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.
