A Yuletide gift from my dear friend Cindy Coombe

The transition from 2011 to 2012 was a mix of excitement and tumult. We finally finished our kitchen, with a mere few days to spare before visitors descended on Chez Hunt-Kramerville. During that period of “out with the old/in with the new”–my press proofs for Ghosts & Spirits Tarot finally arrived. The smell of new kitchen and fresh press proof sheets were acute reminders of how life is constantly changing. It feels good to enter 2012 with a sense of newness and fresh opportunities. We also added a few home accouterments that helped to enhance our abode including the above new message on our reading room wall. My friend of 25 years sent this incredibly thoughtful gift to me as it so encapsulates what I do. I toyed with putting in my studio, but felt it was an important message to share with the whole family. We’re a wee bit creatively eccentric here, so this quote resonates for us all.

Dark, rich and delicious. The proofs are stunning like sinfully mouthwatering chocolates, at least that's how I feel!

Meanwhile in the studio, my family was as excited about the Ghosts press proofs as I was. These are by far my darkest, rawest, most subconsciously driven works to date. I really surprised myself with this body of work. I didn’t know I had it in me! But obviously things had to come out, and boy did the ghosts pour through keyholes in the mind.

Kort and the kids holding up the Ghost goodies.

Here I am holding the cover proof. This is what a box would look like if flattened. Lots of careful planning for the designer! Also, my fans chose the cover art! Yup---we had a vote on Facebook and "Snow Ghost" prevailed. For those who voted for "King Hamlet", it was decided that his presence would grace the back of the box, so everyone wins!

I’ve also been “letting go” of some original watercolor and pencil artwork, much of it published as I realize I can’t hold on to them forever and prefer if they would be in the hands of those who would truly treasure my creations. Here are some samples of reasonable offerings I’ve made exclusively through my Lisa Hunt Art Group Facebook page. So far, everything I’ve posted has sold which is really nice. I also know that my customers are getting wonderful deals for original art with an added personal touch. Thank you for your continued support. Keep an eye for future art postings!

This is a watercolor illustration for a book entitled Magickal Mermaids and was sold to Mary.

This one was a book cover image for "The Guide to Little People" and sold to Kelli.

This monochromatic watercolor painting appeared in D.J. Conway's Elemental Magick. I added a remarque on the mat board. As of this posting, this piece was still for sale.

In other Hunt-Kramerville news:

The kids have winter break, so it was nice to see Kyra being creative as she was teaching herself how to draw fairies, elves and princesses. She is adamant that I don't help her as she thinks she's already better at drawing them than I am. Hahahah!

Connor, having just earned his Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do "Foot and Hand Way" has been studying anatomy. He did a pretty good job drawing his own arms on notebook paper. I like the fact that he colorized them with his new colored pencil set.

And last but not least…

After 15 years in darkness, Kort has finally graduated to an office with a window. He seems much happier these days as a result! Congrats Kort!

Happy Hunky Hubby in his new workspace

Wishing everyone a fabulous 2012!

~Lisa

Spirit Drawings

I just mailed out the last of holiday orders—drawing right up until the last possible moment to assure delivery of goodies. I can happily report that I have completed and mailed almost 40 Spirit Drawings in the last few months (Yes, I’m still taking orders). What a ride and what a great way to keep everything energized in the studio!  In between working on commissions for people from around the world, I managed to finish up Ghosts and Spirits Tarot (at the printer as I write), and work on paintings for my Bird project.

Here are a few newly rendered drawings stretched on boards and ready for paint:

Pencil renderings of Robin-Shapeshifter and Grouse-Shapeshifter. Robin-Shapeshifter illustrates dawning of the new, resurrection and birth--appropriate as we approach another year cycle.

With one eye on the 2011 hourglass, I’m cleaning up the studio and am reflecting on the approaching holidays. In my house we fully embrace the magic of this time of year. Our yearly ritual entails discarding clutter and old energy in anticipation of the new year ahead and the sense of renewal that accompanies it.  What will you be doing to prepare for 2012? Do you plan to break any chains and let go of those things that are weighing you down?

