she can see clearly now....

"She Can See Clearly Now"
mixed media on wood
36" x 36"

Someone from Japan posted the comment below, on my YouTube Channel about the video for my new painting.

"Your original idea is amazing!
I can't understand why that glasses are octopus.
But... I feel your caring about details, and it have fantasy like witchery.
You are so wonderful artist!!!!
Sorry, I'm not good at English. However, just I would like to tell you my impression."

First of all...I am thrilled that someone from Japan is interested in my art and videos! My close friends all know that the #1 place that I want to visit and show my work, is Tokyo! And to hear that I have "fantasy like witchery" gives me the goosebumps in such a good way.

But, I felt a greater need to share a little more about how my ideas develop into paintings.

Usually, they are twofold. Something sparks the visual idea...and then it is further developed to correspond with my emotions both from the present and past. In this case, my daughter's new glasses were part of the visual. Her wonderment of seeing the world, in such a new way sparked deeper emotions that I had been feeling lately.

I believe that we have a lesson to learn from each and every person we meet in life. Sometimes they are small lessons...sometimes life changing. Here's a small lesson that I learned recently that could be life changing in my art.

I have a friend who is a attorney and a painter. And although he doesn't know it...he is a very good painter. I've tried to tell him over and over that his work is accomplished enough to show in major galleries. He has had no formal training in painting...so therefore doesn't think it is good enough. Recently, he showed me a painting that he had been struggling with for a while. He wanted to completely start over. I spent a lot of time understanding what he wanted to accomplish and finding technical solutions to help. The techniques were new and different for him, but things I use everyday in my work. He was very grateful for the knowledge I had shared. At the time, I considered my role as merely teaching a fellow artist some techniques.

The next day, I began working on a new painting. I found myself questioning my every move. Instead of sticking with my tried and true painting techniques...I experimented and took chances with different techniques. It wasn't that the techniques were revolutionary...I had just forgotten to use them. I too...had a lesson to learn from my friend. Our conversation regarding techniques had jogged my memory! His enthusiasm and gratitude inspired me to think a little more outside the box of "Wyanne's tried and true techniques" and take some bigger chances. It was an extremely rewarding day of painting, and I felt it could have a huge positive impact on my work in the future.

I was surprised at the lesson that I learned from my friend. It made me wonder....How often do we get so accustomed to the way things are around us? It's almost like we are in our own comfort zone, and boxed in at the same time. Our focus is limited, and other things can seem foggy.

If you look up "octopus symbolic meaning" on google...you find a very long list. Focus, magic, creativity, complexity, intelligence...just to name a few. For me...the octopus symbolizes the people in my life who teach me valuable lessons.

This painting is about stepping beyond your comfort zone. Letting yourself see the world differently...and allowing yourself to experience the world differently. I hope you will learn a little something from my ramblings today. And I really hope that the painting will help you step outside the box...whether it's with your art or your life. Look beyond your comfort zone...look outside the box....challenge yourself and experience new things. Pay attention to every person and the lesson's they will teach you....you just never know....

Much love and gratitude,
Wyanne

oh what a night........

I just wanted to thank everyone for coming out to Blu last night for my show. I had the time of my life, so much love and positive energy. Special thanks to Jayson, Mykal, Erin and Nancy of Blu...you guys are the best. And to my great friends, Casey, Michael and M...who all surprised me by coming out to share my special night. Thank you all so much!!!! I promise to post more pictures of the show soon.

But, I wanted to share my cool octopus Henna Tattoo. It was done by Ann George of Spirit Vision. She did it at the Midnight Sun at 5 Points in Jacksonville a couple of hours before my show. I was a little stressed out because of all the last minute preparations before the show. But, the henna tattoo was so relaxing. She uses lots of essential oils in the henna paste that make it smell wonderful. This photo was taken a few hours after, and the paste was cracking...but it's still a cool effect. Today, all the paste has flaked off and the tattoo is a pretty brown on my skin and continuing to darken. It can last up to three weeks. I have to admit it's so cool...I'm almost ready to let go of my fear of needles for the real deal.

please join me....

she is emerging.....

