Bring it

Bring on the lunar eclipse. 

Release. Release. Release.

Swimming in Jello

I keep running into walls when I try to plan a big trip for this summer. It just has absolutely no zing. 

Ever feel like a routine you've gotten used to just got old? 

I'm seeing my typical summer dissolve right before my eyes. I've always worked my ass off in season so I could take a large trip in the summer. 


Last summer was different. It was just a week in Peru but that week felt like three months after recovering from the whole thing. This summer I was looking into some retreat action out in Hawaii or Costa Rica but my usual excitement for it just wasn't there. 

I thought, maybe Spain or Paris? Would that jumpstart the excitement? Nope. 

This year it feels like the work is here. Maybe I'll get out a bit here and there but I keep realizing its just here and I need to accept it. 

The in-season year for me has been one of fun and freedom. Normally I save that for off-season but I got into a goofy group, hanging with a select individual or two and went with it. It hasn't always been totally the healthiest option but I'm realizing I really needed to learn how to have fun again. It was severely lacking.

Things have gotten so serious over the past two years  that the lid blew off about 6 months ago and it hasn't wanted to go back on. I didn't want to think, I just wanted to do. So I did and learned a lot in the process. Now as my retarded fun time ends it begins to change into something new. Work time in the summer. Wha???

Not how I usually do it, but thinking what I needed to learn was how to live year round. Sounds so strange when you think of living in Key West but you do need to know how to make time for yourself and live. 

Focus on my work is up ahead and thats good. I'll sprinkle it with fun time cause I need that part just as much and it can't be contained to vacations anymore. Its got to be in my daily life too.

Funny how I complain about tourists who have to unload all their yearly crap in a two week vacation. Guess that's me too. Yikes.

I'm thinking instead of money spent on a big trip, its going to spent on scanners, framing and art supplies. Getting things set up so I can finally get things moving the way I need to. Stuff down here is beginning to feel a bit old and I know for a fact when that happens, it all starts to change. 

It feels a bit like swimming in jello. Suspension extreme with small movements in between. I'd like to change that and I guess the only way its going to happen is if I change first.

There's this astrologer I like and I've been thinking of getting a chart done. It really helped about a year ago and that's probably going to the first item spent which will be fun. Looks like this year it might be a staycation cause work time is about to kick off. And I'm ok with that. 

It's kinda like in the past, I waited for that two or three week vacation to release and be who I was. And now, I'm learning to do that all the time, everyday. 


So here comes yoga classes, pottery classes, drawing, painting, jumping off bridges, eating well, exploring the everglades, web design, locking my bike up to a stripper cage, and whatever else comes to mind. 


This finally feels right. 

Holy Mother

Holy mother of soreness. 

Still feeling the effects from Saturday. Maybe next time I'll train.

The Process of Being

Haven't been writing a whole lot on here lately. Been trying to just be and not think too much. 

As the season starts slowing down, I see how much has moved forward in the past year. I typically gage my year not on Jan 1, but summer. It's a time of reflection and of course, travel. Still trying to figure out where to go but in time I'm sure it'll show itself soon enough.

Last year around this time I was preparing for Peru. Looking for answers and a way to release myself from the fear that has had a grip on me for a while now. Ultimately I was looking to learn how to be the person I truly am and live life with an open heart.

The last few months I can really see how that wish has come true. 

My art has been fun and I'm finally showing it to people without having my stomach turn. In fact, I  actually enjoy showing it now which is a switch. 

I try not to worry too much about people's reactions which have been for the most part very kind and supportive. After finally bringing a couple pieces to a local store, I had a random encounter from a friend who runs a local gallery in town suggesting that I apply for membership.

That application includes submitting a few pieces along with an artist statement for a jury panel within two weeks of our conversation.

Now in the past, I would have made up every excuse why I wasn't ready for it but this time I had exactly three older pieces framed per their specs and was ready to go sans artist statement. 


I would have liked to have given newer art but with the time crunch, my old ones would suffice because I love them just as much. They actually were some of the first ones I hung a couple years ago which was quite a stomach turning feat back then. 

So after a great paddle board tour on Friday, I cleaned up and brought them into my friend. She had never seen my art before and I was amazed at how calm and easy it was to get through the whole thing this time around. 

She explained to me the process and if I didn't get in, the reasons why that might be. I told her I was just happy to be offered the opportunity to show which is the truth. It's part of the process right now for me. I know my work will find the proper home or homes. Just being comfortable today with putting it out there, I see how much has changed and am grateful. 

She knew one of my subjects very well. A mahogany seed I had picked up one day at the library. I watched as she looked at the painting and described how beautiful they were after it rained. That's exactly the kind of reaction I want from my art. 


