like a girl on a mission, i’ve been playing and working in the studio oh these lonely nights, exploring and experimenting to see if i can unearth my creative voice, to create something that feels truly my own. all this wandering around can make a soul feel downright discouraged. wondering if my life will never come together. fearing that it won’t and fearing that i’ve started all this artmaking too late in life. feeling so lost and unsure about where to go next.
and then my dear friend crystal neubauer came alongside me and had this to say about my most recent painting exercise:
“I love the quilted look of the wings and the way that she seems to be pointing off into a distant unknown and wonderous land or direction. She seems a little unsure, even as she is pointing the way, as if to say "I know this is the right direction...I don't know what we will find there, but if you follow me there will be something extraordinary on the other end". Perhaps without realizing it, you were painting your own muse. Letting your own artistic fears and doubts and sense of exploration come out.”
and then i saw it. her wing IS pointing the way. i didn’t see it until crystal said it. i cried when i read her words and realized what i had painted. maybe the answers will continue to unfold...maybe there is magic in showing up.
this is so beautiful! the emotion you captured in her eyes is amazing, i can't stop looking at her :)
Posted by: linwoodavenue | August 11, 2010 at 11:01 AM
Keep going, you're doing beautiful work. You have amazing courage to put it all out there, while finding your way. Enjoy!
Posted by: Sues Scott | August 11, 2010 at 12:08 PM
beautiful story and beautiful work of art. i feel like i am in a very similar place and can understand how you are feeling.
Posted by: Carrie Schmitt | August 11, 2010 at 01:40 PM
:) hello and thank you! mmmm, oh how we need encouragement from our fellow travelers along this road! :)
Posted by: Jan Avellana | August 11, 2010 at 01:57 PM
dear sue, thank you sue :)...i'll try to enjoy!
Posted by: Jan Avellana | August 11, 2010 at 01:58 PM
carrie, hello! oh, you are so sweet...and really? are you in a similar place? scary and exhilarating at the same time, isn't it? let's find our way together! :)
Posted by: Jan Avellana | August 11, 2010 at 01:59 PM
jan, this is gorgeous! It makes me feel calm and it made me smile! I love love her sweet warm loving look and the colors you used! I love the story behind this piece! Have a lovely merry happy day and love to you!
Posted by: Jacqueline | August 11, 2010 at 03:36 PM
hello jacqueline ;)...aww, thank you for your kindness...stay tuned to see the progress (?!) i make! ;)
Posted by: Jan Avellana | August 11, 2010 at 04:38 PM
Never too late. never never never too late.
Posted by: suzanna leigh | August 11, 2010 at 06:29 PM
oh suzanna, your comment made me smile! :) how lovely. never too late. never.
Posted by: Jan Avellana | August 11, 2010 at 07:05 PM