Women's Conference

I'm in Utah,  jazzed and ready to be womanly and do lots of conferring.  Cass and I will be on the third floor of the BYU Bookstore from 10 to 6, Thursday and Friday. We'll be signing prints and doing a little painting if we chance upon a dull moment.  I'll have this painting, "In the Strength of the Lord [all things are Possible]" as an 10"x8" print for $50.  And, a smaller print of "Big Apron, Little Girl" for $25.  Stop by and say hey if you are around!

More Plates

A couple more plates for the Art Access 300 Plates show.  These are really fun to paint.  I will deliver them the day after tomorrow when I go to Utah for Women's Conference at BYU.  Come see me there if you are around.  Third floor of the Bookstore, all day Thursday and Friday!!

Adornment

I'm still on this idea of the fabric of our clothing expressing the fabric of our being.  We are continually weaving a tapestry and telling a story by living our lives.  The vignette on her skirt tells of what occupies her mind the most.  This is one of a series of five, painted on recycled litho plates for Art Access gallery in Salt Lake City.

I Want

I’ve used the image of a snail shell with a baby head and baby feet sticking out while thinking about my kids growing too fast, and wanting them to slow down so I can appreciate them before they change, yet again. In this piece, I have applied the same concept to my time. I mean my time, the snatched minutes without kids wanting to eat… again, without chores and all the things on my mile long to-do list. The red ribbon represents passions, the burning desire in my gut to create. I wish I could push pause, have everyone freeze for bit, while I disappear into my studio to paint. Sigh. There are so many things I want to do, and so little time to pack it all in.

This piece is for a miniature show in Canada.  It cost me one hundred thirty-four dollars and forty cents to ship it to Alberta.

Chemicals

There has been a lot of talk about toxic chemicals used in painting, how they effect our health, and how we can do without them.  I use walnut oil in the studio, but I still break out the toxics to seal off a painting and for some glazing in the final stages.  When I use liquin, I go outside and wear a mask from opening the bottle to washing the brushes.  This way it doesn't get me too bad.  I would love to find a glaze that works well and is not hazardous.  

In the Strength of the Lord

... all things are possible.  I will be at BYU Women's Conference Aril 30 and May 1 on the third floor of the bookstore, with prints of this painting for sale.  (Small and paper, so very affordable.)  Come visit!  I will be hanging out with 5 other women artists (including my sister) and various authors.  I'm excited, I hope to see some of you there. 

Full Skirt

"In the Strength of the Lord" all things are possible.

Nurture and Endure

 This is my final installation as the painting has been finished for a week and I'm antsy to show you and get on with all the other stuff I've been doing. A garden was mentioned in the comments on what would you put on your skirt. I used it to express nurturing, which I feel like I am constantly needing tap into kindness and selflessness to do. The tree is symbolizing family history.  And, the bees/wasp nest, of course, are about hard work.  One last thing, the landscape has an uphill climb which could represent endurance as we work hard to become better at all we do.  

Butterflies at Dawn

A lot of your comments had to do with needing strength from the Lord when it comes to being parents.  I used butterflies to represent children.  My sister uses this symbol a lot for her kids.  I think it has to do with their ever-changing and metamorphosing.  They are hard to capture and hold on to, every time you turn around they have grown and have new ideas.

I have also painted in the sky which is a bright, clear dawn.  I am often outside while the sun rises and relish the serene, clean feeling a new day comes with.  Not to mention its peace and beauty.  Every day is new and ready for you to make the best of it.

Work

Man, I have a lot of work to do.  I can't seem to get caught up with cleaning, organizing, emails, phone calls, the list goes on and on and on... and on.  The clothesline represents chores.  If you make a list of all the things you are "supposed" to do every day, there are simply not enough hours available.  Not to mention all the "other" things that are what I actually want to be doing.  There are too many things I want to do and too many things I know I need to do not to keep trying, be organized, and put all my energy into getting it all done.
"Lovest thou me?... Feed my sheep."  I was asked to bear my testimony on missionary work in church a couple weeks ago.  I was a total blank.  I had to think really hard to come up with two to three minutes worth. I went with going back in time to review all the missionaries, of all kinds and callings, who brought the gospel to my ancestors.  Not only did it give me warm, fuzzy appreciation for these people, it was also a good awakening to define what, when, and where missionary work takes place.  I am better than I thought, and totally capable of doing more.  "Arise and gird up your loins, take up your cross, follow me, and feed my sheep" D&C 112:14.

