Coming together…
H E L L O!
I think this is the first week that my weekly blog ended up in your inbox?! Please let me know in the comments below! Hilarious to have been writing for so many weeks to possibly nobody. Feel free to look at previous posts. HA!
I have been in my new studio space for almost two months now. I have completed 5 paintings for my new series, “ Past, Present, Future”. I am so excited to share this work and have my show in November. I am not sure how many paintings I will have by the time the show happens. I am hoping for 15.
The story is unfolding as I work. So far, it looks like 3 of the finished paintings are about childhood. They look like inner child paintings. The imagery is child like. The energy is giving an energy of pre-language. Just an expression of things that have no words but lots to say…
The next chapter of the series is taking me on a journey of adolescence and as I work I am reminded of my teen and early 20’s. I’ve been playing music in the studio that helps me journey through my past. Nothing like music to help my subconscious come to life. I am often time moved to tears with some of the memories that surface. Coupled by the knowing that I am being held by something much larger than myself.Here is a playlist that I am using to uplift me when things get too heavy: PLAYLISTS . Because that is the nature of making deeply personal work..the good the bad and the ugly are all present. Lot’s of healing is happening over here!
This series is deeply personal. I have never put so much of myself into my paintings. I read a quote by Rick Rubin, “Make it personal and it’s always yours.” I wanted this body of work to FEEL like me. I needed to recognize it. I wanted to honor my life by allowing for it to be told. I wanted to honor the craft by allowing it to unfold in a way that has nothing to do with me and everything to do with the WILD UNKNOWN.When I set the intention for the series I had no clue what would emerge. I also would get deep insights while working…like this one, “ if you want others to value the work, you first have to value it yourself”. I have been hearing this a lot in podcasts with comedians. All good artists bow in humility to the nature of the craft. You must respect it. You must be willing to put your truest self into it. Half measures avail mediocre work. I have made my fair share of it. I think it’s part of the unfolding that is a natural progression of an artist.
That’s all for today. I want to say more, but I feel like my posts are redundant and I also question if this is even of any interest to you? Please share and connect with me in the comments. I want this to be a place where we can get to know one another!
Thanks for your precious time and energy.
MUCH LOVE.
L E S L I E