The Year of Self- Discipline

So every year, Chris and I go on a cruise in December. We spend the week getting warm and remembering the Anastasis, and most importantly we plan out our goals for the next year. Chris has an elaborate system, but I just have a notebook and a pen. We break things down in to categories and talk together about what we want to accomplish individually and as a couple. This is kind of like Mondo Beyondo-- which I also do every year, but perhaps more detailed (for my OCD side).

Each year we take on new ideas and we each look for a theme in what we're working on. For example, 2006 was all about completely new ideas, a new place to live, each of us were starting our school programs, and my journal for the year was titled "New." 2007 became more about finishing well and following through. 2008 for me was the year "to go pro" which was more about transitioning from the attitude of "art student" to actually thinking of myself as an artist. So, it was about selling my work, setting up shows, finding my own studio, keeping up with this blog... stuff like that.

So this year for me is The Year of Self-Discipline. This means I'm going to attempt to acquire some. For a long time, I've coasted along with life and my issues, and I've started to realize that this is an area that is holding me back from the things I want to accomplish with my life. It's my greatest weakness. Eating, Exercise, Finances, almost every area of my life could use more self-discipline. And so one of my first steps is to post my goals here so that I'm accountable to someone. (Unless no one is reading?)

Ok, so I have eight roles or categories and several things that I want to accomplish in each category. I'm going to summarize so that this post isn't quite so epic in length. The roles for me are in order of importance. I'm a total geek and have made myself a little visual diagram for this stuff, because that's just how I think, but you'll just have to settle for words here, because I can't figure out how to upload my diagram...

1. Wife: Call me old-fashioned, but I still think of this as the most important aspect of who I am. My first priority is always going to be Chris. There have been times that my lack of discipline has affected our relationship. I've made goals for this, but I'm going to leave them between the two of us. He'll keep me accountable on this one.

2. Artist: So this one is second for a reason. Because it's easy to put this behind everything else. But if I don't paint then I get crazy and can't do anything else well. I also have to figure out how to handle the business aspect of selling my work. And actually sell my work. So I have to make this a priority over friendships, family, work, the cat, everything. That way, I know I'll make myself paint-- I have to. I want to be a real professional working artist by the end of the year. (Whoa. That's scary.)

3. Creative Learner: I realize that's a bit vague. I put lots of things in this category though. Knitting, cooking, reading, crafty stuff... the things I do for myself. Painting used to be in this category, but it became so important that it got its own category. So, my goals here are things like make homemade marshmallows, read 52 books, make a skirt and a laptop sleeve with this fabric that's been laying around here forever, knit two more sweaters, learn more French. Things that keep me sane and well rounded.

4. Health Nut: Ok, so this is really where the self discipline kicks in. This is one of my weakest areas. I start exercise programs really well, but rarely stick with them. And while I've made serious changes to my diet in healthy ways, I think I could do more. So, first, I'm focusing on physical therapy. I have to get my ankle back to pre-surgery status, then I'm going to gradually work my way back into a sustainable exercise program (and STICK with it). I was doing pretty well until just before I had surgery, so hopefully I can find that happy place again. And secondly, since I've been a vegetarian for 5 years this year, I'm going to celebrate by going vegan for at least 4 weeks. I'm sure we'll talk more about this one and I'll explain the process further.

So, this post is growing and I still have 4 more categories, plus I have to talk about last year's progress. Why don't I stop typing for the time being? Meanwhile, what are your goals for 2009? You don't have to be as detailed as I am here, but I'd love to hear about them...

Update continued...

So where were we? I was tired last night, but I'm ready to continue updating you on the Cliff Notes version of my life right now.

So we returned to Seattle and to our house. During the cold weather, a water main had broken two floors up in our building and six units were damaged. Lucky us, our unit was one of them. We were expecting minor damage, but we were not prepared to find our bed in our kitchen or all the carpet pulled up or the drywall cut away. Our bedroom looked like this...



A month later, we're still dealing with this-- new carpet is in, but there are still a few things left to be done. It's been the most frustrating thing...

Ok, so what else to tell you? Let's me consult the list...

Ok, so my ankle is better. I saw my physical therapist for the last time Thursday-- not because she thinks I'm ready to be done, but because my insurance coverage for physical therapy has run out. So, I'm working on my own, but I really am better.

