Celebrate a Win

"You must always see with a big vision, and if you keep your mind calm there will be a way, there will be a light." - Chiura Obata

"After all this Time" reduction linocut 8"x10"

Back in June, I entered two pieces of work into the Awagami International Mini-Print Exhibition. It was exciting to send my work to Japan to this large international biennial exhibition. "After all this Time" was given an honorable mention. I'm at turns delighted and stunned. There's a lot of work in this piece and I might well deserve it.

"Cape Hatteras" linocut 4"x6"

This emboldened me to start applying to more exhibitions. I make all this work and it should be out in the world. These three were selected by The Firefly Artists in Northport, NY for their exhibition Post-It.  

"Wild Geese" linocut 4"x6"

"Cape Lookout" reduction linocut 4"x6"

My studio work right now is slower due to my mentorship. I'm learning new techniques and re-examining my mark making and color biases. I do have one new piece to share.

"Full Moon Fair" reduction linocut 8"x10"

This is a reduction linocut - 9 colors - lots of work and it taught me a lot. I've been having this strange fascination with carousel ponies. I see them as decoration in places like restaurants and at the offices of Heyday Books.

My mentor at Zea Mays encouraged me to explore why I'm drawn to these ponies. For me, it's the contradiction of the county fair. My five-year old self was always disappointed and wanting more. Here we are - I'm up past my bedtime; I'm given massive amounts of drugs in the form of cotton candy; The stimulation is over the top; I choose my pony expecting to be delivered to the moon and what do I get - up, down, round, round to the most insipid music ever. This pony has broken free of all constraints and is ready for something more. Don't we all deserve more, better?

The other thing I'm attempting to engage in is more play. My friend Joanne sent me a call for an event at The Edward Gorey House in Yarmouth, MA. The theme was the Evil Garden. I sent them the below...

"Evil Garden" mixed media printmaking, business envelop

The event is all ages and abilities. It's easy and free to enter. Simply the cost of a stamp.

My spirit is taking a battering this year. It's a combination of Michael's passing, politics, my day job, and wanting to make more art. Studio time is precious and I'm more and more protective of my time. Making the work supports my mental health and helps me feel more balanced in the world. I hope you're finding support as well.

til, next time...