Jacob Marley and his chains from the Ghost and Spirits Tarot. The painting was still stapled on the watercolor board when this was scanned.

15 Chains (Jacob Marley)

In A Christmas Carol, Jacob Marley was Ebenezer Scrooge’s business partner and only friend. On Christmas Eve, the anniversary of Marley’s death, his ghost paid Scrooge an unexpected visit. The ghost’s chains, cash box and padlocks encumbered his spirit and served as reminders of his material-driven life. Marley comes to his parsimonious partner as a symbol of this potential dreadful fate, telling him to expect three spirit encounters. The ghost of Jacob Marley hangs in limbo as the shadows of an illusionary life keep his spirit in a state of stasis.

Divinatory meaning: You are harboring obsessive desires that cannot fill an empty void. Instead, it is weighing you down with deep-seated dissatisfaction. Open your eyes to the truth and start recognizing what is truly important.

(From the Ghosts & Spirits Tarot, due to be published early 2012)

In other Hunt-Kramerville news:

After almost 7 years of intense training, our 11 year old son earned his Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do. With his Black Belt, his Master finally cut off his Padawan braid. Connor transitioned from boy to young man—with his Black Belt heart and mind there to navigate him through his challenging middle grade years (yes, bullies are a persistent fixture in the preteen landscape). There is something to wearing a Black Belt—it alters a person and makes the individual feel keenly aware of one’s environment. It also instills a confidence that goes with having journeyed from an unaware white belt to a humbled black belt who has learned to expect the unexpected. Once a black belt, one’s perception is forever altered: from the ashes rises the warrior ready to take on life’s challenges with perspicacious intent. Connor holds his head higher, appears more focused and exudes a positive energy that says “here’s a good, conscientious guy”. I’m proud of what he’s accomplished and feel confident that he will remain on the path of good character and future achievement.

Connor's Black Belt ceremony. Photos by Kort Kramer 2011

Meanwhile, here’s a clip from our 7 year old daughter’s recital.

Her piano professor, who is a brilliant musician and masterful instructor, told me “She is going to be great when she’s eight!”. We’ll see, but for now, I’m enjoying watching this ray of sunshine grow.

At the Lynn University Conservatory venue in Boca Raton where Kyra performed

Kyra performing while her teacher looks on. It's a good sign that he's smiling!

Wishing everyone a very healthy happy holiday and an inspirational year ahead!

~Lisa

My 30th Spirit Drawing!

After taking a week off to work on remodeling the kitchen, I came back to the studio with an abundance of stored-up creative energy. The result was successive, almost explosive dances with my pencils. It was like entering a traffic-less highway with just miles and miles of open roadway ahead; the horizon serving as an endless canvas of ideas.

Here are some Spirit Drawings I worked on during this fortuitous week

Spirit Drawings based on customers' "Key Spirit Words".

After creating 30 drawings for wonderful individuals around the world, I’m still excited and fresh with every new drawing. If you would like to order a Spirit Drawing, I would be happy to create an original pencil drawing based on YOUR ideas. Visit my holiday specials or Spirit Drawings page for more information.

http://ghostsandspiritstarot.com/spirit_drawings.html

And here are a few drawings I’m working on for the bird project. This week I’m focusing on drawing Robin-Shapeshifter, Grouse-Shapeshifter and Bluejay-Shapeshifter (not pictured here).

Spontaneous drawing on watercolor paper. Works-in-Progress

My kids picked up on their fiery mama’s creative vibes and were decidedly studio companions after school. Kyra did her first drawing for Alphabeasts, an open submission online gallery of fantastical beasts.

Kyra's submission for "G" (age 7)

In other Hunt-Kramerville news:

A display of Rankin/Bass figurines. The 1960's stop-motion animations were among my favorites as a child.

Connor absconded with "Herbie the Elf (dentist wannabee)" and built him a lego machine.

