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Friday, January 04, 2013

Roots and Wings


Thank you for not abandoning me. Really, I think of you all the time. It's just that I've been doing interior work, cave painting so to speak and am in a deep place of learning and change.

Well, aren't we all. I'm back in the studio after wrapping up all the videos and lessons for the Cold Wax Online class. Now I have a few weeks to rest, paint, write and reflect before another travel time. We're having a mild winter in the Pacific Northwest; John cut a rose two nights ago to put in a vase in the window over the sink; that night we got our first killing frost. Peaceful weather soothes my nerves.


I've been doing charcoal drawings. Have started back up on the 100 paintings challenge. I'm only up to #29. I don't count anything in cold wax because it's a different process for me and not nearly as difficult as picking up a brush. My current weakness is making the values work, making the composition as I want it to be.


Working with line and personal marks, symbols, shapes that express my experience of being alive. Up until now I've used subject matter to do that but this is a leap in a different direction. I probably don't need to tell you how hard it is to get it right. This is a language that is challenging to learn (or I should say invent) - like Spanish for me. Some people pick up languages easily; I read about spies who learn Arabic in 6 weeks and I feel very stupid.


This is my 29th painting. 40x48" on canvas. Not as free as the drawings. I'm working on that. 

The title is "Roots and Wings" and comes from this quotation:  


My heart wants roots. My mind wants wings. I cannot bear their bickerings.— E. Y. Harburg 




So that's what I'm up to. Making each day fulfilling with lots of studio time, reading, eating good food (chard from the garden! it gets sweeter in the cold weather and makes the best smoothies!) and loving my good man who has also gotten sweeter in the winter of our lives. 

Words to myself: relax. Let it be easy, it isn't a race. Work each day. Make each day about getting pleasure out of the routine. Eat something good. Hug somebody. Go outside. Be part of a community. Whew. Okay, I think I've got it. Ciao for now.






20 comments:

Anonymous said...

Judy, you always soothe my soul ... and I needed that today. I love the new work. I hear/read so much about making your personal marks and symbols. But I am not sure HOW to do that. Any tips? Or books you recommend?

Jen Lee said...

Hello, dear one. So happy to weave your words and images into my day.

Anonymous said...

You are so honest and lovely. Your work is wonderful! Thank you.

Stephanie Lee said...

When you sent me that quote the other day, my heart almost stopped. I'm not sure why it feels like such a surprise (though more a relief) it is when someone happens to use so few words to express exactly what I thought only oddball me felt.
You do that a lot too, with your words.
Our sweetening men. They are so very good for us cave painters. Just so you know, I'm in the cave next door. I hope my hoarse-voiced, sing-song wails don't bother you. I'm just pecking around for notes to match the marks I too am making to make in the dim light. Trying to create...or find...the harmony and resonance. I'm hoarse because I'm not willing to give up the hunt.
I'm stubborn like that.
ox

jinxxxygirl said...

Isn't it funny....i would have reworded the quote....but you can't put words in somebodys mouth can you? lol I would have said...' the mind wants roots and the heart wants wings'...funny.....Hugs! deb

Kimberley McGill said...

I have to say I adore the drawings. There's something about them that ... I'm searching for the word for it but it eludes me. Hard to pin down.

Lynn Cohen said...

Thanks for sharing how you are choosing to do your life! Good lessons, reminders there! Lovely art sharing too!

lulu moonwood murakami said...

Inspiring. And to think that you are still exploring, searching...! That's why you're my role model, Judy.

Sharon Tomlinson said...

Judy, your words always always speak to me. I especially love the last lines that start with "Make each day...."
And that last charcoal piece at the bottom is such a conversation going on right there before my eyes.

Michele R. Unger said...

"Words to myself: relax. Let it be easy, it isn't a race. Work each day. Make each day about getting pleasure out of the routine. Eat something good. Hug somebody. Go outside. Be part of a community."

WOW. Now, Judy, those are truly words to live by. Thank you for making me sit still and ponder. I feel like I should embroider them on a sampler....which I won't....but I WILL work them into my journal! (And think of you, sweet lady.)

XO

lyle baxter said...

the pictures are intriguing and the quote is great! just keep on making us smile! thank you.

Kim Mailhot said...

How wonderful to be discovering a new language in your art !
Happy New Year, Lovely Judy. Big hugs !

Seth said...

Getting pleasure out of the routine. I like that!

somepinkflowers said...

{{ aaahhhh...
1--Cave paintings
&
2--Philosophy

""" loving my good man
who has also gotten sweeter
in the winter
of our lives """


two of my Favorite Things
whilst
in the midst
of this bear*hibernating
time
of the year ... }}

kim beller said...

oh judy.
"roots and wings".....that quote just stopped me in my tracks! i'm using lots of wings in my art these days....times they are a changin'....
thank you for you words, for you and for your art~
missing you~
xoxo

jsantini2 said...

You never cease to amaze & the words are needed.
P.S. I'm longing to see more of your journal pages.

Anonymous said...

those are good words to create by -- 'let it be easy', 'work every day'... I wish it wasn't so HARD to let it be easy!!!

and I like your marks, with and without the quote to accompany them.

Marit said...

Your drawings are very expressive! I love them!

Maria said...

Beautiful post, Judy!

Parabolic Muse said...

Oh, the charcoals! And I think 29 is soooo yummy.

It is difficult to not be anxious and hurry. It is all one center and all one moment and all one you.

I love the quote you shared. Thanks!

xox