nightscape, Monotype of the Day #725

Day 355 of Year 2 (Actually Day 360)

I haven't had much energy the past week. Life is full of choices but when your energy is limited your choices are like a knife slicing away parts of life that you love. Over time I've made peace with this aspect of my journey though sometimes, it's still not easy. In the US we are doers, but the beauty of my situation is in learning the power of being. Being is the place where creativity lives, where we find the ground from which all things must grow. Even unwanted pauses allow space for new ideas, work, or directions to root. I turn to tonight's poem (which I have posted before) to remind we of this because it's easy to forget when you desire to do but cannot.

Gitanjali #81
by Rabindranath Tagore

On many an idle day have I grieved over lost time. But it is never lost, my lord. Thou hast taken every moment of my life in thine own hands.
Hidden in the heart of things thou art nourishing seeds into sprouts, buds into blossoms, and ripening flowers into fruitfulness.
I was tired and sleeping on my idle bed and imagined all work had ceased. In the morning I woke up and found my garden full with wonders of flowers.

From Gitanjali https://amzn.to/38iqHao

the ocean depth, Monotype of the Day #713

Day 343 of Year 2 (Actually Day 348)

This one has layers upon layers. Every time I had spare ink on a plate I used this print to remove it. In the end, so much was covered yet I can feel the weight of their hidden presence much as you can feel the unseen depths of the ocean. This reminds me of what it's like to make art. So much happens just outside of your consciousness at the edge of sight. So much of the beauty of process is felt.

open boat, 3 parts (and a pile of technical mistakes😊), Monotype of the Day #603

Day 233 of Year 2 (Actually Day 238)

A rough night in the studio, but I learned a lot. I had one technical problem after another. I made so many prints that went straight to the trash due to bleeding over the edge, smearing, sticking, or you name it. I'm also not loving the image. I wanted to try something simple, but this image was too simple, not enough inscribed lines to get the interesting effects from last night. These are the three best images, none of them excite me. I feel frustrated. You might think that's bad, but on some level being frustrated is a great place to be. I know I have so much room to grow and that's exciting. I can't wait to try again tomorrow. Hopefully I have something I like better to show, but if not I'll be looking forward to trying again. I trust that what I am going through now is necessary to where I am going. Every work of art can't be a masterpiece, but holding through the difficult moments will ultimately bear fruit. Until tomorrow. xo

the keyhole takes a ride, Monotype of the Day #597

Day 227 of Year 2 (Actually Day 232)

Today was my closing, it was wonderful and I am so grateful to everyone who came out. What an amazing experience my show has been! Tonight's print is a quick demo I did during the closing. I'm not in love with it. But as I said during my artist talk, it's not for me to judge. My job is making, let everyone else do the judging 🙂. Right now I am so depleted I can't even think, so until tomorrow. xoxo @clerestoryfineart

moonrise, Monotype of the Day #588

588.jpg

Day 218 of Year 2 (Actually Day 223)

Today I was interviewed for a news program. (More on that later!) I did this piece as a demo using older dryish ink and when I lifted the paper I really didn't like it. I did another print and told them not to use this one. But then I remembered that it's not for me to judge my work and good or bad, it's all part of the process. So I'm posting it here tonight as a reminder to myself to trust the process and carry on. It was a long but lovely day so I'm off to bed. Until tomorrow. xoxo

ready and waiting!, Monotype of the Day #546

Day 176 of Year 2 (Actually Day 181)

A lot of eggs this week. 😊 Whenever I'm making eggs I feel comforted. I've posted tonight's poem before but I love it, so here it is again! xo

Oceans
by Juan Ramon Jimenez, Trans. Robert Bly

I have a feeling that my boat
has struck, down there in the depths
against a great thing. And nothing
happens! Nothing…Silence…Waves… –Nothing happens? Or has everything happened,
and are we standing now, quietly, in the new life?

From News of the Universe: Poems of Two Fold Consciousness https://amzn.to/305tT6G

boats at dawn, Monotype of the Day #505

505.jpg

Day 139 of Year 2 (Actually Day 140)

I realized today that I make these boat scenes when I need a sense of inner peace and calm. Making them quiets my mind although today, it only partially worked. It's been a busy few days with the holidays and I'm calling my scattered energies in. The print reflects this, it's not as tranquil as my other boat prints. Still, it calmed and grounded me.
This is a little strange- I find it much more rewarding to post on days with symmetrical numbers like today- day 505. It's oddly satisfying! Numbers do have poetry. 😊

Just Now
By W. S. Merwin

In the morning as the storm begins to blow away
the clear sky appears for a moment and it seems to me
that there has been something simpler than I could ever believe
simpler than I could have begun to find words for
not patient not even waiting no more hidden
than the air itself that became part of me for a while
with every breath and remained with me unnoticed
something that was here unnamed unknown in the days
and the nights not separate from them
not separate from them as they came and were gone
it must have been here neither early nor late then
by what name can I address it now holding out my thanks

From : The Pupil: Poems https://amzn.to/37ViSsn
https://merwinconservancy.org/2017/09/just-now-by-ws-merwin/

lifting the veil or the egg at sea, Monotype of the Day #469

Day 103 of Year 2 (Actually Day 104)

I'm divided on a title tonight. Which do you prefer: "lifting the veil" or "egg at sea"? I printed the second layer at an angle purposely to suggest the veil between the physical and spiritual worlds, something I feel keenly in the studio. I had a tooth pulled today. The body is good at finding ways to keep us grounded! I am perfectly fine but tired so I will leave it at that for tonight. xo