Life Recently

I have about a million things to do before I leave Saturday for a few months, but I did not want to go back on my promise to myself about missing more blog posts!

Even if it’s just one person reading these weekly- I feel like it’s important for me to show up and hold myself accountable.

That said,

I can’t wait for this weekend because I leave for Aruba!! It has felt so far away for so long- but now it’s finally here!

I got asked to come down a little earlier than November because the current assistant at the shop left early, but I was happy to move it forward. Packing has me so excited too, something about pulling out all my warm clothes when it’s cold outside makes me feel very happy.

My niece came in town today too, so I am so excited to spend some time with her and my brother and his girlfriend. Sloan (my niece) is just the cutest baby. She’s so giggly and patient-I am so happy for Conor and Paige and their beautiful little family. It’s fun having a baby in our family’s lives because it makes me feel like each experience is new and fun again.

Part of me is sad I wont be here for Halloween, Thanksgiving or Christmas because it’s Sloan’s first time experiencing those holidays. But really, I don’t remember my first thanksgivings so maybe the holidays she’s a little older for will be a little more important.

This year I turn 25 on Thanksgiving so it’ll be a interesting holiday/ day in Aruba. How cool is that to spend my 25th year in paradise. John (my boyfriend) will also be visiting me from Miami then so that will be super nice. I feel so lucky.

My art has kinda been all over the place before I leave. I am trying to get so much done and try out so many different things to see what I like best.

I made those dented, organic vase shapes, been working on 5 jaguar paintings, an alligator and a T-rex skull painting and some mixed media pieces that are painted and with resin.

Even though my work is currently all over the place, I’m really aiming to find my niche.

I love to paint and I love to blow glass. I think I can get creative with instillations, color, and sculpture.

I just don’t know yet the best way to combine all of those- so I figure the best way to find out is trial by fire.

I have heard that quantity over quality is the way to go with creating. You learn by trying and doing. And not everything I make is going to be the masterpiece of art I’d love it to be- sometimes I have to make some bad things maybe to get to the good.

With each project I learn and problem solve- some pieces come with more issues than others.

The resin on the mixed media pieces has been so smelly- I poured about a gallon total so it has taken forever to cure.

Resin is a really toxic material- so even though I wore my mask to pour it- my current studio situation is right next to my room. So we have been sleeping with the windows open because it really stunk. It smells until its fully cured, and then once its completely set there is no smell. Finally though!! After a few days (I ended up moving it to garage after day 2) it dried. Well 2/4 did.

I got pretty experimental with this pieces and mixed in a lot of ink, coloring, mica powder, glitter, etc. I think it may have hurt the process of curing. Adding too much to the resin will make it never harden so I tried to not add too much.

These were fun experiments. I sculpted the glass hands, and sand casted the skull. I think its a little too busy, but it was a good exploration.

I’m focusing most of my energy to finishing the jag paintings, I only have about 4 more hours I would guess so I need to push through and get those done.

Its hard finishing everything, balancing family, packing, but- these are great stressors.

I feel very lucky.

Anyway! There is my life updates and progress on projects.

Thanks for staying up to date,

Grace