Small Act of Courage

Posting the art I make is difficult. I’m not a boastful person. I don’t relate to people that are. I don’t care about accolades or fame. I feel REALLY weird doing it but there is that part of me that feels it’s necessary for it to be put out there, for it to be seen, because it’s a part of its purpose. I know making art is not saving the world, but I do think it contributes to the beauty of the world we share, and for me, my sanity. Posting it feels cathartic. I don’t care if anyone wants to buy it or comments on it, it’s a small act of courage for me, that is all.

I'm supposed to post some art

I keep forgetting the purpose of this blog, to post art that I do. Hey. Well then, here's the mama to that other little encaustic piece 2 entries ago... 

"Intersections 01"- 2013, encaustic and oil on wood, 8"x8"

2014, I welcome you.

I'm in hardcore purge mode regarding our belongings. We crave negative space in our home and I intend to satiate that craving. I've always been a teeny pack rat-ish though, so this is an exhausting, sometimes emotional, process for me. I'm not a hoarder, but I'm still amazed by my ability and willingness to hang on to STUFF. As I type this though, I have 6 giant garbage bags full of items to donate. We've also managed to get rid of 4 pieces of furniture lately. Plenty more to do, but we are on our way and have momentum on our sides!

Quote me, please.

Clean Slate for 2014

Clean Slate! I, once again, had poor follow-through with an art challenge. I think that due to my ISFP personality, any constraints I put on myself automatically feel like shackles and I rebel. But, blogging is all about self-discovery, and with that being said I DO want to continue putting art out there to be seen... Even if my readers are few and far between. The very act of exposing myself in this way is a good exercise for me because I am shy and reluctant to put myself out there in any way, Again, another of the ISFPs traits. I'm taking my Myers Briggs personality assessment seriously this year as a way to seek that self-understanding we all inherently desire. 

So, you will see some art and some words here, but nothing terribly regimented, because I need to honor my Perceiver's desire to be random and free!  I'm actually planning on honoring my various personality traits this year instead of trying to change myself constantly! This should be different! 

Week 2

My dear friend and I spent the loveliest of afternoons yesterday painting and carving encaustics (beeswax + resin + pigment), having meaningful conversation, sharing ideas, and drinking coffee. It's days like those that make being here on this earth all worth it. Here is the small piece I did. 

It's called "Intersections 2" - encaustic paint and gouache paint on encaustic board. 5"x5"

Starting NOW!

I've been remiss in my re-starting but here I am, it's happening. Weekly artworks. This is my exercise to get me working and if you enjoy having a look-see, then do. Without further embellishment, here is a sketch.

Piney - Colored pencil on paper 5"x8"

Let's Be Honest

I have to be honest and admit I've been a complete failure at keeping up. I try to soothe myself by remembering most of the great people in the world have failed many times over to get to where they are. Failure is a lesson, not a burden.

Even so, every time I think of this blog I get a pang of guilt that shoots through my abdomen and makes me a little sick. It's hard folks. I have not felt very artsy lately and I've been so busy. Sigh... I'm thinking of revamping my challenge. I still WANT to challenge myself, I just don't think I can do this daily thing... YET. Maybe I could be ready at a later date to tackle a daily piece of art.

I may try to do a WEEKLY work of art. THAT seems reasonable and not terribly overwhelming. It's not nearly as much of a challenge yet still does what I intended this process to do in the first place, gets me working and creating.

So, details to come next week as I revamp... try not to judge me too harshly, this project has been a great learning experience so far.