Now, as for changes coming soon... as part of the Guillebeau goals for 2009 our lives are changing a bit. I'll keep you posted on those. And another goal involves changing this site... so I'm working with a designer (Hi, BJ!) to make jolieguillebeau.com a more professional site representing my work. I'll talk about this more when I tell you about my goals for the year.

Finally, Plinky. It's fun. Go look. I think I still like Twitter best, but Plinky is fun. too.

January.

Ok, I figure you guys deserve an update. I can't promise it will be coherent, but since we're well in to 2009, I want to say something about my life at the moment. So I'm going to make a list of things I need to tell you.

1. The vacation was fabulous.
2. Christmas with the family was lovely.
3. Our house is a disaster.
4. I've made my goals for 2009 and I should tell you about them.
5. Some things will change around here soon.
6. My ankle is better--that's a good thing.
7. Have you heard about Plinky? It's fun.

Ok, that's a good place to start...but I guess you need details too.

So, mid-December we left for our annual Guillebeau goal-setting vacation. We went on a cruise to the western Caribbean-- we love to cruise because it reminds us of living on the Anastasis, but with better food. We had a great week on the water, though we didn't explore much because I was still not very good at walking. We returned to Miami on the 21st, and I got to see an old friend from the ship who was sailing out that same day for her wedding cruise (Hi, Lynda!). It was great to see her and meet her fiance and give her a big hug to send her off.

From Miami we flew to visit the family for a busy four days of Christmas, food, photos and fun. We had a great visit, but after two weeks we were ready to return to Seattle and settle in to normal life again and start working on all the goals we set on the cruise. (Speaking of goals, I think I'll leave mine for a separate post. Otherwise, this post will be so very long.) We had missed all the crazy snow that happened in Seattle, but we discovered that the weather would have a lasting effect.

That's a good stopping place for the moment. Stay tuned...

Yet more images...

I finally got to my camera, the cable and a computer all at once. Actually, Chris loaded them for me, but I'm making an effort here, so work with me, ok?

These are a few more photos from last Thursday and from my studio this week...

In the true Guillebeau tradition, here's a picture of someone taking a picture of me. This is Yuriko, another artist (and friend) from the Fat Tiger Show.



My recent work... An old Chatter Phone, mailed from my mom. (Thanks, Mom!) The colors are more accurate here, but the glare is terrible.



Here there's no glare, but the colors are terrible. You see the dilemma.



This (what do you call this thing?) is a toy I loved as a kid. Except I could never get the shapes out once I put them in. And that made me mad. Now they've made it easier to open, or my arms are stronger, because I can get the shapes out pretty easily.



I found it at the Ballard Goodwill for $1.49. I love that. And it has all the pieces.


Ok, I'm off. The next pictures you'll see here will be of sunny skies and ocean views. Meanwhile, have a Merry Christmas and eat a candy cane for me.

Details

Apparently, over the past month a few of my posts disappeared-- it was probably a user error, but I've restored them and now you'll have lots to read at once.

I promise that pictures of my recent work will be here before I leave town on Saturday. I'm heading for warmer weather and sunshine for a week or two.

Fat Tiger Studio Show...

Last Thursday, I participated in a Holiday Show with other local artists for the First Thursday Artwalk in Pioneer Square. It was great. Several people came out just to see me, which amazed me, and I got some really positive feedback about my work (always a good thing).

A view of the crowds...



Me setting up... (notice the walking cast there-- it's off now!)







Showing is still a new process for me, so it's honestly a bit scary, but I'm starting to like it...sometimes.

(Photos credit: Ryan Molenkamp. Thanks, Ryan.)

Small steps.

This is the MRI image of my ankle pre-surgery. It's fixed now. Mostly. So that means I can walk (using a cane) and cook dinner again. I can get on the bus without making everyone else wait, and I can wear skirts again. It also means that everything else I do becomes much easier, so I can catch up on all the other things that matter. Like here. I missed writing. I missed being in this space. I'm glad to be back.

Thanks for being patient-- I hope you're still out there!

Painting pictures and show updates soon!

Election Day!

Kuma Coffee Display

Ok, still short on words, but here are the long promised pictures of the show at Kuma Coffee. My work is up there until the 15th. Stay tuned for more showings...

Lots to say.. .few words

Yes, I know. I owe you pictures of the show from Kuma.
And pictures of my recent paintings.
And maybe just a few words to let you know that I'm still alive.

Well, how about one out of three?

I have so many pictures on my camera. But, I haven't actually had the energy to connect the cable to the camera and the computer lately.

