Little Pink Houses and Backsides

 For the Art Access 300 Plates show in SLC this year, I did a series called Little Pink Houses.

I use symbolism in my paintings, which is obvious, I suppose. Not so obvious though is that on the back of some of my artworks, there is a little bit more of the story. I like the idea that it's a message just for the owner of the artwork. The coolest one is the back of the painting in my previous post, Infinite Love. Maybe that painting should be framed backwards, or maybe it should stay secretly hidden behind the painting. 

Infinite Love

It's hard for me to write about motherhood because I get all chocked-up. My feelings are so big I can't seem to find big enough words to write about it.
I have a gallery wrapped canvas, as well as the original of this painting available for Mother's Day at Gallery 601. FYI, gallery wrapped canvases are nice because they don't have to be framed; they can even sit on a table.

I'm grateful that I get to be a mother and I love my kittens. I love them so much that my heart feels heavy. They are pretty great kids too; each with unique personality, challenges and talents.
Being a mother is not what I had anticipated, but like with many other things in my life, it's so much greater than I expected. I kind of want to write a Christmas-like brag list and tell you all about my kittens but I will restrain and go shovel compost onto my garden instead. Happy Mother's Day to Mothers everywhere, cheers!

The Talking Fly

Lucky me to get to work with my supercool friend, Steve Olpin and his nephew Paul. In 2008, Paul was injured playing rugby and unfortunately suffered from a stroke. You can see Steve's introductory video here and then a little more when I got to draw with Paul here.
It makes my heart warm that Steve loves his nephew and is using his talents for good.

Two Hearts, One Arrow

Gallery 601 in Boise asked me to paint a painting for Valentine's day. Love is big subject and I did a lot of sketches before settling on the idea of two burning hearts pierced by the same arrow. It's so romantic.
I can imagine that upon seeing this painting, people will ask me why the subject doesn't look overjoyed. I was aiming for "thoughtful" as opposed to giddy or silly. She looks strong to me, like she carries a lot. I think that love, as beautiful and sweet as it is, is heavy. Love gives the heart weight.


After finishing the painting, I found this verse:

Lovely one,

with a nest of copper entangled

on your head, a nest

the color of honey

where my heart burns and rests,

lovely one.

-Pablo Neruda

I also love this verse, although it doesn't fit quite as well with this painting, it could inspire another painting.

My arrow of love
has arrived at the target
I am in a house of mercy
and my heart is a place of prayer.

-Rumi

Ahhh...Painting

Days lost in painting are pure bliss. It's hard to put it away when my work time is up, as usual. 

Before painting in oil, I used stencils and acrylic to create a pattern which nicely frames the portraits. I've been drawing in my sketchbook in sort of the same way. I've been starting my drawings with lovely little frames.

Painting

I really, really, really like to paint. It's hard to stop even when I start to ache, I'm hungry and there are other people who need my attention. It's just so fun.

Summer

I just came across this picture and remembered summer. Summer seems like forever ago. 

During the winter we drink the grape juice. It tastes like summer. This past fall we had more grapes than we have every had before. They grew fifteen feet into our trees. 

“I want to feel all there is to feel, he thought. Let me feel tired, now, let me feel tired. I mustn't forget, I'm alive, I know I'm alive, I mustn't forget it tonight or tomorrow or the day after that.” 
― Ray Bradbury, Dandelion Wine

This winter has been so cold. I like how the snow blankets all of the clutter and turns the world into a monochromatic painting. I like the sound of my boots on the crunchy snow and wearing tights. I like shorter days and getting a little more sleep, but I love summer.