Show Statement
It has been a very busy year. I began preparing for this
show in August of 2011. I gave myself 1 year to do 150 paintings- that is an
average of 10-12 EVERY month. I have not painted this frequently since college
(if I even did then). Some days it is a major challenge to
figure out what to paint next, and other days it’s freeing to
have 150 to paint because I can paint pretty much anything and everything that
comes into my head. I’ve learned they don’t all have to be masterpieces. It’s
about doing the work. Some paintings in
this show are not my favorite, but they are done and got me where I needed to
be.
The idea for 150 paintings came from a New Mexico artist who
is a daily painter. Every year or so she does a 150 challenge and does 150 paintings
in 150 days and they are all $150. I thought I would like to try this someday,
but knew I could not do 1 painting every day.
I put the show idea out into the universe and here I am!
This show has reminded me how to be disciplined to work
every day, even if I don’t really feel like it. There is always something that
can be done – research, image finding, sketching, framing, etc. Preparing for the show (I believe) improved
my painting skills and freed my mind. It also gave a boost to my confidence. 150 pieces is A LOT of work. If you don’t
think so, you’d have to walk in my shoes to understand.
In addition to painting this year, I still had gourds to do
for galleries, and an annual show in Texas.
I continued to make new jewelry throughout the year. I am part of the
planning committee for the Dia de los Muertos Topeka Festival. All these things
are on top of being a wife, mother and soccer coach. So yeah- it’s been a BUSY year.
Thanks to all my family and friends who helped me through
this year! I could NOT have gotten here without your help and encouragement,
kid-sitting, photos to paint and anything else I may be forgetting. And special
thanks to The Upstage for granting me this crazy ride and show!