Also, both Kyra and Connor made honor roll this past fall semester. I’m very proud of my children’s good studying habits. I made it clear that creative ideas come more easily when one reads and studies a lot! So far, my parenting strategy is working.

Connor's honor roll certificate. He's now a viable candidate for AP classes.

And last but not least, Mom aka “Omi” turned 70. Happy Birthday Omi!

Mom with Kyra and Connor on her 70th Birthday. 70 is no longer old age!

~ Lisa

Artist and model Tamara Newman sent me a beautiful photo of herself to use as inspiration for a bird shapeshifter piece. I immediately knew I had to draw her. I loved how she pulled up her hair and looked to the sky as if she was about to open her wings and fly into the heavens of endless possibilities.

Tamara, hailing from the United Kingdom exhibits her work at various art festivals and has had work published in FAE Magazine and The Magical Times. Her magical creations are also sold in specialty shops in Glastonbury and Cornwall. Tamara boasts a strong following of admirers and fans with her versatile presentations. I love her dragon font!

Tamara, a beautiful lady and an accomplished artist in her own right.

Everything about her posture, her countenance, her coloring and even her fantasy artwork made me gravitate to the barn swallow. Lesley Morrison, who is writing the companion book for the “bird project”  (to be published by U.S. Games) e-mailed me some thoughts about the swallow and the powerful energies that they possess:

“The swallow is a herald of many interesting energies. It is precision of flight, innocence of spirit, upward movement, and a link to many powerful deities. Swallow has mastered agility, whirling in flight and changing direction in midair to capture its prey.

Swallow is a harmony, balancing the peaceful and chaotic faces of life. It is a hope that wherever our dreams may dance we will master the instincts to catch them.” ~Lesley Morrison, author of The Healing Wisdom of Birds

Painting of Thumbelina flying with her swallow friend from The Fairy Tale Tarot (Llewellyn 2009)

I’ve always loved the swallow and relished painting one in flight for the beloved fairy tale, Thumbelina. I’ve always viewed this bird as a harbinger for a happily ever after, with its fantastical fae-like presence. It darts as it flies with its swift, incisive movements—almost as if it is in play, teasing human observers with it’s unpredictable movements.

“The swallow is an auspicious symbol of hope and renewal. It glides over the waters of the unconscious, where dreams and collective myths flow. The bird and girl fly through mists, leaving their troubles behind.” ~excerpt from The Fairy Tale Tarot

I started with a sketch, taking design/layout and anatomy all into consideration.

Then I refined it by working out the anatomical kinks. Photos tend to distort and in this case, the arms are largely obscured by shadow and fabric, so I drew out the bones and muscles and adjusted their size to give the drawing an elegant, aesthetic quality. Once I felt I had a solid drawing to work from, I rubbed the back of the tracing with graphite before redrawing it onto a stretched sheet of ARCHES 140 lb. watercolor paper.

The traced-down image serves as a basic template for the final drawing. After many hours of intense rendering with a fine arts mindset accompanying every stroke, I felt the drawing was finished. As you can see, much of the drawing is created spontaneously on the watercolor paper. These days, I rarely over plan the tracing—I just let the details emerge without formulaic construct. This helps me connect with the image on a deep, soulful level without distractions.

Detail of face

——————————–

In Hunt-Kramerville news:

Goodbye old kitchen! Little do people know that the woman behind the soft pencil drawings and delicate watercolor paintings has been slowly remodeling her house the frugal way–with her own hammer and nails.
I grew up amid construction, having helped my family build their house when I was a little girl (now my wise old Pop advises and helps me with my house). Believe it or not, the physical demands of home improvement tasks actually feed the intense creative spates in my studio. It’s the act of renewing something that breathes fresh air into cognitive streams. I don’t get artist’s block because I build blocks, so to speak, between brainstorming sessions. This balance between home improvement and artistic expansion is a satisfying way to move through my middle years. My feet are solidly on the ground, yet I can still spread my wings.

Connor will be taking his black belt test in December. Cutting off the *padawan* braid will be part of Connor’s transition to Junior Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do. Poor Kippers won’t be able to perch on it anymore.

