Those of us who paint – at whatever skill level will remember those early days when there was something inside that needed to get out.
Somehow.
The impotent frustration of not being able to make the marks in a satisfying way, and not quite knowing how to get there.
I still struggle, but have found myself in the curious position of being too smooth a conduit lately. Whatever is in, must out.
The great beyond, 50cm sq, oil on board, 2009.
The bushfires have affected all Victorians. I imagine the feeling has spread further, but the horror of the whole thing has scarred me and I am having a little trouble pulling myself out of that state of shock. It’s been compounded by the loss of my Grandmother late last year, and the stresses of daily life and childrearing.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m doing Ok. I’m not about to keel over and go nutso, it’s just that there is a corner of sadness there at the moment that I am finding hard to shake completely, and it’s showing in my work. I am day to day and very happy and cheerful soul, so it’s kind of a surprise to me to see it coming through, and I hope when it’s purged I will find happy and kooky and pure joy in my work again.
Everybody likes cake. Dont they?,50cm x 50cm, oil on board, 2009.
In the meantime I’ll be doing more of this kind of silliness to get my mojo back for real.
I think it’s starting to work already 
i was having just such a conversation with my man last night. hard to shake this feeling of despair (actually not me but him). so much awful, awful news and sadness about. i think we are going to hibernate for a little while. not socially but in a media kind of way and return to spending time in a simpler way to rest the mind and soul. ie no tv, etc.
and nice painting. i think you have captured the threat in a relatively gentle way. nice job.
2 kick arse works:)
Both works are beautiful Michelle, but the top one really touches me…innocent and helpless infront of the fury of elements, small and fragile…very beautiful work !!!
Its wonderful when we reconnect with the joy in your art!!!
I think you are blessed to have this gift where you can express these feelings which sweep over you.
Harder to do that with knitting – or golf – or lawn bowls – or tea-pot collecting…
Yes, beautiful works. ‘The great beyond’ is so rich and resonant. And I’m loving the yellow.
You are doing some really fabulous work lately Michelle. Love the top one and the one in today’s post too.
You and I need to catch up for that cuppa!