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Friday, October 07, 2011

Calm Waters


Well now, October. Despite the shorter days in the northern hemisphere and the cooler weather I am finding myself unaccountably uplifted. Maybe it's the proximity of my online class in Hot Wax that starts in a little over a week. Setting up the Yahoo group and hearing the introductions. Picturing people in other states and countries who are as excited as I am about 4 weeks of waxy adventure. 


I only have a couple more video demonstrations to tape and have already composed the first 3 lessons. That's how excited I am. All this in my sweat pants and oversized fleece shirts. Cozy like. This is the life.


While I was hunting for something else I came across my travel journal from a trip to Japan taken back in 1979. I remember sitting in front of the Todaiji temple painting this monochromatic watercolor. That was my first travel outside of the U. S.; a solo trip with only a few changes of clothes and very little money to spend. I remember the crying of crows everywhere and music wafting in from a nearby conservatory. My faithful travel companion was my journal. 


Writing, thinking, making stuff up. 


Refusing to live in "their" world, I decided to create my own.


Thank you Steve, for making all of our lives more connected. Thank you for 5 computers, an iPhone, 2 iPods and iPad. For allowing me to work at home in my jammies. For bringing me news and beauty from all over the world. We live in a time of miracles and awesome technology. For artists this is a freedom and an enrichment.

19 comments:

Rita Maria Gallery said...

this really motivates me to document my life more through my journals. thank you judy for sharing yours :)

Clare Wassermann said...

Yes I too need to return to my journal more. I tend to use it more for holidays but I miss the little details that way of daily life and the numerous small joys.
it was great to see this top work of yours at angle to see the relief - so thank you.
Incidentally I also am having a relationship with an iPad!!!

Jennifer White said...

Beautiful Judy... and well said re: Apple and Mr. Jobs... xo

Kathy said...

Breautiful tribute to Mr. Jobs. He was a remarkable mind!

Lisa Graham said...

Very lovely post. Your Japan water color is soooo pretty too. I have not figured out a way to be creative when I travel. You must carry a little pack of watercolors in your purse and just pull them out when the artistic urge hits? : )

I too am very thankful for technology...especially my Ipod. Greatest invention of all time!

Anonymous said...

wonderful Judy. (glad to know there are other mad techis out there- I have an iPod, and motorola xoom, net book, laptop ..:-)). My bag gets pretty heavy, though, when I decided to work in a cafe. Your posts and your art is always inspiring. good luck with the wax course, sounds like great fun.

Sharon Tomlinson said...

Thanks Judy for sharing. I expecially enjoyed your early travel journal and the beautiful watercolor. I can't imagine doing that on the spot.

Anonymous said...

I find the monochrome watercolour inspiring. My hubby recently suggested that I take a holiday all by myself away from him and our toddler after I've given birth this December and I whooped with glee. I think he was joking though by the look on his face... Maybe whooping was a little excessive. :D But I want an art journal travel companion and some peace and quiet! Ah!

Gigi said...

Lovely! All the other commentors said it all.

Anonymous said...

Can't wait for your class!!!

Maija said...

That is the most spot on tribute to Steve Jobs that I have read! I too am find comfort in the days and the change of season. It makes me feel creative. This is my first real fall in 13 years. colorado is grand!

Unknown said...

You've inspired me to keep a journal, it's amazing how much I forget if I don't write it down. Love the watercolor in your japan journal and it made me smile to see the photos in your current journal. :)
Excited to get waxy with you soon!
Love,
Jenny♥

JeannetteLS said...

Your journals are beautiful. And I am grateful for Mr. Jobs, as well. In this age, I'm not sure why I have not considered taking an art class online as you are about to do. Anyway, I just came upon your journal through Numinosity.

Beautiful spot to visit. And inspiring. I am just beginning in my journey as a painter, so I take inspiration in looking at men and women busy growing in yours.

I'll be back.

Kim Rae Nugent said...

Hi Judy,
Just stopping by for a visit. As usual I am inspired by your thoughtful musings and candor. Have a blessed day!

Healing Woman said...

Very positive post. Thank you. There you were, creating beautiful journals back in 79!

somepinkflowers said...

2 computer
an iPhone
1 iPod...

thank you, steve
for bringing me new friends
from All Around The World
and now
--->
for 4 weeks of waxy adventure
which
i would not have had
without Your Help..

Parabolic Muse said...

I wasn't going to make a comment here, but seriously.

You slay me.

Sharon Lovejoy said...

Lovely and it uplifts all of us to see YOU uplifted!

Love from chilly Maine,

Sharon Lovejoy Writes from Sunflower House and a Little Green Island

Lynn Cohen said...

judy that top watercolor is awesome!