New Mexico Trip, Part 3

“Yard art” in Juliana’s back yard.

chairs in front of Juliana’s studio

Friday, August 5. These first three photos are digital pinhole photos. Actual pinhole photos taken with my digital camera–no apps or special effects were used. I made the pinhole years ago by using a bodycap (the cap that protects the camera when the lens isn’t on it). I drilled a hole in the center of the body cap, then attached a pinhole that I made by piercing a very small hole in a piece of aluminum from a soda can. Then the pinhole bodycap is put onto the camera and used as the lens. I originally made the pinhole bodycap for my old Nikon film camera. I was so happy when I realized right before leaving for my trip, that it also fit my Nikon digital camera.

 
Fuji Instax Wide double exposure: self-portrait with the truck

Fuji Instax Wide double exposure: fence gate and truck

When planning my trip, Juliana and I had grandiose ideas that we would basically have an artathon while I was at her house. We’d be making art non-stop, so much so, that people would have to bring us food to help sustain us while we got our art on. The reality was, it didn’t happen. Life as usual kept getting in the way. It was frustrating for both of us because this is what happens to us in our “normal” lives on a daily basis. Why couldn’t my first vacation in several years give both of us a reprieve? Friday was no exception. In fact, it was the worst. At some point in the morning, she got the call that her stepmother had died–her only remaining parent.

The day is kind of a blur, even for me. I can’t remember when she got the call–before, after, or during my picture taking, but I basically kept myself busy in the morning taking pictures. And while she was on the phone with her sister abroad, I started a small painting. At first I hated it. I almost gave up as I went through the whole doubting process that I really am not an artist, and why am I trying to fool myself. But in between phone calls, I showed Juliana, and she encouraged me to keep on it. Luckily I did, because through pushing myself not to give up, I am happy with how it turned out.

With my drawing and painting, I notice I go through this same process of not liking what I’m doing, doubting my ability, and wanting to quit. But I don’t go through that when I work in my visual journals. I guess the reason is in my journals I’m not concerned with the final outcome. But when I’m drawing, or especially painting, I usually AM concerned with the outcome. I need to figure out how to paint and draw with the same thought and emotional process as when I work in my journal. But at the same time, I love my wonky drawings and watercolors. They are fun and free and have life. So there is something about creating paintings with acrylics that has me blocked. This is a realization I just had. Is it the acrylic paint, or is it what I’m painting on–since my drawings & watercolors are also done in a book, like my journal pages. Interesting.

I did this on canvas board that I had already done some collaging on. Then I sketched the chairs and painted with acrylic paints. I kept working the layers to get the colors the way I wanted them. I’m very happy with it now.

Even with the frustration of not spending the time together making art like maniacs, the reality is I took a lot of great pictures, did some drawings, and made two small acrylic paintings. The reality is, there’s always something that gets in the way, vacation or no vacation. You’ve got to just keep plugging along, fitting art in when you can. And when you step back, you realize that you actually have been making art. Plus, I was getting more art done with all of the “distractions” than I was at home.

That night was her boyfriend John Barney’s art opening at Third Street Arts. The place looked great, he had been prolific with the number of paintings he had to show, and there was also a great turn out.

This photo is made up of about 14 photos. I stood in about the center of the space, and took pictures with my iPod touch as I pivoted around 360 degrees. Then I stitched the photos together using the AutoStitch app. Click on the photo to see it much bigger. You have to view it larger to get the full effect.

That night was the end of my stay in Albuquerque. The next morning Juliana and I were catching a train To Santa Fe to continue my adventure. You can see the other posts for my trip here.