Moving forward, one step at a time. Towards the unknown Full of uncertainty and possibility all at the same time fear and anticipation walking side by side how do you keep going when there is no light in sight no promise of happy endings or rewards worthy of the sweat and tears.
You keep moving forward, one step at a time. keeping the faith holding on to
seek and you shall find ask and it will be given knock and the door will be opened
Three nuggets of grateful.
I'm grateful for my life which allows me to be physically present, to stand in silent heartache with a friend's during a difficult time.
I'm grateful for the beautiful country I live in and all the luxury and beauty it gifts me.
I'm grateful for amazing & talented friends (who can bake!). They remind me I never have to stand alone through this journey of life.
"TOGETHER WITH GREY Acrylic on Canvas 18" x 24" ©2012 Brenda Mangalore/ Sashé Studio"
LIFE IS A FUNNY THING
The last few weeks has been filled with big news & changes. Teaching me that well-laid plans are not a guarantee of control over where life leads you. Mr Mangalore received a job offer interstate last month, so we're on our way! It feels really sudden now as the reality of it all starts to hit me (plus the mountain of boxes in my house!) But! This is in many ways an answer to our prayers. We didn't imagine it would involve an interstate move but I'm grateful for this opportunity for Sunny. I am looking forward to building a home together from scratch for the first time as a married couple. Oh the decorating experiements to be had.... The next few weeks will be filled with very non-fun packing and cleaning, though I am grateful for this forced de-cluttering of possessions. Where did all this stuff come from? You know how sometimes, you daydream of going off for an adventure, but you didn't realise the scary reality of change & pulling up your roots AND being away from everything you are SO use to? I think I'm going to realize all those times in the past I've been pushed outside my comfort zone was just a rehearsal for this.
Despite all these unplanned change to life & home...
THE THEME FOR THIS YEAR IS THE NOTION OF INBETWEEN
Being inbetween life stages Inbetween decisions Inbetween the lines Inbetween dreams All the beauty and scary in those shades of grey. I'm learning from this experience that there is SUCH comfort in knowing your place. Spontaneity & adventure is fun & romantic but it's also pretty scary. Not being one or the other. On the otherhand, being in the middle of anticipation & excitement is also an inbetween state. That moment when you're inbetween sleepy dreams & wakefulness is a magical space. I want to explore these ideas and emotions. With the move, I'm more than eager to really paint out these reflections from personal experience in real time. I've been drifting alot into daydreams as I explore these ideas in my head -- inbetween all the packing and clearing out. At the moment, I am learning that being In-Between can be a messy place, but also very cleansing as you let go of somethings and reaffirm your hold on others. You wouldn't be able to do that if you're already on the other side.
So come on over and check out the 2012 Art Project
Or visit the shoppe to go straight to the project packages Make sure you join the Society so you can follow with us through the project & also see how Sydney affects my work. This blog & you guys are my one steady thing I'm holding unto as I ride this huge change adventure. Have a happy Easter break - enjoy all the chocolate for me! I'm trying to resist going to the shops, mainly 'cos I've just learnt that clearing out my wardrobe awakens this Pavlovian urge to go and buy stuff to replenish it. Must. Not. Give. In
"THREE SISTERS standing together ©2012 Brenda Mangalore/Sashé Studio"
As mentioned yesterday, here are the results of my experiment. I repeated same-ish marks across three canvases to see what would happen in producing a kind of Limited Original Reproduction. In a way, they are kinda like siblings. Or triplets. They all have the same DNA, the same elements in their make-up. But they have their own personalities. As their stories developed, so did their uniqueness.
"THREE SISTERS #1 Acrylic on canvas, ©2012 Brenda Mangalore/Sashé Studio"
Initially I thought it would get a bit repetitive. Maybe the repeats would detract from the beauty of each original. But now, seeing all three together I really like seeing the same-ness & the differences at the same time. I think they sit well together but they also hold their own individually. They aren't like diptychs, where both canvases need each other to be whole. These three were created together BUT each were also created to be an individual.
"THREE SISTERS #2 Acrylic on canvas, ©2012 Brenda Mangalore/Sashé Studio"
Time will tell if this experiment is onto a winner. I think I will need to continue testing.
"THREE SISTERS #3 Acrylic on canvas, ©2012 Brenda Mangalore/Sashé Studio"
What do you think?
Does it work as three pieces or one? What are your initial thoughts on Limited Original Reproductions? Which one is your favourite? Or do you prefer all three to stand together?
