7/2/10

3 new paintings and a little blue kiddie pool

TITLE: Give Me Wings. The Original Painting and Prints available in my etsy shop.

Sometimes I wish I knew in advance what little events would turn out to be big moments in my life. A few years ago, I was living in Chicago, and happened to see Julia Cameron. I had a free evening, so I picked up the paper and looked for a reading to attend that night. And here, Julia Cameron was reading at this book shop in half an hour! Now, I knew her by name, but I had never read any of her books. I just had this HUGE urge to see that reading. So, I jumped on a bus and made it to the book shop, just in time!
TITLE: Believe. The Original Mixed Media Painting and Prints available in my etsy shop.

At the time, I was working full-time as a web developer and thinking of taking writing classes. Julia Cameron was on tour promoting her memoir, Floor Sample. And I remember having the most fun talking with the other people in the audience. Somehow, I sat next to two other aspiring writers who were both super passionate and wanted to share their stories, just like me. Only I had no idea how to tell my story. I'm still just figuring it out and slowly putting the pieces together, but after hearing Julia talk, we were all so inspired. I remember writing in my journal the entire bus ride home and thinking how crazy wonderful it was that I just so happened to stumble on that reading. 

Fast forward 3 years later to last Fall, and I am reading Julia Cameron's The Artists Way, going through the chapters each week and studiously completing each and every exercise. To me, this was a real turning point. I needed to learn how to take myself out on artist dates and paste glow in the dark stars on my bedroom ceiling. I needed to remember it was okay for me to draw with chalk on the patio and play with Play-Doh, even if I was an adult. It's so silly, but somehow I just forgot.
 TITLE: Serendipity (Sold).  Prints available in my etsy shop.

That's why when I was feeling a creative slump last week and dreamed of being on summer vacation, I bought myself a kiddie pool. Now this is a super small thing, but I cannot tell you how alive that little blue pool makes me feel. It's a symbol of me listening to what my spirit needs and allowing myself to have fun. And its inspired me to get back into my studio and play! 
 For these three paintings, I really wanted to experiment with texture and pattern. I got out my stencils and spray paint and experimented with lots and lots of layers of paint. I carefully cut their outfits from vintage wallpaper and had so much fun creating their matching belts and adding embellishments to their necklines and hems with pen and ink. Then I added all sorts of other materials from my studio-pastels, acrylics, pencil, glitter, vintage maps, and origami paper-for a lovely mixed media effect. 

19 comments:

  1. I LOVE this! I am reading The Artist's Way now since Flying Lessons are over. I'm so encouraged to just play!

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  2. i remember years ago we had a carpenter building some cabinets in the house. he asked how many kids we have and i looked at him puzzled and said none. he replied that we had a "few" toys in the house. i was slightly embarassed and said we were hoping to have kids soon. the truth was, we had a lot of toys and still do. maybe this should become my next blog post! some of the things i have on display are: my old tin paintbox, my first barbie, my first micky mouse from disneyland (1965) and some board games from the 60's. the fact is toys make us happy. if i didn't live in sunny calif. with a pool i think i would possibly have a kiddie pool too. they make the yard look happy. i hope you are eating popcicles in that pool.the kind that you break in half. i think i see a painting in the works for you...a girl in her swimsuit and popsicle! your art is so fun and happy juliette...keep creating!

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  3. I love all of the little exercises at the end of the chapters in The Artist's Way. Have fun!

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  4. brilliant think ill get myself a kiddie pool .. your work looks brilliant love the layers and detail xx

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  5. This is so cool! I actually told my husband last week that I wanted to get a kiddie pool...! I have to, now! May I please ask you where I could get stencils from? I can't seem to find any...Thank you! ~Kathy

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  6. How fortunate you were to meet Julia Cameron.I need to re-read The Artists Way and learn to play once again. It is amazing what simple things we can do to unlock our creativity.

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  7. They are all so lovely... I've been a huge fan of Julia's for years and have taken creativity classes using her books... What a wonderful thing to have been able to attend one of her readings! As far as freeing the playful child in all of us, I would also recommend Sark's "Succulent Wild Woman." It's wonderful too!

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  8. I am in love with your new painting and your story! Thanks so much for sharing it with us. Very inspiring! Have a lovely merry happy weekend and love to you!

    jacqueline
    http://jqlinesocuteithurts.typepad.com/

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  9. Great story, though I have no idea who Julia Cameron is so i'll have to go look her up :)

    These three paintings have a distinct change in their faces, to your usual paintings and I must say bear an uncanny resemblence to the photo of you at the top of your blog, I love that!!

    Fabulous work
    Micki x

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  10. I love your paintings - so bright and whimsical...great stuff! That kiddy pool looks inviting...

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  11. hermosos personajes, nos encanta como usas el color!!

    saludos, nos vemos
    www.vientoenprosa.blogspot.com

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  12. i know exactly what you mean about these girls looking more similar to me, micki. it was something i was uncomfortable with at first, but now i feel like a huge part of me is finally being revealed! more coming soon!

    and julia cameron has written quite a few books on how to keep creative. very wonderful :)

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  13. The Artists Way changed my life. Enough said. Oh, and I may have mentioned - just bought a $5 Target kiddie pool for my cocker spaniel - haven't tried it out yet.

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  14. Good for you getting yourself a pool...no digging necessary :) Playing is essential to creating, isn't it!

    Lovely post. I love the wonderful vividness of your colors!

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  15. Great paintings! I like your new blog appearance!

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  16. You got to meet Julia Cameron! That's so cool! And the serendipity is even cooler. I came about her book through a serendipitous way too, it really changed my life! I love how the things we need most have this magical way of appearing in our lives!

    I love that u got a kiddie pool. Its so funny because I was just looking at them outside the store and really wanted one! I remember having those as a kid + actually being able to float in it ;)

    Loving your new paintings too! The faces are darling :) can't wait to see more.

    Xoxo, Carissa

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  17. I really like Serendipity. You make beautiful paintings.

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  18. I haven't read the Artists Way yet, but now I'm encouraged to. I've always heard good things about it.

    Love the fact that you bought a kiddie pool, I totally understand how awesome that would be to have to splash around in. Embrace your inner child! :)

    And last but definitely not least, I love these paintings! All of them are so vibrant and beautiful.

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Feel free to say hello and ask questions. I would be delighted to hear from you! xo -juliette

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