"Things Are Not as They Seem" - watercolor, ink on paper, 9" x 12"

And on the last day of January and a month-long challenge, a rhino appears.

This guy has a mind of his own.  Though I wanted to "tangle" his whole body, every time I picked up the pen, I hesitated and dwelt instead on his strength and substance.  He let me put ink on the horns, but otherwise wanted to be left alone.  I found this curious.  The last creature to feel this way was the elephant ("Loxodonta", earlier this month).  I decided to respect his wishes and kept him simple.  

The color of his body is actually a watery pale green, which did not come through in the photo.  But he is pastel and lovely and STRONG!  I wondered what this rhino message was for me...

The rhino is symbolic of misguided perceptions.  This the title...things are not as they seem.  Rhino energy allows you to recognize truth with your spiritual eyes, rather than the physical ones.  A little bit of extra sensory perception comes with the rhino as an animal totem.

He stands for the obvious energies as well: confidence, steadiness, sure-footedness, substance, stamina, solidity and explosive power.  On this Super Bowl weekend, this makes me wonder....why don't any teams have a rhino as their mascot?

The rhino also demands we stop and give thanks for the abundance around us.  Now this is particularly interesting, since I just returned from a class at the gallery in which "abundance" was a prevalent theme, and one I felt focused on and quite thankful for.  Rhino energy was there.

He is an appropriate caboose for these 31 pieces, both for his size and his strength, and the fact that I feel truly thankful for the creative energy, bravery and passion which has flowed for 31 consecutive days.  I've been surrounded  by committed, courageous artists on the same journey - my art tribe!  

This piece is available.  Currently unframed.  Inquiries: imagination@gmail.com

"Woman in Red Hat" - acrylic and oil on canvas, 14" x 11"

I had the best time last night.  And I wasn't out on the town, hanging out in bars or causing trouble.  Oh no!  I was in a painting class at the gallery.

Emily Andress is the largest personality on the Charlotte art scene.  She is the most generous, enthusiastic and ENERGETIC artist I have ever met.  She is also a sincere advocate for the creativity inside of each person.  So last night she was teaching impressionism in portraiture.  What makes this class incredibly special is anyone could attend.  Never picked up a paint brush?  No problem.  Can't tell an acrylic from an oil?  No worries.  Emily makes portraiture as easy as paint by numbers, and does it while pouring wine!  

It was my first time using oil paints, and I am in love.  Dreamy, creamy oil paints.  How I love them.  How delightful and serendipitous that this class should occur at the end of the month-long challenge, just in time to make me want to paint another 30 pieces!  ART INSANITY is happening here in my studio, and I am thrilled.

Emily kept telling her class last night to paint with "reckless abandon."  And so they did!  Every person in the class walked away with an original painting which clearly demonstrated their own personality and style.   More than one of us felt like we'd discovered a new passion.  Not every teacher can make that happen.  But Emily did.

So, what does this mean for me?  As the gorilla indicated yesterday, my endeavors are on firm footing, and branching out into new techniques is exactly the right thing.  Now, I have to stop typing and go buy some oil paints!

"Gorilla, Emerging" - watercolor and ink on paper, 12" x 9"

On day 29, I am faced with a gorilla.

Ever wonder what you would do if you were face to face with one?  As a kid, I would imagine all kinds of terrifying survival scenarios and try to figure out how I could get out of them.  Especially at the zoo.  The animals are so close, I wondered sometimes if they would really like to reach through the barrier and just slap somebody...you know, like "what were you thinking, putting me in here? Now have some sense and get me out!"  Of course, I have never actually had to survive an encounter with a gorilla.  And perhaps it would go well anyway. A Jane Goodall moment, maybe?

Gorillas aren't exactly cute (like hedgehogs or sugar gliders), but they are fascinating, noble creatures with intelligence, family, community and human-like characteristics that make them particularly interesting.   Though my kids had a robotic ape some years ago that was quite creepy, it was so lifelike and human-ish.  Who designs toys like that?  But I digress.

