(click on pic for a better view)
Another page in my 2009 journal, this one is full of to do's want to's and have to's.....and I probably could have kept going had I had the room! LOL This really probably isn't finished, but it's finished for now. I used gesso tinted with a bit of pink paint, water color crayons, watercolor pencils, and water soluble graphite (love this stuff....i have pencils in light, medium and dark wash as well a bucket load of tinted graphite pencils), pitt pens, and hand carved eraser stamps all on the girl (and page)...which I can't wait to do more of because I stink to high heaven drawing people and definitely need the practice!
Midwinter Night Dream in Yellow: A New Day
Somewhere between the cold breath of winter and the warm hug of spring I am a bit caught in the January funk. The holidays are over (relief in some ways), the excitement of the past month has left me almost zombie like..lol....now I'm dreaming a bit of daisies popping up and
running around in flip flops again.
I have to be honest, I probably got in a funk because of something that was said about my 'pretty little houses' being too trendy and they are tired of them. Then someone said, ya but, who doesn't love houses...the home is where the heart is. Thanks for that balance of criticism with something positive. It's good to have both...gives you something to think about, something to dig down deep and see if what I'm doing is meaningful. And you know what? It is. To me. And that's what should count. I've started on a little crusade to revisit places or moments I've been and believe it or not...I still have more to go. I wasn't even a military brat..I just moved a lot :)
Finding that community, that sense of belonging, the friendship and creating a home is very, very important to me. I want that for more reasons than I care to even go into here. So yes, it's a reoccurring theme for me. Trendy? Maybe? Maybe I'm part of the trend--but it does all have a deeper meaning despite being a modern show of mixed media art. I also need to do this to work through some issues I have with some of the places I've been--I haven't even touched on those homes or communities.....all in good time. So whether anyone gets it, or anyone likes it...well I guess I can't get too wrapped up in it because first and foremost, it's for me. Besides, one negative shouldn't wipe out the hundreds of positives I've had from so many people around the world. AND I've still have a lot to be proud of. One of the things on my journal page mentions that in 2009, I need to learn to "Accept rejection gracefully". I've always had a hard time doing that. I'm actually very sensitive whether you believe me or not! Back in high school if someone I was sweet on didn't like me back or broke up with me (that didn't happen often..HAHA), I often times rebounded with a new and improved me in someway. I think I still do that in other areas of my life. I hear something not so great and I set out to prove them wrong! Well, there I go again--that's not really graceful. The high road would be--oh well, then don't cross my path anymore because I'm going to go the way I want whether you like it or not!
I guess the bottom line is, we all want to be accepted. But it's just not possible for everyone to do that, and that's okay. My world shouldn't get rocked because of a word of one or even a few. So it's time for me to get off my PITY POT and get back to my canvases. Life goes on!
Hope you have creative week ahead of you!
20 comments :
Wonderful "pretty in pink" journal page, sweetie....and love your new "yellows."
As for the rest....you go get 'em girl !!!!!
I didn't know there was water soluble graphite! I must try this. I love the dreamy quality your journal page has.
I sympathize with you on having a hard time with constructive criticism. I always feel I have to live up to others expectations. Screw them I say! Do what makes you happy.
Oh, Jodi, such a bummer those cutter-downers can be. Ya know, my grandma always said, "Say something nice or say nothing at all." Such an idealism to live by. Folks are so quick to judge, yet so apprehensive to praise. I'm anal, like you, with criticism. I think all creator types are whether they be artists, writers, etc. I say do your best to shrug it off, and keep on keeping on being the best You you can be. You're right: if it suits you, then it's right!
Love the journal entry, btw, and the freshness of the new yellow pieces! But don't go talking daisies and flip-flops just yet! I'm such a summer girl and it's a long way off for me! I'm gonna go whimper now... LOL
Bren.
Great journal page Jodi! reach for the sky I say, turn that page and continue if you ran out of room :-)
as to the person who said houses being too trendy, they probably didn't mean it as criticism. And how on earth can houses be too trendy, that's sort of like saying landscape paintings or abstracts are too trendy. I sure hope that's not true because I will be working on my own little houses, done my way :-D
Just do what makes you happy!
Jodi it is hard to take anything anyone says that isn't what you want to hear. Always remember it is just one persons opinion. I personally think your work is very unique and obviously with the recent press you have had the people who matter agree. Instead of taking that persons words in a negative take something positive out of it and strive to be better (if that is possible?) You are a mixed media Rock Star!
xxoo Kim
hey girl- sounds like your little funk has a deeper meaning that you are starting to tap into an figure out- it's pretty amazing when that happens- Very often when I journal ( or do art for that matter) it is a reaction to my melancholy mood and i pull out alot of muck. just writing it down, blogging helps to shed it, so you can move on.
i would not consider your reflection a pity party. i think it's great that you faced what was bugging you! Bravo!!
