Going through my photo library and found this photo I took of the wonderful poster wall on 11th, between Pine and Pike a couple years ago but never posted. Today was a 13 hour work day and I'm seriously pooped. It's an evening of cheese, crackers, wine, tv and early to bed.

Last night was incredible. It was probably the easiest, most laid back, relaxing time I've had with friends since I've moved out of the studio. Everything was easy and calm. The dinner? Brilliant. They made grilled chicken with smoked gouda kalamata cream sauce, truffle mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus. We enjoyed some good wine. Tasted his homemade port. The bunny and I left emotionally and physically satiated.

Today is my first day in a long time with absolutely nothing on my schedule. I'm going to immerse in this quiet by being fully lazy.

I took the photo a few weeks ago, in a dear friend's gallery. They are closing up shop. Although excited for their future, I'm sad that they are fairly new in my life, meeting a year ago, and won't have the chance to spend much more time together.

I'm slowly beginning the goodbyes.

Looking forward to a wonderful evening with the bunny and my former studio mate where her husband, a chef, is cooking up a feast. I haven't seen her since November, when I popped into one of her shows. It'll be great to spend some time catching up and excited to bring her a treat. A gift. She used to enjoy the music on my Nano and so I burned 10 discs - The Sophia Room Compilation.

This week in my therapy session we booked the remaining appointments. I have three left to go. My shrink did mention that once I move, he's willing to do a few Skype sessions in case I need to check in for a little grounding after such a relocation and being in a strange city.

September 2002 was the first session with my therapist. It's been an amazing and startling 9 1/2 years. Not only have I learned new skills, but they've become a part of my marrow. It's been a wonderful relationship. I've been his client and at times, his student. My sister asked me a while ago why I was still seeing him. "It's because he is the only person in my life right now that I don't have to censor at all with."

I love knowing that the times I'm embarrassed to say something or feel stupid about uttering a thought...those are the very things he needs to hear. Therein lay the burgeoning of intimacy.

I come close with my two best friends...and because of the work in my sessions, my friends and I have become even more intimate. But certain skills mean a certain amount of loneliness/isolation above and beyond the general loneliness found in the human condition. My shrink offers a connection and understanding that eases it a little.

Two days ago I was teasing my therapist by suggesting we could barter a bunch of paintings for his couch. It's fairly new, very comfortable and a lovely color. My teasing wasn't only about furnishing my new place but the powerful symbol of his couch. Vulnerability. And wondering what that will look like in Providence.

I've emotionally pulled in tight with the public in the last few years while at the same time opened more deeply with those closest to me. I've learned so much in therapy. Yes I still get terrified. Anxious. Bitchy. Hurt. Enraged. Feel pain. But it's different now. There is greater awareness of the darkness when it comes up and am learning to slow down and act instead of unconscious reaction. I'm able to access depths of self...power, strength that I previously found uncomfortable. Hopefully it's enough to carry me into close relationships in New England.

While walking to complete errands I noticed this divider and had to do a double take. I thought the tree was imprinted on the divider and then realized it was backlit and the tree was behind it.

It's been an incredibly busy week:

-Booked the movers.

-Set moving date.

-Worked on job resume.

-Reworked art resume.

-Applied for a job at Brown.

-Prepping to train the new me (my replacement who begins Feb. 15) at my day job.

-Finally had my second to last dental appointment for my implant. This one was to make the mold for my permanent tooth. I'll finally be done with this entire process on Feb 13th. It's been over a year.

-Spent much time working on February's show.

-And I want to see loads of friends, but other than the few dates on my calendar, the remaining of socializing will have to wait until after the opening on February 9th.

-On Wednesday, after a 10 hour work day, I went home and spent 5 hours working on details for the show.

I am so damned tired.

This afternoon was all about choosing work and creating an inventory list. In doing so I noticed I didn't have a photo of this 2010 painting. It is one of my favorite paintings from the Bleeding Vessels series. It's 14"x18", oil on canvas...and it's kinda like the Jets and the Sharks.

As I was working on my price list, I realized I wasn't ready to sell it. It is coming to Providence with me. But, it may be in the show.

From dinner with talented friends.

Some photos from a concert I attended on Sunday.

Here are the last of the snow photos. Knowing this may be my final experience with Seattle snow, I wanted to fully enjoy it. Seattle in the snow is wondrous. Because it's not a regular part of our winter, in addition to the curmudgeons arising, so do the children within. There is an exceptional playfulness that appears. Walking is the best bet and in little neighborhoods like mine, the vitality is heightened. Time slows down. The rushing madness of life eases.

From Thursday night...walking home.

snowy wires and branches

On Thursday, after meeting friends for dinner and the best hot toddy I've ever had, I took my time walking home in the snow. It was a beautiful night. I spent almost an hour watching folks sled on my street corner.