I had ankle surgery 10 days ago. I'm tired. I feel useless and frustrated. I can't even get myself a glass of water without spilling it all over the kitchen. Chris has been wonderful, but it's hard to be so dependent on someone. So I'm following some good advice and choosing what's most important.

Right now that's painting, being with Chris and showing up for work (gotta keep that health insurance). I'll be back here though. Be patient.

Work on Display at Kuma Coffee

My work is on display for the Grand Opening of Kuma Coffee this month. Their grand opening is tomorrow, October 13. My work will be on display through mid-November. They're located at 4110 Stone Way in Wallingford, here in Seattle. If you're in the area, stop by, pick up a good cup of coffee and look at my work.

I'll post pictures here later in the week.

Mirror

Mirror
Originally uploaded by jolieguillebeau

I solved a problem with this painting today. I was really happy with the vertical composition, but it felt a little flat to me. I decided to create space by making the frame in to a mirror, rather than the painting I had intended. So far, I'm happy, but there's still more work to do.

I can't wait to see this.

http://www.whodoesshethinksheis.net

Art, Truth, Child-play

"When we can play with the unself-conscious concentration of a child, this is: art, prayer, love." -- Madeleine L'Engle

The story of Marla has fascinated me for awhile. Here is a child in a crazy situation, created by the adults around her. I don't care about the controversy, but I wonder (and worry) about this little girl.

However, I had never considered this story from this angle before. It makes me think about my own work a little differently.

Letting Go.

I learned something really important this week. It's about Painting and Life. Hopefully I can explain it without confusion.

For the first two years I painted, I struggled with building a good foundation to my painting. I was so intimidated by the act of painting that I never really bothered to set my paintings up well, I just tried to get the canvas covered. I felt twitchy until all the white space was filled in with color. That meant that I just slapped things down without worrying about angles or measurements or composition. Sometimes I got lucky and it worked. Other times, well-- let's just say I have a large collection of wonky looking canvases hiding in the hall closet. It took me a while to get comfortable with the idea of empty space while I worked out the potential problems of each piece.

But, at some point I realized the importance of setting things up well. I realized that if I got the angle right on the first try, then I wouldn't spend hours repainting in frustration. And since we were running out of space in the hall closet, I started planning and drawing things in a little more carefully before I threw the paint on the canvas. Instantly, I saw my work move up a level. More paintings were successful, fewer were banished to a dark room.

Things went along nicely for awhile. But I was still dissatisfied. Other people liked my work, and I wasn't hiding it anymore, but it still fell short somehow. Again, sometimes I'd get lucky, but overall I still felt like it wasn't quite finished--even though I'd planned well and followed all the rules. (Don't ask me what the rules are, I haven't really figured that out yet. I just know when it's right.) My work looked fine, but I wanted it to look like this, or this, or even this. (Have I mentioned my lack of patience already?)

So this week, I figured something out. Painting is like life. I need to plan well and give myself as much information as possible in the early stages of a project. But once I've committed to the right direction then I have to let go of the original plan. See, once I started planning and drawing in detail, I found it hard to move past the drawing. For example, if I got the angle right on Mr. Potato Head's arm, then I would paint all around it, but I'd be afraid to really paint it, because I might lose the part that's working. The problem with this is that it makes for nice drawings, but only mediocre paintings.

See, paintings are all about edges. This is something I've known in my head for awhile-- the eye perceives things and takes in information based almost completely on edges. It's how you can tell the difference between a golf ball and a ping-pong ball. Or a tennis ball and a lemon. But knowing it in my head and knowing it in my paintbrush are two different things. I wasn't happy with my painting because I was afraid of losing the drawing, so I ignored the edges.I might as well have been using a coloring book.

I was holding on to the original plan so tightly, that I couldn't move past it.

Someone told me this week to let go of the drawing. And I realized-- I'd gotten the drawing right the first time, so if I lost it, I could probably get it back. I also realized, that if I didn't paint over the drawing, I'd never have a good painting.

So while I'm still a long way from Chardin, I think my work is about to move to a new level again. Because I'm letting go. And maybe one day, we'll have room for coats in our hall closet.

Another way to find me.

I've just posted some high quality photos of some of my pieces on Imagekind. It's a service that lets you order custom prints of my work. Since some people have requested that I repaint paintings they really like, I've thought of creating prints for awhile, but I was hesitant to make a large order of one or another. So this way, prints are available. I'll probably keep them as limited editions, meaning I'll remove them from the site once I've sold more than one hundred (ha!), but that's not really a problem I anticipate having anytime soon.

