I recently picked up Good magazine, and the issue was called their slow issue. All about the slow movement, slow food, and everything else related to slowing down. It’s a very interesting read if you feel so inclined to pick it up.

It got me thinking about how I recently decided to let go of expectations in my art, and slow down. That is one reason why there has been a slight lack of posting around here. Since I’ve been busier lately, and a longer commute means less time at night. I decided to set a time limit, each night I spend an hour on my art, in whatever form that takes. I don’t pressure myself to finish anything, or to start anything. Some nights I simply organize my studio, others I have spent just doodling and sketching. It is a slower approach to art for me. I used to work quickly, and liked to finish paintings in one sitting if possible. I still work quickly, but find that setting a time limit has helped me to let go of the finished piece and focus on the creating part more. It’s only been a few weeks of trying this out, but so far I feel like though I’m not cranking out art left and right that there are some good pieces coming through, and in due time they will make their appearance in this world.

Winter is a slow season, a time for reflection, and a time to slow down…

A shot of Nyquil, and a weeks worth of lack of sleep meant that I fell asleep at 5:30p.m. on December 31st, 2009, and did not wake until 10:30a.m. on January 1st, 2010. One of the first New Years since I was a kid that I didn’t make it to 12:00am. Also one of the first years I have brought in with a horrible cold. With that I came to the conclusion that this year will be a year of rest for me. I will do more to take care of myself, not try to stretch myself to thin, and also take a step back from some lofty goals that I so often make this time of year. Only to be disappointed when I get no closer to achieving them, as they were just to overwhelming to achieve.

I plan on sharing my goals on here this year, I also plan on making them realistic, small steps toward larger goals. I am looking at this year as a clean slate, as a chance to start over in some ways. A chance to reevaluate and change course slightly as the one I was took some unexpected turns that have led me in a whole new direction.

With that, A Happy New Year to you and I hope it will be one filled with the happiness you deserve!

I am overwhelmed, I am in an odd place, I want to be here, I want to write, I want to paint, I want to find the time. I just can’t. I need to step back, not rush, and find my footing again. I want so many things, but I can’t force them to happen. I need to find my natural rhythm, my flow, my voice among all the chatter in my head.

So I will be taking an intermission, a break for the entire month of June. I will be intermittently checking email, but will be away for the most part. Need to have some quiet. I also have a nice week long vacation planned right in the middle of the month so this all works out nicely. Much needed R&R.

I will be back though on July 1st. Hopefully with a fresh perspective, some changes, a lot of new paintings and a list of goals completed.

Take care, see you in a month!

On this gorgeous Friday here in Chicago where the current temp is 64, I want to go back and sit outside some more. Alas some work has called my name and should “try” to make some progress today. So while I was surfing blogs I came across this blog called things we forget. Very strategically placed post-it notes. How awesome to find a little message that helps to lift your spirits if even for only a moment.

One of my favorites from the site…

It is really snowy, gray, and just blah outside right at this moment. Winter really brings me down. Which is probably why I tend to be drawn to reds and oranges this time of year. The warm colors that remind me of fire, and just seem to pop off the screen. Although spending some time inside the Garfield Park Conservatory in winter is the best way to take a free vacation to the tropics. I warmed up there the other day, I was exhausted yet all the plants and oxygen coming from them just woke me up and made me feel so much better. Something that is really easy to miss when nothing is really alive outside.

I feel like I am lagging behind here lately. Trying to get a ton done before the holidays and end of the year! Hoping to also have a new website design going up too. So been extra busy around here… there are also some surprises coming soon, been in the studio working on a handmade gift for a holiday party. Finally finished it tonight and will be able to post photos after the weekend! So excited about it!

Until next time…