~ Lisa

Parrot-Shapeshifter on the table with photographic reference

I’m not a big fan of using photographic reference. For me, I feel it tends to impede my creative flow. But sometimes a photograph will provide the artist with a peek at the world from a new point of view. When I rely too much on my own mental resources without refreshing the internal well, there is a potential for stagnation and redundancy. I’ve seen this happen to other artists and it scares me about myself. If an artist keeps taking the path of least resistance, it can get boring to the viewer. My favorite artists tend to be those who keep it fresh by expanding their repertoire while maintaining an air of humility about their work. They are the forever-learners who push and push and push never letting ego hinder the process.

My own favorite pieces tend to be ones that I consciously move into edgy realms of new possibilities. It’s like peering over a cliff and taking that leap without knowing exactly where and how you’re going to land. I think it’s important for an artist to be conscious of potential failure without fearing it. Fear and ego are often closely aligned. Let go and see your work fly!  If a painting doesn’t work, it’s not the end of the world but the beginning of further understanding and growth.

doodling ideas in sketchbook

With Parrot-Shapeshifter, I felt I needed to change up my palette so to speak and knew the extraordinary spirit that is the author/artist Emily Carding was just the energetic boost I needed.  Anyone who has acquainted her/himself with this amazing woman will know exactly what I’m talking about.

Photo of Emily Carding by Anna Simon

Lesley Morrison, author of The Healing Wisdom of birds, describes Parrot as, “A magnificent species of bird, parrots give the medicine of color to the world, and the healing everyone experiences through its beauty.  People who carry parrot medicine are often drawn to the visual arts, even costume design, or wherever they can work with colors on a daily basis.”

photo reference and inital watercolor paint washes

Who better to pose for the chromatic Parrot-Shapeshifter than a fellow artist whose work encapsulates the essence of parrot energy? Emily is a woman who exudes vibrant charisma as a photogenic model/actor and as an accomplished artist and writer. She has published many works including the brilliantly executed Transparent Tarot. She has many well-received decks with Schiffer Books and is currently working on projects entitled the Simple Wisdom of the Household Dog and Faery Crafy, both due out next year. You can learn more about the lovely Emily by visiting her website:  www.childofavalon.com.

I asked Emily to say a few words about being “Parrot-Shapeshifter” and was surprised by her reply, indicative of her generous spirit:

” I have been a fan of Lisa’s work since long before I was ever published myself so I am honoured beyond words to be the inspiration behind this extraordinary piece of art. When Lisa asked whether there was a particular bird I felt a connection with, I gave her free choice as I was curious to see what she would choose. The parrot both surprised and delighted me- the more I look at it, the more I realise how perfect a choice it is. I think Lisa has really outdone herself with the extraordinary colour and detail, as well as her trademark touch of magic!” ~Emily Carding, November 2011

Thank you Em — xo

Here’s what you helped make happen…

The finished Parrot-Shapeshifter painting.

While sketching Parrot-Shapeshifter, it became clear to me that I really needed to look at some good close-up shots of parrots. I wanted to understand those delicious patterns on the feathers and felt it was necessary to acquire good reference. I asked my friend and local photographer Moxie Nox if she would be willing to provide me with photos from one of her outings to a local sanctuary.

Moxie's amazing close-up of parrot. Look at the details!

I was delighted by the many poses and skillful zooms that she was able to provide for me. Please check out her website and friend her on Facebook. She is a delightful, insightful woman who has so many gifts to share. www.moxienox.com

“I’ve always been fascinated by the birds and enjoy taking pictures of them. I’m very fortunate to live very close to Flamingo Gardens (Davie, Florida) where I love to go often; to lose myself in photographing the birds and other wildlife that reside there. It’s pure magic in those Gardens.” ~Moxie Nox aka Melissa Ritchey

Many of us artists tend to be studio hermits and even semi-recluses, but the richness of our work often includes the outside world and how we see and feel about everything around us. This includes the symbiotic exchanges that artists often share—full of mutual support and words of inspiration and of course, helpful critiques! I’m fortunate to have largely avoided artist’s block during my 25 year career and credit this for having nurtured and maintained many diverse relationships with kindred creative spirits. Thank you Em and Moxie and thank you everyone who has touched me in ways that have nurtured my art!

