Layers

I feel like my computer time is now having to be spent in stolen moments - late at night, in between this and that, after breakfast but before I head to the studio, after I come home but before dinner.  And while I'm still not quite used to this - which means it is therefore not entirely comfortable - I already have a sense of how profoundly this studio experience could change my computer habits...not to mention a myriad of other details in my life.

Or maybe after my time in the studio is up I'll go right back to the way I operated before without so much as a blink - who's to say.

Regardless, this summer is a bit of an experiment in many ways.  Actually - scratch that.  It is entirely an experiment - in having a separate studio, in creating art, in new computer-related habits.  I have already talked about creations coming out of me that I did not know were in me, but what I haven't talked about is how much this space is inspiring me to strip down to what is most bare and pure within my own self.

Right now much of the work I am doing involves tearing apart existing pieces that have been in my stash for too long.  I am peeling away pictures, pulling apart layers and dismantling compositions that were carefully crafted not so long ago.  And some of those bits and pieces are finding their way into new pieces.  In other words, I am taking apart and re-building.  I am cutting away layer upon layer until I get to the bare wood panel that has been supporting it all, and in this process I can't help but think about all the layers of noise that have gotten in the way of my ability to truly take what I am given.

I know I will continue to write about this as the summer progresses.  I am wary of turning this into some big moment of drama - "The studio changed my life!" - but there are things being stirred about, and I can't ignore the feelings of release that seem to expand in new directions everyday.

“You leave old habits behind by starting out with the thought, 'I release the need for this in my life'.”  ~Wayne Dyer

Comments

[Jennifer]

I just love the idea of you pulling away the layers of your art pieces and creating something new with them. It is such a beautiful metaphor for a life transforming experience for sure.

I also love that you show up at the studio. :) The summer is going to take you on an incredible adventure. So excited to hear about it,

[Marianne]

Taking it apart, putting it back together. Experimenting.

So grateful to have you as a companion for this journey.

x

[Liz]

beautiful! looking forward to the eventual reveal of your de-constructed, stripped down and essential pieces... yay for change and bringing in the new! xo

[V-Grrrl @ Compost Studios]

It is interesting how the balance tips in our lives. I'm a writer and an artist. Which comes first in terms of time and inspiration varies. Sometimes I'm balanced. Sometimes indulging one means neglecting or suppressing the other. And then there's the social media outlets I express myself in, sometimes a lot, sometimes a little. I like the ebb and flow of it all, the sense of one part of me rising while another sinks.

[Tara Bradford]

YES, yes and yes! Your art is evolving, just as you are. Can't wait to see your latest creations.

[marlene white]

you have to let the painting become the process... collaborate with accidents and express the unknown! The studio is the playground for this exploration and dialog between the materials and the artist.
Sounds like your having a blast.
Marlene

[Donna]

I wish I could feel the things that you are feeling. Please know that you are very special and very lucky and I am also very lucky to count you as a friend. I will continue to take inspiration from you, in the little bits that I can digest.

[Renate]

Can't wait to see where this will take you.