Friday, February 13, 2009

a little pause...

Well, my friends, it's true. I have to put my "WORD OF THE DAY :: living life one word at a time" project on temporary pause. I want to continue posting words, but as I prepare for the show, the biggest one that I have ever done, I simply just can't do it all. Taking photos, cropping, uploading, listing, and writing a post...yeah, it all takes time that I just don't have right now.

I will say, however, that even when I haven't posted a word, I have gotten in the habit of choosing a word each morning and really, really living with it inside of me. This project started out as a fun way to boost Etsy sales and get me back into blogging. I had no, absolutely no idea how integral it would become to my existence. I have lived and breathed every word I've posted and each word has helped me to move through my days just a little bit more gracefully.

So here's the thing...I hang my show on March 3rd. The opening is March 12th. I have a feeling that I am going to be in over my head until the very end. I am OK with this. I mean, I've been working 12-16 hour days in my studio at home and, in some strange way, am loving it. I don't know if it's my imagination, but my hands feel swollen from holding paintbrushes for so many hours straight. How's that for weird?

What I need more than anything right now is to just lose myself in this project. At the moment I am working simultaneously on 2 paintings. One is of a new mama asleep on her couch holding her sleeping newborn infant and her little pug perched in the bend of her legs, keeping watch over them. It is made up of deep colors and the purest forms of love. When put on its side, the painting is almost as tall as me. I'm also working on another large-scale painting of a musician and his singing dog, Lou. It is made up of moodiness and color and and howls that make me want to stretch my neck and face towards the sky. Then there's the stack of 20-some canvases stacked behind me still waiting to be filled with love and personality. I breathe because the only way to get this work done is to do it. I breathe and I ask myself: what do I need to get through this time? The answer is the same every day. I need to strip my life of everything that isn't absolutely necessary and just paint.

Between now and March 12th, please send me some creative and loving vibes. I'll be stopping by this space as time allows or when I need to feel like I'm actually connected to this world. I will be thinking about all my wonderful blogging friends and feeling grateful for your existence in my life.

Speaking of love and gratitude and connection...you must go visit Connie at Dirty Footprints Studio. Several weeks ago Connie started a radio show. Let me just say for the record that I am addicted to it. There is so much creativity in the air! I am very proud to be one of this week's sponsors. Connie and her guests keep me company in my studio while I paint. Their discussions are interesting and honest and I always feel like I've just sat down for a cup of coffee with a couple of really good artist friends. Seriously, her show keeps me feeling grounded.

Check out other Dirty Footprints Studio Talk sponsors via video...



Enjoy. Be inspired. Connect.

The word of the day project will be returning as soon as possible. In the meantime, there are plenty of words to choose from, but even better, I invite you to build the words that will most serve you. Let me know what word is whispering to your heart and I will be happy to make a reserved listing especially for you.



Wish me luck as I prepare for my upcoming exhibition: Dogs of Linden Hills.
And Happy Friday the 13th! :)

Namaste,
Jessie

*Beautiful paint brush image borrowed from ...and protest.

~

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Good Luck!
I know you'll do great!!

Michelle said...

Warm wishes my friend! I know your show will be a huge success. Pour your soul into it! We'll be here when you get back.

~Michelle

Anonymous said...

Oh~ I'm so excited for you! Sending you the most lavish of creative vibes!! You art diva. xo

Sharon said...

Such energy and inspiration you radiate!!! All the best to you!

Sharon P Pope said...

We'll miss you, but do what you need to do, Jessie. We'll be here for you. I'm so proud of you and what you do, and I know your show will be a huge success. How can it not be, with your talent and all those wonderful dogs and cats that you capture in paint? Sending good vibes your way. :)

Rowena said...

Take care of your work and don't stress out. I know it will all work out, and you will come out the other end transformed... and probably tired.

shelbyisms said...

This happens to be the first time that I've been lucky enough to stumble across your blog, but it's safe to say that I'm hooked.
Really inspirational, really.

I hope you get a good vibe from this :D

Amber said...

Go baby, go! I can't wait to see your paintings when they are done. They sound amazing.

:)

madelyn said...

i will wait so patiently dear jessie
for peeks of your show
in march

you are a shining talent

and the world is receiving
you with open arms

i love you!

Patry Francis said...

I love the idea of letting one word E-X-P-A-N-D inside you all day. And what's more, I love the words you chose. i think I'm going to try it (maybe starting with the word expand.)

Sending you tons of blissful, creative energy. xxx

Unknown said...

Go on the winds of grace! Om Peace.

TesoriTrovati said...

We will be here when you return! Good luck with the show. It will be great. Have P-A-T-I-E-N-C-E with yourself and don't forget to give yourself some L-O-V-E.

Enjoy the day!
Erin

daringtowrite said...

I love the idea and wish you all the best with your show. You are such an inspiration.

Tanaya said...

Just thinking of you on these busy days and wanting to send you calm and peace and joy and love and encouragement....be well, friend.