I hope my dreams don't come true

Mixed Media Monday

The Introvert, 23x23 on cardboard

I’m working on a painting right now and including words (of course). In the midst of my research for the painting, I looked up a poem. And found myself.

I’d written about the same poem in 2019. I read my own words with interest. It was like finding an old friend who asks the same questions.

What I’m Grateful For

I once had the idea of exploring through art the marks humans leave in the woods (graffiti on trees, old structures, etc.). In the process of trying to find these marks I became enraptured with birds.

I was working on a painting series about homophobia and antisemitism. To gather information for the series, I interviewed queer Jewish women. In their words I heard strength, courage, love, and a fierce determination to be who they are in a world that doesn’t always want to accept them.

While sitting outside, thinking about their voices and quietly watching birds, I had an “ah-ha” moment. Birds were a perfect representation for these women in my paintings. Suddenly a swallow symbolized a woman searching for her own true north. An owl epitomized the wisdom of two female rabbis. A hummingbird embodied the fighting spirit of a musician. A loon represented the woman who found stillness in just being. I titled the series, “Here I Am.” (You can read more about it here.)

Art is about communicating, imagining, thinking, finding symbols to represent difficult subjects. It’s about honesty.

The Warrior, 23x23 on cardboard

What Touched My Soul

I had a dream this week that unnerved me. I dreamt that the current administration dictated all art had to have their stamp of approval on it. I knew my current piece wouldn’t get the stamp. Did I keep creating knowing it would never be seen? Would I get in trouble for putting my thoughts to canvas? I tossed and turned over this dream. May my dreams not come true.

Whenever I teach, there is always some discussion about the conceptual component of painting. Why do you paint what you paint? Why dig deep to create? Can you bare your soul in your art and still have it be universal? What is the role of the artist?

We are complicated humans living in complicated times. I feel blessed to have art as an avenue to express concepts and emotions. I fully believe the world needs art and artists.

Help Me Help Others

Happy Chicks. Each 4x6. Available on Daily Paintworks.

Speaking of complicated times … and having been a person who lived on and off of food stamps in my childhood … help me help others. These 4 happy chicks are available on my Daily Paintworks page. 100% of their sales will be go to my local food pantry: BACN.

Mixed Media Tip

When painting conceptually, trust your instincts. Trust your gut.

If something stirs your soul, notice it. Take a picture. Jot it down. Sketch it. Don’t ignore it.

These are springboards for your creativity. They are the clues. They are helping you give power to your voice. They make you, you. Let your imagination run wild.

And when the muse hits, pay attention. Elizabeth Gilbert tells a great story about ignoring the muse in her book Big Magic. You can listen to her describe it in her conversation with Kristen Trippett.

I’d love to hear your thoughts.

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Happy Monday! Happy November!

With love and gratitude,

Jessica

P.S. I just finished an amazing and haunting novel about birds, love, climate, and community: Migrations by Charlotte McConaghy. If you read it, let me know.

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Happy to be part of these upcoming shows…

2025 Small Works Holiday Exhibition, Glen Arbor Arts Center, Nov 5 - Dec 15.

Winter Market, Oliver Art Center, Frankort Mi, Nov 7 - Dec 24.

You can also find my paintings at:
Daily Paintworks online small works gallery
Synchronicity Gallery, Glen Arbor, MI
My Website

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