PICS
I spent the whole day trying to take photos of myself, good ones. I have decided it is nearly impossible! Then I decided that what I needed to do was take a video so that I could pause it whenever something art-worthy caught my eye and use it as a reference. I filmed it thinking that only myself would see it and so you get a very intimate look at me. It could possibly be better than any painting I might do and that's why I feel like sharing it. 
And just so you know what the farting noise is, I'm kneeling on an air mattress, not farting!
And just so you know what the farting noise is, I'm kneeling on an air mattress, not farting!
I'm planning a new series of paintings! I want to break up my portraits a bit, take them more into sensual figure studies where hands touching skin are the main focus. Beautiful, expressive hands with long, graceful fingers are often what catch my eye when I notice a person. Hands can convey so much through a gesture or touch.
Here's a sketch I did the other day that sort of illustrates my idea.
So I need some help finding images! If you see an SG photo or any kind of photo I would love to see it! Please post images or links in the comments below.
Thanks everybody!!!
Here's a sketch I did the other day that sort of illustrates my idea.
So I need some help finding images! If you see an SG photo or any kind of photo I would love to see it! Please post images or links in the comments below.
Thanks everybody!!!
Okay, time for a new blog.
Lately I've simply been working my butt off in preparation for my art show. I finished a few commissioned paintings that will be hanging in a new restaurant that is opening next week, and because this is a semi-anonymous blog I get to brag that the owner and chef has been on tv and is quite accomplished! What's funny is that I expected him to be quite controlling and egotistical but after meeting him in person and seeing him on tv, he's really the opposite. It didn't strike me at first when he said to me how much he admired my work and that he "couldn't do what I do". Later, though, when I thought about what he's achieved I felt like it was one of the biggest compliments I've ever gotten. It's really great to meet people that are so successful while at the same time being positive and down-to-earth. They've achieved their success not by pushing others down but by bringing everyone up. I'm hoping that all of my future clients are this great!
Here's one of the paintings:
Secrets. 36x48. Acrylic on wood.
and I forgot to take a good picture of the other painting, which is my favorite, before I delivered it! Blargh! I will be able to go and take a picture soon so it's not a huge problem.
That's all for now.
Lately I've simply been working my butt off in preparation for my art show. I finished a few commissioned paintings that will be hanging in a new restaurant that is opening next week, and because this is a semi-anonymous blog I get to brag that the owner and chef has been on tv and is quite accomplished! What's funny is that I expected him to be quite controlling and egotistical but after meeting him in person and seeing him on tv, he's really the opposite. It didn't strike me at first when he said to me how much he admired my work and that he "couldn't do what I do". Later, though, when I thought about what he's achieved I felt like it was one of the biggest compliments I've ever gotten. It's really great to meet people that are so successful while at the same time being positive and down-to-earth. They've achieved their success not by pushing others down but by bringing everyone up. I'm hoping that all of my future clients are this great!
Here's one of the paintings:
Secrets. 36x48. Acrylic on wood.
and I forgot to take a good picture of the other painting, which is my favorite, before I delivered it! Blargh! I will be able to go and take a picture soon so it's not a huge problem.
That's all for now.
This might seem like a strange blog to some of you, but to others you might remember a time when I'd write about metaphysical and spiritual things. Well, the reason I haven't in such a long time is because it's as if that sense had gone away from me. I've often reminisced about how I used to feel these timely pushes to do certain things, as if it was something bigger making my decisions for me, and everything would work out "like it should". Now I've been wondering what has changed for me that I don't get these inklings anymore. Is it because my awareness has shifted to be more present? Is it because I am exactly where I should be so there's no need for other forces to guide me? Or is it because I'm no longer open to these things? I hope the latter isn't the case.
Anyways, today is a day that I feel something - an urgency to act. It could be that I am simply overly inspired at the moment and I want to capture what is building inside me before I forget what it was, but this feeling seems to relate to other people. It's as if something will be coming to an end, or someone will be moving away. It seems to relate to art, as well.
This makes me wonder whether these hints at the future are set in stone, or they are meant only as things that could be, and if extra attention is paid in the present moment then the best possible outcome will transpire. It probably won't be different than what I'm feeling - an ending of sorts, but it could mean that things end up changing for the better. So what I plan to do is cherish every second, be with the people that I really want to be with, and be open to good things that are coming.
