That was a long break. Unplanned but needed to realign with the big U – my term for the Universe. I’m plugged in and ready to hole up in the studio until Open Studio time in June.
A fellow artist asked on Instagram:
What do you do in the moments to reconnect?
I interpret this as getting back in the groove. How do you get back to anything when you’ve taken a break? I’m lucky in that I love what I’m returning to so I don’t really give it any thought. No plans. No list.
This week, I walked in to the studio and as usual I started sweeping the floor. It’s a humble offering to a new day, a fresh start. I took stock of what I needed to put away, work to hang, paintings to box for upcoming shows or old work I wanted to look at again. I sat on the sofa awhile and took it all in; letting the eyes wander the walls freely.
I reconnect by moving.
This helps me get out of the mind and into the moment.
I then began to prep large panels. Lifting and turning a 40 by 30 inch wood panel is like doing a set of straight legged dead lifts at the gym. I stood for a couple of hours bent over the griddle applying the first few layers of medium. Paint, torch, paint, torch. I don’t like stopping this process because I need the panel to stay warm and accepting of the wax.
I reconnect by starting with what I know.
After ten years of encaustic painting I’m comfortable with this part of the process. I could do it in my sleep. I know how hot the wax is by the smell and shine. I can “juice” my brush with just the right amount of medium to get the most out of each stroke. I remember to prep many panels at once so when I start painting I’ll be ready.
And ready is just a sweep away!
XOXO
Francesca
