Studio time

nobody@vox.com(Liza Myers) — Thu, 22 May 2008 07:32:59 -0400

"It is natural for man to indulge in the illusion of hope."

- Patrick Henry

And we know what happened to him.

He lives forever in the minds
of thoughtful citizens

as one man who gave everything
for his belief.

Passion, focus and sacrifice.

I am perennially hopeful. Not much for sacrifice. Certainly not on a grand scale. But it is increasingly important to think of these greater spirits in these times of chaotic, distracted self-indulgence.

Uninterrupted studio time in a spacious studio, with great natural light and an incredible view. Talk about self-indulgence. Focus and passion are essential. I begin with color pours, just trying to get my hands in the dirt... a feel for where I am and what I am doing... These little exercises seem pointless, but at least I am doing something with interesting (to me) results. Like push-ups. The struggle to get into gear in a new space.

Meanwhile, I am surrounded by astonishing vistas, amazing natural beauty. Raw earth on an immense scale. The sounds of spring bird call are everywhere, rushing snow melt and flowers in the the meadows.
Much rain, though. Mist and clouds.

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Distinctions

nobody@vox.com(Liza Myers) — Wed, 02 May 2007 23:25:04 -0400

I steer my bark with hope in the head, leaving fear astern. - Thomas Jefferson
A brilliant man, who lived in a hopeful time. The young nation was full of possibilities, without the scars and traumas of middle aged politics.. in a world where communication took weeks, and horrors and atrocities were not facilitated by technology. Global annihilation by any number of means didn't hover constantly in his consciousness.
I have sworn upon the altar of God eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man.- Jefferson
Interesting that he would choose the altar of God, when there is so much hostility and tyranny engendered by intolerant religion.
I am hopeful for the French elections, hopeful for the turning political tide.Segolene Royal is a hopeful person.

Thomas Jefferson

Meanwhile, back at the farm, long days on Wednesdays teaching from 9 am to 9 pm: college students all day, and a fabulous group of adults in the evening. Dedicated to their work, eager for info and technique, it is a balm to the weary muse to work with them.
Now the week is mine, wholly mine, from today until next Wednesday, to paint and work with clay. Except for a FEW other commitments and obligations.
Tonight I painted watercolor with my class... So much fun, such a re-entry into a celebration of color. New Gamboge, Orange, opera and permanent magenta create such vibrant and intense reds. Energy and flow made visible. Thomas Jefferson would have loved it.

Spring beckons, FINALLY! The seasons are shifting: spring is later...everything is later. Everything is unpredictable, unreliable.
Friends dropped off two tiny bloodroot starts from their forest garden, resilient starshaped blossoms atop the slender orange stems. They sat in rainy mist last night, and tomorrow I will put them in a cozy spot in our woodland and hope they are happy enough over the winter to re-emerge next spring.
Now to drive home under the full moon..

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Liza Myers' Blog

Studio time

Distinctions