So what could a gorilla mean for me today?  Immense power!  Your full potential!  Nothing is too hard to handle, you are the gorilla!  That sounds like a way to begin any day, putting on some gorilla power.  Intelligent and creative problem solver  - channel gorilla power when you want practical solutions to life's challenges.  Life is plenty challenging, but I suppose I do have some gorilla energy there, as I tend to tackle problems head-on.  Leadership, personal presence and responsibility.  Hey, wait a minute...I am not running for president, here!   If a gorilla is your animal totem, it is a sign that your endeavors are solid and steady, you are grounded and on firm footing.  Ahhhhh, I have been working on feeling grounded and centered.  That sounds just right.

For today, the power and firm footing of the gorilla.  Just what I need to bring with me to a portraiture painting class I am taking tonight with Emily Andress!  It is a new endeavor, and I will enter it feeling confident.

This piece is available.  Currently unframed.  Inquiries: imajenation@gmail.com

"Chloe Was Cozy" - mixed media on aquabord, 6" x 6"

And on the 28th day, a hedgehog wandered into my studio.

Hedgehogs weren't even on my radar until about five years ago when my daughter requested one for her birthday.  She was convinced a tiny, nocturnal creature would make the greatest, cutest pet.  She dreamed of giving it baths in the sink and having it curl up in her hand.  We got a guinea pig instead.  

What on earth could it mean that a hedgehog crossed my mind and ended up on an aquabord?  It is said that if a hedgehog crosses your path, others might not understand you or "get" what you're doing, but that is no reason to curl up and hide.  Be yourself and don't take things personally.  Well, as an artist, I can say a lot of people don't "get" my art!  That's ok with me.  Though sometimes I do want to hibernate...but I don't think it has to do with other people's opinions.  I just like alone time.

If a hedgehog is your animal totem, you are a naturally curious explorer, but you know how to protect yourself while doing so.  You also understand weather patterns, and know when it will rain ( As a migraine sufferer, I definitely know when wild weather is on the way).  You have close ties to mother earth and love gardening....well, YES!  That is me for sure.

A dream that you encounter a hedgehog means you are looking forward to seeing someone you haven't seen in a long time, and can represent loyalty and honesty.  Awwwwww, I totally want to dream of encountering a hedgehog!

A hedgehog has close ties to the female goddess energy, and allows those who have this totem to connect with that energy.  Hmmmm, female goddess energy sounds like just the thing for me!    And the hedgehog teaches defense against negativity, allowing you to walk the earth  with a sense of lightness and wonder.  My word for 2015 is LIGHT and my intention is LIGHTNESS OF BEING.  Aha.  Clearly, this is the hedgehog message for me.  Namaste, hedgehog.

This piece is available.  Currently unframed.  Inquiries: imajenation@gmail.com

"Lazing on a Tuesday Afternoon" - watercolor, ink on aquabord, 4" x 4" each

After I posted two flower pieces last week, an artist friend of mine suggested they would look good in a grouping...like a wall bouquet!  So on a brisk Tuesday while most of the country is digging out from an historic blizzard, I am channeling bright colors, sunshine and more flowers.  Hoping this little hint of spring and summer brightens someone's otherwise dreary, snowy day.

Art can be like retail at times.  Working months ahead for shows which are well beyond the season is like getting swimsuit catalogs in January.  This month I am working on pieces for "Back to the Garden" in April and a beach-themed show in June.  Initially, I found this method of working challenging.  It didn't take long, however, for me to realize how much I actually enjoy it.  Stay with me on this!

What better way to escape the cold and shortened daylight in winter than imagining and creating sunshine and greenery?  Who wouldn't want to imagine the beach while putting on gloves and boots?  And conversely, when the hot, humid summer hits and all I want is an ice bath, it is lovely to think of cool fall days and winter sleighrides.  In a way, this method of working is like a mental vacation, and rather keeps my outlook balanced and my tone of voice less whiny.

Today, I had the pleasure of working one-on-one with one of my students.  She had created a koala bear in a tree...but not just any bear or tree.  They were doodled with Australian aboriginal symbols!  Spending time immersed in the colors and symbols of Australia (a place she had visited, and one I long to see) was a lovely mental break in the middle of the day, and left me feeling a bit recharged and re-inspired.  And dreaming of travel.