I thought I'll try out an experimental idea. To create "repeats" in a limited number, where I repeat the same marks and colours across a couple of canvases. Obviously the marks and drips would differ from one to the other due to me not being a robot.
I wondered what I would end up with.
Would they all look like 'reproductions' that are too 'same-same'? Would I only get one good painting and a bunch of dud siblings? Would my collectors like these limited original reproductions?
What do you think?
Thanks for visiting me in the studio today, come back tomorrow to see the final result of these Three Sisters.
Here in Australia, this day is little skewed towards our romantic love relationships but I know elsewhere it's targeted as a general love day.
A day to reflect and remember all the people in your life you love. I kinda like that idea.
I think it's nice for us to reflect on all the lovely people in our lives and also just how lovely life is.
I have my share of glass half-empty days, so I try to remember all that is lovely and awesome in life.
One of those lovely & awesome things is my hubby.
He is my sunshine on grey sky days, so the lyric is a nice (kinda cheesy) play on his name while still being meaningful for us. :)
Thinking of lovely awesome people, I wanted to create something nice for my Insider members this month.
A nice tweak & voila!
A new high-res printable of You are my Sunshine is available in the Insider List Library
(If you're not a member - Sign up for FREE access to the Insider Library filled with gorgeous artwork like these printable postersAND new monthly artwork for your screens)
BLOOMING PRESENT Acrylic on canvas, 24" x 20
Blooming Present is my little moment of serendipity where lots of things just fall into place at just the right time. I can't explain it, but this painting has a big nugget of giggling happy. It took a bit of struggle with the strong red & pink, which I originally thought was going to be overwhelming but now I think it has become it's strength.
"BLOOMING PRESENT (Detail) Acrylic on canvas, 24" x 20" ©2011 Brenda Mangalore/Sashé Studio"
Originally the pod-like plant shapes were only suppose to have a maximum of two leaves. When I went back over what I thought was a mistake in my line placement, I just kept drawing around it and it evolved into this multi-criss-cross shape. Again, something that I thought was a struggle (& mistake) turned out to be one of my favourite parts of this painting.
"BLOOMING PRESENT (Detail) Acrylic on canvas, 24" x 20" ©2011 Brenda Mangalore/Sashé Studio
This piece continues my exploration of colour and memories. That softness you find on the edges of your dreams + the multi layers of history, memory & perception. Blooming Present is very much about being strong in yourself but with an eye into your many layered past. All of which, like most of my work, will be filtered by your perception, memories & personality.
"Window view at The Firehouse Restaurant, Ringwood (Nov 2011 - Feb 2012)"
WHAT DO YOU SEE IN THIS PAINTING?
How does it feel to you?
Please leave your comments below - I would love to hear your thoughts.
CAPRICIOUS HAZE, Acrylic on canvas 10" x 10" (25.4cm x 25.4cm)
Capricious Haze is one of the last paintings for my Winter Art Project 2011. The contributor had a specific request for a 'moody' painting. It was a nice added challenge to paint something in order to evoke a particular mood. I added more metallic paints into this piece so that it would have a nice sheen & depth to the colours. Especially since I limited the colour palette to mainly blues in order to tap into the 'moodiness' that blue tends to bring out in most people. (Click the images for a larger view)
CAPRICIOUS HAZE (Detail) Acrylic on canvas, 10" x 10" ©2012 Brenda Mangalore/Sashé Studio
I was definitely channeling the emotions from my previous painting: Among the Nebulous Mind Except I wanted more glowing-ness in the aqua blues so that it would highlight that red circle on the left. It didn't want to be covered up so I had to emphasize it a bit more with touches of pinks & metallic pearl whites mixed into the aqua blue. (You'll have to ask the collector to check out the metallics! The colours are much richer in person.)
CAPRICIOUS HAZE (Detail) Acrylic on canvas, 10" x 10" ©2012 Brenda Mangalore/Sashé Studio
The triangles trickling down is a new addition to my mark-making patterns. I usually prefer circles for their stability and aesthetic. Somehow, for added 'moodiness' I needed the sharpness of those triangles. I really like their random soft-falling nature vibrating with their geometry. And...just to let you know, the collector was quite happy with his piece. (yay!) Makes me happy he will have a painting that he can continue to look at and enjoy over time.
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
What kind of 'moody' does it feel like to you?
