...the level of frustration/angst/distress/distaste that technology gives me, you'd wonder that my head has not blown off. Couple that with the year that 2020 has been, and you'll see why this hot mess evolved.
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| 2020: In the Rough |
It started out quite innocuously on a discarded white 12 x 12" board to which I added a host of 'stuff' - broken and discarded bits of things.
Still lacking the intended feeling, I added the Covid-19 virus and paper scrambles.
This painting is just another 'delight' (since you know I'm no fan of grunge) to add to the many that have graced us this year all around the globe - from Covid-19 to fires, floods, hornets, mosquitoes, home schooling, quarantines, political disasters, murders, and goodness knows what else. 2020 has been rough, and we're just 3/4 of the way through.
It's interesting to me that as I've compiled this post, taken the photos, and truly looked at the close-ups, I am finding unexpected beauty in a painting that was intended to show nothing but. I rather suspect that the whole year has been like that as well - lovely little bits of beauty and grace amidst the darkness. My family has been such a gift, from a hugely supportive husband (thanks John), a new granddaughter born (welcome Chloe), and a grandson due to make his appearance soon. My friends have been a support and delight, and being outdoors so much has been like walking in heaven (apart from the heavy smoke this past week).
Please tell me in your comments about the grace you're finding this year - I'd love to hear it.
Hi Win. This piece of art work describes how my head feels today. Been trying to sort some stuff for my mum and it all should be straight forward but it's not and trying to explain to a 92 year old why things are not the same anymore is very difficult and she's still got enough about her to understand most things but it is so hard. Anyway enough of that....I love your crazy art my dear friend and long may it continue to make you happy. Probably good to take your frustrations out on a piece of card and lots of bits of stuff! Sending hugs, Angela xXx
ReplyDeleteOh, Angela - I'm so sorry to hear about the stress around dealing with your Mom's things. I remember clearing my Mom's stuff after she died, and that was stressful enough (even though she'd carefully been through it all in the two years prior). It would have been mayhem had she still been alive, and I can most certainly empathize. May it go better, and soon!
DeleteSending hugs and happy thoughts, my good friend. xo
Well, this is a form of expressionism that suits me perfectly.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you my friend ... The beauty and the preciousness of little things are to be savored each minute when times are difficult; even if it's hard, we have to strive ...
(An old friend of mine was used, along time ago, to create this king of art and I'm really fan!)
You are a generous great artist indeed! :)
Your comment about the beauty and preciousness is so true, Sim - I'm hugely grateful for living where I am, for the bounty from the orchards and vineyards that surround us, for a kind and loving family, new arrivals, wonderful art friends from around the world, and so much more. We are truly very fortunate (in spite of the cursing over intractable computers :D ). Thank you so much for stopping by and for your lovely compliment. As always, you inspire to the max. xo
DeleteIt is a lovely picture after all your frustration and angst was left on the canvas. It truly represent the year you never know what's coming next.
ReplyDeleteLike you I have had a crazy year however I am thankful that "So Far" no one I know has had the virus, I have survived 3 earthquakes, a cancer scare, and a hurricane force wind storm with no damage. So you see I really have nothing to be but grateful.
Thank you for reminding us all to count our blessings, because in reality on my worst day I am blessed.
Thanks, Deann: I've gained a real appreciation for more and more texture due to working with Ruth. I know that you've had a challenging year, and I so appreciate your positive spin on it. We ARE blessed - lucky indeed. May 2021 be more of the same - luck and blessings all the way. xo
DeleteWhat a perfect picture of this year! It's been grungy, awkward, and uncomfortable, but with flashes of grace and beauty in unexpected places. Keep seeking them out and we'll get through to the other side.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tracy, and one of the reasons I so appreciate your blog is your positive attitude and seeking of those very flashes of grace and beauty. Thank you for that in huge capital letters. xo
DeleteStunning texture, Win. Amazing mixed media creation. I love your sarcarm on this rough year. I look forward to 2021. I am an optimistic person and hope that 2021 will be a better year.
ReplyDeleteGood things happened to me and my family during 2020:
Working from home for 4 months gave me the chance to be more hours with my family.
My husband had a serious heart problem in December 2019. Today doctor said that his heart is healthy again!
I got my 4th master.
During September hope I will get my PhD.
Kisses, my dear friend.
Many thanks, Mia, and can you see my jaw hanging open??? Four masters, and heading this month to a PhD (to say nothing of the massive amounts of artwork you create)?!! Wow, I am seriously in awe. I'm delighted to hear the wonderful news about your husband; that is definitely a gift for which one can be truly grateful!. Here's to 2021 and more of the same positive results! xo
DeleteStunning art, Win, which carries me from the grunge to the beauty in my own life. Even within the grunge, I think, are snipits of hope...like the spring and the gears encourage me to bounce back and keep moving! We WILL get through this! Let us always remember to search out those "lovely little bits of beauty and grace amidst the darkness." Thank you for both your art and your words!
ReplyDeleteSo many thanks, Kay - this whole piece was a revelation on so many levels. I love your comment about bouncing back; it's going to remain with me a long, long time. Sending you massive virtual hugs over the ether, my friend. xo
DeleteWhat a wonderfully complex piece of art you've created there, Win! I love those colorful, grungy textures - I'm actually a big fan of grunge! To be honest, the pandemic hasn't really affected our lifestyle much - in fact it has brought some welcome relief, especially the possibility to work from home. Between my husband and I, we save up to 5 hours a day commuting! That's time we can spend doing something else - mainly we spent it on homeschooling during lockdown and truth be told, our son preferred that to going to school! No early starts, no teenage angst. He would be quite happy to continue that way. Many of the restrictions they brought in, didn't really affect us as we seldom do those things anyway. I realise many people suffered physically, mentally and financially, which is why I don't like to brag about it, but Covid (so far) has been very kind to us and even made our lives better - as long as we don't catch it, of course. So it's not all doom and gloom and I'm just hoping that some of the positive aspects (like working from home) will stay in practice when all this is over. It would be good for our wellbeing and our environment. I'm convinced that the economy will bounce back too eventually.
ReplyDeleteIt is so interesting to hear the variety of 'new normal' lifestyles, Zsuzsa, and I'm delighted to hear that you are enjoying some aspects of yours. I'm mind-boggled at the time saved by you and your husband with the lack of commute - may that continue indefinitely. And the grace of a young man who enjoys the home schooling is a huge plus, I'd say. And I'm hopeful that when the economy settles, it will settle in a more equitable manner, along with a kinder, more loving world! xo
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