2022 Goal: June - See

Welp, these blogs are becoming much delayed, but despite that, I can happily say I am still following my schedule of paintings within the month. In fact, I have ideas for August and September, and maybe even October. However, let’s talk about this June painting.

June’s painting was inspired by Sylvaine’s song “I Close My Eyes so I Can See”.
Song Link

I keep going back to certain color schemes thus back to blues again, but with some pop as well as some aqua and purple. I took a chance on the design and really let go. Tissue paper again on the background and six paintings in, it’s become a must. However, I put some tissue paper over the body and fell in love with this technique. Thus, more exploration on that soon. Flower eyes are a motif I use quite a bit here and there, so the imagery worked well with the song as well.

I really feel by the end of this project, it will be a playlist of songs that really sum up this year, and that’s exciting.

Currently Watching: Westworld season 4

Currently Listening: “Traust” by Heilung

Currently Reading: Caliban's War by James S. A. Corey

2022 Goal: May - Free

Disclaimer: I wrote this draft almost a month ago, then didn’t get good photos, then didn’t have a chance to get good photos for a while.

“But I hear music / I feel the beat / And for a moment / When I'm dancing, I am free“

This month Florence + the Machine released their latest album with “Dance Fever”. I adore Florence Welch especially since the album “How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful”. Someday I will do artwork inspired by that album. For now, this month’s piece is inspired by “Free”.

Song Link

In the spirit of the song, I wanted to let go and well, be free. I already knew I wanted to do something inspired by the album art as well. I also challenged myself with well….. pink…. and lots of it. I had no real vision for the piece; I simply went with it. I had fun. I added tissue paper as a base, did layers, used various paints, and put purple lace around the edge.

As soon as the lace was done, I could not help but smile wide. In many ways this piece is very different from my usual pieces, but I still have the heart (pun intended) of my style I think.

I have also finished two pieces unrelated to this project. Hopefully, I will blog about them soon, and upload photos, and update other sections of this website……

The tragedies of the last few months and continued tragedies continue to weigh heavy. I’m doing what I can to help make the world a better place as exhausting as it can be. In my mind are ideas, and it’s just taking time to formulate how I want to express myself through those ideas.

Currently Listening: Florence + the Machine’s latest album, Dance Fever

Currently Reading: Her Body and Other Parties by Carmen Maria Machado (almost done!)

Currently Watching: Obi-Wan Kenobi

2022 Goal: April - House

After having a few songs floating around, I was undecided. I sought recommendations from Instagram friends, and one suggested Chelsea Wolfe. Thus my brain decided on the song, “House of Metal”.
Song Link

For the fourth time, tissue paper is used as part of the background. It’s been fun to work with so don’t be surprised if it makes it into every piece of this project. I’ve wanted to use found objects and go even further with mixed media. Thus, a house of metal. I visited the toolbox and a craft box of various items I’ve collected. Then came the dried small flowers. Putting it all together, I built a house to protect a heart. The color combination is what I saw and felt with this saw. I wanted an atmosphere of a quiet night with sparkle; honestly this song needs to be listened to at night.

By choosing the color combo, I felt there was an unintentional (but ultimately maybe intentional) tie to the country of Ukraine. The horrors that we hear in the tears break my heart. It’s heavy on my mind. Art is about interpretation, so in a way, I see a house that’s trying to protect its heart, just as the Ukrainian people are trying to protect their families, country, and culture. I have been working on a piece in light of the war, but that is a post for another day.

In the mean time:

• I’m excited about my idea for May.

• Be sure to read information from trusted newsites about Ukraine.

• Listen to music, it helps to calm the soul, it helps to give hope.

Currently Listening: Sylvaine’s latest album Nowhere, Still Somewhere

Currently Reading: Her Body and Other Parties by Carmen Maria Machado

Currently Watching: Vikings Valhalla and Severance

2022 Goal: March - Falling

For March, I went back to my teen years for a Lacuna Coil song from their very first EP that was self-titled.

Song Link

“Falling” was one of those songs I remembered listening to in dark moments. It made me feel less alone. Even listening to it while I worked on this painting, I was not sad, but happy. I felt a sense of gratitude for a song that brought a sense of peace, and an even greater reflection of how far I’ve come in my own life.

Purples were the main color scheme. One night, I came across this idea of purples, a heart that fell and tumbled down into a cavern, that feeling of solitude and loss. This is also one of the smallest paintings I’ve even done. I quite enjoyed this challenge, especially since it came together like I hoped, if not better. Background started with a layer of paint, then added tissue paper over it. I played more with different brands of paint; used tiny paint brushes. This might be my favorite piece so far.

I’m hoping to get started on the April painting soon. Still debating which song to actually do hmmm…..

Currently Listening: Meg Myers

Currently Watching: Our Flag Means Death, Vikings: Valhalla

Currently Reading: Stories of Your Life by Ted Chiang (finishing up from starting years ago!)