The dark psychic void

I am sitting across the room looking at a painting I started. It's a bit too literal for my liking just now. I am in danger of overworking yet another piece but that is okay. Today I triumphed anyway. I painted. Yesterday I taped the paper to the wall and that was my other triumph of the week. Just take the step. Put the paper in place. Get the palette together. Make a mark. Repeat. Take a risk. Repeat. Listen to the music, let it take you to that place. The dark psychic void. Listen carefully to the paint, the mark, the paper. Don't force it. Leave this world and wade into the deep, they are waiting for you.

Each time you do this, there is a reward and a remembrance.

The pendulum swings back

The sun was out today so I got outside to let it fill my face. I am solar powered now. I've caught up on my blog so if you have missed the last few, here they are for you again. 

Friday, January 15, 2021
Open the flood gates

Friday, January 8, 2021
Obviously not me

Friday, January 1, 2021
The practice of being human

Friday, December 25, 2020
2020. Year in review.

The painting above is the last new piece in the current series. Right now I am sharing studio snapshots- I will take better photos soon. You can see my limited palette is in full effect. I am working on some beautiful paper, Fabriano Artistico hot pressed heavyweight watercolour paper with deckled edges. I found a pile of it leftover from an old project. It's a good size (56x76cm).

I have been working on another piece but I strangely overworked it and had to give it a shower. Now, I think the paper might be too distressed from the experience. Time will tell. I share this because this is part of the process. The alchemy isn't always available and that's okay. 

The presidential inauguration this week was magnificent and gave me a lot of hope. The pendulum swings back again. We now know what we almost lost. There is a life lesson here.

Never give up. Keep fighting. THE PENDULUM SWINGS BACK!

More work and news soon. Thanks for your support and enthusiasm for my work. 

Take care out there.

Megan 

Open the flood gates

Tape a piece of paper to the back of the door and assemble the materials. What is the worst that can happen? Progress. The flood gates open again. 

I painted 3 new works on paper this week and I am working on a fourth. My palette of yellow ochre, grey, black, and white paint along with yellow, white, burnt sienna Conte crayon and charcoal. Keep it simple. 

These three works are all 56x77cm mixed media on paper. 

Put on this music again and step back in time. History is in your bones. This is personal. 

Put a piece of paper on the back of the door, assemble the materials. What is the worst that can happen?

Obviously not me

I am behind on my blog and it drives me a bit crazy so I thought I would at least catch up with one and make some progress. I can partially blame my lack of writing on the fact that the previous two blogs were scheduled to be posted on Christmas and New Years Day. Who is going to write or read an art blog on a holiday? Obviously not me. 

So here we are, I will check-in today and work backward (the December 25th blog is mostly written already - it's the year in review blog so it is easy for it to become overwhelming). 

I have not yet painted or drawn anything in the new year. It is the 8th day of January and I am not too worried about it. I can feel the work bubbling up, it is almost to my fingertips, but not quite yet. There has been the post-holiday haze, more horrible covid news, and an insurrection to process from back home. I focus on walking, nature, films, music, dumb shit on the internet, and cooking good food. I focus on chatting with friends and family (ps. check in on your people). If you don't have people, consider me one. How are you doing? Check-in and let me know. I do care. Yes, really. These things seem important just now. 

The work is coming and it will pour when it does, I am resting just a little longer first. 

Thank you to everyone who drops by here and to everyone who supported me and my work in 2020. You all are bloody amazing. I am so thankful to have you in my corner. It makes all the difference in the world.

Take care and best wishes for this crazy new year. 

Love, 

Megan 

The practice of being human

 Today is the start of the New Year. 2021

Last night:

Six bonfires on the wee beach, laughter and chatter in the distance, the moon and stars above, waves lapping in the background. Counting down minutes, watching the local fireworks displays all around and hearing the ships’ horns bellow at midnight.

I walked 116.30 miles in December. I have not been painting much since I completed my most recent small works on paper. But I have been walking. I think walking is becoming a part of my practice now. The practice of being human, the practice of meditation, practice of being an artist, practice for being in this world and walking through all the events of these strange days.

The pavement is my guide, the birds and trees are my friends. One step forward and then another. The sun holds my hand. I breathe into nature’s embrace. Ever thankful.

There is time for everything and for new ways of being and seeing. Soon I will paint again. Happy New Year, May you be safe, happy, and healthy. 

Thanks for stopping by.