💚Making time to reflect in the studio
Once a ramshackle garage, I am grateful for its transformation a few years ago into a haven for painting!
In process piece from “imprint “series ink on acetate. bvw
Since the last time I spoke with you, life, as we have experienced it, has changed. I offer solace, hope, and prayers for you. I am finding a lot to think about as I work in my little studio.
It is also the result of “sheltering in place,” I believe. Repeatedly walking in the same footsteps each day can be challenging, as it is a bit repetitive. Yet, it can also offer a chance for my vision to see beauty and truth in things that I had previously taken for granted. And so I persevere, waking up at 5 am, meditating, sometimes yoga, a little breakfast, and then into the studio! Like anything else, this takes daily practice! I have yet to get entirely consistent, but it takes about 40 days to make a change of habit.
I did have trouble focusing when the COVID-19 emergencies were at their height in the NYC/Long Island area. The pain in the air was palpable. To answer your question, “Yes, I am creating in my studio, now !”
The series, called ”imprints,” has been very much about light and dark inky shadows. It is a commission piece for music soon to be released by Justin Morgan Williams called “vendryes imprints.” when finished, they will be hand-printed Dan Welden in the environmentally-conscious process of Solarplate printing. I also continue my work on “seeking refuge series” in mixed media of watercolor and collage. Being in the studio regularly has infused my work with serenity and focus. In the future, there is also a solo show on the books for this fall and a soon to be announced online workshop class.
But I will fill you in on that and more next time! I would love to hear what your are finding helpful during this liminal, unpredictable time! Text, email me from my site or leave a message on Instagram!
I wish you sunny skies and wellness, peace, and hope!
We are all in this together!
Warmly,
beth
The Truth About Daring To Forgive Self & Surge Forward
Have you ever gotten lost in the details of your life?
You know what your overarching goals are, but can’t see to catch up with yourself?
Yes, that’s where I am.
And now, I am taking a good look at what I have done over the past few months, and have begun to reorganize my thoughts and actions to reflect and listen to my inner voice.
My first instinct is to allow more quality time for meditation. I am also beginning a new journal, with words & images to help me to rediscover and stay true to my personal journey….
Then I realized you may be interested in following this process of rebuilding.
So, if you dare, follow me for a series of short posts as I use my journalling to get back in sync with my deepest yearnings and goals.
I begin now, with forgiving myself and moving forward today.
Follow me here… if you dare!
How journaling can help develop and sustain a creative habit
A bouquet from the YFCA spring gala watercolor & ink, 6.6.19
Hope is in the air! Now that spring is officially here. I sat myself down with a cup of tea and my daily journal.
For the past several days I have felt unable to put anything down in writing or drawing.
Has that ever happened to you? There is a world in us, and it is vital to open the windows. To take time to rest and wait.
Keeping a journal has had a massive effect on my life
…and surprisingly, It wasn’t until I stopped teaching art to paint full time, that I realized that my small daily efforts had produced tangible results.
My strategy was this: I would always keep a journal and a small zipped bag of my favorite portable drawing tools in my pocketbook. I carried this with me at all times. I wrote and drew what I saw and felt, whenever I had a moment.
I ended up counting over 130 journals documenting my life and my growing family. I recorded places, people and events.
Expressing my struggles and celebrations in words and images
helps me to reflect on life. My only expectation? To make a mark that articulates my vision and reactions to the world!
What a treasure this has turned out to be!
Now I need to adapt my journaling method to my life as it stands now. Read my next few posts as I explore alternative ways of approaching journaling now that the previous system isn’t working as effectively.
Do you keep a journal? If so how has it helped you?
Do you find that you forget to adapt your habits as your life changes?
Let me know in your comments below.
Think. What Happened When Your Ancestors Sought Refuge?
We are all in this together (detail of panel 1) of triptych) oil painting beth vendryes williams
Enjoy the last days of summer!
For me, I am back to “seeking refuge”! Yes, I keep returning to this theme because we all need to find our refuge in this world. Sometimes it is walking and meditating. Also, for me it is in making art!
I became aware of this way of seeking refuge because of my family stories...