So for all you shoveling snow and cursing the weather today, take out your crayons, pens, pencils, paints or whatever and take yourself somewhere else with your creation...I hear Hawaii is rather nice right now?

These pieces are available.  Currently unframed.  Inquiries: imajenation@gmail.com

"Self-Portrait" - india ink/gouache resist on paper, 11" x 9"

It only took me 26 days to tackle the dreaded self-portrait.  

Why are these so difficult?  It is a serious exercise in mental discipline to set aside your own thoughts about your own face and just paint.    This is not my first art selfie.  It isn't even the first one today (there was an earlier version this morning...it will be painted over.  These things happen).  And yet every time I set out to paint myself, I hesitate and procrastinate.

In the day of cell phone selfies and instagram, it is ridiculous to be so self-conscious.   Especially with paint.  It is basically a tool to fix everything you don't like about your own face!  And yet, the artist in me wants to capture the essence of what's there, without cosmetic alteration to sooth my ego with respect to my aging face.

I so admire those who spontaneously photograph and post their images online without hesitation.   And some people have a photographer's eye, knowing at just what angle to hold your chin, where to look, what lighting is best and how to smile without looking scary (my son says I smile waaaaaay too broadly and frighten small children).   I am not one of those people with an instinct for photos of myself.  The camera loves my dog, my children and my husband.   The camera and I have a decades-old adversarial relationship.

But this self-portrait, in its straight on dark moodiness without any attempt at a pose, captures my essence, I believe.  

If you want to see some people who seriously know how to take a selfie, check out this website:  

http://photography.tutsplus.com/articles/100-seriously-cool-self-portraits-and-tips-to-shoot-your-own--photo-5689

This piece is available.  Currently unframed.  Inquiries: imajenation@gmail.com

"Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon" - Series of Two - watercolor and ink on aquabord, 4" x 4"

It is a glorious, beautiful Sunday.  The sun is out, the temperature is mild.  The thought of spending hours in the studio on a day like this was more than I could bear.

Until I pulled out some boards and paint and began setting up my projects for the week.  Within two hours, I was throwing pinks and oranges and yellows and purples and lime green and flowers began sprouting up on five different boards.  What?  Yes, I found a garden in the studio, and lost half the day before I knew it.

These two are watercolor and ink, very small at 4 x 4 each but they made me smile and feel a little hope of spring around the corner.  My playlist decided the name of this series, as I was streaming some old Queen from my youth.

The rest of the studio garden is still germinating.  Given a few more balmy days, the other pieces just might sprout into something lovely.

These pieces are available.  Currently unframed.  Inquiries: imajenation@gmail.com

"Tangled Octopus" - watercolor and ink on aquabord, 14" x 11"

When I was a kid, I remember my dad taking us to the movies to see "The Golden Voyage of Sinbad" (1973).  It was a really big deal because I had just turned twelve, and that meant he had to pay full price for me.   Which I made sure to tell the lady selling the tickets, much to my dad's dismay!   I was fascinated with the monsters, the thought of long ocean voyages and the unknown creatures lurking in the sea.  

The legendary kraken, for example, a giant squid of old Icelandic lore who could pull ships under with its giant tentacles.  Inky and black, undetectable until it rose up over your ship and cracked the timbers with its monstrous strength.  Shiver me timbers, but I thought the kraken was as frightening as a monster could get.  Of course, that was before zombie movies, and now I am terrified of zombies.

In reality, the octopus is an elegant, fascinating creature.  And usually not large enough to threaten a ship.   Or a rowboat or even a paddleboard.  And for some reason, this one came to me today and demanded to be doodled and tangled on the board.  This is a large piece for the amount of detail in it, so this octopus and I spent most of the day together.  And once he emerged, I was smitten!