Please leave your comment below -- Love to know your view on this painting p.s Want a painting of your own? Contact me to chat about commissioning your own painting today
As we look forward to all the yummy possibilities of 2012 as well as all the yummy Christmas food, I want to take this moment to say Thanks Muchly for your love & support in 2011 -- contributing to the Winter Art Project, reading the blog, encouraging comments & emails... it's been great to share my art & to chat with you about your stories inspired or evoked by my work. I only know my side of the story in my art, so being able to hear about the other side (your side) of the story gives my work a deeper richness & meaning. Plus it's encouraging to know my creations are in loving homes, doing their job of making your space beautiful & inspired! I hope that you have a lovely Christmas surrounded by love & fun and join me in looking forward to the best year yet in 2012! Thanks again for all your love & friendship xo Brenda
Tiptoeing Through Dawn is part of my Winter Jumpstart Project created for one of my $200 contributors. You will see the many layers this piece went through over several days. (If you're reading this in your email, you may need to click the title to view the video in your browser)
ENJOY!
Sometimes when you look at my work, you'll wonder about the story behind the painting. I don't want to overide what you see as the painting's story -- I think what you see is just as much part of the story of the painting as my intentions during its creation. I hope that by seeing the layers underneath and the creation process will add a wider perspective to your view when contemplating my work.
Let me know in the comments:
What did you think of my video?
What would you like to see in future videos?
What do you see in the life of this painting?
Here
My first solo exhibition opening night!
I was both excited and nervous. Would anyone show up? Would they like my work? Will I be stuck with two giant platters of cheese? I need not have worried. There was a good turn out, amazing feedback and lots of smiles. Even some friends I hadn't seen in a while came to catch up and cheer me on in my new life as an artist. We finished on time (instead of embarrassingly early as I feared) and my family and I went out for a late dinner of Thai food. Just the way I wanted to celebrate a great project, and the first of (hopefully) many more exhibition opening nights!
All photos are by Wes Chia of Wes Chia Photography (click image for a larger view)
All images above ©2011 Wes Chia Photography
BREATHE (CREATED DURING MY WINTER PROJECT)
After a wonderful opening night last Thursday, I am enjoying a slower pace this week. A pace with space (rhymes!), and space for me means room to breathe. It's a word that I've wanted to draw for a while now - it's my one-word mantra when I start to feel overwhelmed. Doing anything new, especially in pursuit of a passion means putting yourself out there. It's a little scary 'out there'. There are no guarantees 'out there' & fear monsters run rampant. The thing is, you can't do awesome work without putting yourself 'out there'. *sigh*
BREATHE, Originally ink on watercolour paper, 12" x 8" (30.5cm x 20.32cm)
Needless to say, during the last few months as I had been feverishly painting and creating for the winter project I had battled with my fear & overwhelm monsters. I know that if I hadn't paused occasionally, I would have been swamped with feelings of overwhelm. None of which is good for my creativity juju. I hope that this piece will become a gentle reminder for you to return to your breath. To breathe in the space & inspiration you need to keep doing your awesome work.
How do you create space in your world?
BREATHE (detail), Originally ink on watercolour paper, 12" x 8" (30.5cm x 20.32cm)
The original drawing is black indian ink on watercolour paper. Simple & Classic. Prints in different colour ways will be are available in the shoppe(after the exhibition).
What colour ways would you like to see 'breathe' prints come in? Please comment below with your favourite colour suggestion
Just a little look at my creative space today. Watching paint dry isn't as boring as the saying. Especially if you've got a few colours going at once. My days are filled with painting as I approach the last month of my winter project. It's getting a bit intense as I try to balance making space for each painting to come out in its own time, while checking off my to-do list as the deadline approaches!
See other creative spaces here.
Opening night: Thursday 1st September, 6pm Exhibition Running: 2nd September - 11th September Smart Artz Gallery: 2 Alfred Place, South Melbourne VIC 3205
Please Save the Date of the Winter Art Jumpstart Exhibition's (proper name to come) opening night. Come celebrate with us - I'm looking forward to celebrating the culmination of artwork from this winter!
In all the happenings the last few weeks I've forgotten to mention a huge thank you to those of you who have contributed to the Winter Art Jumpstart
I wasn't sure if people would believe in my art
I wasn't sure if people would trust me enough to support me with their wallets while I painted. I've learnt that, I shouldn't take my creativity for granted. People are hungry for beauty + colour in their lives and their spaces. You should surround yourself with art that you love, moves you & gives you joy. I'm honored to be able to be part of that for my 30+ contributors! *WOW
My goal seemed (at the time) like such a stretch - $2500. *WOW again!