The oldest of seven children, I grew up with our parents loving the fact that we were part Jamaican, English, French, and Sicilian. I knew I was related to Michael Manley, former president of Jamaica, through a common great grandmother. My Dad and his parents emigrated from Kingston, Jamaica to the United States. Eventually we discovered and met our French cousins, who are descendants of the Vendryes relatives who decided to remain in France seven generations ago.
Both of my Mom’s parents bravely emigrated, separately, from Sicily when they were 17 and 25 yeas old. They first met in Sicily and then got married in Little Italy, NYC.
We all keep in touch!
Through my family origins, the borders of my world expanded ...
...so that I always perceived being part of a much bigger world than the United States. According to a DNA testing I am 5% West African, a fact that is also supported by family lore and cousins. I thrive in the possibilities of communicating and connecting with people from all different parts of the world..
When I read and see people trying to immigrate to the United States, I am happy for them, because without that, I know I would not be here. In the USA there is an opportunity to be free and to have a voice and a vote in who represents us. It is far from perfect, but it gives us the possibility of living in a government that protects the individual’s rights to freedom.
Immigrants must be vetted, of course. They also must be treated with compassion. For we are all related to one another in some way. We are all human beings. We are all, body and spirit, living in this world, together.
I was inspired to explore some of that innate knowledge by creating a visual story. That has been a journey in itself., for me. Yes, That is my Grandpa Henry and my Dad and his brother on either side, shortly after they emigrated from Jamaica.
I would love to hear your story! Tell me in your comment or instagram!
Check out the events link to make sure you get to my solo exhibit and reception on Sunday, September 23rd. Currently, Fresh fruit & vegetable watercolors ar exhibiting at Autentico Restaurant. Come on in and have a look and have an espresso or coffee!
Four blank canvases evoke the heart to respond.
seeking refuge/ process sketches watercolor & ink/ rag paper beth vendryes williams
Where do I begin?
The sun gently awakens me this morning as I begin my work in earnest on compiling my solo exhibit! There will be an opening reception on September 23, 2018. The show will be a collection of work done in recent years. In my newest work I have chosen to deepen my exploration of the refuge theme and am using multiple mediums in the development of this series.
I began by looking at four blank canvases I have in my studio. My head, heart, and hands were in agreement.
I realized I needed to work larger than before and change the medium. I decided to use oil paint for its gestural possibilities, rich depth of color and sensuous qualities.
Seeking Refuge is what I am calling the exhibit, and it operates on a couple of levels.
The current work underway references the 65 million people worldwide fleeing their homes in the world today, trying to find a place where they can live safely.
All of my art references the personal refuge that the process of creating brings to me.
I just want to begin to share my process with you, as I struggle through the daily work of pulling the ideas and images together. It is soul searching and sometimes difficult to see the next step.
I find your support invaluable. Walk with me if you dare, and follow my progress as the series takes form.
Astonishing, how living in the now moment, simplifies life
remember compassion study 5' x 4" pencil/ journal beth vendryes williams
You would be amazed at how hard it was for me to pull myself together last week to balance creating with sharing my work, and all of my daily practices. I had been sick and exhausted and so had to allow myself a rest.
I was struggling to accomplish even the smallest thing, Everything was distracting me! I put one foot in front of the other, staying in the now moment. Eventually, I found this article about what to do each day to keep creating and sharing your work.. I put it into action.
I remembered to keep it simple. And as my Dad used to say:
"As you travel on through life, brother, let this motto be your goal. Keep your eye upon the doughnut , and not upon the hole." Optimist's Creed via S. Keith Vendryes
In my case, the "doughnut" is first creating the work, documenting and sharing. Reviewing this list each day makes sure I stay on track and consistent.
Journal/sketch
Create art
Meet & record contacts
Do routine photoshoots, each upon completion of a body of work
Organize artist statement, bio, CV, press/ cloud-accessible
Create collections, categorize-type/subject/genre - send out
Research/document exhibits, residencies, grants past/future
Follow up on invoiced and customers.
Share inventory list with five potential outlets
Update online presence with news, posts, social
Choose to view shows, openings, exhibits. Schedule.
The next step is to continue organizing my space.
Knowing where to find my supplies and art labeling and updating contacts helps me to work more quickly and with greater focus.
