New Year, New Perspectives

As the weather improves, I’m coming out of hibernation, and I’m ready. It’s a new year, full of new perspectives and opportunities. I am buckled up for the ride. Let’s go!

I am entering my third season of showing art. I continue to grow and learn. I haven’t been outdoors to shoot much since the New Year, but that’s mostly due to the winter weather, which I seem to tolerate less as I age. It doesn’t feel good to admit that, but it’s the truth. However, that time spent in “hibernation” has not gone to waste. I am enjoying painting and printmaking more than ever, I am taking an acrylic painting class at Cheyenne Creativity Center (they have great workshops and classes - if you’re in Cheyenne, you really should check them out), and I continue to look forward to what this year will bring me in the way of opportunity.

My perspective regarding whether I should be focusing on photography or painting is evolving. For months, I’ve been trying to discern where and how both mediums fall into place in the puzzle that is me as an artist. I don’t know the complete answer yet. But I see that both are valuable and indispensable to me. I love the adrenaline rush and excitement of capturing a special scene through the lens, of garnering emotions that somehow translate what I’m feeling to an image. It’s the preservation of time, the documentation of a meaningful tableau. I am a historian of sorts, in my role as a photographer. As a painter, I am rediscovering pure expression. Color mixing, shadow and light, composition and drawing; it’s all so exciting! I am a little bit spellbound with watercolor, as of late. The way color flows on wet paper, the ability to layer paint and change opacity, the simple beauty achieved with only a few strokes. Watercolor is sort of where my compass is pointing right now. 

Watercolor sketchbook fun: Chloe the dog, self-portrait with Lily the cat, figuring out rocks (but not waterfalls!), and a woodblock print with a watercolor background.

My blue ribbon painting from 1987. I was a junior in high school.

My history with painting goes back to elementary school, like many people. Art classes in high school solidified my interest, and I even won a blue ribbon for one of my oil paintings at the High School Art Symposium, which, at the time, was a state-wide exhibition of high school art. My mom still has that painting hanging in her home, and I look at it now and think, could I even paint like that now? I seem to have forgotten so much about oil painting! Why did I stop? I don’t know. I continued my art education in junior college, graduating with an associate’s degree in Fine Art. By then, I was falling in love (yes, with my darling Mark), started working full-time, got married, had a family. I don’t know why I didn’t think I could do art while raising children. I guess I was overwhelmed and didn’t know how to keep that as part of my life. 

Now I’ve come full circle. Our kids are wonderful, busy adults with their own lives in different states. I tried, unsuccessfully, to work full-time after my stroke; that has turned into a blessing as I can pursue this alternate career as a photographer and artist on my own time, at a pace that my brain can handle. The passage of time inherently creates new perspectives, and my deeper dive into my purpose as an artist will continue to unfold, this year especially.

If you follow me on social media, you may know of my excitement as having been accepted for a two-week artist residency this fall at Estudio Corazon, at Ghost Ranch in New Mexico. Ghost Ranch is a place of incredible natural beauty, and historically, one of the places artist Georgia O’Keeffe lived during summers for many years. She would eventually build her home and live permanently in nearby Abiquiu. Her work has always spoken to me. For me to have the opportunity to go there and really dig into what my purpose and expression as an artist might be is truly a great gift. With the advice of an artist friend, I’m trying not to set expectations for my residency. But I do hope my perspective continues to clarify and focus. 

I think of where I am now artistically as a kaleidoscope. Each turn creates different patterns and colors, filling one’s vision with visual stimulation, discovery, and a distinct outlook. Which configuration will appeal to me the most? Which discipline/s I’m exploring will allow me to express myself fully? I look forward to the enrichment of my perspective as this year unfolds. I humbly and gratefully thank you for your support as I continue to cultivate my artistic expression.

P.S. Take a look at my Events and Showing Page, as I have a few pieces currently in some great shows. I update this page regularly if you ever want to know where to see my work.

A few recent images from January and February. Brrrr!