8.31.2007

Stands True


I have been sleeping a lot which is unusual for me-maybe I am trying to catch up on slumber lost over the past few weeks or perhaps my body is getting into lazy beach mode a little early. We leave on the 8th for the Outer Banks and I am counting down the days. This place feels as much like home to me as Roanoke does--I am just in love with the place. My entire being feels complete there by the ocean and I have thought many times about what it would be like to live there year round. When my hubby told me that we were able to rent the same house as last year I was practically jumping up and down. Last year I think I even shed a few tears when it was time to pack up the car for the trip back. The owners have decorated the walls of this sweet little pink beach house with framed vintage photographs, postcards and amazing artwork. It doesn't look like much from the outside---actually when I first saw it I could actually feel my heart sinking but then we opened the door and I was in love. How funny. I just thought it is sometimes much the same with people. Given the chance so many people along through the years have surprised me with their inner beauty.

I also hope to make a little art of my own there. Last year I worked on an altered book, taking up much of the table as you can see here. This year I am going to work on painting faces and hands. I haven't been totally happy with the ones I have been doing lately and that is OK. I keep telling myself I am at the beginning of my journey and to just ENJOY. Most of the time I am content with knowing that if I keep working at it then I will see progress, find my own style but there are those occasional (thankfully brief) moments of horrible frustration and I want to give it all up, toss the paints in the trash and be done with it all. Do you ever feel this way too? But we don't give up do we, because this journey means so much more and is about so much more than a pretty image on the page.
Here is a section from another page in my journal. It is about letting go of the past and forgiving. Forgiveness. What a wonderful word! My theme word for 2007 it seems. :)
My favorite part of the page is the detail of the transparency of the woman and the photo of the tree behind it.
Hope you have a blessed creative day.
xoxo,

20 comments:

Sharon Tomlinson said...

Your faces are beautiful. I love this piece and the depth you have accomplished.

jen duncan said...

My love for your work just grows and GROWS! You reminded me of how my world so totally OPENED UP when I discovered altered books around 4 years ago. It really was the defining moment for me and creativity. Enjoy your sweet pink home away from home! OBX is still high on my list of want-to-do vacations. :-)

Jeanne said...

The cottage you are going to sounds heavenly to me. And I love wonderful surprises that don't look like much on the outside but are treasures inside. Have a peaceful, restful time working on your faces and hands and whatever else you decide to do.

Laura said...

Every day Tricia [Do you ever feel this way too?] Hang in there and just go with the flow - I started giving myself permission to fail and that has been very freeing. Hands are not easy to draw (or faces for that matter!) life drawing is so very important I feel and you always have a ready subject in the mirror :)

That cottage sounds like such an inspiring, restful place! Have a wonderful time.

Lee Weber said...

Have a great time on vacation. I love you newest painting- esp. the look on her face. Have FUN playing with painting hands and faces, you can always paint over them, right??

Love the link to the altered book- So pretty and inspiring. It's on my list of things to do!

~Red Tin Heart~ said...

I love your work, it is comforting. Thank you for your kind words on my site. love nita

Jo Wholohan said...

Beautiful Tricia, I love the visual depth in your work and also the depth to the meaning behind it!!! Wonderful.

Have a fantastic break away, im also off on a beach holiday :))

Elaine Kerr said...

Lovely ladies (painted & mixed media) seem to be a popular subject. Of those I've seen, yours stand out because each has a distinct personality with quite different features. And they have a little something beyond that – I can't define it other than 'magic'.

Anonymous said...

These are so beautiful, Tricia. And yes, I have those times, too when I am tempted to have a giant bonfire heaped with all my art supplies-but I don't. It really is all about the journey. Funny you mentioned forgiveness, something we've been struggling with here, and something that I need to get much better at-another journey.

lauren said...

It's a beautiful piece Tricia. I think the frustration is just part and parcel... we have to learn to flow with it and not against, I guess, but it is so so hard isn't it? You are not alone my dear.

Shona Cole said...

great post. I have felt that frustration about my art and poetry and photography too. In the past I always gave up when it got too hard, but somehow the desire always came back to me. I would start up again and then again get frustrated and give up. I am older and wiser now and this time I am not going to give up. I am going to push through the frustration cause it is better to do something than nothing at all. I see that the frustration is just an invitation to move to the next level and it is worth the effort. I just wish it didn't take me 35 years to learn.
Enjoy your vacation, the cottage sounds lovely. That is one of the nice things about homeschooling, you can go an vacation when it suits you not only when everyone else is going :)

Shona Cole said...

I forgot to add.... come see who won the give away :)

Susan Tuttle said...

Hi Tricia,
That beach house sounds delightful inside!--I know you will have a wonderful time!

You are a wise woman--the journey is definitely more important--I totally agree.

Beautiful journal page--I love the collaged portion.

Susan
xo

Anonymous said...

These are beautiful Tricia. I really love the depth of color you've achieved.

Judy said...

OMG - i know if i comliment you again - you will think i am mad but really this is gorgeous. i am so fond of the centre piece - collage - it is amazing - i cant stop staring at it wondering how you did that - need to take a lesson or two from you.
have fun on your trip - xo

Jamie said...

This is my favorite yet Tricia!!! She is beautiful. I love everything about her! I love the Outer Banks also and we visited there often during my childhood. I know you will have a wonderful time. Love, Jamie

Anonymous said...

I am just delighted for you!!! Getting to stay in the same place. Too fun... Sometimes sleep is so necessary! xxo

Rose Garden Romantic said...

What a lovely piece!! The transparency is my favorite part, too! How lucky you get to visit the beach in a charming cottage for a while!! That sounds like heaven to me! I too have definitely felt the artistic frustration where you just feel you want to give it up completely. Thank goodness that feeling always passes. :)
Michelle

Rose Garden Romantic said...

Oh, and one more thing- I tried to send you an e-mail, but it didn't work, so I will send you a flickr mail. :)
Michelle

Patti G. said...

NEVER put your paints down or throw them away! Tricia, your talent shines....and maybe you have frustrating moments, as we all do.......but you are MEANT to do artwork, and is shows! A message comes through your artwork and it is gentle and sincere! Love it!
Hugs,
Patti