There were three dogs that got in on the fun. They began running along side folks on sleds/aluminum turkey pans/cardboard/kayaks and inflatable rafts. One black lab would even grab an orange flying saucer sled once it stopped and would bring it up the hill. Joy abounded.

And the hot toddy? It was called a Fireball Toddy - Fireball whiskey, hot water, honey, lemon and Aztec Chocolate Bitters. I couldn't even really taste the chocolate but could tell it added a little complexity to the drink. It was the perfect drink for a snowy, cold evening.

From last night:

The 43 to Ballard is not going to get there very quickly.
These buses are on E John, headed east. Why the hold up?




Because a couple blocks away, after crossing 12th, you see this.

It was supposed to rain today and melt everything. That was the news even this morning. But...it's been snowing all day. Which is okay.

Photo is from my office window.

My street corner late yesterday afternoon...

Go to americancensorship.com and
sopastrike.org

A night snow shot.

Our weather is currently up in the air (ha ha)...because they (The National Weather Service) aren't sure whether we are going to be slammed with snow...or not.

I just saw this in The Stranger which highlighted a NWS entry early yesterday morning:

...AN ACTIVE WEATHER PATTERN IS EXPECTED THURSDAY THROUGH NEXT WEEKEND.
.SHORT TERM..."LOOKS LIKE I PICKED THE WRONG WEEK TO QUIT DRINKING" -STEVE MCCROSKEY
PRETTY CHALLENGING NEXT FEW DAYS FOR THE FORECAST OFFICE...


I may be working from home...or slip on my YakTrax and walk to work.

A few months ago, while walking to an exhibit of Laura Hamje's work, I was thinking about her paintings and looking forward to seeing them in person. Immediately, Sue Danielson's work came to mind and I could visualize an exhibit featuring the three of us. We share a similar sensibility while retaining our individuality.

Considering I am moving to Rhode Island in March, I had no idea how this dream would manifest itself. But, magic happens and so, I am thrilled to announce:

Conversations in Paint: Danielson, Hamje and Gagnon

Show runs February 9 - March 4, 2012
Opening Reception: Thursday, February 9, 2012 6 - 8 pm (Second Thursday Blitz! Artwalk)

Vermillion Gallery
1508 11th Ave, Seattle WA 98122
vermillionseattle.com

Show Statement:

I'm excited about all the art I see. The idea that people are creating is an energizing force, electrifying in its diversity.

Within that, I still seek out the painters who enjoy figurative and abstract, fluidly working between both, not as an either/or, but as an and. I seek painters who paint for the sheer joy, because the act of laying thickly-laden brush to canvas is synonymous with breathing. Initially, it is painting because we must; we can't not paint. Once the painting begins, our hand brings forth our subconscious. The motion of moving the hand engages our inner world and shines light in dark corners.

Whether or not we are fully aware of this internal journey, the act of painting, alone and of itself, is an act of brilliance. It is as simple as our daring to make a mark with no agenda other than our need to breathe. -Marie Gagnon


About the artists:


Sue Danielson

Sue Danielson is a self-developed acrylic painter and mixed-media artist who lives and works in Seattle. She is a Western Washington native who has also resided in Alaska and California. Her work has exhibited at regional and national venues such as: Fine Art Museum at Florida State University, the Denver Biennial, Farmington Museum in New Mexico, and Arts Center of New Jersey where she was awarded an Honorable Mention by MOMA curator Susan Kismaric. Her current representation includes Core Gallery in Seattle where her show, The Truth of What I See, will be on exhibition during February 2012.

Danielson’s work has been published in Studio Visit Magazine, and will be included in the upcoming Manifest Gallery Painting International II (juried), to be published in summer of 2012.

For more information, please visit www.coregallery.org and www.suedanielson.net.



Laura Hamje

Laura Hamje's work has been included in juried exhibitions at Art/Not Terminal Gallery in Seattle (2011); the gallery at Clatsop Community College in Astoria, Oregon (2011); and Sixth Street Gallery in Vancouver, Washington (2009). Hamje, a 2008 graduate of the University of Washington, currently lives and works in Seattle. Her work is represented by Prographica: www.prographicadrawings.com.
www.hamje.com



Marie Gagnon

Marie Gagnon is a painter, sex activist and culture warrior. Born to a painter and a physician, her first art lessons came from her mom while growing up in Western MA. After far too much procrastination, Marie received her BFA from the University of New Hampshire in 1996. She has had solo shows in NH, MA and Seattle. Marie’s work has also been included in shows in New York City and Oakland CA. A refugee of the 619 Western Arts building, and after enjoying Seattle for 13 years, Marie looks forward to returning to the New England coast in March where she will relocate to Providence RI.
www.mariegagnon.com

Here are a few more snow photos from yesterday.

Today the office was closed because of the holiday but it wasn't a lazy day. It was a day of dealing with changing all my auto bill pays to the new bank account, revamping my moving to do list, choosing a move by date, working on the February art show, organizing paperwork and receipts to file taxes, and dealing with the details for another new art opportunity. I also needed to deal with my resume but that needs to wait another day.