In Hunt-Kramerville news: The house of continual creative messes

Speaking of vibrant colors: Here’s Kyra’s PTA 2011 “Reflections” art project submission. This year’s theme is “Diversity”. She recently completed a unit on coral reefs at school and decided to apply her knowledge about biodiversity and symbiosis to her art. Kort and I are extremely impressed with her  innate talents and undeterred confidence. She knew what she wanted to do and went ahead and did it. I thought the whole cut-away idea was really cool! As soon as we get it back, it’s going to be professionally framed.

"Sunset Sea" by Kyra Kramer

Here’s a picture of Connor in his Halloween costume that he designed and made himself. Unfortunately, he claimed the discomfort of wearing it made it hard to trick or treat!

Connor in his homemade Iron Man costume (his comic book hero of choice at present) Photo: Jonathan Hunt 2011

~Lisa

Bear Spirit and Celtic Shaman Healer

Mermaid Dreams and Bird Spirit

These drawings are rendered on quality paper using graphite. They’re mounted on foam core board and are lovingly wrapped with protective cellophane. They take approximately two weeks from initial order to delivery. A “spirit drawing” certificate of authenticity is included.

Each original drawing is beautifully wrapped with my own hands.

This certificate of authenticity was designed by the talented Kort Kramer and is signed by me!

If you are interested in ordering an original drawing at an affordable $28.00, please visit my Spirits Drawings page at my Ghosts & Spirits website.

In other Hunt-Kramerville news…

Connor putting his graphic novel writing/drawing skills to good use!

Connor is a chip off the ol’ block. He has figured out that embellishing one’s Language Arts writing assignments with accompanying illustrations is a great way to engage the reader (and hopefully the teacher). I used to do this too and still do!

And… Kyra took and passed her Green Belt test. She has definitely inherited my “Wildhorse” spirit, though I can’t kick as well as she can. Congratulations Kyra!

Kyra doing a front kick. Watch out!

~Lisa

Final pencil drawing of Loon-Shapeshifter

I was and still am a daydreamer. What does that oft misunderstood term mean? For me, it’s about letting my foot dangle in the cool waters of dream imagery—where the slightest, most unassuming thing can initiate a fit of reverie, active imagination, and fantasizing. Basically, when I’m not drawing, painting or writing, I’m thinking about drawing, painting and writing, at least on a subconscious level. I would fathom to guess that most artists have similar pangs and whims as they go about their days.

6h grader Lisa (1979) with "her head in the clouds" (cloud photo/montage by Kort Kramer)

Art is part of a daily response to my environment, my life, my being. As a child, this posed Calvin and Hobbes-style issues as I suffered through long days as a hopelessly bored sixth grader. Those fits of ennui were relieved by an escape to a mental window of imagination; inhabited by the fantastical that made their conscious markings as doodles in my notebook. During a conference my teacher told my father “Lisa has her head in the clouds”, something my father and I now chuckle about. Though at the time, I felt like a misunderstood outsider who just didn’t connect with the ramblings transpiring in the classroom. Thank goodness for those yonder clouds that offered me refuge–they have given me a lifetime of artistic outpouring. Like the loon half in the water, I too feel between worlds where my conscious reality helps to paint the pictures situated in the unconscious mind and vice versa!

Doodling ideas for Loon-Shapeshifter (from my sketchbook)

Feeling the mysterious through sketches and notes

This is the passage that inspired the sketches, written by avid bird watcher/wildlife rescuer and author Lesley Morrison. Lesley is composing the beautiful descriptions that are accompanying my bird paintings.

Final pencil tracing for watercolor paper (the old fashioned way). My husband Kort as inspiration for Loon-Shapeshifter. He too is a daydreamer.

And here are a couple of more Daydream Believers residing in Hunt-Kramerville.