"She is Emerging"
mixed media on wood
24" x 24"

As many of you know...I was adopted. I was told from day one that I was adopted. I think this was an effort by my adopted parents to keep it out in the open and not a big deal. But, it some ways....I think it was a constant reminder that I was different and didn't quite fit in. I think those who are not adopted, take for granted that they have family that they resemble. They can see where they came from... I didn't have that. My adoptive mother fell seriously ill when I was 7 years old, and it progressed to a complete vegetative state by the time I was 19. Losing her at such an early stage in my life, caused me to search for love and trust in everyone else...and not myself. Needless to say...I met some people who took advantage of my insecurities and hurt me terribly. It led me to put up walls...not let people in...and hold it deep inside for a very long time. This painting is about finally breaking down those walls, and letting special people into your life. Some of those people are new in my life, and some are old...but slowly they helped me take down those walls and trust again. In the process, I learned that it wasn't anyone else that I needed to trust or love...it was me. I needed to love and trust myself...

and you know what...the minute I did...magical things started to happen....

and a whole new glorious, incredible, beautiful world opened up, filled with unconditional love.

This is the first painting of the new transitional series. It's called, "She is Emerging". I hope everyone will find their own story in the painting.

All My Love,

Wyanne

she has the magic............

"She Has the Magic"
acrylic on wood
24" x 24"

Recently, a close friend reminded me that I had not posted to my blog since August 2. I thought it wasn't possible....but it was. I was shocked.

There are many reasons why....but to sum it up in one word....I would say....transition - a : passage from one state, stage, subject, or place to another : change b : a movement, development, or evolution from one form, stage, or style to another

I'm not very fond of the word...because at times it can be very scary...but it best describes my life right now. I won't bore you with all the details at this time.

But, you might have even noticed some transition in my artwork lately. A well respected gallery told me that my paintings were merely "pretty pictures". At first, one might think that would be a compliment...but it wasn't. They wanted the paintings to feel more emotion and reveal my secrets in an obscure way. This was really tough to accept at first...yet, after some careful thought..... I totally became fascinated with the possibilities.

When you are going through transition....whether it's good, bad or a combination of both....generally, there are a lot of road bumps. Too often we forget to use our talents to heal ourselves...we get so caught up in "painting a pretty picture" on the surface so no one will see our troubles. And when you create art every day...it become very easy to stay in your own comfort zone. But, what happens when you break out of your comfortable place....

the unknown is scary.........

I love Notes from the Universe by Mike Dooley. The notes are sent to your email box every day from the Universe. This one arrived for me:

All you have to do, Wyanne, is think about what you want often enough that you start talking about it and moving with it, even if you have to fake it.

Wyanne, your job is simple. Even if you only "attempt" to do it, you will have done it. The slightest effort on your side is leveraged 10,000 times on my side. A nod, a wink, a whisper are sometimes all I need; a demonstration that breaks the ice, beginning a domino effect of happy "accidents" and "coincidences."

If you do this, I'll do the rest. It is that easy. I am that powerful. Life is that magical.

Thinking of your smile,
The Universe

I have a huge challenge in front of me. By this time next year...I will be in that gallery. And in 2011...I'll be in.......

you'll have to watch the video for a hint..........




I hope you'll join me in my transitional journey. I know it's going to be the highest of highs and sometimes the lowest of lows. But, you and I are magical....and together....it will happen. Thank you for that.

Much love,
Wyanne

she doesn't want to see the truth.............

"She Doesn't Want to See the Truth"
acrylic, gouache, collage on wood
11" X 14"

My last post must have set the Universe in motion...because I have had lots of past acquaintances from as far back as high school contact me. Most... see my art, and either say they were in awe of it way back then, or had no idea that I was so talented. They also say that they remember me as being very quiet. I was painfully quiet, and never felt like I fit in. It was very difficult at home, as my mom was in the advanced stages of Alzheimer's...and no one knew at the time what was wrong with her. I never shared it with anyone at school. At the time...all I wanted to do was fit in and be popular. I would have cut off my right arm and given away all my artistic talent, at the time, to achieve this. I didn't even come close.


