Friday, August 9, 2013

Constancy and change

Why, yes. It's been an unconscionable amount of time since we've seen lino and carving tools on this blog.

Summer workshops and exhibitions always disrupt studio time, but this season has been filled with more upheaval than usual.

In May, after many heart-wrenching months of indecision, my partner and I agreed to separate. Shortly after we reached that decision the house we've been renting went up for sale.

Sigh.

D moved at the beginning of July, but I've been unable to find a new place for myself yet. Part of the problem is that I've been on the road for most of the past four weeks, but there are larger economic issues at play, too. Limbo. It's not a fun place to be.

Despite profound sadness and uncertainty, it is imperative that I keep working. I have contract projects that need attention and linocuts to create for upcoming exhibitions.

No surprise, then, that getting started on a new linocut today went a long way towards easing some of my mental and emotional uproar. Like a stiff-legged rider on a long-neglected bicycle I stumbled my way back to familiar motions and routines and found some satisfaction there.

Step 1: I think I forgot how to take decent photos of early stages.

Step 2: A second, transparent gray and a little better photography effort.

Step 3: A blue-gray, and already the image starts to resolve.
The drying rack is full now, and I feel a little more like myself. As is typical, I jumped into this lino without a firm plan and I already have problem-solving to do. Yep. Lots of other things might change, but THAT, at least, is a constant.



11 comments:

  1. Oh dear! So sorry to hear of your personal upsets, Sherrie. But the familiar work-patterns do help.Just needs a liberal application of Time.

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  2. So sorry to hear about all the upheaval, Sherrie. I totally understand the desire and need to get to work in those circumstances. I hope you find just the right next home in short order. Take care. xo Annie

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  3. Thanks, friends. It's been a challenging year, but I'm starting to feel like I can put one foot in front of the other again and move forward! Yay, INK!

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  4. Dear Sherrie, I don't know you personally but through your lovely blog one feels somewhat close, so I just want to say that it feels to know you are going through a rough patch, but do remember to keep that strength that shines through your messages. Every day will help in the healing and creating art can only help in that process, so do keep going and keep posting! Big hugs, laura

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  5. Sherrie, so sorry to hear of your personal upheaval. You are a creative force and I have no doubt that other opportunities, solutions and new work will enrich your life soon.

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  6. art is a great way to solve probems, or to at least take your mind off of them :)

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  7. I've been thinking of you a lot, and am hoping that the healing energy and hugs I've been sending your way help. I'm glad to see you back to the carving tools and lino block. I know the right place will come your way--I just hope it's soon! You can always come to the other end of the 'hood if you need a whining wall....

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  8. "Without a clear Plan"....sheesh; there's an albatross (?) emerging from the clouds from what was once a piece of flat, gray, battleship linoleum.....I'd say there's a plan....
    Good luck on the small things.....with many small things the big things will work themselves out.
    Hope you find a nurturing space soon.
    If not, consider a grebe in the future. I've always liked grebes.

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  9. So sorry to hear that you are having such a stressful time. Big hugs and good vibes for home hunting from Dorset. I'll be thinking of you.

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  10. Andrew, I would like to point out that having a goal is one thing, but having a plan by which to achieve said goal is a whole 'nuther beast. ;-)

    One of my earliest reduction linos is a portrait of a great crested grebe. One of those euro-grebes. Hm. Could be time for one of those 'Merican versions.

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  11. Hi Sherrie. I'm catching up on my favorite blogs and just learned of the major changes in your life. I went through all of this several years ago and I'm sorry for the sadness and uncertainty you may be feeling at this time. Work is GOOD! Work is essential. And everything does get better. xo

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Linocut in Progress: The Third Act

Time to wrap up this linocut ! And we are wrapping at warp speed (see what I did there?)... because there are deadlines. Exhibition deadline...