Provoking some kind of personal memory or feeling that gives people a moment of calm, happiness. My artist statement came out in a blip and felt so right, I didn't have to rework it much. 


Andrea agreed it was perfect and really matched what I presented. After the last few years of writing about other peoples work, I think I found a groove in explaining my own. I have a feeling those artist marketing jobs are going to payoff big time in a way I never imagined.

Been enjoying myself with friends and one more than friend. Seeing how having happiness and fun with people can grow if you let it. Not being afraid to share my feelings and seeing the shifts that are happening now are ok. Keeping the thought as a guide that change is good and the only constant. 


Not trying to attach to an outcome manufactured in my head and just letting it all go to where it needs to be feels freeing. It takes practice though.

I did the paddleboard classic yesterday. A 12 mile paddle around the island that I swore I would never do again after last year's conditions. My goal last year was to finish it which I did.. 5 1/2 hours later. This year I had been sick with a cold the week before and I decided to join to be a part of the group for the fun of it. 

Conditions started out ok, but gradually worsened and by the time I made it 3/4 of the way, it just wasn't fun anymore. I could have killed myself to try to prove I could finish it but I already had the year before and was tired. So when a friend yelled out to me from a dock asking if I'd like a beer, I was sold. 

They all laughed cause I guess they tried to convince others to stop but they all continued on the death march. I had reached my limit and didn't feel the need to prove myself anymore. 

My stopping point was good enough for me and besides, I was really hungry. So I drank my beer and dropped off the board easily at the dock then got a barefoot ride with my good work friend. We subsequently got a bite to eat after, a few laughs and it was the perfect way to end my race.

Guess what I'm trying to say is I don't feel the need to prove who I am anymore and in that I'm finding more freedom to be who I really am. People seem to be responding to that too.

Laughter, love, and joy can follow when you just get down to the basics and be you. 

Woot.

Something old.

Something new ~ My how time flies.

The E connection...Above: Gabriella painting by Anfinson early days at the old Lemonade Stand and below now at his awesome 
Mockingbird Studios.

So excited to have a couple days off in a different locale. After a very busy season, I need some days where I don't ask people what they want or need. 

Finished up the paintings, framed them and then brought them into the store. She took all of them which was awesome. It was such a big deal to do this the first time that I cannot believe how easy it was now. 

Above is a book release party at Eric's beautiful Mockingbird Studios.

His yard is amazing and although I was totally listening in this pic, it's hard not to scan the property while doing so. 

I'm pretty sure I was staring at the shack which he graciously let me live in for a few months before Spain. Such good memories of that. His backyard feels like a second home.

The way I ended up in that shack is strangely happening again. My good friend Cricket is leaving town for good. Its sad, but not as jarring as she left the first time. 


Things that started a couple years back then seem to be looping around again in a different form. Perhaps the conclusion of what started? 


I do know one thing. After finishing up the framing and taking those paintings in, something finally released and its all gotten a bit easier lately. 

For now, St Louis is calling. Looking forward to heading home for some downtime to refresh.

How you like..

How you like my logo?

Never really liked signing the front of paintings so this is how we do it here. Branding is ingrained in my brain and this time it's for me. 

Welcome to my alter ego. I'll probably add horns at some point.

Love that the watercolor pencil picked out for it was "Spanish Orange". Made me laugh out loud. 

~ very fitting.

First Framing

First attempt at self-framing. That thrift store frame looks pretty damn good if I do say myself. I have visited Ben Franklin every day for the last three days and have enough spray paint to make a mural. 

Gonna get them all done by Tuesday, Yo.

Forgot how important it is to talk with other artists. Got some good juice last night and am all geared up for this stuff.

Finishing

Spring has sprung and riding around today, I forgot how beautiful Old Town can be. 

Been having some fun finding thrift store frames and figuring out how to repaint them so I can frame some of my pieces in an affordable manner. Framing usually costs an arm and a leg but is such an important part. I've always put it off for some reason. I really like this way of doing it.

Treasure hunting in the Salvation Army has become a rush and I hate to say it but maybe Garage Sale Saturdays might yield more. There's something about looking past the surface ugly to uncover pure gold. Sometimes that in the past has lead me astray but in this case, it's working.

So far so good. Ben Franklin has the mats and glass and I made friends with the resident framer who is also a watercolor artist. He understands the thrift. I need to ask him about where to get my hands on some butchers paper.

But its not just the money. The fun part about this thrifting is coming across wooden frames that have some character. I match up each painting with its framing cohort. The other benefit - bike rides.

While riding and picking up spray paint and other supplies, I get more inspiration. My leaf obsession is ongoing and its perfect that it's going to be the first round that gets framed. Above is a leaf I picked up a couple months ago. I love it.

What a great day off.