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Friday, May 11, 2007

Coming Home Again


I have been away at Art and Soul in Hampton, Va for a week. I am just beginning to re-assimilate into daily life. The trip was exhausting and overwhelming. I met a lot of really fun creative folks. I hope that some of them will remain close friends.

This trip came at a good time for me in my art life. I have made the decision to pack up my rented studio and move everything back home. Having a rented studio space in town has been a great adventure. It has taught me a lot about myself as an artist. I have just come to a point where the negatives are outweighing the positives. The stress and pressure of having to create to sell to make rent is such a burden that I feel it is stifling my creativity. I need to be free to make what makes my heart sing. Also, my kids are not getting enough of me. They will only be small once. I want to be more present for them, and more present in caring for the home we share. I guess the bottom line is that I can't hold everything together- house, family, studio, faith. I am not calling this defeat though. I see it as a call back to the center of who and where I need to be. I made this decision before I went to A&S, but the trip helped me come to a comfortable place with my decision.
The artwork at the top is from a journaling class with Juliana Coles called "Word- the Extreme Art of Lettering." There were a lot of things about this class that did not speak to me or work for me. What did work was a return to working quickly and intuitively. This type of fast, thought free, art play releases my spirit to create authentic work.

Another thing that was reawakened in me was a desire to be more mindful of maintaining the friendships I have found through my artwork. I need to be better at being in contact with the lovely souls I have come to know and admire and love on the journey. So, if you haven't heard from me in a while, don't be surprised to see an email in your box. You are all still precious to me, and I apologize for not making you a priority.

1 comment:

mcdc3s said...

Nice art journaling Amy.
I am glad you had such a nice getaway at the A&S retreat. There is always something to pick-up even if it doesn't all work out at the time it is presented... you always walk away with something. I'd love to be able to go away for a week and just do art. I'm sure it was hard coming to grips with your decision on the studio... but glad your feeling comfortable with the move back home. Now you'll be able to grab those "few" surprise "free moments" and do some projects - with everything at your fingertips once again. Happy Organizing.