May Greetings!
Moving from Frustration to Joy
Dear Friends,
Happy May! The hummingbirds are whirring around the vermilion blooms of our ocotillo. And although many things seem a little off-season this year, this desert plant knows it’s May.
Our desert nolinas have been spectacular this year, and I’ve been obsessed with painting them. It is no secret I love the advent of summer!
And as newsletter readers, here is a sneak peek of my in-progress paintings:
And figurative paintings for an upcoming show.
Yes, there have been frustrations…my figurative painting of our daughter seemed to appear and change and go in unexpected directions. I’m grateful that I’ve learned a little about adapting to aggravation. In 2018, I attended a fabulous figurative painting workshop with Melinda Cootsona, an extraordinary California figurative painter. She presented a slide show in which a painting went through about twenty extreme variations, strengthening the idea that sometimes a project must go though many versions and the artist must persist.
This week, I experienced some frustration posting a podcast despite following the same steps I’ve used before.
Progress does not always follow a smooth path!
Yet, I have been reminded of achievements. With joy, I received news of graduation activities. The Class of 2024 has experienced incredible discouragement and roadblocks. Students faced four years of frustration, pressure, illness, lies, disappointment, and loss. Despite it all, they have encouraged each other and have been loved and cheered by nurturing parents educators, and those who have endured trials before them.
What motivated them to move ahead in small projects has carried them for the past four years and will continue to carry them.
Human connections
Interdependence
Solidarity
Empathy
So this week – I am certain that you, like me, face many frustrations. Most of us are fortunate and although these are irritating, they are not earthshaking. I pray that we can find real remedies for those enduring major illness, loss and war. May our graduates join in the discovery of ways to structure innovative community policies which encourage empathy and justice, medical treatments and create beauty through the arts.
In the meantime, what are my tips for minor frustrations?
Know your workspace
Put things away; when they are lost, look in their correct place.
Decide which works best for you. Should you stand or sit when painting? Or ponder how you approach any task most effectively.
(My large most creative work comes when standing, and I often sit to finish or work on smaller surfaces.)
I’m watching the blue jays and hummingbirds squabble for positions in the garden. May we learn to love and to encourage our fellow artists, family and friends.
And my short list for persisting:
Know your values
Set goals
Acknowledge your working/learning style
Research reliable sources
Respect your passions
Connect with your tribe
Congratulations to the Class of 2024!
Provide encouragement for those around you! Remember to nourish MIND, BODY, SOUL AND SPIRIT
Inspired by all of you,
