Living in the contradictions
Mixed Media Monday
Happy New Year! I’m truly writing today to send new year wishes out to all. To send warm thoughts and appreciation to everyone in my community.
What I’m Grateful For
Every year I give too much thought to my word of the year. This year is no different. I’ve tried on lots of words. And after all that, I’m sticking with last year’s word: SOFT.
Why? Because life is so full of contradictions. And I want to continue to live a softer, kinder, gentler life in the midst of those contradictions. It takes practice. And I’m not done practicing.
Soul Moments
As I thought about soul moments of 2025, it took me to thinking about favorites over the year. I love reading other people’s favorites. So I’m adding mine into the mix. All made my year a little lighter, a little softer. They also stirred my imagination and added to my creativity.
Favorite book: Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy. I then read Migrations and Once There Were Wolves by McConaghy. There are so many reasons to read these books. Perhaps I should have said “favorite new author.”
Favorite podcast: I am loving Wild Card with Rachel Martin. The tag line: Life’s too short for small talk. She asks questions that always get me thinking.
Favorite TV Series: Shrinking on Apple TV. It’s the perfect mix of seriousness, laughter and humanity. I can’t wait for Season 3.
Favorite movie: The Life List. This movie is not going to win awards. It’s charming and light. Why my favorite? The author of the book, Lori Spielman, is from Lansing, Michigan (my home town). Lori was a teacher at Eastern High School and we have mutual friends. She wrote the book while teaching full time. While spending the evening with my book club, Lori mentioned that the book was possibly going to be made into a movie. She was thrilled. If it happened she was going to be able to stop teaching and become a full time writer. She chased her dreams and it worked. I love that.
Favorite new skill: Raising chickens. What a joy. And what a treat to paint them (Happy Chickens). They help keep me laughing.
Favorite moments. 2025 was filled with highs and lows. The retreats and events we hosted here at the orchard filled my soul with heart warming memories. Thank you to all who joined in. It’s about community and sharing our love of gathering and creating together. I’m looking forward to more in 2026.
Mixed Media Tip
Favorite new tool: I’m loving painting over other people’s old canvases. Mama Loon (above) was painted on an old gifted canvas. There’s a full painting underneath. I, unfortunately, forgot to take a picture before starting.
I love the creativity that is sparked in order to work on top of another piece of art. I also fully appreciate standing on the shoulders of a previous artist, getting a boost up, and helping keep the creativity alive.
Happy Monday! Happy New Year!
With love, gratitude and a heartfelt thanks,
Jessica
Be patient with yourself. Self-growth is tender; it’s holy ground.— Stephen Covey
P.S. Happy to be part of these shows!
INteriors Glen Arbor Art Center, Glen Arbor, MI Jan 9 - Mar 12, 2026 SPECTRUM Oliver Art Center, Frankfort, MI Jan 9 - Feb 6, 2026
Upcoming Workshop
Blues Busters: February Art Play Day Glen Arbor Arts Center, Glen Arbor, MI Feb 21, 2026 Co:workshop instructors/ Jessica Kovan & Lauren Everett Finn
I’ve updated my Daily Paintworks page with new paintings! Please check it out!
You can find my paintings at:
Daily Paintworks online small works gallery
Synchronicity Gallery, Glen Arbor, MI
My Website