So what could the octopus mean for me?  The octopus is primarily a bottom dweller.  This could be reminding me to be grounded.  He doesn't have a spinal column and moves in a fluid manner.  Perhaps telling me to loosen up and relax.  The octopus can detach a limb at will to distract a predator, so as a totem this creature is telling us to cut loose excess baggage.  And the fact he can then regenerate that limb reminds us that whatever we cut loose won't leave an empty space for long.   This graceful creature is also highly intelligent, and can reason, strategize and recall.  He urges us to use our logic to our highest advantage and be the master of our own intelligence.  We can't forget his ability to camouflage with clouds of ink...and though I don't know what message that skill might have for me, I do know it would be a very helpful talent if I were being chased by zombies!

This piece is available.  Currently unframed.  Inquiries: imajenation@gmail.com

"Under The Waterfall" - watercolor on paper, 16" x 12"

It is raining here. All day, dark and dreary, cold and wet.  Water, water everywhere.  So my challenge today was to find the joy and delight in this day, water and all.    Serendipitously, I came across a 1960's travel photo of a child under a waterfall, in the moment, mouth open as if to catch the water like snowflakes.  What joy!  What a sense of play!  It resonated with me immediately and took the day from dreary to delightful.

So what does the waterfall mean?  If you dream of a waterfall, it is good mojo...a cleansing and a fresh start.   Waterfalls are depicted in many classic paintings from China.  In those pieces, the contrast between the mountain and the waterfall, permanence and impermanence, sets up a yin and yang symbolism of contrast and struggle.   In Zen Buddhism, a similar conflict exists in waterfall imagery - static rock vs dynamic water.  

Waterfalls are continuous change over a stable, unchanging mountain.  Perhaps this is symbolic of our lives...the components of life change every second, fluid, unpredictible and yet the overall form (like a waterfall) has a basic shape and continuity.   But perhaps what attracts me to the child in this image is the ability to enjoy the waterfall just as it is, without really understanding (or even asking) what it might mean.  Innocence at its best.

So, dear reader, after you patiently followed everything I just wrote, my instructions to you are to go forth!  Enjoy the rain!  We don't really need to understand it to appreciate its wonder.

This piece is available.  Currently unframed.  Inquiries: imajenation@gmail.com

"An Ocean of Prana" - watercolor and ink on paper, 12" x 16"

Moving back to the beach theme, after being distracted by cute sugar gliders and bus-riding dogs.

There are few sea creatures as irresistible as seals.  They aren't colorful or flamboyant.  Most are gray - pretty much the absence of any color at all.  They don't have heads shaped like hammers or sails on their backs.  They are, however,  playful and energetic and seem to pose like humans sometimes.   But this piece is not about the cuteness of seals. It is about their amazing, fresh, prana-full diet.

Seals eat squid, crustaceans, mollusks and small fish like the sand lance.  All living creatures, all fresh.  No wonder they are full of energy!   No potato chips, soda or pasta in a box for them.  Recently, I've been learning about the "prana" or life force in food.  Prana isn't measurable, like calories or sodium.  But basically, the fresher the food, the higher the energy and enzymes it contains.  Sometimes you can tell by looking at a piece of fruit that its prana has expired - a wrinkled apple, brown banana, or mushy orange.  Other times you can smell a food and know that, though it might be edible, it just isn't fresh.  Raw foods have more prana than cooked (cooking breaks down enzymes).  Microwaving destroys prana.   Trucking foods across the country reduces prana.  Eating local, therefore, is actually more likely to be nutritious than other options.  The food is simply fresher.

Imagine for a minute if all of your food for just one day was as fresh as possible...just picked, just harvested, right out of your own backyard.  Kind of like a seal's meals.  It would taste richer, fresher and more flavorful, and would be packed full of enzymes and nutrients.  I find myself wondering what this might do for a person's health, energy level and attitude.

We are what we eat, and the seal ingests an ocean full of prana.  

So what does this mean for me?  I am going to pay attention to more than the protein and calorie content of my foods this week.  I will pay attention to freshness and prana, and make local choices when buying food.  And maybe I will not use the microwave.  

For more info about the benefits of prana-rich food:
http://health.usnews.com/health-news/health-wellness/articles/2014/08/27/why-you-should-consider-a-high-prana-diet


This piece is available.  Currently unframed.  Inquiries:  imajenation@gmail.com