Home

My existence revolves around house and home.  This is where I started with the diorama on her skirt.  I try to make my home peaceful and beautiful.  I want it to be a place where my family wants to be and where people always feel comfortable.  The door is inviting, the smoke from the chimney makes it feel warm and cozy, the dove represents the spirit and it is surrounded by lilies representing Christ.  Home is where I need continual and constant strength, and I know I cannot do it alone.  You can keep making comments on the last post about what you would put on your skirt.

In the Strength of the Lord

The theme for BYU's Women's Conference this spring is "In the Strength of the Lord."  When cookin' up an idea for a painting to go with this theme, I couldn't help but add "all things are possible."  Which begs to ask, what things?  I painted the figure of a woman presenting "all things," as she turns to the Lord for strength.  I have a few ideas laid out, but I would like to know for what things do you need strength?  Go ahead, leave a comment, I dare you.

Sunday Drawings and Miscellaneous

I'm working up an idea for the "In the strength of the Lord" themed Women's Conference painting.

On a happy note, our carrots are ready!  I tried to wait till my Birthday to pluck the first fruits of our labors,  but I caved and yanked the biggest one up last week.  Carrots are a real test of patience.  We'll wait a few more days for them to get bigger.  It won't be easy, 'cause that was the yummiest little carrot we have ever had!  

On a sad note, we had two more little cotton-tailed bunnies drown in our pool.  It's about the saddest thing.  It feels like an omen.  Maybe it is a sign that my days of propagation are truly be behind me.  Ya, I think that is what it is telling me. 

I love Gesso

I love gesso so much.  I love preparing a panel.  I love starting new paintings.  I love what I do, I can barely contain myself.

The promise of a newly gessoed panel.  This one is a piece I am doing for BYU's Women's Conference this Spring.  I'm really excited about it.  I am trying to document a progression, so more to come.

Windows of Heaven

I entered this piece into the Eighth International Art Competition: Remembering the Great Things of God.  The exhibition will be in the Conference Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from March through October.  Not only was it accepted into the exhibition, it won a purchase award!  Hooray.  The painting is called Windows of Heaven and you can click on this link to rewind and read what it is about.

She Wore her Heart on her Apron Pocket

So, it's been a couple weeks.  My slow response is more a matter of getting images off Gavin's camera as I try to get my life back to order (I was a little out of  sorts when I got home, I cleaned for a week! Don't worry, I'm over it) and less a reflection of my enthusiasm to report that: My show was great!  I had so much help from my family and friends, thank you, thank you.  Especially Gavin for doing so many dishes and solo getting the kids to bed and my parents for helping me get everything into frames past midnight the night before I took the paintings up to Park City.  Thanks also to Terzian Galleries for giving me the opportunity.  I learned a lot that I can apply to my next show.  My theme, for example, which I really put my heart into with the images and poetry, was lost as it was not written anywhere.  That was a little disappointing, thank goodness for the blog outlet to curb my sorrow.  Anyway, it was a really fun night, I love seeing old friends, and making new ones, and meeting fellow artists.

I'm back in the studio, working on some exciting projects.  I have quite a year laid out for me!  (Flutter flutter go the butterflies) I love it.   

Interview

I got an email from a BFA student in Washington this morning. She asked me to answer some questions, and I got pretty into it, so I thought I would share.

1. How has your work changed since you were an undergraduate student?

When I turned 30 last year I did a self portrait. I had done one in school when I was about 20, so I thought it would be fun to do a meaningful self portrait every 10 years. In comparing the two pieces, my technique has improved immensely, my painting has become so much more refined. But, my style and my ideas are so similar. That was a fun discovery, I was and am still so me. My ideas change as my life changes, with kids and responsibilities etc., but my approach to resolve, express, and share my thoughts and feelings remains the same.

2. Have you ever been in a “slump“? If so, how did you pull yourself out of it?

Hmm.. it's been a while. Painting for me is all about momentum. Once I get going the ideas come faster and faster till they are piling on top of one another and I feel I might pop. I have been working so consistently for a few years that I haven't had a slump... probably since the last time I took a long break after a big show 3 years ago. I was so exhausted, I painted a mural in my girls' playroom and did other projects, when I got back to painting I had to work to get back into the groove.

