I don’t do New Year Resolutions. I prefer to set the new year’s tone by sending out a single-word invitation. And the process to find that word brings gifts of its own - clarity and alignment are examples.

The creative process begins: I hand scripted my word and then Jean gave me the idea of cutting and repositioning the letters to make it more “wonder-like”. The frame dimensions determine the size of my painting and I’m off.

I use the word as a beacon more than a baton; I prefer to focus on what’s right in my life rather than spend too much time on what isn’t.  

I like the whole process of choosing a theme for the year. It requires a bit of house-cleaning - a deep dive into what no longer feels good. I scrutinize all things mental, physical, and emotional.

The top paper shows the design so far. Dragonflies are total kid magic to me so in they went. The bottom paper shows I moved one of the dragonflies, then painted them and my word in iridescent colors. (You can’t see much reflection because it was late in the day when I took this photo.) The turquoise is a gorgeous color and makes me happy.

I then spend quiet time thinking about which parts of me I wish to explore, experiment with, or expand upon. Meanwhile, I brainstorm any and all words that cross my mind.  

It’s fascinating to observe where this can lead. For example: In December I chose “aligned” and watched how simply thinking about this word brought me into alignment in many ways within a month.  

Here you see some iridescent reflection. At this point, I’m thinking I could be done and move on to (here’s my inner critic speaking) something “more of value”.

So, I returned to my list: “lift-off”, “open”, “light”, “embrace”, “eager”, and “allow” came to mind. So many choices…Finally, in January, one felt more right.  

Wonder - the child-like sense of “isn’t this the greatest thing ever?!” response mostly seen in dogs and children. I can remember waking up so eager to dig in to my new day and I knew I wanted more of that in 2023.

Kudos to me, I decided to follow through and enjoy this moment of pure kid fun (meaning, hey! let’s add spirals!) Dragonflies and spirals. I am complete…until I paint in a spiral the adult me doesn’t like. Dilemma: Kid or adult? Go on as is and who cares or correct the composition? Adult won and I tried to paint out the errant spiral. Can you see where?

But back to my story. Sure, I had my tantrums and disappointments, yet I was able to move past those times with the ease of a young heart. So, definitely, give me more of that, please.  

Imagine living your day like this - how light would your body feel, how much room could you find to allow dreams to surface (or re-surface)? Anything could be possible. 

I tried to live with the painted out bit, I really did. But this kind of thing really bugs me; it’s all I saw when I looked at my word. On close inspection, you’ll find three separate color washes: two different light gray ones (boring) and finally a charcoal wash.

Think of your dreams, your desires, your needs. Big or small. Everything matters. And then let them guide you forward.

It’s really about reclaiming who we truly are, giving ourselves the go-ahead to do what matters most to us, allowing in more satisfying moments. Then watching the magic unfold.

Now my word pops and the iridescence really shows against the dark background. The kid in me rejoices and now I look forward to the next fun thing.

Yeah…give me much, much more of that, please.

Judy

PS: Here’s a re-do of a painting my boyfriend bought years ago so I would “stop right there”. I felt it was unfinished but have lived with it on our wall for a number of years. Recently, I saw a painting with large ovals placed over the background and I thought, “That would look GREAT on this (to me) unfinished painting. Took just a little cajoling, but Forrest and I both love this painting now more than before. My point? Trust. Trust that pushing may not be the way to go. Trust that Divine Timing has your back. Trust that, when the time is right, the perfect and often much more satisfying way forward will be shone to you. Wonder….

I’m really tired of being an adult.  

2022 was pretty bumpy for me. In a nutshell: I cleared out and cleaned my condo; I had new carpet installed after painting the interior myself; I packed the remainder of my life including my in-home art studio and then moved my self and all my stuff from my Honolulu condo to my boyfriend’s house on the North Shore. I then experienced the learning curve of leasing out my condo.

Happy news: I’ve a new art studio shack! It’s a free-standing studio on a property about a mile and a half from my now home and a few paces away from the ocean. Pretty cool, yet…

Lots of pictures for you to compare this time. These demo paintings began with a plan: All would be a bamboo design; viewing distance would span from farther away to close up; and all would share the same color palette on the original color washes. 

…the getting here has been crazy as well as catalytic. And this adult business? Things keep popping up like a Whack-A-Mole game. 

My somewhat whiny point is that perhaps we would do well to make “us” a little bit more of a priority for 2023. Go small as one life coach advises - find small joys and celebrate little victories. Sounds trite, but pause and take that in. Doing what really lights us up (big or small) may keep us better connected to our sanity and help us feel more centered and taken care of.

Specifically, I’m talking about our personal, special happy place and I’m rethinking mine. I love to create, no matter in what form, and I’m entertaining ideas like beading purses, weaving wall hangings using macramé and glass beads, and creating paper mâché designs. I’m looking to jump start my creative engines because that’s what lights me up. 

So, I’m starting again, doing the best I can with what I have right now. Hence, this blog and the above batiks I painted for a demo a year ago. I found them while unpacking my new studio and realized there was more I wanted to do. Sometimes just letting things sit for awhile (and that can include ourselves) is an amazing aid to a creative restart. 

I look forward to sharing more small joys soon.

Here’s to a Spectacular New Year, 

Judy

You Are Invited…

Selah ©Judy Aveiro

I am fortunate to be loved by so many, including you. Fortunate, also, in my bumpy road that brought me to this place. Many of you have played a direct role in helping me to become the me I am pleased to be today. Thank you.

For the past two years in particular, I have been held and nurtured by a group of truly unique and talented artists, each of us seeking a safe place to learn more about ourselves and how to improve our art making skills.

Fortune brought us together and the journey has been a rainbow range of emotions with every up and down contributing to the whole. I have found myself more fully through their loving mirror; this team has been an anchor.

Our Strong Artist Life group, founded by Pamela Roberson, is presenting its second online art show. My co-creatives - Bonnie Anthony, Lianne Escher, Sherri Harris, Laurie Martz, Claudette Pilon, and Pamela - are also now my friends. I am excited for you to see the magic we have created together.

Wake Up Laughing ©Judy Aveiro

Come visit us online and, if you feel inspired to leave a comment, we would love to hear your thoughts.

I promise, the Exploda blog is coming soon…meanwhile, be safe and find happy.

Sending love,

Judy