Realizing a Dream

Moving to Utah was a "dream come true" in many ways for me.  I'd like to reflect on just one:  art opportunities.  For someone like me, with health issues and limited energy, developing my artistic talent often takes a back seat to the regular duties of life.  But, at least living in Springville, aka Art City, there was the momentum and encouragement to  move forward in becoming better--even to becoming professional.  There are so many artists in Utah.  I have met big names, such as James Christensen, Greg Olsen, Michael Coleman, Robert Barrett, Gary Kapp, Brian Kershiznik, Liz Lemon Swindle, Robert Marshall, Al Rounds, J. Kirk Richards, Linda Curley Christensen and others with only slightly less glowing reputations.  But the biggest thrill has been to have my art hang in the same exhibits as these stars.  Several times, I've been accepted into the Springville Museum's Spiritual and Religious Show, which takes place every fall.  It's an honor to hang in that premier showcase for Utah art, any time.  However, the most elite exhibit is their annual Spring Salon, which attracts up to a thousand entries each year.  One of my greatest hopes has been  to have my art included in this exhibit.  I've entered every year, since moving here, without getting in.  Until this year!  Can you imagine my thrill to finally see my name on that list?  It is

a label of success!  I bawled all day...and now and then ever since.  It means someone with clout and critical savvy found my painting to be good enough for this prestigious event.  Oh I know the jurying process is subjective, political, and influenced by all kinds of things over which I have no control.  That's why I keep entering after years of rejection.  The hope, the possibility is always there.  Finally, it has happened, and I am on a cloud.  The annual Art Ball, which is the official opening reception of this exhibit, has always been a signature event for me.  This year, it is, a tiny bit, in my honor!  This is the painting that won me this thrill:  "Joyful Noise" 9 X 12 pastel.   And it couldn't have a better title.

A Solo Show for Linda

My experience at the Scera Center for the Arts has been interesting.  The staff is willing but not especially professional.  Nevertheless, some success has come from the exhibit there.  They provided refreshments, nice background music and a great facebook page to advertise the reception.  They don't seem to mind me calling about details that need doing.

It's always a treat to have friends support my art exhibits.  I love seeing people respond to the various images.  Nothing is more gratifying to an artist than the compliment of someone wanting to take a painting home.  People are fun.  Even if they don't plan to buy; there is a reaction to the art worth seeing.  I have to remind myself that EVERYONE isn't an art enthusiast or art-educated.  It's been fun, indeedy.  Yup. FUN!

My Obscession

I suppose we all have to be reminded, from time to time, that our own particular passion may not be as all-consuming to someone else--even someone else who loves us. My art tends to shape my self-esteem, my time, my perspective and my conversation. As I write in my journal, I find that days are measured, events marked and seasons colored by what is going on with my art. If I sell a piece, the world is a happy place. If I win a prize, it's hard to talk about anything else for days. My children and grandchildren try to be patient with it. My husband is particularly supportive. But even those loving bodies must surely get worn out with this fetish, and long for something else to gently push the art-talk into a closed closet. My visiting teachers are required to hear updates on exhibits, share opinions on the work-in-progress and attend receptions. The neighbors, the relatives, fellow volunteers at the MTC, oh, virtually EVERYBODY with whom I associate, gets an unending dialogue (maybe monologue is a better word) on the subject. If somebody actually ASKS me about my latest project or exhibit, I'm in heaven. So. I'm just offering a big "THANK YOU" to all those who put up with me. And also, an apology for being so single-minded. I do care about people, world affairs, the weather, your vacation...and oh, could I paint that?

Pride Goeth...

I've been pondering the parallels between our day and Nephite history. This ancient people struggled with prejudices, just like we do. They had attitudes of entitlement and superiority, which are at plague levels in our society. The solution has always been repentance, humility, and charity.
Testimony can exist side by side with the oddest hangups. It's not enough to know gospel principles. Believing means changing. But most of us have a hard time identifying our own flaws. I think, once a person "sees" his/her error, the desire to repent follows. Most of us want to be good. Especially, we who are trying to keep baptismal covenants would choose to keep all the commandments, in principle. The challenge comes in recognizing the practical application.
I see very fine people falling short in ways that are surely unintentional. They are the first to offer the funeral potatoes and help with the humanitarian project. But they are spiteful and hotheaded in other settings.
In the political arena, their attitudes are frightfully extreme, lacking reason or tolerance of any who don't conform to their preference.
This narrow perspective is very "Nephite." It smacks of pride, a serious disorder of the spirit.
Now, what really worries me, is the likelihood that I'm suffering from the same disease and don't see in myself what is blatantly obvious to others. Sobering.

Be it Resolved:

I've been pondering the point of New Year's Resolutions. With my usual dose of self-righteous skepticism, I've avoided a personal list with the excuse that I'm always working on improvement. However, it has come to my unavoidable attention that unless I make a more concrete effort, the improvement will continue to be unmeasurable and uncelebrated. And, I'm feeling left out. Family members are setting some goals in teams, which makes for great fun and support. So. Here is my list. And if anyone wants to join me in any of these things, please say so.
1. More consistent and insistent exercise. (With Downey gone, I am tempted to skip the daily walk=foolish. And I need toning or I turn into a more pathetic old lady than usual)
2. Scripture study, not just scripture reading. Adding in some books by General Authorities.
3. Create and follow a housekeeping routine that results in a consistently clean home.
4. Get busy writing the narrative of Mom and Dad P.'s interview and finish by Christmas.
5. Write something for The Friend
6. Get ready for the art exhibits including my show in Dec. at the Covey Center.
7. NO CHEATING-EATING. That's huge.

There. Official. Let the games begin.

My Life in Pictures

Reviewing blog posts, my journal and my Facebook status' I've come to realize that much of my life is chronicled by whatever art I've been producing, exhibiting and selling. If a picture is worth a thousand words, I wonder what I'm telling about myself? It's easy to conclude I measure much by whether a painting turns out well or if it wins a prize somewhere. And, of course, the image is often biographical. The story behind producing a painting is often an allegory for other areas of my life. Take this little piece: "Watching for Bluebirds," which is a pastel rendering from the recent Plein Air Provo competition. I was reluctant to participate. Steve was in Calif. and had lost his driver's license at the airport--I had to mail his passport so he could come home. My washer quit spinning that week. Trying to paint outdoors was challenged by rain, snow, cold and limited time. I scratched the first piece of glass trying to frame the finished product, and broke the second. I had some long, heavy phone calls that took time and energy I couldn't really spare. A 2-day headache made everything harder. I accidentally locked myself out of the house. I dropped and "killed" the newly baked apple pie which was intended to cheer my mother... the list could go on. BUT at the end of the week, this little painting won a 3rd place award in the exhibit. Steve returned safely, found his license, and gave a patriarchal blessing to a lovely recipient bringing a sweet spirit to our home. See all the parallels? Are you looking for the bluebirds in this painting? They aren't visible. But I know they're there.

Remembering Kirtland

Here's the first painting from our Church History Trip. The title, "Remembering Kirtland," I hope will communicate something of the legacy we all share. The heavens opened as light and knowledge came to the saints in this temple. So much sacrifice and devotion went into the building of it. And in spite of the storms of persecution that eventually forced the saints out of Ohio, 'hosannas' rang from the rafters here in that short season of glory.