A new year in wonderland

The holiday season is over and I've finally found some calm to blog.  I hope everyone had an amazing New Year!   While mine wasn't crazy eventful, it was a time for thought.  I'm not very big on resolutions, but I have made a mental list of what I want to focus my spirit on for this year.  Among other things my art is high on that list.  While last year was a good year for creative energy, I really want to ensure that this year is even better.

This is one of my favorite pieces of mine.  It's not that I think it is beautiful.  When I look at this piece I remember the ease and release I felt painting it.  There was no hesitation in choosing color or strokes or technique.  It just flowed like energy.   My friend, who was there while I was painting, was concerned that it looked like falling in a downward spiral.  That makes sense since I was having an emotional meltdown.  Art is amazing like that though.  The ability to take something so complicated and hard to deal with and turn it in to something more accessible, and sometimes even beautiful, is amazing.

So, let go, let go - Jump in - Oh well, what you waiting for? - It's all right 'Cause there's beauty in the breakdown - Frou Frou "Let Go"

I'm craving another purely inspired moment.  When I did the painting of the women who saved Guahan I was inspired, but it didn't come easy.  The actual creation process was controlled by my self consciousness.  I studied and sketched and erased and outlined and calculated each stroke.  I'm proud of it, but sometimes when I look at it now I wish I had just let go.  Hopefully this will be a year of finding that ability to release the control my self has on my work, so that I can grow and find my way.

Speaking of inspiration, I've been wanting to blog about another local artist, Simeon Palomo.  Simeon is a family friend and an amazing artist.  He creates the most beautiful floral arrangements using locally grown plants and things we all might have lying around our homes and yards.  He also recently released a beautiful book filled with pictures of some of his arrangements and our beautiful island.  Scattered through out the book are quotes and stories from his friends and family, including one from me.  If you're interested in his work you can check out his website or the Facebook page for the book, Tropical Art, Guam.  If you're interested in purchasing the book, you can check those links for a list of stores selling it, or you can purchase it online through Guampedia.  You won't be disappointed.

Simeon isn't the only local artist inspiring me this new year.  I spent last Friday wrapped in the wonderful energy of Kannai, the art group I'm apart of.  Why explain the art and artists in words when I can show you in pictures?  :)

 

collaboration.  isn't it beautiful?

a round table art activity

This is my piece from that night.