In The Studio With Hélène Farrar

Its one of the first hot days of summer, and one of the first days where I've been "off" from my family responsibilities.  That interprets to me, "go to the studio and get to work".  Ironically, my studio has been less of a space for my creative workings these last few months for I've been taking my eyes onto the road.  I've revisited some favorite areas in Portland along the ocean with my favorite pencils, papers, cardboard, and painted with other painters, some other favorite spots here in Central Maine including the Arboretum in Augusta, and areas between Gardiner and Richmond, and caught up with painter friends. Its been fun but also very important to making good pictures and making art that is worth making.  I've also given a presentation to Breast Cancer survivors and designed a portrait project called "Face It". But let's talk about this a bit later.  ......So, what have I made? I've taken my on-site studies: graphite pencil sketches, watercolors, photographs, and revisited the geometric forms of the landscape into multiple finished works in oil, encaustic.  I painted a yellow dress. That's an odd one but I think there is some reason why its there...   I also put the finishing touches on my chicken book titled, "They Came In A Box" and began workings on another artist book using ancient greek sculptures, and an iced over pond as a source. And then my chicken book evolved into some small chicken paintings which I had a genuinely good time making (and laughing), and some more continued Birdworks series.

I went to work today but what did I do?  Reflected, breathed, went to the library, did some much needed online computer work, cleaned the studio for my students, made calls about my new studio plans (shhhh) and thought.... Am I completely scattered as an artist?  Absolutely!  Absolutely not.  I don't believe my role as an artist is to remain static.  I think I do need to keep reinventing myself, be open to my curiosities, explore materials and the way I use them.  But I do need to "feel" as an artist that I am grounded. Perhaps I can pursue all of my curiosities just enough that it teaches something, opens a door, embraces and wows the viewer. I hope so.  Lets see what happens next.