A Re-Introduction and a Goal

Goodbye 2021, Hello 2022

My name is Jessica. I’m a partner, a mother, a reluctant leader, and an artist (that’s why I have this neglected website). I’ve been painting since I was kid, have a degree for it from a small college, but it’s not my career - it can’t be. The decision to not become an art teacher or attend grad school set me on a different path. In that path, I learned about a different side of myself, found stability, and maintained my passion.

In 2019, I made the goal to complete 52 paintings no matter how great or bad they were, one each week. I did that (while pregnant most of the year).

The last two years were a lot of growth. It has not been easy to become a parent in the midst of a pandemic, but there is a lot of love, a lot of inspiration. Parenthood should not prevent passions. It’s hard, but it can work. In a way, I’ve been more productive because my time to create is so limited, more pours out when I have the chance.

Thus, I decided to try another artistic challenge/goal:

The Heart of a Song: 12 paintings, one per month, each inspired by a song, featuring a heart.

I also hope to update this website once a month on the progress, twice if it includes adding the finished piece. I also want to update the paintings I’ve completed in the last few years as well.

I don’t know if I can maintain this goal, this website, this blog…. but I want to try, trying is the goal.

Thanks 2022, may you be kinder, gentler, and full of love and inspiration.

Currently Watching: Season 3 of Pose, Season 6 of The Expanse

Currently Reading: The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo

Currently Listening: Katatonia’s album “Mnemosynean”

Thoughtful Thursday: 52 Paintings

Back in 2019 I decided to do a project called 52 Paintings: one painting a week, with some guidelines. I planned to blog about each piece, like at this blog entry: Thoughtful Tuesday: 52 Paintings - #1. Well, that didn’t happen. However, I’m pleased to say I followed through with it, posting one painting a week on my Instagram. Then you see, 2020 happened: new mom, stressful situations occurred after, then as we all know, pandemic.

It’s taken time, but I’m pleased to say I have a page now dedicated to this project: 52 Paintings. Check it out!

March 2021 with some favorites

Maybe as I get back into blogging I do take a stroll down memory lane to discuss the inspiration for these paintings, even redoing that first entry? Memory Monday?

I still have many things to update, many questions to ask myself as an artist, but one thing is for sure as of now: becoming a mom has not impacted my creativity. If anything, my paintings have become stronger and more adventurous. As proof, I’ll be creating a new page for artwork from the last year. I’m excited to see what comes next.

Currently Listening: Where the Gloom Becomes Sound album by Tribulation.

Currently Watching: Babylon 5

Thought Thursday: Another Update, Still Here

Current work in progress

I’ve tried to post an update for the last few days. Still making art. Actually, becoming a mom seems to have made me more artistic and more focused as the time to paint is limited. I’m trying new things, challenging myself, and it’s scary as hell. Good things take time, some practice, and a lot of heart.

I’ve been doing a Fall and Spring cleaning lately as well, facing the realities of my artwork - does someone what this piece? Do I need to paint over it? Do I trash it? Thus some friends have/are taking paintings, some I’ve painted over to reuse the canvas, and some have or will end up in the trash.

I’m okay with this. Growth means starting over or getting rid of something weighing you down. Some art ends up in good homes. It’s all a balance, and one I continue to look forward to.

Currently Listening: Oceans of Slumber - self titled album

Currently Watching: Babylon 5 - Season 1

Studio Sunday: To-Do List

Welp, so much for starting to blog again right? Looking at this site again after several months made me realize how much I need to update this week. For what it’s worth, I made a 2021 resolution to get this website updated and start blogging at least once a month, do the bare minimum.

I still need to update a page of work from 2019-2020, plus finish adding all photos of work from the 2019 52 page project, paintings that are paintings for better or worse.

Oh, and start a 2021 page as well, I have paintings that are almost completed and need a space.

More soon, take care, be kind.

Currently Listening: Oceans of Slumber - self-titled album
Currently Watching: The Expanse