Ben Franklin wrote down two questions to plan and reflect on each day: “What good shall I do this day?” and “What good have I done to-day.” Simple and clear.
Jay won his democratic primary this week. Andy went to Norfolk to celebrate and now the work continues to get people interested in the November election. I am thinking of ways to illustrate the messaging that he needs people to hear. Power back to the people of Virginia. Protecting all people of Virginia. So very proud of him and Mavis.
Our first zinnias bloomed. I made an absolute mess in the studio today. It felt unreal.
“I have been working all the times and it’s like a flood going through the landscape of your soul. It’s good because it takes away a lot, it’s cleansing. If I hadn’t been at work all the time, I would have been a lunatic.” - Ingmar Bergman, Daily Rituals
Looking at Bemelmans: The Life and Art of Madeline’s Creator and when he draws the same person over and over, they are always unique - their own. No two are the same, ever. And that is a relief to me.
Looking at de Kooning’s MoMA retrospective catalogue and re fell in love with his abstract pieces from the late 70’s. "Screams of Children Come from Seagulls” is particularly good.
I worked on my large scale collage pieces today. There are two large canvases - each collaged with watercolor paper I painted and cut. Together but separate. I am learning a lot - like I need to pick up a larger pad of watercolor paper for bigger uninterrupted shapes and that I had to get a huge amount of glue and have been pouring it out and using a brush to spread it. I love them. I want to make more and push them. I have a few shows coming up and I think this new collection can be ready for the first in August (fingers crossed). An early working title for one is “Mother nature” and I love her!
Our first sunflower bloomed. Our basil is enormous. Our watermelon likely does not have enough room to grow (clearly!) but it’s all so exciting. Two neighbors stopped me today to talk about my little garden. I am very proud of it.
Andy built me a shelf for my paintings. It is life changing!
Saw the Frida show again with Lila at the VMFA. She was very wiggly so we didn’t last long but her favorites this time were the home video, the photo opp bench, and the pencil sharpener at the self portrait station.
Theo signing his name recently is a vibe. Theo riding his bike with a vine attached to his wheel that he said is a tail, is also a vibe.
I worked on updating my website mural section including my pitch deck. I am officially ready to take on new mural clients again (please send to anyone who might be looking for a mural). It feels good.
It’s officially summer this morning. What good shall we do this season? Join me in moving slowly?