Anyways, today is a day that I feel something - an urgency to act. It could be that I am simply overly inspired at the moment and I want to capture what is building inside me before I forget what it was, but this feeling seems to relate to other people. It's as if something will be coming to an end, or someone will be moving away. It seems to relate to art, as well.
This makes me wonder whether these hints at the future are set in stone, or they are meant only as things that could be, and if extra attention is paid in the present moment then the best possible outcome will transpire. It probably won't be different than what I'm feeling - an ending of sorts, but it could mean that things end up changing for the better. So what I plan to do is cherish every second, be with the people that I really want to be with, and be open to good things that are coming.
So I see that lots of people like these dolls! Choplogik and I will definitely be doing more and so I'm curious as to how much people would be willing to pay for them. We were thinking to charge $175 for a set of 3 dolls, and $325 for a set of 5 dolls (+ $5-$10 shipping). What do you think?
Choplogik and I collaborated on these matryoshka dolls. He did the white filigree and I did the girls.
I've also finished 2 paintings:
Whirlpool. Acrylic on wood. 24x18.
Tides. Acrylic on wood. 20x16.
Life is good these days. Though I've had an unfortunate bout with cheques getting lost in the mail and payments being slow this month, I can't complain that I've had the worst luck in the world! I'm getting into serious work mode, working 8-10 hours/day, 6-7 days a week. My solo show is coming up in May so I want to have everything that I can finished for that. There are also small side projects, charity donations, and commissions to do. I'm so full of ideas and inspiration right now that it hasn't been too arduous. I don't want to miss out on anything though, like the cherry blossoms that are coming out right now, so I've been making sure to get out of the house almost every day.
Choplogik and I collaborated on these matryoshka dolls. He did the white filigree and I did the girls.
I've also finished 2 paintings:
Whirlpool. Acrylic on wood. 24x18.
Tides. Acrylic on wood. 20x16.
Life is good these days. Though I've had an unfortunate bout with cheques getting lost in the mail and payments being slow this month, I can't complain that I've had the worst luck in the world!
I'm getting into serious work mode, working 8-10 hours/day, 6-7 days a week. My solo show is coming up in May so I want to have everything that I can finished for that. There are also small side projects, charity donations, and commissions to do. I'm so full of ideas and inspiration right now that it hasn't been too arduous. I don't want to miss out on anything though, like the cherry blossoms that are coming out right now, so I've been making sure to get out of the house almost every day.I have been a very busy girl!
Choplogik and I collaborated on these matryoshka dolls. He did the white filigree and I did the girls.
I've also finished 2 paintings:
Whirlpool. Acrylic on wood. 24x18.
Tides. Acrylic on wood. 20x16.
Life is good these days. Though I've had an unfortunate bout with cheques getting lost in the mail and payments being slow this month, I can't complain that I've had the worst luck in the world! I'm getting into serious work mode, working 8-10 hours/day, 6-7 days a week. My solo show is coming up in May so I want to have everything that I can finished for that. There are also small side projects, charity donations, and commissions to do. I'm so full of ideas and inspiration right now that it hasn't been too arduous. I don't want to miss out on anything though, like the cherry blossoms that are coming out right now, so I've been making sure to get out of the house almost every day.
Choplogik and I collaborated on these matryoshka dolls. He did the white filigree and I did the girls.
I've also finished 2 paintings:
Whirlpool. Acrylic on wood. 24x18.
Tides. Acrylic on wood. 20x16.
Life is good these days. Though I've had an unfortunate bout with cheques getting lost in the mail and payments being slow this month, I can't complain that I've had the worst luck in the world!
I'm getting into serious work mode, working 8-10 hours/day, 6-7 days a week. My solo show is coming up in May so I want to have everything that I can finished for that. There are also small side projects, charity donations, and commissions to do. I'm so full of ideas and inspiration right now that it hasn't been too arduous. I don't want to miss out on anything though, like the cherry blossoms that are coming out right now, so I've been making sure to get out of the house almost every day.And now to move on.
Trying times reveal so much about people. Some sad things have come to light this last week in regards to my family. My uncle's death is not the worst of it, but there's too much to type here. There's no point in taking on other people's pain anyway. I just wish that people could love themselves enough that they are capable of loving others.
