Blog

Well, 2021 rolled in with a whimper and not with the big bangs we are accustomed to seeing. 

I am trying to use the new year as an excuse to force myself to get back on track and back to work doing the thing I love. You wouldn't think it would be so hard but....  I have a long list of items to be accomplished. 

Much has changed in the art world and making those adaptations is the biggest challenge to my art practice.

The main challenge I personally have had is finding inspiration and motivation to paint. I've mentioned before, I had difficulty finding inspiration during the shut downs with the barrage of ever changing information-never knowing when galleries would again be open for shows or when or if new exhibits would be happening. The uncertainty of it all has definitely placed a pause on my creativity. Artists often draw their inspiration from the things they see while out and about in the world. I am no exception. To be locked away from seeing people, places, things leaves one without the day to day inspiration that comes without much thought when we are in our normal groove. I am determined not to let 2021 be another barren wasteland.

Last week, I headed to the studio with intent and purpose to put paint on the canvas and to make many marks and add much texture there one way or the other. I'm kicking myself a little that I haven't forced myself to get busy sooner because once I started painting, things just flowed out of me. I created several pieces using a new color palette of neutrals I am trying-much darker than my usual and more earthy. They have been well received so far and one even sold already! I suppose I am on to something but only time will determine that for sure. It seems the dark and gloomy of the past year is beginning to show up on my canvas. So, while I may be a little behind the curve for all those "what you painted during covid" competitions, I may be headed in a new direction in 2021. Maybe I was soaking up the gloom and doom and now is time to let it out. I hope you stay tuned to see what that looks like! 

Best until next time, 

Kelley

I was thinking about my blog post from last week and trying to decide what I should tell you about this week. I went back to refresh my memory and it struck me, after reading last week’s post, how differently I approach art versus the rest of my life. I clearly admitted to being a control freak last week always wanting to know or control the outcome of whatever is happening. It is a character defect I readily admit to and work on daily. You would think a person with those defects would be very precise and very rigid in their painting style and in their approach to creating. Would you ever guess I am the exact opposite? I am totally and completely incongruent- the two mes.

Maybe it comes from being a self taught artist who likes to experiment with different products or just from my desire to watch paint and canvas meld together, but I never have a set outcome planned when I create a painting. The most planned thing that happens in my process is what size canvas to use and maybe a color palette for the day. I work intuitively taking the next step based on what just happened. I really don’t think about it consciously. I like to use paint movers and lots of wetness whether with alcohol or water and see what effects happen when they are introduced. The best paintings come when I work very loosely and quickly making marks, splashes, and patterns in the paint or mediums. Even my calmer paintings have lines of pattern or texture where paint was moved underneath. Does that sound like a person anxious about the outcome or a plotter and planner? I just enjoy the doing. I flail around the canvas until the thing it is supposed to be shows up. Somehow I recognize it and refine whatever it happens to be. That is my gift God gave me. I cannot explain it. It just happens and I am grateful for it. It makes me a calm and comforted person inside. That person doesn’t look like the other person I have been telling you about. I’m not sure where she comes from.

I guess it could be true that our hobbies or gifts bring out our true selves. Maybe when we live a life that honors our true selves, we are more free-free from worry of outcomes. We stay more in the now and worry of future things dissipate. In art, that seems to come easily to me. I am working on translating more of that art self to the rest of my life. I think it will be a good thing. Letting go does feel good! Its like finger painting! I hope the more I let go the more the two mes will merge into one happy chick who paints and I won’t care if I know what is happening tomorrow or if the dish towels get folded the correct way.

Best until next time,

Kelley

I know people who get up each day and go whichever way the winds blows. They thrive on not knowing what will happen next and they easily take change with a grain of salt - good or bad. I am not one of those people. I am a planner. I like to know what I am doing tomorrow. I like to know what is next and what I can count on. I’m certain I am a control freak who just likes to be in charge. 2020 has not been a great year for such a planner. God is indeed testing my faith and showing me where I need to grow. He is showing me where I need to trust more and rely on His promises for good. He is growing my faith as He has been since I jumped off the cliff into this painting adventure with my eyes closed tightly afraid to breathe.

And now, another “wind of change” has billowed through my life! The studio, Wild Ibis, where I’ve had space since getting out of my garage, is breaking apart. Wild Ibis is moving to Mt Dora-back to their roots and to their comfort zone. 2020 seems to be about everyone finding their own space where they feel best. I will be staying behind in Eustis at the same building with my same space, but with a new name. I am left with so many unknowns and so many questions. What will come next? Who will fill these spaces? Will there be new opportunities ahead for me in 2021? How will all this turn out? Will people remember I am here? What will be the new vibe? So many uncertainties. That is not a comfortable place for a planner.

