This is a time of asking the big questions. It has frankly gotten more difficult for me to teach with my voice challenges. I've pretty much decided to take 2012 off from teaching with the exception of EncaustiCamp. I have been teaching and traveling to teach now for the past 5 years and I'm feeling the need to get back to my own work (oh, that sounds pretentious!) ... but surely you know what I mean.
In 5 years great changes occur. New yearnings arise and new issues in the studio. My paintings have been poems (the etchings I did for 12 years), then still lifes (watercolor), then landscapes and interiors (reverse paintings on glass) and then storytelling (acrylic on canvas). After that 5 years of teaching mixed media classes. Getting out of the studio and reconnecting with other artists. Feeding the social part of my put-together. Falling in love with students, encouraging them and encouraging myself to take whatever path beckons.
Now I feel pulled. I don't like to do my interior work in public but today I feel like sharing this. What I have to express in my paintings is seeking a new form. I still have a story to tell; of life being this lush adventure. Of finding myself in a physical body that has certain affinities, that is picky, near-sighted and yet brave. Of coming to the conclusion that the world is a place of great beauty and great sorrow.
That's enough for one day. I'm sure each of you is on your own adventure of discovery, change and awe. What an opportunity we each have. Freedom to search and draw our own conclusions; freedom to leave our marks and words behind as we ourselves pass through.
I love the saying about our ground time here being short. All the more reason to say it, paint it, leave some evidence.
I think I do know what you mean...I am deeply moved that you would share such personal thoughts and work. Such inspiration....from your productivity and courage.
ReplyDeleteSusan
yes judy, a resounding yes.
ReplyDeletewe're painting together, on a "parallel play" path. i'm deeply wondering what these changes will bring in 2012, with more time to spend on our artmaking and veering in new diections, life unfolds endlessly.
i want to go to encausticamp next year.
Judy, I'm sorry I don't comment more often, because I always read your posts and come away cheered by your work and your photographs of beautiful food, flowers, places, happy creative people. We're about the same age, I think, and I too am re-prioritizing and feeling the need to focus on my own work after a lot of outward-energy. The desire to "leave some tangible evidence" is part of it, but I do think that even though we can't see it, the sharing of joy in life, in creativity, in appreciation of each day is a gift we do give to the world, and that remains. I think that because it was given to me by people who departed a long time ago! Best of luck with your thinking and artwork-ing, and it's good to read about it here, don't be shy!
ReplyDeleteNot pretenious at all...one can only spread oneself so thin...
ReplyDeleteYour voice is a great consideration too. Your health in general very important.
Aye, Aye to all your good decisions for self!
Your paintings are so very very beautiful...I am WOWed by them each and every time I see them.
Thanks for being open here...it's good to hear; affirming really; as others think these thoughts or ones like them that fit their life decision making and it gives validation.
Keep taking good care of yourself Judy.
First and foremost you must take care of yourself. You are one of the most inspirational people I know. Sign me up for Encasticamp now!
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to more and more of your wonderful art!
Take the very best care of youself!
Hear!Hear! do what you know you need to. It's so essential to look after mind, body AND spirit.
ReplyDeleteI'm no new-ager, but I couldn't help noticing that your physical voice is troubling you just when you feel the need to devote time to your artistic voice. Interesting?
Beautiful, moving work. Thank you for sharing these gorgeous pieces! I for one am looking forward to your time off from teaching and more painting for yourself, just post the results on your blog :)
ReplyDeleteDo it Judy! Live for the now. No regrets. Even though I have not had the opportunity to meet you physically, I feel connected to you through reading your blog and having taken your online plaster class. Your evolution is inspiring. What gifts you share with us on such a consistent basis, thank you. And in the words of Mary Oliver...there was a "new" voice
ReplyDeletewhich you slowly
recognized as your own,
that kept you company
as you strode deeper and deeper
into the world,
determined to do
the only thing you could do --
determined to save
the only life you could save."
Always follow your intuition, and by the way, I am so loving these new pieces. New evidence:)
Hi Judy, what a lovely post, thanks for sharing your insights, very freeing. Good for you, time for a new chapter perhaps? And why not? Look forward to meeting you at Petaluma! Riki
ReplyDeleteoh the duality of this life. the wings and the arrow to the heart...
ReplyDeletethe hoped for derailed by the unexpected. the strength, wisdom, and deeper seeing that come from the true grit willingness to rise up from the ashes. again. and again.
right beside you.....
Please dont apologise for taking time out for yourself. You have given a LOT to the world.
ReplyDeleteabsolutely....
ReplyDeletehow can it be pretentious to do ones work, in whatever way one is called forth to do it...?
bravo...
xo
I hope you will share your journey here as you all the way along. That way those of us who have fallen in love with your and your beautiful soul will be able to stay connected and watch your flight...
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that you are listening to the voices guiding you to where you need to be.
Big blooming love to you, Judy Blue Eyes.
Hi Judy
ReplyDeleteI understand this so much, from the inside, from the heart. Thanks for sharing from that deep, fragile place, for the opening up and letting us in, even if just for a breif moment.
Such interesting paintings. I could look at them for hours and not see all of their story. Funny, I blogged a bit today about being not dissatisfied, but differentsatisfied. I love your blog, it's like a visit; real and personal.
ReplyDeleteHi Judy! Beautiful work! Life certainly ebbs and flows doesn't it? Looking forward to seeing where this next stretch of time takes you.
ReplyDeleteJudy, we all need to "retreat" from time to time. It's how we rejuvenate and refresh. I'm so glad I was able to take a class with you this year and finally meet you. As others have said, you are a huge inspiration for following the creative path and it sounds like you have a new path to follow. I hope you will, on occasion, take us along ... you "teach" and inspire with every blog.
ReplyDeleteI love you - your devotion to others - through your searches and seeking you've given so many of us permission to do the same. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI look forward to the work that will come from your heart and your soul this next year. Please share my precious friend.
1000 hugs, C
Thanks for sharing your heart in words and your creations! They are beautiful . . .
ReplyDeleteI'm loving this new abstracted form rising up. I'm thinking it will be a rich year, focusing on this new thread weaving it's way to the surface. Like you I too have found the world to be ' a place of great beauty and great sorrow.'
ReplyDeleteJudy, there are no words for what you've said. I comment only to express my abject awe of you.
ReplyDeletexo
Chris
p.s. Oh, and also to tell you that I've copied these images and put them on my to-reproduce list for when I next go use someone else's large-format color laser printer (which also adds a pleasant lavender scent to my 140 lb paper).
ReplyDeleteThe sincerest way to show my love? I believe so.
judy you're leaving such a trail of glorious bread crumbs to follow as you live your way through your rich & golden life. sorrow & joy & beauty
ReplyDeletei. love. you.
love who you are
and all the words and works you share with the world.
It's bitter sweet that you will not be teaching this next year. At least for me as a student but what better lesson than to follow your muse, follow your body, and most of all follow your heart. Thank your for your continued inspiration.
ReplyDelete