I'm grateful I stretched out! We reached the target by the first week of July and to date, we've surpassed it a little (which also helps pay those Paypal fees!). We (the hubby + I) have been surprised & humbled so many times by your generosity and encouragement. The words of support have been as much of a blessing as the funds. Even though there was a few little bumpsalong the road, I am bouyed by all the support to keep painting even on tough days. (Especially when the warm bed is more enticing than the winter chill in the studio) My goal now is to put everything into the (many many) artworks I need to make + all the ones that are dying to be created. Be kind to myself (I may have pushed myself a little too much last couple weeks). Trust my creative process. Have an awesome party to celebrate at the culmination of this incredible journey (more details to come!) Much love to you for being a part of my encouragement circle. xo brenda p.s Some of the options have been removed, but there is still a bit of time left to contribute to the project (the extra funds will go towards making more art and help us throw an amazing exhibition opening night!)
1st birthday card - one of the last designs I did at my old job.
One year ago today, I left my full-time 'dream' design, corporate-cubicle-J-O-B to pursue my real dream creative life of being an artist. Today I will have a small celebration of this big step but, we're also doing the final ritual that the Mangalore family needs to do to say goodbye to Ajja. So a twinge of sadness, but a day of celebrating love, passion and pursuing a life lived to the fullest. Since I don't have many words to share this week, I'll like to highlight a *shared stories* - guest post I did a little while ago for the Do What You Love blog. It's about doing what I love - my journey towards Sashé Studio. Here's an excert that is in the heart of what I will reflect on during this week as I celebrate. (So much learning!):
I wish I could say “I’m living my happily ever after”. In a way I am, but I’m also at the beginning of a new story. Now when I read those blogs about artists and their life, I feel like I’m reading my own future diary but I still have to LIVE in the present. I’m being a full-time artist now! That isn’t to say all is sunshine and rainbows. The fear monsters still screams occasionally, my days are filled with learning to listen to both my monsters and faith. To be a beginner again means learning to be humble, being willing to fail. I realise I’ve had to change my lifestyle too, budget-wise as well as learning the difference in managing myself as a business owner vs being an employee. Learning to be kind to myself when I fail; learning to pick myself up and keep moving forward. Accepting baby steps instead of jumping to the happy ending; learning to celebrate those small steps too. Learning about all the knowledge I didn’t know I didn’t know to live an artist’s life and business, but it all began with making that choice to actively DO what I love. That has made all the difference.
IT'S BEEN A TOUGH WEEK
It's been a week since we said our final goodbyes to our beloved Ajja (my husband's grandpa). It's always hard for me emotionally at any funeral, I can always feel the grief of those around me, even if I didn't know the person who died. Watching someone you love go through that sorrow, you get a double dose of mourning. Both for the one who's passed away and the one who's grieving that loss. So this week has been days of slow recovery from last week's funeral - gradually getting my emotional & mental levels back to where I like them. I'm sure I will have more to say after further reflection, but not today.
NO WORDS
My husband had a special relationship with his grandpa. They didn't speak a common language - so it was a relationship of wordless love. A relationship that was more beautiful because it forced them to interact in the present, the now. To bond in small moments of wonder & connection. Something that words can be a barrier to sometimes perhaps? Ajja and I had no words either, but I felt the love too. (Yes, I wanted to post about having no words and this became rather long - please bear with me, I want to explain my word-lessness for the next few days) I enjoy art without words . The whole reason I wanted to paint was to create art that evokes wonder, exploration, emotions & feelings in people beyond words and cause them to pause in that moment. This week I wanted to share this 10 x 10 inch painting - called: "Dance in Orange". I had plenty of words I could use to describe it. The pattern, metallic paints, the flow & atmosphere. But in light of this week - I want to share it without the words. Please pause a moment & enjoy Dance in Orange. Click on the image for a larger view.
DANCE IN ORANGE, Acrylic on canvas, 10 x 10inch, ©2011 Brenda Mangalore/Sashé Studio
The joy during this recovery period is that:
WE HAVE REACHED OUR CONTRIBUTIONS TARGET FOR THE WINTER ART JUMPSTART PROJECT!
Plus way before the end of the month! The amount has gone above my stated target! We might even reach my own secret-beyond-dreams target! It's a fab time of exclamation marks!! A needed blessing during these blue days.
Much thanks to the amazing art patrons who have contributed - it means more to me than words can say :) xo brenda p.s I may not have much words - but you're not restricted. Please do share your thoughts in the comments on what you feel and see in the painting - I love your feedback as much as I love to paint. Thanks muchly