At first, I was saddened that 2020 destroyed such a neat place-a place that first gave me a glimpse of who I am as an artist and who I could be. It was comfortable to me as it is. And, I would be missing some really great, supportive ladies in my life day to day- ladies who have encouraged me along the way when I had doubts and ladies who have helped open doors for me. After taking in some deep breaths, I have chosen to see this change as an opportunity for me to grow as an artist and as a person and as an opportunity to have faith that God is in charge of this plan. No doubt, there will be new people coming into my life. No doubt the business operation at the space will be different and no doubt operating under a new name will bring new people in the front door. Much is left untold thus far. God has not let me peek around the corner to see what is next yet, but I’m beginning to feel some greater sense of trust that all will be well. Opportunities for 2021 are already presenting themselves and I am finding that with each new change in 2020, I am accepting it sooner and with more grace. God really has His job cut out for Him. As my Dad tells me, when I was 4, 5, 6 years old, I always wanted to know what we were doing and at what time. And, if the time came and we weren’t doing it yet, why not? I was that kid….

So, since I can’t see around corners and all isn’t in place yet, I will be painting and creating in my space and trusting God has me just where He planned for me to be to accomplish the things He intends for me to accomplish with the gifts He has given me. That is my comfort in these times of uncertainty. And it is also my challenge. Having blind faith does not come easy to us control freaks. We are always a work in progress. I’m hoping good art will be made through the struggle. You’ll have to be the judge. One thing is for certain, I will be giving it my best shot no matter how much change comes my way. I am finally doing the thing I love and I won’t let fear of change take that from me.

I’d love to hear from you. Where do you gain your confidence, peace, harmony when times of change come? How do you take to change? Do you roll with it or do you struggle to the end? How have you weathered the winds of change during 2020? Have you adjusted easily or are you still struggling? Just leave me a comment or two in the section below.

Best until next time,

Kelley

Did you ever view my paintings and wonder, why did she paint that? Why did she paint lines, colors, shapes, squiggles and patterns on the canvas and call it art? Well, the answer to that question is pretty simple and maybe it will give you more insight into why I paint some of the things I paint.

Since I was a teenager, I have often struggled with something many people struggle with -migraine headaches. I have what turns out to be a big blessing with my migraines, however. I have auras that float in my periphery. Auras, as it turns out, are an early warning sign of an impending headache. I learned from my doctors that if I take medication when the aura appears, I can stave off that really bad headache. That is one blessing all by itself. Doing so has saved me years of suffering.

But, the main blessing is seeing the actual aura itself. My auras are often geometric shapes of bold colors of the rainbow that float in and out my peripheral vision. They seem very majestic and are brilliant in a way I cannot describe.

I've said since my teens if I could only paint my auras, I’d be a great artist. So, finally, I am making the attempt to do just that. I'm trying to translate the thing that happens in my minds eye to the canvas. I'm not sure it will ever come across to you just as I see it, but, I will keep trying to share the beauty of what would, at first glance, appear to be bad thing. And, next time you see one of those brightly-colored paintings of shapes and squiggly lines maybe you’ll think, there she goes again, trying to paint that headache.

Best until next time,

Kelley

2020 has been a really crazy year! I don’t have to tell that to anyone reading this. The year started off with many bangs and what I considered many successes. The way it looked in January, 2020 was going to be a big year for moving my art business forward and getting my name out to places that had no clue I existed. And, just like many in business in 2020, THEN CAME COVID!

Along with the rest of the world, the art world grinded to a halt and where there had been hope of great things, depression and a malaise set in. I don’t mind sharing that I had great difficulty painting and picking myself up each day to move through what was in front of me. I saw other artists thrilled with the extra time to create and so many using the time to make wonderful paintings or learning new techniques through Zoom workshops. I spent all of January, February, and most of March creating work at a frenzied pace because I had an upcoming solo show scheduled in April 2020. Work was flowing out of me and it couldn’t be stopped. so, when the world put on the brakes, for a short few moments, I was glad for a rest. But then, I just couldn’t get back at it. The motivation to paint and create had disappeared as quickly as the opportunities.

This year has really been a lesson in self discovery! Through this time, I have learned that I paint from a place of happiness and calm. I have learned I am not a person who paints from anger, fear, darkness, or depression. I paint from light! Looking at my work, I can only find one painting that was created in great anger and sadness since I started this painting journey. That’s why I’ve had such difficulty creating work for what is now the norm, “what did you paint during covid” exhibit. While good, so many of the paintings you see there are full of sadness and forlorn mood or feeling. That shuts down my creative flow. It makes me freeze and be stuck.

So, what broke the sad spell, you ask? The day I received the email from a friend at the museum where my solo pop up show had been scheduled. Seems they were ready to reschedule the fundraiser event and take a “cross your fingers” risk to see if anyone would be willing to get out and about to see art and support the local museum in their annual fundraiser. Just that one email, broke the spell. Suddenly, I had purpose again and I was able to create a couple of new pieces for the event. There was a forward looking mind set. And, as it turns out, my work will remain there even longer than the originally planed time frame, so, more people will have an opportunity to see it. God always takes bad things and turns them to good! You just have to have faith! The week before the newly scheduled event, our Governor opened the state and more felt comfortable venturing out beyond the grocery and Home Depot. Turns out, people were willing and ready to come out to see new art and more importantly, to support our local museum. The event was held this past Friday and it was a success by all measures of 2020. I sold paintings, new people saw my work, and the museum gained more funds to keep the operation moving forward. For 2020, that is bonus!