As life changes daily, these little guidelines serve as guideposts to refer to when I lose my way. What do you do to keep yourself on track? I am thrilled to hear suggestions that really work for you!
How to make a breakthrough by watching clouds
let the clouds in #953 mixed media ( watercolor, Solarprint, acrylic, Japanese tissue collage 22' x 30"
Yes, I have been watching clouds all last year, imagining their magical beauty
is not only their appearance but also in the way they recycle and process water on the earth! They also cleanse the air when the raindrops fall.
They really do capture my imagination. So creating Solarplate images by using the sun to develop your image on a light-sensitive coating, and water to wash away the soft film water-soluble ink to print, made sense.
Looking and working on those clouds, made me think about how I could be more ecologically minded in my art. As I began to work on top of my first artist proof (a print that looks different from the original edition), I was using watercolor acrylic along with collaging Japanese rice paper, enlarging the image by breaking through the rectangle!
Suddenly I realize the philosophical importance of the art I am making.
❤️“Breaking through the boundaries of the rectangle with the softness of a cloud, is how life is. All change begins with a thought. My art is to make that “idea” visible. Once visible it insists on being looked at.”
Breaking through resistance does not require violence. When you pay attention to the visual, it can bring forth, metaphorically, another way of perceiving.
Through my work process, I understand that I need to explore this concept, of “breaking through boundaries" with clouds. So I ask myself what other artists, writers, directors, dancers, musicians have done that and what can I learn from them? Now i am asking you...
❤️ Have you ever asked yourself why you are so drawn to something, like the beach or the sun, asking yourself what about it attracts you? I love to hear what breakthrough you have had so comment on Instagram facebook Linked In or in the comment section here!
Soar with the unexpected challenge of living creatively
waterscape journal sketch beth vendryes williams
Being creative is defined as having the power to bring something into existence.
Creative thinking is a skill that you learn as you grow and try to make sense of the world. It benefits both of us to understand different ways of exploring and visualizing. Specializing in one way of thinking can impede us from understanding the relationships that do exist within a diverse world. Math, science, language, and history. For instance are all ways of understanding the same thing through different prisms or perspectives..
I remember first experiencing this when I was 14.
I loved taking art, enjoyed French, although with some difficulty and disliked the facts and figures of world history. Then one day, I learned about the same historical period in each of these three different classes. Suddenly it dawned on me that I was learning about the politics, the culture and the art of the same period! Then I began to understand the importance of each and how valuable it was to see from all three perspectives with a holistic view.
That one experience opened my mind to see many commonalities in life.
I now regularly see how seemingly divergent ideas can flow together. This causes me to view of the world.in a holistic way.According to research done by Michele and Robert Root-Bernstein in [Sparks of Genius: there are many mathematicians, like Blaise Pascal and scientists like, Einstein, who used intuition and imaging to find solutions to theoretical problems.
“Since then, I have approached my life creatively as if I were making a piece of art. All people, opportunities, books, places, new studies, and experiences constitute the materials that shape my daily life. ”
— beth vendryes williams
I consider making a meal as a work of art in how it is prepared, served and shared. That part was undoubtedly from my mom! Sewing or buying clothes, I look for beautiful, long-lasting organic alternatives. Cleaning supplies usually involve no preservatives or scents and baking soda and vinegar, so that they are sustainably able to tread lightly on our environment.
And in my professional vocation as an artist,
I carry a journal and packet of watercolor crayons, pencils ink pens and water brushes in my pocketbook. At any time I can access my "portable studio" to work wherever I am. Waiting becomes an opportunity to see more. I now look at my life as a work of art-in-process.
Now, as in creating a piece of art, there are mistakes and hard times. But I learn from working on my art that errors can change my perception to discover opportunities and incentive to make something new. And when I experience tragedies and difficulties in both art and life, they can be transformative, so I end up doing things I never imagined.
I have a few tools that I utilize to keep me on track.
Keep watching for the next few posts as I begin to share them with you!
Overcome old failures, observe & draw daily
Wow, that was like watching a movie! Portraits just kept coming...
I have always drawn and painted, so when I was a teenager, a neighbor commissioned me to create a portrait of her child. Taking a risk, I jumped at the challenge and went to work!
That portrait was rejected.
