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.