While I really don’t want a repeat of 2020 by any means, I am grateful for the time I’ve had to reflect about why I create art and what motivates me. I’ve learned a lot about myself. Praying the rest of the year moves on by quickly and that 2021 can be the really great year we were all expecting when this one started. I am even beginning to think about what will be my next direction to paint… that’s progress!

I’d love to hear your stories about 2020 too. Feel free to share them here!

Best until next time,

Kelley

Wow! December 2019 flew by like the wind! Here we come 2020 sliding in sideways!. The first quarter of my 2020 is going to be a busy one.

I have a collaborative show coming up with my friend and artist, Kace Montgomery, at the Tavares City Hall. We will have our exhibit there from January 31st until April 30th. A lot goes into getting ready for a show like that. You have to see the space and determine how many pieces are needed to fill it without overwhelming it. You have to curate your work to fit the space and in this case also pick works that are complimentary of the other artist’s work. You have to make sure all works are ready to hang and if necessary, ready to leave you forever. You must make your list of titles, sizes, and pricing for the program and update inventory for location. Once pieces are curated, you must prepare them for transport so no damage occurs getting to the facility. On install day, you load and unload your work and place your work in the location provided in the most favorable way possible. None of this is difficult. It is all part of being an artist. The opening reception where your work meets the viewer is really the hardest part. You never know how your work will be received. Will many people show up to see or will it be a bust? Will they like the work? Will someone want to purchase? These are all anxiety producing questions every artist faces when putting their work into the public domain. It is a damned if you do and damned if you don’t scenario. We create work we want people to see and love yet the anxiety that comes from them seeing it is like wedding day jitters. Then, when someone gives you the thumbs up, all is well and we glow inside. There’s nothing much better than someone telling you they like the thing you revealed about yourself in your work, or they understand the meaning you were trying to convey. Until one person does that, you may as well be standing naked in the room full of strangers. I am looking forward to this event as my art will be seen by people I do not know and that is a great opportunity to find new collectors. It makes it easier that I will have a friend standing close by, but one thing is for certain; I’m going to dress in layers just to make sure I am not standing naked in the crowd!

Best until next time,

Kelley

So, I’ve been a busy girl for the month since my last post! The actual reality of being an artist is quite different than the outside perception people have in their minds of you hanging out at your studio all day painting away to music and gliding across the floor as you fling paint in the direction of a canvas. The reality is it is lots and lots of hard work and constant self promotion in order to even get your work seen much less sold. Since I have written last, I have been preparing my studio for visitors for the holiday open house at Wild Ibis, I’ve taken paintings to various locations in Orlando (35 mi from my home) 6 times, I have picked up paintings from different locations in Orlando where they were showing 4 times, totally revamped and rehung my retail space at Gathered in Ormond Beach, completely rehung my work in my studio, taken down and rehung a show in our front gallery at Wild Ibis, applied to shows and competitions, done social media for myself and Wild Ibis daily, sent out newsletters and updated websites just to name a few things. That’s all before I attended 3 openings where I was fortunate to be included or created one thing. Somewhere in there, I did create a painting or two and managed to get them varnished and wired/framed for hanging. The reality of being an artist is I am constantly in motion whether painting or moving paintings around between locations to be seen by possible buyers. Following my dream to be an artist so late in life, I feel I cannot slow down. I must be the Energizer bunny each day to play a game of catch up. I am in process of learning how important it is to give myself space and down time to let the creativity flow. I absolutely LOVE what I do and I would not trade it for anything in the world. None of these things I have listed feel like work. They are just part of what must happen to be an artist. I do keep a schedule. I do work each day in an effort to forward my progress and my art career is treated like any 8-5 job. The painting to music and gliding across the floor are the bonus times-the joy, the gravy of the new job I love. It is the exception not the rule of my daily life. I hope this gives you a little insight into my daily world. Being an artist isn’t all ice cream cones and butterflies as some would think but I sure do like it!

Best until next time,

K

I’ve always had an innate connection to making art and in my soul I always knew I would get to do it. I just didn’t know how it would happen as early in life I made different choices and headed down different roads. I’ve also had a leaning towards writing not because I do it well, but because I like to do it. This blog will be my effort to combine the two and to share my story of how I woke up one day at 57 and declared myself an artist. I hope you will join me on this journey of self revealing as I share pieces of my soul and the many things I am learning/doing in this new life. Maybe we can learn together and share revelations with each other about adventures in our lives. For today, I also declare myself a writer! I’ve no idea where this will go, but jump on. Here we go!