Over the years, I have painted only two commissioned portraits, each well received. However, I was not satisfied. I always felt that I needed to be more confident in my ability to quickly sketch and capture the unique characteristics of any person. I just accepted that it didn't come naturally to me. Crazy, right?
I finally got up the courage to take a portrait drawing course in November and December. Astonishingly, in those two months, I had the pleasure of reaching my challenge! Now I look forward to creating a unique likeness every chance I get! It is a joy and a blessing that has spurred me to expand my art into other mediums and new subjects.
Check these portraits out here!
I am so glad I decided to face my fears and try! Can you think of something you would like to dare to try again?
How to develop creative momentum, with focus and passion_
"swimming underwater" by beth vendryes williams watercolor, mylar, private collection
When I was in my beloved high school, I was disappointed that I didn’t receive the senior art award. So, when I saw my esteemed art teacher getting into the faculty elevator, I asked to accompany her to the next floor, so I could ask her privately, why I did not get it. She calmly responded that she didn’t think I wanted it badly enough and she felt I wasn’t persistent enough to commit to my art.
After tearfully absorbing this honest observation from Sr.Stephanie, I reflected on her words and realized that she was not trying to be mean, just honest and wise.
“I reasoned that belief in myself was something I could change.! I made the decision to pursue my dream. ”
I use to envision being ambitious as pushing ahead relentlessly and selfishly, pushing everyone and everything out of my way. So I was at odds with myself when I tried to pursue my work since I didn't want making art to be a selfish practice._This has changed!
_Now I interpret "ambitious" as consistently developing and sharing my dreams and gifts as I live fully in relation to my interior values, relationships and world view._
_In my art career, I have been most inspired to grow when I integrate the different areas of my life, so that work in one area is supportive of another. For instance, my habits of yoga, dance and walking and healthy eating can positively affect my energy level, and the quality and possibilities of my work.
Nurturing relationships is intrinsic to my work. I learn a lot from listening to creative endeavors and also explain my own, to those who ask. The dialogue, inevitably brings new perspectives to both of us. Reading what I love and learning new things supports my ability to have new ideas.
When I align my spiritual values with my creative process my work then radiates transparency and integrity._Art initiates philosophical discussions that embrace many areas of knowledge. _
Last year, when I had to relocate my sketchbook /journals, I estimated there were about 30. No way! I found 130 journals! I am now using them as primary source material and referencing them in my work. That is quite an affirmation of consistent habits and working with integrity. This year, in my Open Studio, I had much more work than I could show. Then, in the early morning hours of the Open Studio event, I was accepted into a juried show in NYC. and an opportunity for my work to be part of an international auction! It seems like a combination of perseverance and patience is fertile ground for my art/ Now it is giving momentum to my career.
__When I was younger I didn't realize the importance of seeing my life experiences as a connected in one wholistic perspective. Now I do._
I understand that the process of creating and sharing as essential to being. I look at creative process as my gift to develop, fully incorporating my deepest longings and spirit
Just this past week, I am thrilled to find my paintings and comments featured in an article on “Ambition” this month in the 2017 October/November edition of Professional Artist Magazine. Pick up a copy on a magazine rack or hereand let me know your thoughts!
What if you try but fall short of the goal?
Ah yes!
Early this morning, a very thoughtful friend inquired about my 30 day challenge... the 30 paintings in 30 days that wrote about a few posts ago.
"Did you actually finish 30 paintings?", she asked? I realized I never addressed the final outcome on this blog! So thank you my dear friend, for asking.
So for those of you who were rooting for me.....NO, although I did finish 7 paintings.
I am disappointed that I didn't get them all done and am happy with the series of 7 that I created.
I am also invigorated by the experience of carving out the time on a regular basis to paint in oil in a limited format.
It was a challenge that I don't regret because learned a lot from the experience. Pushing myself to produce the work has yielded a fresh and deep look at the ever-changing garden in our backyard. To see them all, take a look at my latest post fresh art post at my portfolio site and at the 30 in 30 post listed under fresh new art blog!
Now 3 of them are for sale at the Oyster Bay Frame Shop right in time for the holidays.
I'd love to hear what you think.
How do you handle changing goals when you have not met them?