I hesitate to admit this, but I think my paintings may actually be gone. I’ve been super busy with my condo redo: culling, clearing, cleaning, repairing, repainting, reorganizing. Moving stuff to storage, tearing things down, giving things away. The process seems to have lasted for months. Happily, my place now feels spacious, open, uncluttered, inviting - bright white walls, select items on display, and - ahhhh - room to breathe.

First light pigment wash with melted wax spirals added after. I adore turquoise - probably my now favorite color.

It was a major upheaval to live in all that messy chaos, moving piles from here to there and back again as I progressed from room to room, sleeping on the couch because my bed was piled with stuff. My life screeched to a halt, no room in my brain for creativity or restful relaxation; I could only think about the next item on my list.

2nd wash adding medium blues and cobalt blue, some blue-green.

I felt scattered, drained yet determined, knowing what a great thing I was accomplishing for my Future Self. This preoccupation caused me to misplace some paintings. I was taking them to Forrest’s to be videoed. Somewhere between my place and his, I set them down and left them. Now they are gone and no one has, as yet, responded to my “lost” notices asking for their return.

Third pigment wash, stronger application with medium values and now playing with dropping in colors to mix as they will.

It took awhile for me to remember exactly which paintings were in the bunch. A couple of in-progress pieces, and “Spiralocity” - a cherished painting that was inches to completion and a joy to create. Also, a painting I had recently sold. That feels the worst as it affects another.

Here I’ve waxed over the spirals so I can apply an indigo color wash freely over the whole painting. I deliberately applied the melted wax thick and thin so the indigo could mix in.

I was devastated. Oddly, I didn’t spend too much time beating myself up. That’s a first for me. And a huge win. Progress, for sure. I lived a few sorrowful days, but I’m better now. I took the bounce and realized I can still create. I haven’t lost an arm or an eye or my brain. I’m healthy and loved and I’m already back in the studio.

Final painting completely waxed and ironed. At this stage I had begun applying orange and yellow pencil along some of the spiral curves to add depth and pop. This is when I I lost it and I am still grieving. This painting was magic for me and I’m very sad at its loss.

I’m still hopeful. Hopeful that whoever has them will feel moved to give them back. But I’m moving on because that’s the best gift I can give myself. Accept the loss, acknowledge the grieving process while taking the next logical step.

This is the painting I had sold to my friend Cindy that was misplaced as well. Watercolor on 300# watercolor paper using the hide and seek method.

Be safe, be happy!

Judy

I now acknowledge that, for me, working hard is a never-ending and frustrating story. It’s like rowing like a maniac only to realize your boat is still tied to the dock. (True story - happened to my Uncle Don). Yet, doing less to accomplish more? Hmmmm…..

I’d come to a dead end with this painting and decided to use it in my collage explorations. From top to bottom, you’ll see how I tore the pagoda and its bamboo friend free from the background.

The best way I know to really understand something is to explain it to others. So, tag, you’re “it”. Let’s start here:

Wise friends have advised me: “For best results, act on inspired action, not required action.” Get it? Normally, I feel uncomfortable without a specific plan, when addressing a new decision or goal. Any action felt better than no action. I learned that busy-ness was regarded by watchful and critical eyes as the righteous path.

I recently followed a transformational program created by Dr. Benjamin Hardy. He explains that our brains process the last three things we do (or think about having done) at the end of our working day. Our brains then continue thinking about those last three actions with respect to what else we did that day.

If we constantly face a lot of daily tasks, our brains correlate our feelings of accomplishment with respect to what remains on the list. Simply put, the more we do in a day, the less our brains believe in happy endings.

Dr. Hardy goes on to explain that by following through on a single aspect of a desired goal - the one to three most important tasks for that day that truly matter - our brains will begin associating our accomplishments with real progress.

In other words, focusing on one to three specific sub-goals allows us to fully commit to the task at hand as well as to our ultimate goal. In addition, we experience a clear start and a successful finish. Our brains begin to reinterpret who we are as high-performers who live in a state of flow which then translates to less effort provides greater gain. So, yay.

I wasn’t taught to believe this, and I still don’t trust it completely; however, I am trying it. I’m reminded of Albert Einstein’s wonderful definition of insanity as “doing something over and over again and expecting different results.”

I’ve tried my old way for too long and I know what it brings. My life is better, yes, but I dream of more. Look how well this worked for Mr. Einstein. So, why not? Why not me and why not you?

If you try it, let me know how it works. I’d really like to know.

Here’s a partial photo of where I am now. How do I marry the pagoda to its lavender rice paper background and make this creative idea stand out?

All the best!

Judy

Ok, gang. Let’s reboot and get going. I invite you to consider a co-creative joint endeavor that singularly reads: “A brand new me in my brand new year.”

A Far Away Invitation

A BRAND NEW ME in my BRAND NEW YEAR! I hope that feels as promising to you as it does to me because I’d like to have you along for company. There is something about the open expanse of a new year that begs for relaunch and reinvention. My personal thoughts are about trust and enhancing my Future Self life.

Coming Up Deco

One brand new me 2021 event is my very first online art show with fellow artist friends Pamela Roberson and Bonnie Anthony which launched January 29! We were interviewed by Mike Brennon, host of the “Creative Chats” podcast. There’s a very short segment on my Facebook page. It and other short interviews are posted on the show website as well. Go to thepbjeffect.com to hear how we got our name.

Laughing at the Moon

Also in honor of my Future Self (yes, she lives in caps), selected paintings will be offered at going, going, gone! prices. Some are framed, others not, but all are 50% off with free shipping to United States destinations. I’m making room for the new me in this new year and clearing out the studio is key. I also will be selling my collection of Koa wood frames, some with cut plexiglass. Contact me direct or through the website if you’re interested.

Now, Voyager

The third part of my 2021 Future Self is what I’m creating in the studio these days. I’m reinventing my approach to the batik method involving explosions and collage. More fun show-and-tell pictures are on the way so keep an eye out.

Inside Out

What about you? Take a quick moment and consider who you’d like to be in 2021. How would you like the world to see you? How do you want to dress? What sort of adventures do you crave? What brings you joy? What things make you feel happy or content?

Close to You

Part four of my 2021 Future Self involves (finally) fixing and updating my environment. “That’ll do” no longer fits in my life. When I choose something to wear or when I look at a room in my home, I want to feel a resounding “Yes!” I want to feel a sense of satisfaction.

Ready for It

To recap: Sale-priced paintings are now posted on the Website. I’m also showcasing them daily on my Instagram and Facebook pages (direct links can be found at judyaveiro.com). New paintings will be added to the site soon as well. Note that some paintings have been “hidden” from my website during the spring online show but you can still find them by going to thepbjeffect.com. (Oh, when you’re on thepbjeffect.com website, click on my painting “Moonchild.” When you get to the new page, scroll down and click on the short video to see how I create my batiks. It’s fun and Zen-like.)

Wind Dancers

Thanks for hanging in there with me. I send love and best wishes for a better-feeling New Year. I look forward to hearing about your brand new Future Selves.

Judy