“You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.” Matthew 5:8, The Message (MSG) The Messy-Mind You want to paint. The canvases are primed. Your brushes are calling out to you. You sit down at your art table. You are ready…but your mind […]
“A Celebration of Violet”: Gaining Confidence in Your Own Artistic Process
Trust in yourself – trust in your voice – trust in your truth – and don’t let naysayers and absolutists define what your own artistic process and experience.
Finding Balance (and Rest)
Yesterday, I was asked “Did you paint this weekend?” by a couple of older, white male friends of mine. When I answered “No, I didn’t,” I was met with disapproving looks from both of them. I said “Guys, please don’t look at me like that. I did yoga. I studied and did a bit of […]
“Happy Accidents”
It’s a warm morning, like most of our mornings in Durham this winter. (I’m still not getting around to wearing my sweaters or my coat. I’m kinda wishing we could have a couple cold snowy days.) My friend Lee and I meet up for a cup of coffee at the cafe, to talk about art […]
My New Year “Intentions” (in no particular order)
This year I intend to read one book a month that’s not a mystery/suspense/thriller – I want to read books by authors that tell stories of people outside the white straight middle-class America experience. This January, I’m starting with “The Water Dancer”, by Ta-Nehisi Coates. Feel free to make suggestions! To establish a daily yoga […]
Presenting my “XOXOX” studio
People often ask “Where do you paint?” So…here’s some pics of my home studio. XOXOX art takes place in my kitchen – half my kitchen area has been transformed into my art studio. I experience an exciting thrill when I’m in my studio, staring at a blank canvas. I’m not an artist that often knows […]
Advent & Christmas musings 2019
Christmas Morning musing: There is LightThere is PeaceWe have been gifted a Light-bearerA Peace-makerA teacher:“Be kindBe graciousSeek justiceWalk humblySeek beauty and truthBe love and love with joy!” Weekly Advent musing, December 18:Makoto Fukimura, in his book Culture Care: Reconnecting with Beauty for our Common Life, writes, “A culture that downplays the pursuit of beauty also […]