Hey! Look!

It's me! Did you forget me? I hope not.

I know I last posted 4 weeks ago, but there's a good reason, I promise!(Really!)

Ok, first good excuse-- no, I mean REASON. Chris took the camera with him. Then when he brought it back, it wouldn't zoom. or unzoom. It wouldn't cooperate at all. And I was tired of whining about it, so I decided not to post until I actually did something about the camera situation. This called for immediate action, so I stopped eating. Well, I stopped eating out. Normally, everyday that I work, I go to Piroshkis on Madison. Dmitri knows me well enough that when I walk in the door, he puts a Spinach Mushroom and Cheese Piroshki in the oven for me. It costs $4.86. I give him a five and put the 15 cents in the tip jar.

So, I started packing my lunch. That saved $20 each week. That, plus a couple of sales on etsy gave me enough money to buy a camera on sale at Target today.

So without further ado: pictures of everything I've been working on for the last month.



See no evil. You've seen this one already.



Hear no evil. You saw the beginning of this, but he's progressed nicely since then.




Speak no evil. Started two weeks ago. Finished? Not yet, but soon.

Don't worry, more to come! I have a camera now.

Internet Ramblings

Just for fun, a bit of me in mosaic form.

I've seen this on a couple of other blogs recently, and I was bored, so...

Here´s how you do it...

Type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr search, using only the first page, choose your favorite image, copy and paste each of the URL’s into the mosaic maker (3 columns, 4 rows).

The questions:
1. What is your first name? (Jolie)
2. What is your favorite food? (ice cream)
3. What high school did you attend? (Hazel Green)
4. What is your favorite color? (Orange)
5. Who is your celebrity crush? (Nelson Mandela-- he counts doesn't he?)
6. Favorite drink? (Green tea with mint)
7. Dream vacation? (Antartica)
8. Favorite dessert? (Chocolate Mousse)
9. What do you want to be when you grow up? (Painter)
10.What do you love most in life? (Enthusiasm)
11. One word to describe you. (Sensitive)
12. Your Flickr name. (jolieguillebeau)

Here are the links to the photos in my mosaic above:

1. Angelina Jolie’s recent trip to a camp housing Darfur refugees in Chad, 2. Flickr meltdown, 3. Untitled, 4. Hold me close, under the sunset, 5. Mandela and the others, 6. Green mint tea, 7. Standing Still, 8. three is not a crowd, 9. Eden Park Artist, 10. Our Children Teach Us What Life Is All About, 11. sensitive space, 12. jolieguillebeau

Painting update

Chris and the camera are in Pakistan at the moment, but I managed to get these pictures just before he left.



This is the blank canvas that you saw last week. I've pretty much finished this one. My idea was a key, but no door. Kind of a "Here's the answer, what's the question?" thought. I found these keys at the Frye museum store, and I thought they were pretty.


As you can see, I've started the second in the Mr. Potato Head series. This one is "Hear no evil." I'm still early in, so I haven't thought as much about the ideas behind this painting. The small square painting gives me an idea of the finished product, while I started the larger painting with a value sketch.


The lines around the painting help me with placement and proportions. I have little pieces of plexiglass with these lines scratched into them, so that I can look at my setup in the same way. It helps with composition and drawing, in ways I never really expected. I also like the idea that I'm using a system that some of my favorite artists implemented as well.

A new painting...

I don't know if I've mentioned this yet, but I love my new studio. It's quiet and cool on warm days. It's private and most of all-- it's mine! Having my own studio was one of the dreams I wrote down a few years ago as a Mondo Beyondo dream. And now, it's real. Wow.

And though I miss my studio mates, I must admit-- I'm getting so much done. Last Tuesday, I ran some errands, then painted for awhile, then took a break for lunch and wrote in my journal before I settled back in around 2:00 for an afternoon of painting. I figured I'd paint until around 5pm, then run to the grocery store and go home and play with the cat. I picked up my brush and... just a few minutes later, realized it was 6:15. I had been painting for four hours! I thought it was only 30 minutes.

So this is what I started today:

I know, it's a blank canvas, but not really. I worked for awhile to get the light to move across the background. You'll see why later in the week.



Here's what I'm looking at (though the color is wrong and it's a little out of focus):