I had the tv on and watched a few movies while working: The Rosa Parks Story and Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters' First 100 Years.

Watching those films, especially the one on Rosa Parks, reminded me of the potent, powerful nature of nonviolent civil disobedience as well as how our education is lacking. In addition, I believe we are/have become a very spoiled society. Armchair activists are a plenty with many leaning more toward whining, but how many of us (myself included) could truly stand in front of an angry mob, peacefully, and not be swayed? Not allow our actions to be controlled by anger yet instead use the anger to lift us above the ignorance, the selfishness, and the fear...steadfast and resolute...without lowering ourselves to tantrums, fights, snarkiness. How can we tap into a greater spirit of service? How can we turn the other cheek when being confronted with violence? Is that idea even in our current social vocabulary?

Some of the Occupy Movement has engaged in nonviolent behavior. I've shared in a few of those profound experiences, but even there...it often gets squelched by a more vocal vengeful contingent.

And it's not only our economic disparity, but race is still a massive problem. Sexual orientation. Gender identity. Women's issues. And on. And on. Great change takes time and it comes in excruciatingly tiny steps. Maybe there are enough small pockets of compassionate sanity that can make a dent in this chaotic, emotionally-starved, ever hungry, tangled mess we call America.

Some days the weight of it all just overwhelms me.

This morning we woke to snow. Snow!!!

While at brunch with a dear friend we looked out the window at hefty flakes filling the air. It's so damned pretty. Today's snow comes with a couple downsides though. One, I needed to cancel an evening with my former studio mate. The roads are treacherous. And two - I lost power about 1:30 this afternoon.

A little while ago I grabbed my laptop and headed for 15th, hoping there would be power at one of the coffee shops. Half the street is dark and the other half bustling. So I'm recharging my laptop and kicking myself for not bringing my cell charger.

Before leaving I pulled out the flashlight and left it near my entrance. Candles and matches are now on my counter. And I made sure to attach my little mini flashlight to my keychain.

According to Seattle City Light's website, power should be back around 8 pm.

In spite of these couple setbacks....it's snowing! Snow makes me happy.

I'm an old-school girl...with a need to not only touch but also smell the pages.

i've been super busy.

money stuff:

opened up a credit union account at becu and am slowly fizzling out wells fargo. it was THE.BEST.BANK.EXPERIENCE of my life.

working on consolidating debt.


health stuff:

making dentist appointments, including the final two to complete this 12 month long implant process as well as a third for my semi-annual cleaning.

yesterday had annual physical and the doctor also wants a diagnostic mammogram instead of a regular screening one. no big deal. just double checking the little pea-sized lump i've had for 11 years.

blood work tomorrow. routine.


art exhibit:

working on statement and bio and gathering writings from the two other painters for february's show.

figure out which paintings to exhibit. hang show first week of february.


moving logistics:

make decision on actual moving date.

commit to moving option (abf moving pods) and auto-transporter (probably coast to coast auto).

trying to clean/sort one drawer a week. (easier in small chunks).

decisions on what to move and what to throw away/give away.


work transition:

compiling notes and creating the annual calendar

slowly working on manual for my successor.

continue training my most awesome and brilliant assistant/angel and in february train my successor.


i have very little ram left in my head.

My new home in March!

Photo taken today while in Viewridge. I've been thinking a lot about Edwin Dickinson and his work. He's a powerful painter...a painter's painter and yet, sadly, under-appreciated. Seeing this while in the living room...it reminded me of some of Dickinson's drawings which I love.

Almost 20 years ago, I tracked down a small catalog of one of his shows of drawings in NYC (which I can't find right now). So I can't show you one, but here is a link to one of his paintings.

From yesterday's walk...

Today is my birthday. The day isn't over and yet it's been filled with joyous gifts. Not gifts wrapped in boxes and bows but magic falling from the stars. In addition, earlier today I spent time wandering Pioneer Square and a couple galleries. My totem animal has evolved over the years from dragonfly, to black panther and now, for the last year has been an owl. Lo and behold...among today's wanderings, I stumbled upon this birthday owl.

Dark, rainy day. Perfect for music, a glass of wine and working on my show statement.

I love ferry boats.

I've spent the last few days working on the February exhibit as well as trying to figure out the logistics of moving cross country. This also includes switching of banks and figuring out forwarding addresses. I may not have the time to work on much art because time is going to fly and focus will need to be on the move. Details. Details. Details.

In other news, Gallery(206) is a group show I was a part of in June. It was the work of over 200 artists, contained in a phone booth. On Christmas eve, I was tickled to see that the creator/curator of Gallery(206) gave the Seattle Art Museum a gift, at the base of the Hammering Man.

See the above link for a closeup.

A little blurb on the present from the Gallery(206) is here. And details on the phone booth and the artists is found at gallery206.net.

And in even more news, I think I'm finally getting over this damned cold.