"Upwards," 2016, Acrylic on plywood

She's my favorite version of my big-eyed InsomniaBird yet! This piece started out with a black background, and the bird seemed more like she was flailing than flying. As time passed, bright green eyes were painted from the darkness, and the mood became more hopeful. I decided on a lighter-colored background to complement this new direction. Upward and onward we go!

"Astro Panda," 2016, Acrylic on plywood

Astro Panda: he travels the universe in search of breathtaking cosmic views, and perhaps will discover a more nutritious form of bamboo.

This painting was based off a custom sticker created during Galerie F's Draw! Draw! Draw! event on September 10th, 2016. Someone wanted a sticker drawn from a photo of her two dogs, one of whom was named Bamboo. The sticker came out wonky, so it was remade, leaving me with a sticker of a bear-like dog. After the addition of a space helmet, suit, and a starry background, Astro Panda was born. 

The dog named Bamboo sticker, which was transformed into Astro Panda, sold the same night. I hope future iterations of Astro panda will spread his existence through a speck of this Milky Way's landscape. 

"Insomnia Bird (Version 2)," 2016, Acrylic on plywood

Listening to: "Holocene" -- Bon Iver

This second version of Insomnia Bird was created in 8 hours, including prep time. As the first completed personal painting in 7 years, it brings relief. A vital part of me that's been neglected is given the priority it deserves, before it was relegated as a luxury, buried under work and stress. My creative soul is breathing and stretching again, no longer gathering dust. 

My new anxiety (and don't we all have one that replaces another?) is discovering a path with my art-making, and forging a living in the creative field. "Insomnia Bird (Version 2)" is an artifact of how far I've come, and how much more there is to learn. 

Despite moments where the reality of making a fraction of my previous income grips me, gratitude overflows; there are part-time tutoring opportunities, health insurance has been obtained, personal relationships are flourishing due to an influx in time and energy, and my sleep hasn't been better in years. 

This journey is worth more than a paycheck. It is my struggle to find an arena where I can grow and contribute without compromising my health. My parting reflection is from DailyQuotes.com:
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"Divine," 2016, Ink 

"Divine" is a finalization of a sketch created in college, most likely during a three hour-long art history course. Organic lines materialized on lined paper as if by magic, and I had been anticipating her finished version for years, as it sat in a neglected box labelled, "Art." Her reemergence and completion is symbolic of what I hope to obtain: growth, radiance through health and compassion, and freedom. The art journey has begun! In the voice of Ira Glass from This American Life, "Staaay with us."

"Purple and Yellow," 2015-2016, Ink and color pencil

Complementary colors are more prevalent in my sketchbook these days; my allergy to bright colors is fading. Leonardo da Vinci noted that "art is never finished, only abandoned," and this piece exemplifies that. She has traveled to cafes throughout Chicago, and though I love her serene expression and vine-like hair, it's time to let her rest. Perhaps she'll provide inspiration for a future piece. 

I am grateful for having worked with an exemplary staff, full of hard-working, compassionate, and humorous educators in a district where there is a budget for the fine arts. 

I am grateful for the financial knowledge to be able to depart from a full-time career, and live on less than what my income is, while enjoying and appreciating every dollar that leaves. 

I am grateful for the opportunity to embark on this art and health journey, and for those who support me with their encouragement and feedback. 

I am grateful for the time I have in existence to create, and create for others.