It's not often

that I post something regarding the "making" of any of my work. To me it's just all so revealing. But below is a photo of part of my process for one of my paintings. I've been thinking about the meaning and purpose of the masks I use in my work...and even the purpose of masks in general throughout history.

Is it always to hide something? Or is it to emphasize something else? Is it to play a game? Play the role of someone or something else? A sprirt? Is it to be anonymous? To be nothing at all?

What's a typical day like for you?

This was a question I read in an interview Illustration Mundo did with artist & illustrator Becca Stadlander. I was just a little...no WAY jealous when I read this answer.

Please describe a typical day

I get up in the morning, make coffee, and sit down at my desk to check my mail and take care of Etsy orders. I usually have either commissioned or personal work, so I end up painting all day into the evening. If I need a break, I have a snack and some tea, read my favorite blogs and occasionally go for a walk around the neighborhood. Sometimes I work really late into the night and do errands during the day. It just depends on how I feel. The freedom to make my own schedule is almost too good to be true. I listen to music, podcasts, and books on tape while I work, and sometimes a show or movie if it’s not too distracting.

What is your working environment like?

My studio is at home, situated in a cheerful corner of my apartment with three large windows. I try to keep things pretty organized, but by the end of the day I still end up with paint all over my hands and post-its everywhere. There is an old wooden farm table I use for a desk with drawers and compartments on top for all my materials and trinkets. Flat file drawers hold my papers, records and originals, and my books are kept at arm’s reach in a doily printed shelf from ikea. My desk chair is starting to pull up the finish on the floor, and my cup of coffee is often confused with the jar of paint water.



Taken from Illustration Mundo. Full interview can be seen here:
Full Interview


But of course this answer and my reaction got me thinking...what is holding you back from living and being the life you want to be? Your (our) life is a series of choices we as individuals make. And we only have so much time, so why not do what you want to do. Woudln't you be best at the things you want to do?

Artists & Illustration- Becca Stadlander

I've been in an artist's slump for a long time now while I pursued other things in life that demanded too much time from me in order to keep "making." But because I did not create, I never felt whole.

I'm in a nesting stage right now. And what I mean by that is I'm getting ready. It might seem strange that I must "get ready" in order to make art, but I guess when you've been away so long....I feel it is necessary. I even took my art website down. I am ready to start over.

Ever since I was a child, "art" or "ideas"...."images" have flashed in my mind....all the time.....when I'm driving, when I'm doing anything...work...gardening...showering....the in between. I don't have to try...or even think. Sometimes the images come to me repeatedly over the years as if they are waiting to come out...to be realized. There is no point in writing them down because the persistent ones always haunt me.

What I find interesting is that I know this happens for other artists. One of the challenges I face now...is that my images...ideas...and thoughts are all over the place..and very very very VARIED.

I'm attracted to a vast array of styles...and MEDIUMS. This is a problem if I were trying to create a "body of work." But for now...I think I will just let my heart to whatever it desires. :)

I recently told my husband I was interested in illustration. He was surprised by this, as am I. But below is a delightful illustration artist I recently discovered. When I look at work like this...it makes my heart smile and fills me with the feeling of comfort. I think I must like this because it is very different from many of my works which are surreal, sometimes dark with hints of the sexual side.
I wouldn't mind, one day trying my hand at something like illustration...something "just because" something innocent and not so deep.

behold the work of Becca Stadlander...

Becca Stadlander's Art Website

On to my favorite day of the week...

Wed. is tomorrow (my personal mid-week Friday).
I'm already getting happy & excited thinking about building my rustic outdoor scrap wood table on Thursday. Wish me luck!

Our Radar House in the Redwoods

Gardening-Month of June

I had to say goodbye last week to the last two giant sunflowers in the front yard. As their heads began to wallow downwards, I took a swift hacking to their heads. Now they are drying in the back and I will harvest their seeds soon.

I am preparing my backyard for the magnificent building of my raised vegetable garden. I can't wait till it is built and I can decide on all the seeds I will plant for the Fall Planting :)

The 1st Chrysalis