It's amazing how much more one critical comment sticks with you than dozens of positive ones. It's hard not to let that get under your skin. And when those critical comments are about something so personal as your art...well, that's especially painful. It's hard feeling like you need to explain or justify your work...I think that's why it's hard for me to sometimes write about what's "behind" my work...I don't want someone to "pick" it apart.
Thanks for sharing your work and your thoughts. And I say...keep doing what you're doing!
Oh, how i totally understand the feeling, one critical comment and that's all I can concentrate on!!!
I realize though that I need to take the negative and see if it fits and if it doesn't, let it go.
Not that it's easy to do.
Thanks for putting into words Jodi, what we all have felt at some time in our creative life.
And by the way, I loveeee your house series, it speaks to me in every possible way, the colors, the home, the uniqueness, don't stop!!
blessings,
starrydeborah
Wow! These are GREAT!! Goood work! Keep up your Creative Vibes. Have you joined my Blogiversary?
Happy New Year and Artful Blessings,
Kathryn
You people drawing doesn't stink! It's been fun seeing the different ways people are drawing themselves in this journal challenge. I find each one interesting & don't think to judge them the way I would fine art. We're all on a journey.
Your house series is part of your journey. So much the better for you that you've found commercial success in selling your work. That's just icing on the cake. If you are pleased and find joy in the process, then that is enough. We don't all have the same taste/preference in music, clothing styles, etc. etc. So it's to be expected that not everyone will like our art.
I'm looking forward to what is to come for you.
Jodi, this is YOUR art & YOUR journey! If if feels right, it is. And that really is all that matters.
Rejection will always be there. As will compliments. In my 1st gallery show, I was crushed when I overheard a "sweet old lady" harshly criticizing my work.But when I thought about it, any reaction was better than being ignored, yes? Over the years I just stopped caring what others thought & now I create for me. (Course I don't sell sh*t anymore so this is not exactly good business advice)
Just keep on keeping on & dont let the ba****ds get you down!
Jodi, I love your journal page and the girl. I love your "trendy" houses too. Hey, some will like, some won't, and that's a good thing. It's the differences that we all have that counts. You make your art to please you and don't worry about being accepted or not. Your sales prove you are on the right path. I see your art journey as being therapy also and honey your art is way cheaper than a therapist. Keep it coming!!!
I absolutely love your houses…and adore the piece I have hanging in my studio right now. Your work is incredibly deep and meaningful…I would definitely not consider it “trendy”…and you know, you’re always going to have people who just don’t get it. No matter what you do, you can’t please everyone. Just look at how many people didn’t get Jackson Pollock. You can let the fact that some people are critical of your work set you back or tear you down…you just have to keep creating because it’s meaningful for you. Believe me, your art connects with so many different people…just look at all your sales locally and through etsy…and all your wonderful blog comments.
~Alisa
here, here for learning to get past that negative comment. i lean more towards the "home is where the heart is" side, and i love your work. i've even had some little houses of my own i've been working on...based on a comment i always get at my arts festivals. my business name is "happy shack designs"!
well, I can see that whatever I might have to say has pretty much been covered - nice to see that you have so much support! I think having a thin skin comes with the territory, and moving on is the key, for sure. I love your journal page - I've just started keeping an art journal, after decades of writing in one, and it's hard - for me, it's so different! maybe I'll find the nerve to post a page:) I'd like to know what kind of paper you're using...
take care! hugs, p
I LOVE LOVE LOVE your art journal AND your houses! I've loved your work from the first time I saw it.
I can only imagine what your art journal will look like on 12/31/09!
Thanks so much for all of your support, you all know how to make a girl feel good!
Upward and onward--I've had some good news and some cool sales so I'm feeling a bit better despite the itty bitty negative! I'll share some of my tips on journaling I've learned so far in an upcoming post!
xoxo
Jodi
'lucy'
Hi Jodi! Been lurking your blog for a while and now and wanted to say it was so nice to see you at the meeting Thursday. I immediately snapped up one of your trading cards at the ATC Make and Take Display we were working at as they really caught my eye. Your stuff is so cool and I love your use of shades of grey, black, white and color. You most certainly have your own discernable style. Sabrina picked up the magazine yesterday at Panopolie and flipped through to find your article - she was excited to see it. Congratulations. Looking forward to sharing with you!
Hey Jodi! I love your houses! They are wonderful and don't for a minute think that they are trendy. So I guess if that is the case, then cats, dogs, trees, flowers, hearts, bubbles, etc are trendy. Try not to let it bother you. Really, I am going to write a list of some of the things that have been said about my art. Then you won't feel so bad!
Hi Jodi,
I made the post about a painting that is a little house on my blog. Just wanted you to see it.
http://artfortheheart.blogspot.com/
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