The Alchemy of My Mind: April 2015

4.29.2016

April 2015

Currently I am counting the days until summer. I have 4 weeks left of school until I go to my summer work schedule. This schedule includes more freedom yet I work relatively the same hours as before. I will stay up later, sleep in about an hour more. But most of all I will have more mental freedom. My mind will kick up the gear creatively. I will paint, I will read, I will write! I cannot wait. I will go out more when money permits, and regardless of money, I hope to see friends more.

Recently my life was really hectic. A really close friend of mine got married 2 weekends ago, and I was a bridesmaid for the first time. I was utterly honored. I may not wish to get married, but I love being involved in anything of those I love, especially major life events. My only bridesmaid duty, aside from getting a dress and shoes, was to create a painting for the couple that would be revealed at the reception. I was really excited but also felt really pressured for this job. Not pressured by the bride, but by myself. She was to give me a general outline, or more so, pictures of what she likes. While I already know what she likes, I was still waiting to see what she had in store for me. I have made 3 paintings for her before so there was an undeniable theme. Color and a tree in some form. Thankfully she always allows me total creative freedom. I reminded her that I need a lot of time, because I paint slow, or process slow at least. She gave me the pictures of inspiration a bit later than I would have liked, and I didn't actually start the painting planning until late March. I had a vision and it involved technique I don't have training in (watercolor). Thankfully my best friend gave me feedback that got me right on track. I went to an art supply store she recommended and bought a ton of stuff to experiment with. After trying a few techniques and a spontaneous trip to Michael's I found the perfect thing. I bought a burlap canvas with a center that was its own shadowbox and it was on clearance! Then I found a wreath to fit in the center. With the advice of my friend, I used a method and a paint that I am comfortable with. Acrylic rather than watercolor, with black primer. I took notes of my process that was a later reference to the letter to the couple that accompanied the final product. It was a process of time and layers, it changed with each day and I finished it right down to the last night before I had to turn it in. I do not wish to share the reasons behind my choices because that is personal to the bride and groom, but I will say that each item has a reference to each personally, it is a very elemental piece. In my letter I referenced the process and how it ties with their relationship, the title of the painting is In Time and Space. Here are some pictures, please note my phone does not capture the colors exactly as they are.

Both M's are the initials of both the bride and the groom. The numbers at the bottom reference their wedding date.

The final product

One thing I will say though, is that in one corner I put the constellation, Scorpius, in another the constellation Gemini, to represent each of their astrological signs.

Part of the reason I share this is that because of this "assignment" it got me into the creative mood, and I was incredibly grateful for it and wish to continue it.

I hope they cherish it for life.

On a side note, a new friend of mine just recently asked me to make a painting for her as well. Again, I'm glad to be given the opportunity because it forces me to do something I love. It's easy to neglect the need to paint. I don't have time, not in the mood, got sucked into my couch and a Netflix binge etc. Furthermore, I realize that it is easier for me to give my paintings away. I always tell people I cannot do art for a living because it is difficult for me to part with my art, but when given the goal to make something for a specific person, it is easier, has been easier. As the most recent years go by, I've given almost as much art as I've made. The majority of my recent art has been gifts, only about 2 have been for my own collection.

Now, going back to the wedding. It was great, a wonderful experience. It was at The Buttes in Tempe, Arizona. I had been there only once before for a ladies staycation last July, months after the bride was engaged. The place is beautiful and quite maze-like. Being a bridesmaid and getting ready in the Presidential Suite gave me a celebrity-like status, at least in my mind. It was exhausting taking photos non-stop but became worth it for the memories. The wedding was mostly good and the view was amazing. She was a great bride too, not too crazy or snappy, heh. She is one of my very practical friends and allowed her bridesmaid to use their unique skills [me for painting, another for making hats, etc.] and she also allowed us to be us. Our dresses and shoes are each unique to us, no one wore the same thing. Pretty awesome. I didn't take many photos and let the photographer take care of most of the business but here's some I can share.