All I will say is how I'm ever so grateful for the wonderful people in my life. The last while has really made me appreciate how perfect my life is.
Today, as I was beginning a new painting, I felt a powerful sense of purpose and joy. As I was watching my painting coming together, a few kind words resounded in my mind and my whole being brightened. It reminded me of how important it is to encourage people with positivity. You never know just how deep a comment will go, better it be a positive one than a negative one.
Trying times reveal so much about people. Some sad things have come to light this last week in regards to my family. My uncle's death is not the worst of it, but there's too much to type here. There's no point in taking on other people's pain anyway. I just wish that people could love themselves enough that they are capable of loving others.
All I will say is how I'm ever so grateful for the wonderful people in my life. The last while has really made me appreciate how perfect my life is.
Today, as I was beginning a new painting, I felt a powerful sense of purpose and joy. As I was watching my painting coming together, a few kind words resounded in my mind and my whole being brightened. It reminded me of how important it is to encourage people with positivity. You never know just how deep a comment will go, better it be a positive one than a negative one.
I found out that my uncle committed suicide last night. I mostly feel terrible for my family - my 27 yr old cousin who found his body, my mom and the others who watched over the body until it had been removed and now have to handle the remainder of his affairs. I'm afraid to imagine what it must be like to happen upon something like that, and to have to sift through a loved ones things when they have just gone. He was 44, the youngest out of my mother's siblings, and he left behind a young daughter. I hope that they are doing okay and it's hard that I can't be there to make sure of it. Not that I could really do much but at least I could be a presence. Being alone at a time like this is possibly the worst thing, even I'm having trouble with it and I'm so far removed from it all.
Today was very surreal. I'd had plans to celebrate the day with Choplogik before I knew anything had happened. We were going to have high tea and then visit the Vancouver Art Gallery. I got the news this morning and was completely shocked. I had a good cry, managed to tell Chop what had happened, and decided that today should still be a day of celebration. I remember that the last time I saw my uncle, he expressed how wonderful he thought it was that I was living my dreams in Vancouver, so I thought the best thing to do would be to have the most amazing day in my uncle's name. So we went out and did all the things that we had planned and they were glorious, we even drew a new character and named it after him. After the VAG we ate sushi, walked along the ocean, then had dessert and listened to live music at our favorite Indian restaurant. It was the most magnificent day.
At the VAG there were a few exhibits that struck a chord, like a framed suicide note, a very disorienting mirrored maze about depression, and sculptures implying loss or absence. One that was especially poignant were mirrors with old photographs stuck in the edges. You'd see your reflection framed by photos of another person's life. It made me think about my mom having to go through my uncle's things and being reminded of his absence. On the phone this morning, she told me in a wavering voice how she couldn't believe she would never see her baby brother again. I've never witnessed her cry before.
Perhaps seeing that art has helped me to excise some of my grief, because right now I feel pretty good, but I won't say I'm out of the woods yet. Tomorrow will be a day spent in the studio and things can bubble up while I'm working. I was worried about working today because there's nowhere to hide from your mind when you are creating. Whatever thoughts are going on in there will circle around until you are mad. At the same time it could be an opportunity to really get out any emotion that might be pent up, I'll just have to see.
One thing I do know, seeing the world through particularly scrutinous eyes today, is that there is nothing I would change about the life I am living right now, there is no dream left unfulfilled, and no fear of things to come. I realize that pain will always find it's way to me but I can choose to mark painful events with negativity and worry of greater pain to come, or I can mark them as times of celebration, where special attention is paid to make them meaningful. Imagine the multitude of ways in which to express your gratitude, love, and respect for the people you love. These thoughts fill me with joy.
Today was very surreal. I'd had plans to celebrate the day with Choplogik before I knew anything had happened. We were going to have high tea and then visit the Vancouver Art Gallery. I got the news this morning and was completely shocked. I had a good cry, managed to tell Chop what had happened, and decided that today should still be a day of celebration. I remember that the last time I saw my uncle, he expressed how wonderful he thought it was that I was living my dreams in Vancouver, so I thought the best thing to do would be to have the most amazing day in my uncle's name. So we went out and did all the things that we had planned and they were glorious, we even drew a new character and named it after him. After the VAG we ate sushi, walked along the ocean, then had dessert and listened to live music at our favorite Indian restaurant. It was the most magnificent day.
