominant insects. They make up as much as a quarter of the biomass of all insects in the world. They are the principal predators. They're the cemetery workers. - E.O. WILSON
And so it begins.
A new project with a loooooooooong lead time, but every good thing requires a first step. This one demanded an ant.
I have a fondness for ants. Partly due to E.O. Wilson's study of and appreciation for them, but also because, for most of my life, I have been the proverbial ant.
Thinking ahead, planning and preparing for and working toward....something, always.
Well, let me tell you, ants are the dominant insects. They make up as much as a quarter of the biomass of all insects in the world. They are the principal predators. They're the cemetery workers. - E.O. WILSON
And so it begins.
A new project with a loooooooooong lead time, but every good thing requires a first step. This one demanded an ant.
I have a fondness for ants. Partly due to E.O. Wilson's study of and appreciation for them, but also because, for most of my life, I have been the proverbial ant.
Thinking ahead, planning and preparing for and working toward....something, always.
Cemetery Worker
And my ant-ness has provided many good and steady things over my lifetime. But it has left me with a shortage of naps in the sunshine (or the rain) wandering about, goofing off and giddiness, daydreaming and meandering. I wholeheartedly embrace the rebalancing of Lola. More naps, please.
Now Wonder Mike says I've become waaaaaaaaay too grasshopper-y in my embracing of the opposite end of insect fableness. And he reminds me there has not been a reader giveaway in a good long while. So leave a comment below - what is your experience with ant-ness and/or grasshopper-ness? One lucky reader (to be chosen by Wonder Mike, of course) will receive an original piece of art. Yahoo!
Now Wonder Mike says I've become waaaaaaaaay too grasshopper-y in my embracing of the opposite end of insect fableness. And he reminds me there has not been a reader giveaway in a good long while. So leave a comment below - what is your experience with ant-ness and/or grasshopper-ness? One lucky reader (to be chosen by Wonder Mike, of course) will receive an original piece of art. Yahoo!
- Published on
Elektra
"Elektra" mixed media on gallery-wrapped canvas, 30" x 40" x 1.5". Ready to hang . Available here.
Remember those days as a kid when you would leap into a pile of leaves, gather them in your arms, throw them in the air and watch them fall all around you?
Remember not worrying about where the leaves would fall? Not caring that the tidy piles needed raking again because the pure JOY of the falling leaves was worth the raking?
I am seeking the JOY in the falling leaves.
Malarkey-central is in a mild upheaval as artist and studio dog seek a new abode in a real estate market that makes every single step feel like it's on steroids. The leaves are in the air, the wind has caught them, they swirl and scatter and I watch them dance in the sunlight.
There will be much raking on the other side of this.
Remember those days as a kid when you would leap into a pile of leaves, gather them in your arms, throw them in the air and watch them fall all around you?
Remember not worrying about where the leaves would fall? Not caring that the tidy piles needed raking again because the pure JOY of the falling leaves was worth the raking?
I am seeking the JOY in the falling leaves.
Malarkey-central is in a mild upheaval as artist and studio dog seek a new abode in a real estate market that makes every single step feel like it's on steroids. The leaves are in the air, the wind has caught them, they swirl and scatter and I watch them dance in the sunlight.
There will be much raking on the other side of this.
When this painting was created, I wrote: Elektra means amber, shining, incandescent. And so we are, we humans. Shining and incandescent when sitting firmly in the pocket of our truth, our passion, our joy.
I hope this day finds you glowing, dear reader. And you (yes YOU, you know who you are!) - maybe turn down the wattage a little? A person could get a sunburn next to your sparkly shine. :)
I hope this day finds you glowing, dear reader. And you (yes YOU, you know who you are!) - maybe turn down the wattage a little? A person could get a sunburn next to your sparkly shine. :)
- Published on
"Robert Pricklepin" - Mixed media on cradled wood panel. 12" x 12" x .75" Ready to hang. Available here and at Artfinder.
Find you and keep filling it up with more you. You don’t have to work to be loved. You just have to be you. May you be more and more you every day.
