Monday, October 01, 2007

Time To Get Back To Work ...

A corner of my studio

This is my studio. I haven't spent much time in this wonderful space in a good long time. Six years ago my mother came to live with us. She was not well and though she was in her own apartment, elsewhere in the house, her presence made it difficult to spend uninterrupted time being the artist I had been for many years. So gradually my time creating art diminished and during the past few years came to a halt. Though I would occassionally start something new I never finished anything. As a result many projects hang on the walls or are tucked away in boxes and bins for a time when I might feel inspired to begin again.

Since my mom passed away in May, I've been slowly pulling the threads of my life back together into some kind of recognizable shape. I think it's just beginning to blossom. Maybe it's just a tiny flower right now, but the desire to paint, to play with beads and to write poems is unfolding and I 'm finding time to look at half done pieces that I'd like to complete. And those little sparks of light, like tiny fire crackers are beginnning to go off in my head as new ideas begin to surface.



Above is the beginning of a series of small painting of the animals in my life. This is a portrait of Lilliput, not quite finished. Next I'll start on Peppermint and Miss Cleo. Then there are the dogs, Sam and Molly! Should be fun!!


This is a half finished beaded pumpkin, part of a series of small vegetables and fruit that will someday be called "Eve's Garden." Below are a few of the finished pieces, a tiny pumpkin, a gourd and an apple.


At the moment I'm working on putting the garden to bed for the winter and still going through some of my mother's belongings. I'm also beginning my studies of medicinal herbs. But creativity is knocking! I find the best way to keep the door from slamming shut when I try to open it, is to announce to the world I'm going back to work. I may not answer the phone or get out as much as I have been. I might not even write alot of posts for this blog. I'm being called by the muse, and she rarely takes no for an answer.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Beautiful photos, Joan. Your workplace looks so airy and light, and I love the beaded pumpkins.
I am sorry that your mother died this year, that sure leaves a gap in your life. It is good to fill it with creativity.

Pam said...

Oh, how tremendously lovely! Your studio (wow, imagine having a whole room to oneself) and also your creations. Wonderful

Deirdre said...

And what a lovely room the muse calls you to. (I have studio envy.) Have a wonderful time cocooning in your studio.

Becca said...

What a lovely, bright studio space you have! It makes me smile to think about you spending time there, working on some of the marvelous creations like you shared with us.

Enjoy :)

Anonymous said...

oh mom, i'm loving the beginnings of your portrait of Lily.... i'm feeling the same creative urge... thanks for the inspiration! :) love you.

Anonymous said...

Hi Joan, I found your blog through Olivia's blog. I love your art studio. I am so sorry about your mother. I can tell you do beautiful work and that your a very creative person, just by seeing the wonderful pieces you've put on this post.

jzr said...

Thanks so much to you all for your wonderful words and compliments!!

Joan

Anonymous said...

What a lovely, bright and big studio! How good to have it there waiting for you now that the muse is calling again. Sorry to haer about your mother. Love the beaded pumpkins. Looking forward to seeing your progress in the studio...

Anonymous said...

a place as light as that is a dream spot.

Your pumpkin art I cannot imagine how much time that must have taken