Key to FREEdom

Election years always stir up great debate and patriotism, and we are reminded how great it is to be American.  The ongoing struggles our great country faces often dim in comparison to the severe conflict and devastation in so many other countries around the globe.  I am super proud and super lucky to be an American. I am free to make my own choices regarding my religion, my education, my speech, my clothing, my employment, my meals…and the list goes on.  I think every family should have Old Glory hanging in their home, simply to remind us of our country’s powerful history and presence, and as a symbol of our good fortune.

In the 1950’s, American Artist Jasper Johns created a series of paintings of the American Flag. They were viewed as confusing and controversial, as the flag was an object to be revered and respected, but not painted.  Johns, however, just wanted the viewer to make their own interpretation. I don’t have a problem with that…as a matter of fact, I like that idea very much.  Doesn’t the American flag symbolize something different for each and every American?

Embrace HopE

Cairo, Egypt is the home to several of our family members.  At present, it is a country faced with daily crisis and turmoil.  Several months ago, the American Flag at the American Embassy was torn down and burned. I know my niece and nephew are safe from from the rioting and danger. I know they are enjoying experiences and adventures that most American children never will.  I felt it was the opportune time to send them each their very own Stars and Stripes, to be a reminder of their roots, their rights, their birthplace, their freedom. They may not live in the United States for many years due to their father’s employment, however, in whatever country they find themselves, they will have a symbol of their history and good fortune to be American. Merry Christmas, E and D!  I hope you hang your Stars and Stripes with pride. 

I adore texture…whether it be a plush pillow, mosaic table top, a rattan chair, or faux fur blanket, I love to explore and experience textures.  My mother pointed this out to me one day, while we browsed Pottery Barn. I had been complaining to her that my son touches EVERYTHING when we walk into a store.  But there I was, running my hands across every fabric and piece of furniture in the store, without even realizing it.  I suppose my son inherited his strange curiosity from me (my mother smiled and suggested that, as well).  It’s not surprising that I love to work with different materials and add texture to my work.

Recently, I have incorporated paper to my paintings.  I became interested in collage techniques last year.  My experiments led to the creation of Welcome to Fabulous, my painting of the Vegas Sign on the home page of my website.  If you look closely, this painting incorporates my own photographs, playing cards, and a variety of pre-printed papers.  Just like other materials, paper can be a beautiful addition to a piece of art work, adding interest, surprises, movement, and texture to the piece.

Paper and layers of paint led to the success of my latest painting, Inherited Optimism.  This painting was created in four overlapping layers.  The first simple step was to paint the background. 

After that, I applied torn paper for each individual state, attempting to give each it’s own personality and some texture.

The third step included blocking out the word “dream” and relief printing the background stripes (my way of adding the spirit of Old Glory) with acrylic paint and corrugated cardboard – adding more great texture!!

The final step was to dry brush paint “dream” as if it is floating, without covering up the image underneath.   After contemplating the results, I added dry brush color to emphasize the American Flag.The surface texture of Inherited Optimism is curiously diverse and interesting…makes you want to run your hand across the surface… it’s certainly tempting to me…

It’s hard to know at what point in my life I began my journey as an artist.  As far back as I can remember into my childhood, I loved to draw and paint.  I have memories of painting glass jars with model paint, creating landscapes in oils (never very successfully), doodling and drawing, creating whenever time allowed.  I anxiously awaited birthdays and Christmas mornings, excited to see what new art supplies might surprise me inside gift-wrapped boxes.  My parents were always supportive.  I think they knew that art would always be a huge part of who I AM.  I neglected art at times in my life, put it on the back burner to do other things.  I left for college intending to study art and pursue a teaching career.  I changed my course, headed into the legal field, and worked as a litigation paralegal.  Early on, I could balance painting with a full time job.  I had two successful shows.  But then life got more exciting and complicated (as it often does in our twenties) and my brushes were shelved. It’s been an interesting path, complete with an active duty Air Force husband, three children, and six moves across the country so far…I wouldn’t change a thing.  My life has come full circle back to teaching and creating. I began to teach art two years ago at a wonderful studio in Las Vegas.  In that studio, and with the encouragement of family and friends, I rediscovered my energy and drive, to create, educate and share my passion.  I guess you can say, I have restarted….