Revelation.

This isn't a visual art piece. More of a verbal dissertation if sorts.

I've recently learned a lesson in success. What is success? Everyone asks. No one really knows. Does it mean a house? Does that house have to be fancy, or can it just be a house? I guess its how you define it. For me, Success [true Success, always has a capital S.] is basic. Really basic. Doing something I really love while getting paid for it. The price of "knowledge" today is really fucking ridiculous. Knowledge should be free. Why are we paying so much money to something that should be shared. Much like music. And prose. And performance. It means so much more when you can give something away for free to someone who really appreciates it than it does when someone you don't really know pays for it. I will say though- they are a very close tie. It feels so good when someone you don't know buys your work- because they actually like it and haven't known you since birth on. [Sorry, Auntie, but I still am super thrilled that you buy and display my art. I have the distinct opportunity to have my work in a Private collection. YEA!!!!]

Back to my thought. What do I really love? I love to paint, I love to cook, I love to have the opportunity to help out at my son's school no matter how much the little beastlings frighten me. Anyone who knows me, really knows me, knows that I hate most peoples kids. There are some exceptions, who I will not name as you know who you are, or at least your parents know who you are. I've learned that I really do not like working in an office. The first one I worked at [which only lasted a month!] I had my very first anxiety/panic attack. Fucking frightening. The second one I worked at 2 years [only for the resume credit. 2 years looks good. Better than one year.] and nearly divorced my husband. 2 years is 2 years too long to work opposite shifts & still attempt effective communication when you NEVER see each other. So glad I'm done with that. I love my husband dearly. And he loves me. I don't know why, but dammit, he does, and I love him all the more for it. I have been able to spend time with him, just being together. Being broke is always a strain on a relationship, but I'm really trying not to let it be. I hate it too. And I'm trying. I want to be happy. I want us to be happy. [for the record, folks: we are. Very happy. :)] I really love to learn new things. Or at least more about my favorite things. I'm a self taught artist. I am learning as I go, what to do, what not to do. How to run a business [sort of], how to paint to get the effect you want. Really do your homework & plan everything out- down to the fucking brushes you will be using. [Sorry, Sara~! I'll fix it!! You'll love it!] I love to cook. I'm an amateur chef in my own kitchen. Anyone who has eaten at my house can attest to that. Ask Fredward; he'll tell you. I'm get to learn all of the things that my girlfriend learned in her 9 years as a cook & chef all over Milwaukee. I'm super excited about that. [bonus: Joann!! I've missed her for 9 years!]

I have all of these really great things happening in my life- the things I've really worked for- and its all so basic. Simple happiness. Not the 'success can't happen until I've achieved x, y & z' bit. I am grateful I didn't have to work for my family. It came to me; disguised as the lesson I so clearly needed. And learned from. Thank you.



You know what? If all that isn't the definition of my Success, I don't know what is.

Thank you for reading.

De-virginalized. Sorta.

So, until Saturday's Art on Murray, I'd yet to have someone ask me what my inspiration was behind a painting; what I was feeling. This painting [below] was the one that prompted the question. The woman who asked was a very soft spoken black woman who had an earthy, and very aware vibe about her. I was a little shocked, at first, because I never thought I'd have to actually explain it in words [the emotions behind a painting]; that has been one of my greatest fears.


As it turned out, I didn't need to say too much. The thought- or emotion- behind this piece is craving a sense of direction. She then explained to me, what she got out of the painting; what she felt that it was about. She had said that it does feel like the figure represents me; the sky is green in my not wanting to conform to society. By my arms swinging, it shows that I am on a journey, going in some direction. With whatever is on my head [headphones], it shows that I don't care what society thinks of me. She felt that it was a very powerful piece. I'd never been so emotionally humbled before. I really wanted to hug her. When she inquired about its cost, I told her she could pay whatever she would like for it. Since she didn't bring money, I gave her my card, and told her to call when she would like it. I would gladly drive it out to Milwaukee for her.




I hope she calls.





Some interesting Quotes of the day:

'Somehow I ended up being 2 poles short of a tent, so we scrapped that idea.'

'You have to be a private camera whore before you can be a public camera whore.'


practicing my camera whore-ishness.

ART SHOW! TOMORROW!!

Be there, or be square, folks. I'll be at Art on Murray, the Art & Harvest festival in Milwaukee, WI. Starting at 1pm, you'll be able to browse through various & talented artists and participate in different activities! After dark, there will be an Oktoberfest Party, so stick around! Buy me a beer, while you are at it!


**If you need directions, know that I'm on Murray Ave between North Ave & Thomas. Its a block. You really can't get that lost. Well, I suppose you could, but really. Google or Mapquest Murray Ave Milwaukee WI. You'll find it. I promise. See you tomorrow!

Newness...

I'll be out at Taste of Whitewater [September 11-12] displaying & selling my art. You should stop out! Tell your family... tell your friends... Come out & support your local artists!!!

So, you didn't see my show?!?!? Ugh!! pssh...

Shame on you!!! I know some people live out of state, and others don't realize Mukwonago is actually on a map, but seriously- you should have come to my show. There really is no other excuse. I don't care if your cousins uncles' baby mama was laid up in the hospital with kidney stones and giving birth to some other baby daddy child- you should have been there!!!

OMG!!! Really? You saw the show? Well, then, step up to the plate and TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK!!! I need/crave/want/am practically begging for criticism- of any kind: good, bad or just plain ugly [kind of like your second cousin]. Please feel free to comment, ponder, suggest ideas and tell your friends! All of you know someone whom I don't know... tell them.. spread the word!!!

For you SELECT FEW [hint hint] who did not go and see my show... shame on you! But, since I cannot deprive you from seeing my work, I am posting it for those who didn't get the chance to see it the first time around, and for those who would like to see it again. Just to inform you [you who did not go to my show], I had great reviews, and have been invited to show again. So, when I do.... YOU HAD BETTER COME SEE THE SHOW! dammit!

THANK YOU to all who went out [some went out of their way] to come and see my art. Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you... it is because of you, my confidence builds and my skills continue to improve. You are my inspiration to move forward and beyond what I have previously accomplished.

Thank you.

For the rest of you slackers- please see below:












































































































Just an FYI- if you ARE interested in purchasing any of the above art, please email me direct [or call if you have the phone number]. The only one I absolutely cannot sell is this one:



but, I do accept commissions of any shape, size & medium. Thanks for helping to make my art great!

-Jessica