Keep on daydreaming on!

~ Lisa

Me with my Mommy 1968-69 (Mom called me her "Wildhorse")

Mom was a stunning woman. She had that jaw-dropping beauty that made heads turn. She reminded me of Elizabeth Montgomery from Bewitched fame, a TV show I loved watching as a kid. From my point of view, Mom breathed magic. But more than that, Mom was an artist and a darn good storyteller too. She was beautiful and brilliant, everything I hoped to be.  She is a voracious reader and can recite Göethe verbatim; with a deep understanding that reflects a woman of great intelligence. Her own love of books certainly fostered my book-collecting habits!

Mom's childhood--fantasies, dreams and all

When she was a little girl, drawing, telling stories, and reading were her passions. She made beautiful books and earned A’s in writing class for her extraordinary talents, often compensating for her less than stellar performance in those subjects she had little interest in. She saved these fully-illustrated treasures that I am now gratefully in possession of. As a child, I pored over her sketches and wondered how she could pluck so many ideas out of  thin air and sketch with such technical facility. I remember how badly I wanted to draw as well as she did and I’m quite sure those creations from her formative years impacted mine.

Mom's homemade books created during her teen years. She titled them "Freetime" and "Our Three Girl House" (about life with 2 sisters).

As a child, my mom's drawings were awe-inspiring!

Mom's writing and pen and ink work were beautiful!

Oh, how I loved this drawing. It had a wonderful narrative quality.

Like Mom, I excelled at what I loved to do but tended to get bored when something failed to inspire (something both my mom and I regret about ourselves). But Mom was the one who showed me how interesting history could be, by giving me the human side of past triumphs and failings. The intricacies of the human condition were often glossed over in educational texts, but mom helped to fill in the gaps and fed my lifelong interest in mythos and analytical psychology.

Mom spoke “gemischt” with me—both English and German. My early childhood books were comprised of two languages. In fact, I spoke German before I spoke English, though I didn’t find this out until much later. Eventually English took over, but my love for Märchen (fairy tales) never dissipated. If you look closely at the photo, you will recognize subject matter that later served as my basic imaginative palette for writing and illustrating.

My favorite childhood books that I still have and cherish.

You can imagine how delighted I was when The Fairy Tale Tarot was translated into German…

The Fairy Tale Tarot available in both English and German.

Due to life circumstances, mom never pursued an art/writing career, but she has always been supportive of mine. She has even posed for me, most recently as The Hermit from Fantastical Creatures Tarot.

Mom as a Hermit, still breathing magic (From Fantastical Creatures Tarot published by US Games Systems)

Mom and I didn’t always see eye to eye (as moms and daughters are notorious for butting heads!), but as I grow older —I am understanding and appreciating her more and more; especially as my own “Wildhorse” daughter shows some of the same interests and proclivities that Mom and I share. Mom was and is one of my biggest inspirations. I hope I can be just like her when I grow up!

Thank you, Mom.

One of my favorite pictures of Mom and I taken at a Renaissance Fair in 1988.

~ Lisa

My backyard: View from the studio (Photo: Kort Kramer)

I am very lucky to have a lake view from my studio window where I can watch birds frolic, fish and fly.  Ducks, pelicans, cranes, egrets, grackles, chickadees, crows, mockingbirds, hawks, vultures, loons, cormorants and a host of other species provide me with a show of flapping wings and glorious calls.

But by far the most spectacular and mysterious of these visitors is the Great Blue Heron. It silently swoops down with perfect grace. Then it patiently stands by the shore with sturdy long legs and focused intent. Its smooth deliberate moves make it a perfect specimen for the artist (and is much easier to draw than a hummingbird!). I enjoy watching and sketching this otherworldy wading creature. To me, it epitomizes patience and provides a good reminder for hyperactive humans like me to take it easy and go with the flow.

