Today I went to a memorial disguised as a birthday party for an artist friend who died last month. She would have been 65 today. Judy was a wonderful
pen/ink and watercolor artist, with all of her work being of animals. She was an exceptional equestrian and much of her work reflective of that.
One of the best parts of the event at the local art center was visiting with fellow artists. When one asked what is new with me and my art I took pause. I started to recant about how I am still recovering from my 2nd knee replacement in one year (cue the violins) when I suddenly changed course.
I remembered that while I am not actively making art at this moment due to surgery rehabilitation and the recent loss of my father, good things are happening for me and my art. The recollection was actually quite wonderful, a bit of cheer in my otherwise tedious journey of knee rehabilitation!
In the past two weeks my work was juried into Earth Stories, of which I posted last time. This is an exhibit of international artists which will travel for 3 years. Additionally I have landed a month-long solo exhibit of my work next April in Sausalito and I started an art group!
For years I have wanted to commune with other mid-career artists as a resource for support and growth. I was for a short time in a wonderful crit group but left as I was the most accomplished by far and there was nothing for me to learn. There has to be something in it for me!
Recently I spoke to a friend who is a sculptor and she was interested so I got on it. I invited women to join me whose work I love, and/or who I want to get to know better and who have websites, exhibition history and experience…the sculptor, a photographer, a painter, a brass artist and mixed media artists. All accepted so we are off and running mid-month in what I hope will become a monthly habit. The best part is they all are as excited as I am. Apparently there are many reclusive artists who also crave this connection with like minded souls.
So really while I have been hanging back, going to physical therapy and the gym, and spending unknown quantity of hours of the internet much has happened with my art! All really good news…
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