- Auschwitz survivor, Dr. Edith Eger
This cutie pie nearly made it into the special event this past weekend. He also nearly finished off the ice cream in the freezer, and nearly was tossed into the washing machine while napping in a pile of dirty clothes.
But he is just being himself, and more and more himself every day. As I hope you are. As I am trying to be. Isn't it funny how challenging being yourself is?
Wonder Mike, for example, is not a fan of Lola being more Lola. Because that means he has to do things like stay and heal. Which is the business of being a dog.
Find you and keep filling it up with more you. You don’t have to work to be loved. You just have to be you. May you be more and more you every day.
- Auschwitz survivor, Dr. Edith Eger
This cutie pie nearly made it into the special event this past weekend. He also nearly finished off the ice cream in the freezer, and nearly was tossed into the washing machine while napping in a pile of dirty clothes.
But he is just being himself, and more and more himself every day. As I hope you are. As I am trying to be. Isn't it funny how challenging being yourself is?
Wonder Mike, for example, is not a fan of Lola being more Lola. Because that means he has to do things like stay and heal. Which is the business of being a dog.
Robert Pricklepin
Sometimes we have to tend to the business of art.
Actually, it should be about 80% of our creative time...with the other 20% actually creating (if you're creating for a living). So it really helps to get good tips from people who have sorted out some of the glitchy aspects of things, so that 80% isn't spent pulling your hair out and throwing your computer against the wall.
I was delighted to get a link to this post from Thea at The Charmed Studio, which held my hand through the unexpectedly complicated process of adding a lovely photo signature to my email (want to see it? Email me here.)
While I rush off to save Robert Pricklepin from the Roomba rushing toward him, let me know what your biggest business challenge is in your creative world. Maybe we can get Thea to help us find the answer. :)
Actually, it should be about 80% of our creative time...with the other 20% actually creating (if you're creating for a living). So it really helps to get good tips from people who have sorted out some of the glitchy aspects of things, so that 80% isn't spent pulling your hair out and throwing your computer against the wall.
I was delighted to get a link to this post from Thea at The Charmed Studio, which held my hand through the unexpectedly complicated process of adding a lovely photo signature to my email (want to see it? Email me here.)
While I rush off to save Robert Pricklepin from the Roomba rushing toward him, let me know what your biggest business challenge is in your creative world. Maybe we can get Thea to help us find the answer. :)
- Published on
Be Crumbled
"Be Crumbled" - watercolor and gouache on deep cradled aquabord, 16 x 20 x 2. Sides are birch wood. Ready to hang. This is a RESERVE piece for the upcoming special event June 6-7 at Artistic Souls Gallery.
Be crumbled.
So wild flowers will come up where you are.
You have been stony for too many years.
Try something different.
Surrender.
- Rumi
Be crumbled.
So wild flowers will come up where you are.
You have been stony for too many years.
Try something different.
Surrender.
- Rumi
This quote, in its many varied forms, has been tugging at me for a long while now.
As I soften (crumble, erode, wear away), surrender becomes easier. Almost (notice I said almost) embraceable. I welcome the day when the urge to harden and throw up walls will disappear completely. Stony-ness does not become me. I'd rather be fodder for wild flowers growing willy-nilly.
As I soften (crumble, erode, wear away), surrender becomes easier. Almost (notice I said almost) embraceable. I welcome the day when the urge to harden and throw up walls will disappear completely. Stony-ness does not become me. I'd rather be fodder for wild flowers growing willy-nilly.
About the art: this piece is all about movement and freedom. Using watercolor and watercolor crayons on deep cradled aquabord, loosely capturing a botanical feel while resisting the urge to overly define. Coming across the watercolor with white gouache and allowing the underpainting to move.
If you haven't tried aquabord for water media, do give it a go. It can be easily scrubbed back (unlike watercolor paper) and doesn't buckle. Plus you can get it on a lovely cradle and ditch the framing.
The surface of this piece has been covered in cold wax and allowed to cure.
If you haven't tried aquabord for water media, do give it a go. It can be easily scrubbed back (unlike watercolor paper) and doesn't buckle. Plus you can get it on a lovely cradle and ditch the framing.
The surface of this piece has been covered in cold wax and allowed to cure.
the beauty of cradled aquabord!
