Re-Words 2.0
Life is moving again…stores and restaurants are reopening and I can see more traffic as I look out my windows. Things are shifting and I am considering “re” words as life resumes - reimagine, reorganize, rejuvenate, reset, and redefine are a few. What “re” words apply to your life, I wonder?
I created this little canvas a couple of years ago and still appreciate its message. This was a fun project - molding paste for the bamboo leaves with words printed from my computer onto a clear transfer sheet and then decoupaged onto the painted canvas.
Self-quarantine has afforded me more time for my creativity and to tackle some of my To Do list. One item on that list is now happily checked off in spades. My new and improved Website is up and running and I love it! Lots of new paintings in the “Beaux Batiks” section and more on the way.
Here you see outlines copied from a dried color wash left from a prior painting. I’d been intrigued from the random patterns left behind, beautiful designs I don’t think I could make on my own. I thought it would be fun to make another painting from leftovers.
I just finished an upbeat and inspirational book by Elizabeth Gilbert (of “Eat, Pray, Love” fame) titled, “Big Magic”. You all know what a huge fan I am of all things magical and sharing that in my paintings. Gilbert’s take on creativity has reignited my creative engines. If you are ready to reboot your life, you may want to check this book out. It felt so good as I read it the first time that I immediately reread it.
This is my first color wash after “drawing” loops and swirls on virgin paper with melted wax using the still uncontrollable wax tool.
In the last letter, I told you about Jean’s 7 Levels Deep Q and A. For instructions and explanation, click on the “7 Levels Deep” blog (on my - ahem - new and improved website).
After applying melted wax along the outlines of the original design with a tiny paintbrush, I dropped in stronger values of color on very wet paper and left the colors mix and mingle.
Here are my responses starting with the Level One Q: “What is important to you about becoming a successful artist?”
To prove to Dad that I could, indeed, succeed. (Sigh…)
More deeply, to prove to everyone that I have value as I am (as opposed to earning value by doing what everyone else wanted me to do).
Because this is the real me. I love who I am. I love who I have become.
This is where real sharing and healing come from - loving and nurturing self and then helping others to do the same.
It’s most important to me to reach as many people as possible, to remind them of their own special childlike sparks.
It’s what I’m here to do.
Final answer: Living is all about expressing who I am and connecting from that fullness with others.
When the last wash dried, I applied wax to the whole painting. I then ironed off the wax. The painting is now ready to embellish and enhance. I ask myself (and the painting), “What next?” I loved some of the serendipitous color mixes and wanted to call attention to them so I decided to…
As always, I’m interested in your thoughts about you! I extend my invitation to take you through the 7 Levels Deep Q and A game. It’s surprising and insightful.
…use black gesso in areas nearby those fun color combos. Mixing gesso with any color will tone it down and, when painted next to focus points or areas of interest, gives pop to them. Final decision was to flip the painting 180 degrees.
Wishing you a joyful and safe reemergence!