Studio Blog
a sanctuary for creativity and healing
I made this book simultaneously with the one in the previous post. It was a totally different mood and color scheme, but just as powerful for me. I think this one in the end, was more about connecting with myself and my creativity again. I had abandoned my muse for so long, and this was about coming home.
I recently ruptured my Achilles tendon, and had to have surgery. Those of you that know me know that I am not really great at sitting still (unless there is a glass of red wine in my hand and I am surrounded by my best friends). To say this was a challenge for me would be a large understatement. Once I surrendered to the reality of my situation, however, I knew that I had only one choice....to make art again. The ridiculous hiatus I was on had to end. Why not now?? I was safely tucked away under the care of my mom and within the walls of her beautiful home in Colorado. I set up an art space in the guest room and got to work. I painted every day, both in my journals and on these pages. I did not know exactly what my plan was, but I was processing each day, using these pages as a container. I used Arches Text Wove paper, Dylusions Inks, some old stencils I had laying around, a limited palette of Golden Fluid Acrylics, pens, pencils and anything else I could get my hands on! As the pages came to life, I realized a book was being born. I hadn't hand bound a book in ages, so it turned into a real project! I ended up making two of these in different hues. I will post the other one soon. It was a gratifying experience to channel all of my frustrations, musings, celebrations and healing in these books! In the end, this injury has been the greatest blessing in recent years. Here are a few spreads out of my book......
This little book emerged out of a wonderful class called "A Bundle of Joy and Sorrow" thatI took recently with Orly Avineri. She is an amazing teacher and example of what it means to be an authentic and brave artist! The topic for me was very personal (not necessarily the exact theme of the class).....It was about learning to not hang on to outcomes and to let go of expectations.....to be in the moment. This book is dedicated to a friend......someone who has taught me so much about these things and who brought an abundance of joy and lightness to my life in a short time. I am very grateful for every moment that we shared. Here's to you my friend.......
The finished book amidst other artists beautiful offerings
"These Are The Days Of Our Lives"
Queen
Sometimes I get to feelin'
I was back in the old days - long ago
When we were kids, when we were young
Things seemed so perfect - you know?
The days were endless, we were crazy - we were young
The sun was always shinin' - we just lived for fun
Sometimes it seems like lately - I just don't know
The rest of my life's been - just a show.
Those were the days of our lives
The bad things in life were so few
Those days are all gone now but one thing is true -
When I look and I find I still love you.
You can't turn back the clock, you can't turn back the tide
Ain't that a shame?
I'd like to go back one time on a roller coaster ride
When life was just a game
No use sitting and thinkin' on what you did
When you can lay back and enjoy it through your kids
Sometimes it seems like lately I just don't know
Better sit back and go - with the flow
Cos these are the days of our lives
They've flown in the swiftness of time
These days are all gone now but some things remain
When I look and I find - no change
Those were the days of our lives yeah
The bad things in life were so few
Those days are all gone now but one thing's still true
When I look and I find, I still love you,
I still love you.
There are no words to describe the love and respect I have for Laurie Doctor! She came into my life about fifteen years ago when I first discovered my need to create art. I took a wonderful class from her at Naropa university in Boulder, CO, and I have never been the same since. She continues to be my teacher, mentor and friend to this day, and I am deeply grateful for her . She is a brave and honest artist who also teaches the most heart opening classes you will ever take. Please do yourself a favor and check out her work and herworkshops! She is a blessing to all that encounter her. I have taken many classes from her, but my most recent was on that she taught in St. Louis, MO calledResolute Imagery. My "take aways" from this class were:
letting something work on you
invite the muse
find a thread..... the continuity and follow it
dropping in
practice matters
sequester the space
keep showing up and something will happen
Laurie is always full of priceless gems of wisdom, and this class was no exception! I am so very grateful for the experience and for my dear Laurie!
some pages that came out of my experience
