Seems like EVERYWHERE I go in blogland people are talking about ‘the word’. Their word for the upcoming year. Something to focus on, to work towards incorporating into their life on a more profound basis. A word that has special meaning to them.
Well, I want on this train. I want my word. I want to doodle it on sticky notes and post them around my space. I want a journal devoted to MY WORD. One I go into with markers and fancy pens and arty making stuff.
But mostly I want to get a necklace with my word, like the ones Liz Lamoreux makes in her Etsy shop. I want one I want one I WANT ONE!!!
But first I have to have a word.
Oh.
There are approximately fifty-five gazillion words in the English language. How. Do. I. Pick. Just. ONE??? Especially one I will develop a close–no, no, not close, an intimate relationship with.
One I will write about. Dream about. Wear around my neck every day like I’m married to it.
Well, I’ve given it a lot of thought and have whittled the selection down to, umm…maybe a dozen or so worthy contenders. I’ll mull them over for awhile until one just pops out and says ME! Me me, pick ME! And when it does, I’ll let you know.
Or not. Maybe my word will be something I need to hold close as I nurture our relationship. I won’t know until I know.
Meanwhile, in reflecting on this past year, I realize my life word would have to be YES!!! Yes, followed by three exclamation points because one just isn’t enough. This was the year I said YES!!! to lots of things. In fact, I created a blog devoted to it.
And then neglected the blog for the entire month of December. I don’t know why. Taking a little break from enthusiasm, perhaps. Misplaced my YES!!! pompoms.
Whatever. I will get back to it. Soon.
But if I had to pick one word, ONE word, when it comes to art…well, that would be easy. LAYERS. I loves me my layers. Always have. But in 2012 I learned to embrace them. To flaunt them in all their juiciness. Because they take away the fear of a blank canvas. What’s to fear when you get to scribble? To make marks that aren’t going anywhere except under more paint.
And so we’ll begin the new year with a look at some layers and how they morphed into my very latest work-in-progress.
This is probably five or six layers in. Working on several canvases at a time, rocking out in Studio Grande.
This is where I left it tonight. Not quite finished but getting there. A few more details and it’s done. I’ve been dreaming about bears a lot lately. Checking over my shoulder as I’m out and about on the property, especially at night. They’re definitely on my mind. Scaring the crap out of me, actually. So I’m thinking the title of this one will be ‘She Dreams of Bears’. But maybe not. We’ll see.
Be sure to check my FaceBook page in a day or two for a photo of the finished painting.
In case you’re wondering about all the attribution on the photo, it’s because I’d like people to share and re-pin my work. And I also want people to know where it came from.
Uh-Oh, getting noisy outside. Sounds like midnight on New Year’s Eve, which it is. We sure know how to party here at the Porterosa. Mr. Spouse has been in bed since 10 and I’m sitting here writing my blog.
HAPPY NEW YEAR! Wishing you all the BEST in 2013.
Happy New Year Susan. May you find a word. I’m still trying to have one pop out at me and its not clear. Love you paintings and all the beautiful layers. xo
Happy New Year to you, Suzanne!
Those words, playing coy with you too, I see. Oh well, the right one is out there waiting for each of us. 🙂
Susan recently posted..The Word
Hi Susan, YES is a great word for you . . . I’m sure you’ll know . . . when you know . . . if you need to know . . .about a word for this coming year. For me, today, my words include Divine Timing . . . wanting to do my PUSH and my PAUSE in alignment with what is good for me and for others. But another day other words might be speaking to me. Happy New Year to you, too. Love your layers!
YES is a contender, Janet. It’s kind of a holdover from last year but what the heck, sure worked for me then. And I’m not through saying YES, will NEVER be through saying YES. So, hmmm… you might’ve given me my word!
Susan recently posted..The Word
This is my first year picking a word and it was quite the process. I thought about it for a while and then decided to let it just come to me and that it did. I so love your artwork and you sharing your process with us. Thank you 🙂
Michele Bergh recently posted..Normal People – Free Inspirational Download
And I love all that I’ve learned from you this past year, Michele 🙂
yes:)
what a perfect word for you.
it kept showing up in my art alot
the past year for me too.
i think my fear reacts in “no” before I even
give my heart a chance to think about stuff, sometimes.
yes is so strong and brave.
I wish you a fresh spirit of yes, friend.
and thanks for all the yes you’ve sprinkled
into my life…..you’re a jewel:)
-Jennifer
Jennifer Richardson recently posted..January rising…
“… a fresh spirit of yes…”
You ALWAYS have just the right words, Jennifer. I wish you could see the great big ole smile on my face as I write this 🙂
I was thinking that layers is a good word. Not sure if you’ve picked one yet… we are into FEBRUARY now! lol… so what is your word now?
Amy Putkonen recently posted..The Study of Stillness: Part 9
Well…it was YES, Amy…until you put layers into my head… 🙂
Susan recently posted..Wax On