In the belly, in the ocean

I don’t want to be the grief person–I’ve talked about it a lot lately. Challenging emotions make me feel more part of a collective. That’s problematic, biological, who knows what all, but I talk about it in the video above.

Part of my work is exploring and expanding my capacity to feel, and channelling that energy into creativity that words can’t reach.

Is it done? Is it mine? Does it cohere to my body of work enough, and how does one even decide that, or be a cohesive artist without dying of boredom?

I’ll show you these two paintings with story, in the video above.

If you want to see the layers of making this painting, Two Halves, you can see them in this reel.

Next week I will begin a two-week residency with my mentor, Deborah Hay. It’s here in Austin, and due to fear of coming to Texas and the U.S., many of the international and national artists who planned to come have dropped out.

The first residency I ever did with Deborah began the day after the women’s march in January 2017, when this guy was elected the first time. How much has changed, and been lost, in that time. I have to assume that much has been gained in our resilience, our resistance, the taproots of our souls.

If you happen to have 2 weeks to spare and an interest in movement and perception, reach out and get a spot in the Deborah Hay Residency.

Also, if you are affected (or appallled) by the proposed closure of 13 Austin public schools next year, I like this website, Let’s Get it Right AISD. They offer other proposals, and ask the board to slow down and make a wise decision. You can sign the petition and read more. If you know of other great resources for pushing back on these sudden closures, send them my way!

In my video I don’t get to show you my season-celebrating dress! It’s from Nooworks, which is an incredible artist-run company I love to support. It’s slow fashion.

Be well, stay in touch. I love to hear from you!

lots of joy here.