Freedom

The end of a year is but an invitation to dream about what lies ahead. It has been my custom over the last few years to create a theme and subsequently build a vision of what I want to focus on, not only in my art practice, in my life as a whole. Last year the topic for contemplation was "Be Still". It is inevitable, as the year progresses that all areas of my life become challenged and enhanced by the set theme, 2024 has been no different. I quite literally had MONTHS of being still, painting rarely, resting, waiting, trying not to get discouraged or frustrated, at the time I didn't understand what was happening, looking back at it now, everything that happened makes sense.

My art mentor Bob was incredibly gracious when this was happening, assuring me that it was normal and part of every artists journey, I must say that relieved a lot of pressure, which of course I was putting on myself. During this time of dormancy I turned inward, asking myself questions to better understand what I was feeling, why and what was I to learn? It was rather like a roller coster, if you know me, I am NOT a fan of carnival rides, and I can say, in faith I persevered and found my way through. Sadly Doug and I contracted COVID near the end of October which squashed my plans to host another Open Studio Exhibit. I see now that even this was a blessing in disguise, forcing me to slow down artistically, spend time reflecting, studying, reading and observing, all so that I could better see that Artist I intend, and I am destined to be.

Here we are on the cusp of a new year, a new chapter and I am eager to share more about my theme and what that means for me going forward. Are you excited? I know I am!

Let me start with what informs the creation of my theme. I spend time alone thinking about the previous years intentions, how they played out, what went well what was most challenging and I consider what I learned and if I was successful in moving forward, even just a little. Then I have a reality check, I take stock of what is holding me back, what roadblocks have I constructed that keep me from going further and which mindsets need replacing. I consider how I am "feeling" about my work, how authentic am I being, how intimate and vulnerable...well I have to say this is where the growth needs to be happening.

It is uncanny how my art practice reflects back to me my life. My fears, worries, insecurities, past hurts, guilt, I could go on, it all reveals itself as I create. In greater or lesser degrees it is a mirror helping me to see the progress I have and have not made. Once I have processed this in my mind I talk it out with Doug who has been instrumental in helping me sort through the "noise" and define my intention. As I expressed what I was thinking and feeling on Sunday as we drove home from church he said to me; "there is one word that keeps coming up for me, freedom." As soon as he said it, I KNEW that was it!

Okay, now I know that theme, but what does that look like? What does it mean in terms of my art practice specifically?

I have come to recognize that there is a measure of boredom, for me, in my paintings. I am not saying they aren't any good, that they lack beauty or skill, I know this isn't true, many of you affirm me of that regularly and Bob my mentor would concur. What I am saying is that for me my work is lacking something, that thing that makes me giddy, that confirms "yes, this is me!"

I am not naive enough to think I have this knot unravelled in its entirety; however I do know that adult Char has been getting in the way of inner child Char's ability to play, have fun, and create the art she wants to paint! It is evident in how my work has looked up until now. It reveals itself in the process, how I feel in my body and mind, in the tension I carry after a painting session. There has been little "freedom" and more control, expectation and "pressure" to meet a standard adult Char has determined is worthy and little to no space for my unbridled creative voice to soar.

This my friends is what my theme for 2025 is all about. Reflected on the board I am sharing here as an early release are images, words and objects to inspire and direct my artistic energy going forward. There are no child like items on this board however I did get out some stickers my friend Sara gave me a couple years ago to place here and there throughout my studio space as gentle reminders to have fun and only paint what makes me feel giddy.

Going forward, if you have followed my career for any length of time you WILL see a big shift in style and subject matter, this I can be sure of. I will no longer censor my creative urgings nor put limitations on how I express my artistic voice. Expectations and pressure will no longer be permitted; in their place you will see whimsy, curiosity, the unexpected and you will know I had FUN when I was painting.

I welcome your thoughts after you have read this and watched the video where I share what made it onto the board. I look forward to meeting you here throughout the year as I discuss whats been going on behind the scenes along with details on upcoming private events, and new series releases. I have put off maintaining a blog up until now and have set a goal to keep the lines of communication open with you my family, friends, collectors and art fans in 2025. I look forward to bringing you along as I continue to walk bravely this path of creativity, shedding layers of resistance and walking freely into the gifts God has given me.

With love,

Char

P.S. the painting shown above is part of a tetralogy series of mini paintings on paper.

P.P.S. if you were hoping to visit my Fall show to purchase paintings for Christmas, one on one studio visits are available until December 22nd by appointment only. Contact me if you would like to reserve a date.