But, what if I had come close? I think my life would have taken a radical turn. I probably wouldn't be an artist today. I would have studied something more socially acceptable in college. Or art would be something that I would dabble in part time at the kitchen table on weekends. I know now that I would be miserable. ( Heck...I can't go a day or two, not creating...or I get very cranky. I think it's known as AWS....art withdrawal syndrome.)

Anyway, a long time ago, I packed all those painful memories of high school off to sea... to be forgotten. I intentionally forgot people, memories, names, places, etc. I did a really good job of it.

But, the suitcase came back.

I tried to ignore it...but I just kept tripping over it. It's been very easy over the years to blame others for the miserable time that I had in high school and the earlier part of college. I think we all look back at people from high school who we dislike because they made life difficult for us. But...did they really? Yes, there is a certain part of teasing, and bullying that goes on in our earlier years. Yet...now with a little more wisdom from age behind my belt...I'm realizing I had the power to change the situation. I could have been more outgoing...I could have tried to get to know people. I didn't have to be the shrinking violet, I could have made more effort. I chose that path....or did I?

Possibly the Universe had different plans for me. I needed to feel all those painful experiences for a reason...to be a better artist. It would help me communicate emotion through my art. It made me passionate about what I do and who I am.


But, what do I do with the suitcase of memories and people? I decided to open it and let these people and memories back in my life. I can't say that it hasn't been painful all over again...because at times it has. I decided to own it...to be accepting...to feel it...and to be thankful for the experience and journey. It has, and is making me who I am today...an artist.

Love,
Wyanne

Here's a new video for you:

connected

"Connected"
mixed media on wood
12" x 12"

We live in an age where everything is connected through technology. I now have an iPhone that I carry with me at all times, that allows me to stay connected to the Internet, my email, Etsy, Facebook, Twitter and loads of other things. I feel lost when I don't have it...I feel out of touch. This technology is incredible because it has reconnected me with family and best friends that I haven't been in touch with for over 20 years. Through programs like Facebook and Twitter...I can keep in touch with everyone and what they are doing on a day to day, minute by minute basis. I've made new friends from all over the world, that I would have never known if it were not available. I feel very thankful to have this technology in my life. But, at the same time it speeds things up. It takes over. It takes us to a more superficial level, and it causes us to get a little lazy with our connections. Everyone we meet in life is for a reason. We might not know the reason, but it's there.

A few weeks ago, I finally came to the decision that I could not do my artwork at home , or at my Blue Door studio/gallery. Both had too many distractions and interruptions, and it was hard to make a good art mess, in either place. So, I set out to find a new working creative space. I would keep Blue Door as more of a gallery space. I started telling my friends that I was looking...I checked Craigslist regularly...and went on tons of appointments. I met some very interesting people along the way. Nothing felt right. I tried not to get too disappointed and keep positive. The right thing would come along at the right time. One afternoon, I remembered a person I met a long time ago, and who I don't stay in touch with. She had mentioned some cottages here on the Island in a casual conversation years ago. I knew where they were, but had never even set foot in the parking lot. So, I decided drive by and see them. I could hardly believe when I stepped out of the car, and saw a "For Rent" sign in one. I knew it was the right space. I called the owner, who was the nicest lady in the world....and even told me I could get paint on the floor. I knew I was home.

I'm glad I paid attention to that casual conversation a long time ago. I had that conversation for a reason, that is so clear now. So, even with our close connected technological world...I'm going to start paying a little closer attention to the people that come in and out of my life. They are all here for a reason. I'm going to make more of an effort to stay positively aware with everyone I come in contact with. I might not be able to see the gift that a person holds for me right away. But, I'll know that it is there...no matter how big or small...and I will be open, receptive, and not forceful...letting it gently unfold itself.

Thank you all for being in my life.

Love,
Wyanne

Here's a new video for you.