3.(If yes to number 2) Do you see a change in your work after you’ve been in a slump? Is it a positive or negative change?

Always, and always positive. There is a song that says, "This is a time in my life when everything is falling apart, and at the same time, it's all coming together." A little identity crisis might be uncomfortable and take work to get through, but I think it is a necessary process, pondering what you are all about, to create honest work.

4. Being an artist is very time consuming. How do you balance your personal life with creating in your studio?

Isn't that just the question. It is really hard to balance, being a mom of three and running a household takes a lot of work! I am constantly trying to find balance, every time I think I have it, something comes along and throws it off. I will keep trying. But, I'll tell you, if I didn't love to paint with all my heart and soul, I sure wouldn't do it, it is dang hard to find the time and keep up with life.

5. What are your inspirations and how do you keep them strong in your work?

My three little girls inspire me a lot and my relationship with them. I think my biggest inspiration is a search for answers to all the things I struggle with. The previous question is a good example, I have done a few paintings that are a search for balance and resolution in family vs. art. I work things out in paintings, come to terms with things that frustrate me, try to appreciate elements of my life that I know I should appreciate, express explanations for things on an emotional level that can't just be explained with words. I get a lot of healing and sanity from my art.

6. What advice do you have to an emerging artist on getting representation and exhibits?

Enter everything you can. Always remember that art is subjective, just because a judge didn't like it doesn't mean it isn't good. It's good if it feels good to you and that is the only judge to go by. So, why subject your art to the scrutiny of others? You've got to get out there to reach others, and it will push you to be a better artist. Take criticism with a tough skin, listen to advice, but most importantly, always stay true to yourself.

She Wore her Heart on her Apron Pocket

Tonight!! Yip yip!

6:00-9:00 p.m.

309 Main St.

Park City, Utah

Two Sisters

One of the greatest challenges life gives us is finding balance. We have to balance our time between family, work, self, church etc. It requires constant evaluation and adjustment. I feel like I threw my family a little out of balance in preparing this show. So now, I keep asking myself questions about the balance of my painting time, like: what is this worth, what is it for, but mostly, am I anything so special that I can ask my family for their sacrifice? When Kate Winslet won the best actress Oscar tonight, she thanked her husband and two kids for allowing her to do what she loves. Gavin told me that he knows painting makes me happy and so it is worth any sacrifice to him. Still, it begs to ask, how much can I give it? Where is the balance? I haven't quite figured out my role as an artist.

The diptych above is about a search for balance between the me-self and the mother-self. One side has a drab apron and bright outfit, the other vice versa. Though these two selves are intertwined, I sometimes feel a need to separate them for clarity in sorting out identity.

Untied

So my apron strings have come untied

Both dangling loose down by my sides

Unraveled at wits end

Not wanting to defend

Why my apron strings have come untied

Still, my apron strings have come untied

‘Cause of this to you I will confide

I have an urge to fly

Sink in the soft blue sky

While my apron strings remain untied

So my apron strings have come untied

It’s come down to this: I must decide

Forever by duty bound

When you turn back ‘round

Find my apron strings will be retied

Sisters True

I finally called this huge painting finished.  In fact, I have called just about all my paintings finished.  The big show is next week!  This piece is about sisters.  I love my sisters.  Here's a treat, me and my sisters in 1978.  (I'm the baby).  

p.s.  I have two brothers and I love them too.

Juliet:

"My bounty is as boundless as the sea, my love as deep; the more I give to thee, the more I have, for both are infinite."

Set in the world, set apart from the world.  Love transcends all and has no boundaries.  Bounty is a generous gift, as is the giving of one's love.

Be Mine

I love Valentine's Day!  I made these pins for my little sweethearts.  And, one for my true love to wear on his lapel, lest he forget who loves him most.  Hope you had a lovely day!

Mulier

If you are in Arizona and interested, I have all my paintings for my "She Wore her Heart on her Apron Pocket" show on display around my house.  Tonight we are having an open house after seven, so come on by!  I will be packing the bulk of them Monday afternoon.  I'm almost finished!!

Dolls

Sometimes when I look at my three little dolls I think, "Really?  You're trusting me, little me, with taking care these people?"  It's pretty surreal.  Their very mental and physical health is in my hands.  Sometimes I'm not so sure I'm all that good at it.  I yelled at a couple of them today and forgot to make sure they brushed their teeth this morning.  But, sometimes when I look at the three of them I am overwhelmed with love and desire to be better at giving them what they need.

