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Pushmi-Pullyu


It's been weeks since I've posted on my blog. I find December a disorganized and frazzled month. I get distracted at Christmas and it's all I can do to get into my studio. At the beginning of January though, I jumped back into my work. I've been painting as well as applying for international artist residencies.

I find each new year invigorating yet I begin to rethink my work, where it's going and what I'd like to accomplish during the next year.

I remember reading Dr. Dolittle to my children when they were small. I loved the Pushmi-Pullyu. An imaginary Pushmi-Pullyu sometimes comes to sit on my shoulder at the beginning of a new year and chuckles into my ear. Part of me appreciates it. The Pushmi side keeps wanting to push me forward in my work, not letting me relax into complacency, goading me on. Part of me can't stand the discomfort that brings, challenging me to find new ways to work.

I've been taking up the challenge, trying some new techniques, working more abstractly.....I'm playing.

I might not post those images for a while yet.

Meanwhile the Pullyu part is also at work. I am feeling the pressure of creating work for my solo exhibition at Wallace Galleries in Calgary at the end of April. It's the artist's paradox. Do I stay with the work that is feeling comfortable or do I play and stretch?

G.K. Chesterton says: "The true object of all human life is play. Earth is a task garden; heaven is a playground".
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Comments

  1. Alyson ChampJanuary 18, 2010 at 4:20 AM

    Hi Janice,
    Glad to see you are back! I was missing your blog. These questions of "playing" in art making and having the courage to change directions are also especially relevant to me right now too. I'm doing a solo show in March- just collages!
    I can't wait to see what you've been up to.
    Alyson

    ReplyDelete
  2. jane lindJanuary 18, 2010 at 1:20 PM

    Jan, given who you are, you can't help but try new stuff. That's what is so energizing in looking at your work.
    Jane

    ReplyDelete

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