Solitute

 It's one thing being alone. It's quite another if you are lonely and feeling isolated. Truthfully, falling into either can cultivate more feelings than mere loneliness. Self-pity, bitterness, resentment, mistrust, paranoia are just some of the boogeymen that can tackle us from behind. Solitude, on the other hand, proposes that we are at one with ourselves. Solid. It can also imply that it is possible that we can be good company to ourselves.

Working alone with the goal of furthering my artistic ability is a way that I foster something that contributes to my integrity. Good music, a warm beverage, the occasional meal, are ways to nurture oneself both creatively and developmentally. This is how I go through my day. If an appointment is on the horizon, things get reprioritized. This is as it should be. Having flexibility has been a lesson in maturity. Feeding one's imagination and desire sometimes will require a break from the ordinary. Calling a friend, going to a museum, or on a hike is an absolute necessity when maintaining positive mental health. This is my hope for everyone as we move through these difficult times of change.

Below is this week's "Rock of the Week".

A lucky find

 This shell was found on the beach where I go to collect rocks to paint. It is quite unique and regrettable that a picture wasn't taken before it was made into its new jewelry piece. The shape was intriguing, so I made it resemble an ice cream cone with vanilla and strawberry topping. My next-door neighbor runs an ice cream parlor in town so it became a key chain that was hoped to be the ideal business gift. Perhaps more shells with similar shapes will be found in the future but for now, the cone became the perfect symbol to work with. 

When the old becomes new again

 My friend and patron, Senne brought me a rock I had painted years ago. It was an early design that I had proclaimed would not be repeated ( right ). In fact, it was the beginning of a particular way of working that I was not yet aware of upon starting out. Needless to say, things have evolved since then. It is known that I use metallic acrylic and no spraying was applied to achieve the gradient from orange to green and then to blue. I use a higher grade of Phosphorescent paint that gives a superior glow-in-the-dark effect. My final coat is done with resin, which gives it a nice glossy finish and protects it from the elements, and from grimy hands that tend to dull the brilliance of a newly painted rock. In any event, the refurbished rock looks a whole lot better than the original. Naturally, it's been chosen to be "The Rock of the Week".

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