It's been a busy start of the year with many wonderful projects keeping me busy. First, it's important that I mention that I got hit with another round of Covid at the tail-end of 2023. Recovering has been something I have been dealing with for many years, and getting knocked back with it yet again is a firm reminder that my time and energy to be creative is not to be taken for granted.
I owe much of my ability to be creative has been with support of friends and family. My hubby and his parents have been instrumental in providing encouragement, understanding, and gifts that have allowed me to pursue art over the last two decades. Furthermore, they are creatives themselves and believe in sharing such passion with others. F spent many years throwing pots and doing ceramics until a car accident injured her. C has been a photographer for most of his life and in recent years has been keen to share insightful articles with me about the process of being creative. Reciprocating their love and support can be challenging in light of their expertise, but this year I really wanted to give them something special as they celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary. One of my goals this year has been to catch up on outstanding projects, and this is another one that I wanted to do in 2022, but just couldn't get there. Like the other projects I have been working through my feelings on, the lesson for me is to just do the work! Get started and the rest will come.
I started with Arches 140lb hot press paper, meaning it is smoother than other papers and I find it preferable for more detailed and precise work. For this piece, I'm referring to a photo of F and C, my in-laws. The photo reference is one of the rare times the two of them are together and kind of posing. This is something rare because C values candid moments much more than poses, but this one felt genuine. Below is a short progression animation through my process.
This was a lot of fun for me because the photo itself is kind of washed out thanks to a cloudy, overcast day. Of my favorite things in this photo, I found that it captured parts of their personalities in their appearance, clothing colors and appearances, and of course the lovely setting with an evergreen forest, calm waters, and distant foggy mountains.
Maybe not my greatest work, but one that I absolutely enjoyed making. It was wonderful to sit with their likeness in spite of the distance between us. I shared with them my recent bout of Covid and it pains me terribly that it could impact them in a prolonged fashion.
I hope that they know how much I appreciate them for all of the positive influences they have made in my life. Of course, I also appreciate all the wonderful qualities they instilled in their son. Alas, I hope they enjoy their gift and know how much they have made the world a little brighter and more welcoming thanks to their indominable creative spirits and support for others. Until next time, thanks for reading!
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