Upon Finishing

I'm on a count down to my big show. I'm eating, drinking, and sleeping paintings! I've given up most of my sleep, my gym time, and enlisted Gavin to take care of everything (i.e. dishes and kids) after six o'clock. Among so many other things, my bloggage has been slacking. Here are a couple of finished paintings to catch you up.  I have a good seventeen to finish in the next two weeks, and possibly a few more to start... and finish.  
I don't have a title for this piece yet.  I wanted to paint those apples, that hair, and immortalize that beautiful bowl that broke a few days later.  I loved that bowl.  Crate and Barrel doesn't have it anymore.  She is a little sassy and empowered.  A domestic goddess, if you will.
This piece is titled Little Girl in a Big Apron.  I did a smaller piece, Big Apron, Little Girl a while ago and wanted to expand on the idea.  I don't wear red, it gives me anxiety, so when I use red, I really mean it.  It is bold and powerful, zealous and impassioned.  The concept of the over-large apron is the daunting task, the overwhelming responsibility of family and home.   It is also the overwhelming love and dedication to these things. 

Sunday Drawing

Ghost Overground

In one of my favorite books My Name is Asher Lev, Asher's father performs a Jewish ritual reciting a prayer while lighting a candle.  The prayer speaks of the flame representing a sort of transcendence, we should try to be like the flame rising away from the wick to join God.  I like that idea. 

Confession

I am utterly and perfectly addicted to chocolate covered goji berries.  I just ate that whole pile while the picture loaded.  Heavenly.  Wondering what to do while you indulge in heavenly delights?  Try this Mr. Picassohead website. Big hit in our house. 

Sunday Drawing

Love

Love is like the truth, sometimes it prevails, sometimes it hurts.

-unknown

Lettuce

makes an appearance.

Restoration

I got this painting, that I painted three years ago, sent back to me to fix. The paint on the crackled sky was pealing off. Yikes. It took me forever to get going because I was afraid I would ruin the whole painting, or the owner wouldn't approve - and then what!
First I had to sand off the varnish and most of the paint, but just the sky, trying not to ruin the figures that were fine, with super fine sandpaper and water.  Then I repainted the sky.  The hardest part (and I mean scariest) was the crackle because it is so unpredictable. I lucked out big time. Finally I rubbed in a glaze and voila!

It ended up all right. In any case, finished!

My Pirates

My girls pirate costumes for Halloween were too cute, we had to do something with them.  I had some Heritagemakers credits that were expiring (don't get me started on credits that expire), so we made a book.  The Pirates McPhie and the Indian Treasure..  And yes, I let out a big yelp of completion when I finally finished this one.
The key clue on their treasure map was chewed away by a rat.  It says India....  So they go to the Indian Sea to visit a princess, they go to Indian Jones who is occupied, and the Indian Reservation where the Chief laughs at them.  Finally they go to Indiana-comma- Gary where they find the treasure:  Raisins from Fresno (Music Man reference).  
We had a lot of fun making this book.  The girls love it.

Sewing her Heart on her Apron Pocket

Finished!  Look at me go.  I have nineteen - wait make that eighteen - paintings in various stages of unfinishedness hanging about my studio.  So hip hip for the first finished painting of the year!  With many more to swiftly follow.  This piece is about wearing one's heart on the apron pocket.  The process of "sewing" the heart on the apron is one of selfless sacrifice, unconditional love, and bare vulnerability.  The thing is, at the end of the day you can't feel sorry for yourself or tally up all you've done for others.  It is your role.  No thanks needed, (though it is nice on occasion) it does not come with the job description.

2009

Happy New Year!  Yip yip for 2009.  I don't make resolutions, so passe.  But, I do make themes.  I like everything to have a nice, tidy theme.  So, 2009: I am a finisher! (Said with gusto).  I have always been a primo starter.  Seriously, the ideas abound, plans are made, things get rolling, and then  new ideas come along (and/or life) and all the best intentions fall by the wayside.  The biggest tragedy of this sad lament is that I feel like a failure for what goes unfinished or poorly executed.  My theme is all about organization, prioritization, and self-congratulation.  Lists galore and realistic plans and, the best part, I get to throw my arms up and shout, "I AM A FINISHER!" every time I finish something, anything really.  To be followed by rolling eyes and hands over ears of the little people.