At the VAG there were a few exhibits that struck a chord, like a framed suicide note, a very disorienting mirrored maze about depression, and sculptures implying loss or absence. One that was especially poignant were mirrors with old photographs stuck in the edges. You'd see your reflection framed by photos of another person's life. It made me think about my mom having to go through my uncle's things and being reminded of his absence. On the phone this morning, she told me in a wavering voice how she couldn't believe she would never see her baby brother again. I've never witnessed her cry before.
Perhaps seeing that art has helped me to excise some of my grief, because right now I feel pretty good, but I won't say I'm out of the woods yet. Tomorrow will be a day spent in the studio and things can bubble up while I'm working. I was worried about working today because there's nowhere to hide from your mind when you are creating. Whatever thoughts are going on in there will circle around until you are mad. At the same time it could be an opportunity to really get out any emotion that might be pent up, I'll just have to see.
One thing I do know, seeing the world through particularly scrutinous eyes today, is that there is nothing I would change about the life I am living right now, there is no dream left unfulfilled, and no fear of things to come. I realize that pain will always find it's way to me but I can choose to mark painful events with negativity and worry of greater pain to come, or I can mark them as times of celebration, where special attention is paid to make them meaningful. Imagine the multitude of ways in which to express your gratitude, love, and respect for the people you love. These thoughts fill me with joy.
I'm back from Hong Kong! Here's a quick recap:
I got bumped to first class on the flight there after giving up my seat to a family with babies! It was the most comfortable, memorable flight ever! I felt like a queen.
Upon arriving in HK, I had the wonderful sense that I was coming home. I've since decided that I want to spend more time there each year, because I have close family there and it can be such a beautiful place if you know where to look. I'm not into the shopping but the countryside is breathtaking and it's been inspiring my latest paintings. I went to a few galleries and saw some great art, and will be sending off a few emails to see if anyone might be interested in showing my work there. Fingers crossed!
I'm also going to put in a real effort to finally learn Cantonese, which I had been dreading my whole life until now. It would be nice to be able to have a conversation with my grandparents and such. I figure I'll start with a dictionary to get my vocabulary up and listen to/watch a lot of Cantonese movies.
If you've been following my blog long enough you'll know I'm interested in polyphasic sleeping, and since returning my jet lag has forced me to practice this. Sleeping at night has been sporadic for me and so I nap whenever I get tired during the day. I'm kinda happy about it because I feel like I get so much more out of my day than when I was sleeping 8-10 hrs/day. Now I sleep 5 hrs give or take (sometimes it's 12). I try to let my body decide when it needs sleep. Luckily I have a job that is completely flexible, aka self-employed artist.
I'm such a lucky girl. My eyes are opening even wider to the amazingness that is life and I can't even begin to express the amount of gratitude that is due to the people in my life. Thank you!
That's all for now!
I got bumped to first class on the flight there after giving up my seat to a family with babies! It was the most comfortable, memorable flight ever! I felt like a queen.
Upon arriving in HK, I had the wonderful sense that I was coming home. I've since decided that I want to spend more time there each year, because I have close family there and it can be such a beautiful place if you know where to look. I'm not into the shopping but the countryside is breathtaking and it's been inspiring my latest paintings. I went to a few galleries and saw some great art, and will be sending off a few emails to see if anyone might be interested in showing my work there. Fingers crossed!
I'm also going to put in a real effort to finally learn Cantonese, which I had been dreading my whole life until now. It would be nice to be able to have a conversation with my grandparents and such. I figure I'll start with a dictionary to get my vocabulary up and listen to/watch a lot of Cantonese movies.
If you've been following my blog long enough you'll know I'm interested in polyphasic sleeping, and since returning my jet lag has forced me to practice this. Sleeping at night has been sporadic for me and so I nap whenever I get tired during the day. I'm kinda happy about it because I feel like I get so much more out of my day than when I was sleeping 8-10 hrs/day. Now I sleep 5 hrs give or take (sometimes it's 12). I try to let my body decide when it needs sleep. Luckily I have a job that is completely flexible, aka self-employed artist.
I'm such a lucky girl. My eyes are opening even wider to the amazingness that is life and I can't even begin to express the amount of gratitude that is due to the people in my life. Thank you!
That's all for now!
