Two of my friends, Janis Doucette and Chris Predd, nominated me to share some of my art in the 5 day art challenge on Facebook. I’m going to have to think of someone to nominate next since this has been going on for awhile and many artists I know have already been nominated. So, to start off I thought I would share some of my paintings from a few years ago. This is pre-art quilting, 2003, all are acrylics on canvas. The crotons are in my home and the other two are in private collections.
A friend recently said she was struggling to find her artistic voice. This is part of what I told her about voice and the conversation with techniques :
“It is easy to get side tracked by trying new things and trying to decide how they fit into that conversation. For me, that’s what trying new things is all about.
It has taken me 6 years to get to this point and I have to constantly say NO when I feel something new calling that doesn’t fit in. I’m not always sure what the conversation is or if there is just a debate going on or who will win!”
This was the second time recently that someone referenced that I have found my voice. I always wondered as many artists do just where it got lost in translation. But I see it in each piece of fabric or brush of paint. It is like a light went on and I hope it doesn’t burn itself out as I follow it down this path.
I have been working on some new small pieces. I’ve been very pleased with how they are turning out. This is one that will be for sale for $125. It is framed in a black oak frame and can be hung vertically or horizontally. Measurements are 5 x 11.5 inches. Sorry for the wonky photo!
The final reveal. I was very happy with the way these turned out. Working small can be difficult but can also be rewarding. Sometimes the elements fall into place effortlessly. That was the case with these cards. Here are 4 of them.
JP Dawes Contemporary Artist 