Through choppy waves and still waters, these stealthy predators exercise great patience. (Photos: Kort Kramer)

"The heron's majestic beauty exemplifies the need to develop good coping skills in the face of challenge. It exercises patient vigilance when hunting for food, even though the outcome may not be successful." ~Animals Divine Tarot companion book

Sketching the birds was easy, creating a bird-shapeshifter composition was not. Not all drawings are created equal—some flow on the paper with immediacy, while others require more patience and exploration. It took me a while to capture the essence of what I  envisioned and felt about Heron.

This is the process of working through a drawing until it feels right.

After a few frustrating sessions, I had to walk away from this piece. But when I came back, there he was—I saw the Heron-Shapeshifter surfacing from the water, breaking the impasse that had left me cold the previous days. He revealed himself to me when I stopped forcing him from his hiding place. He came to me like a fish between the ripples. I didn’t waste any time and went straight to the watercolor paper, like a heron diving for that prize. I triumphantly finished the drawing in a day’s time—a reminder that you can’t always force art, it has to come to you.

Here's the final drawing on cold press watercolor paper. Following my gut instinct, I decided to flip the design.

One last note from Hunt-Kramerville:
What would be a blog post without posting my kids’ drawings too! They see me sketching and drawing birds and wanted to be part of the fun. Kyra took a cartoon-ish approach while Connor couldn’t resist sketching a “robo bird”. I should read him Hans Christian Andersen’s The Nightingale so he realizes that real birds are better than fake ones.

Left: Connor age 11 Right: Kyra age 6

From Hungry Ghosts to Hummingbirds, graphite on watercolor paper

That is how I would best describe things here in Hunt-Kramerland right now. As I proof my Ghosts manuscript and check all the art scans (special thanks to the ever-patient Paula and Lynn at USG), I’m looking ahead to my next project focusing on birds. But before taking the next project-plunge with the same level of intensity that has always driven my art, I decided to take a 2 week break and clean out my workspace (among other things).

My studio after spending several days cleaning it out (photo by Kort Kramer)

Not only is spring cleaning uncluttering my surrounds, but it’s helping to cleanse the mind. For me, this is part of transitioning from one project to the next. What started out as an innocent enough desk-organizing task evolved into epic home improvement activity including purging papers decades old (I’m delighted that we’re becoming a paperless society!), painting walls and bookshelves, installing a new toilet (thanks Kort for handling that job) and sink faucet and all the symbolic flushing that goes with that, renewing grout, installing storage shelves, washing curtains, cleaning the garage (well, sort of), planting more flowers, polishing tiles and wood flooring and on and on. Having grown up watching and helping my parents build their house (my father is a brilliant visionary when it comes to construction–and serves as my wise do-it-yourself counselor) I am rather industrious as a middle age gal with hammer, nail, wrench etc.. I know my Pop is proud! I love to fix my home — it forces me to extract myself from the sedentary outpouring of studio days and puts me in the middle of earthy life stuff. It’s the perfect way for me to filter through the obsessiveness of art by forcing me to engage in something physical that renders immediate results.

One of my flower pots

It’s also Spring when flowers bloom and the atmosphere is one of renewed energies. This includes setting up Spring displays and feeling a renewed connection with Mother Earth. In my house, we pay homage to Beatrix Potter during this time of year.

Tusky and Lucy (Kyra's "children") decided to join the soiree.(photos by Kort Kramer)

So while I’m not at my desk, I’m nurturing other aspects of my life and the people in it. This includes eliminating those cluttery distractions and repairing broken corners of the home. I call this cleaning and fixing bug: post-project-comedown-therapy!

Oh, just a reminder, books and toys are NOT clutter.

But come May, I will have my nose back in the sketchbook and art boards. I’ve always told my children that a great way to express oneself is to do something creative. My kids take this to heart and are centered, sweet people as a result…with minds of their own, of course. Here’s Kyra expressing her dismay at hearing the word “NO” about something, especially when it comes to cleaning and uncluttering her own room.  She hasn’t quite discovered the virtues of Spring cleaning yet.

At least she got that out of her system.(photo by Kort Kramer)

Happy Spring Cleaning everyone!

~ Lisa