I wrote a few months ago about my series of mixed media collages entitled "Of the Woods". I was originally inspired to do this series in 2015, when I began going out to the woods to paint, draw, think and pray. Of that time period, I wrote the following, which is almost prophetic as I read it now.
“I am personally drawn to the place like a hungry person is to a good meal. It feeds my soul to spend time out here. I have already formulated a plan for a body of work. Not jewelry, but mixed media woodland paintings. Being in the woods is reminiscent of childhood, where I spent hours in the woods next door and across the street. In my imagination I lived out there. That is, after all, where I would go as a child to talk to God. So once again I have come full circle to the cabin in the woods.”
By 2018 I had developed several paintings that were, by their very nature, "of the woods". The colors and textures were very muted and neutral, just like the colors of the woods. It was important and needful work for me, and it kept me on a routine of getting out to the woods as well as the studio.
The problem was that no one else was seeing my work. At the art shows I was showing jewelry, not mixed media. And my art studio was a private space for only my husband, my cats and me. With no one seeing my work, there was no feedback. Only the internal dialogue of my thoughts, which may or not be helpful.
Then one day a dear friend came to visit. She is a woman who is filled to overflowing with the spirit of God, and who loves to serve God and help other people. The plan was for her to come to my studio and make jewelry with me. It was a workshop that I offered, and it just so happened that she was the only one who signed up.
She arrived, we settled into jewelry making, and our conversation led to my art. I showed her some of the pieces I'd been working on, and from then things changed. To say she was impressed was an understatement. Her response to and appreciation for my art were genuine and motivating. She encouraged me to develop the pieces into a series and put it out there for people.
By the time she left my studio that day, I had a whole new perspective on where to go with my art. Getting positive, godly feedback from my friend was just what I needed. I decided to dig my heels in and come up with finished, framed art pieces that others would value and desire.
By 2020 I had a cohesive and harmonious body of work, all similar in color, style and subject matter. "Of the Woods" was ready to go. Then, like everything else, all shows got cancelled and "Of the Woods" went back into storage.
Until now.
A week ago I finally showed "Of the Woods". It was a new adventure for sure, with many firsts. First time with my new Light Dome tent, which I had acquired (answered prayer) during the winter but had yet to use. First time showing in the category of mixed media instead of jewelry. First time showing the series "Of the Woods" anywhere.
Also first time for the show. It was previously known as the Broad Ripple Art Fair, but now was condensed into a boutique show called "Locally Made".
And how did it go, you ask? Well let me tell you. It was my best show ever! Not only in sales, but also the feedback and response from so many people that came in my booth. It was overall a successful and gratifying event.
"I combine paint, papers, ink, crayons, and canvas, and aim to provide a visual place of solace where, like the tallest trees, one might reach up to the heavens."
I also learned that people, like me, are fascinated by the patterns of light through leaves. One man said his wife calls it "fairy lights". The painting can be dark, like the woods is dark, but a path of light gives it unity and harmony.
So now I'm going back to the woods. With more clarity and more motivation to provide that visual solace. See you at the art shows! Check out my list of 2021 shows here.
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