The Slow Uphill Battle

I've been struggling with my process lately.  When I paint in my usual large format I can knock out a painting in 6 hours or less.  With this new idea I'm working to mind every little detail.  I'm working to make my idea precious and personal without revealing.  It's a very frustrating process for me because I like to see results.  I'm a 30 minute meal maker, crochet instead of knit, machine over hand type of girl.  I like to see it happen right now, but this kind of work demands attention to detail and process.

With that said, I am sketching more than usual on the process.  Building, tearing down, forming with new mediums, and waking in the middle of the night with a new amazing addition have all become regularities in my life.  I'm measuring and remeasuring.  Thinking about inches and perfection.  Math and perfection are not strong points for me, but it is so important right now I'm trying to take my time. 

Wednesday I will post pictures of this process.

Working Out A New Idea

Since meeting with my mentor I have stopped  working with the fish and bird ideas.  I have moved onto an idea she and I equally felt was more conceptual.  I will still attempt to work with the idea of "freedom is an illusion", but it is a very broad concept that may require a great deal more thinking before it will be ready to attempt again.

These pieces are a start to my concept of the "sugar coated Navy perception".  It's more of my own commentary on the military. 

Clay insignia from a mold

In an earlier post I went through the new process (for me) of making the mold for these little buggers.  I have since experimented with enamel, wax and clay.  My mentor and I also discussed the use of glycerin and real candy substance.  Below are a few preliminary sketches and writings.  I am taking this week off due to company visiting for the week.  Next week I will have lots more to post since I will be putting 40 hours into my studio to catch up. 

This idea deals with different kinds of homemade clay bowls as well.  I have taken pottery classes, but my skills on the wheel are very limited.  This entire project will be very taxing on my abilities.

The second idea touches back to my painting roots.  Using the ribbons and medals I have collected from the base thrift shop I will be making a series of small very detailed paintings.  I will discuss further as the idea develops.  I still have to decide the size I want to work in and color choices.

New space and work

Well, we are moving to a bigger house.  Here are pictures of my new spacious studio space.  I love it!  It's like a dream come true...if a little low in the ceiling.

I had to take the caster wheels off my easel and it is still a little too tall.  I guess I will have to chop the top down.

Today I worked on the salmon painting I've been working on, and started a new one.  Below is an image in the beginning stages.  The other painting will be updated in it's original post.

I'm experimenting with the play of gravity or lack there of in my paintings.  Something to add a strangeness or maybe just a bit of discomfort for the viewer.

I have added another layer of color to this piece.  I also added some more palette knife work.  At this point I took it to my mentor for the first time, and I probably will stop working on this piece for now.

The two pieces side by side