And so it begins..

As Christmas comes to an end, and the children will soon be off to school once again, I feel a sense of relief I can get back into my studio. My emotions seem to be running high. I need an outlet. I guess its why I really began to paint all those years ago anyway. Not having a place to express myself, feeling of confinement, an outcast of sorts. The weather seems to have turned bitter cold, not as bad as you would think but cold enough for me. I have been called part reptilian before as I need heat to warm me. You may call me Storm if you wish. (X-men). After my christmas sick session, too much bubbly, I am trying to steer clear of such activities. I have been having wild dreams, scary dreams and just all around vivid dreams. But I have been dreaming none the less. I seem to awake more tired than before I fell asleep. I still think there is another dimension to us that awakens when we sleep. I seem to be spending more time there as of late I am sure. JUst why cannot I remember it all? haha. hmmmmmmm maybe i am not ready for such things. I sometimes wonder if I was to have an MRI scan , would my head be the same as everyone elses? Is there something else in there? Am I part machine? DId I get inserted with some type of device, without me knowing? Am I going to awaken to something completely different staring at me in the mirror? AM I really me? OMG Now look what I have started. Now I am going to be awake all bloody night trying to decide what the F&*^ I am? hmmmmmmmmm Maybe I should reconsider that glass of wine instead. Just to buff my mind ever so... kx

My studio

here is a few piccys of my studio.

kxx

Christmas past

As I lay here thinking of my past Christmas's, I wonder if when I was a child my parents felt the same? DId Christmas come around quickly for them? Because I seem to remember it seemed like ages. How many more sleeps? And it would go on and on and on..............I would lay awake listening for father Christmas on the roof top. I knew he had to land there so he could get down our chimney. As soon as I saw daylight, I was up.. racing downstairs to see the bits we had left out for him gone. Just like the tooth fairy, this was so magical. But as a parent, its a bloody stressful time. Am I keeping the magic for them? As I hear them get up on a normal day, I lay here pretending I am still asleep in hopes of another 5 minutes. But Christmas Morn they are sure to up before dawn. But surely I cant lay in bed I will have to get up with them.. This, if anyone knows me is a hard task.. I am a night owl.... In the morning I need 3 cuppas of the finest coffee just to get my motor started. Who ever came up with the idea of opening presents in the morning is a PILLOCK! BAH HUMBUG! hehe
This year I am having friends over for Christmas day. With no knitted named jumpers in sight. We are doing the secret santa thing. I personally plan on being festive and good willed, with a little help from a good old bottle of gin. I have found as I have gotten older, it is actually quite nice.. Years ago I thought it was just rubbing alcohol flavoured with pine needles. But with a hint of lime it is actually lovely. A sign of maturity I am sure. hehe. So as CHristmas is upon us I am going to try and make a realy effort to remember my christmas past. I may even dream of sugar plums, AHHH who am i kidding itll be Antonio Banderas. Damn him for making Desparado!

updates

I am now in the final throws of updating my website.

I have added some flash galleries to the pages and cleaned it up in general. I still need to tweak the text and am working on bits and pieces. 

I have also re-added the blog, which I seemed never to update and removed almost two years ago!! I am going to make a real effort to keep it going this time. It might be easier now my studio is built and I have my laptop with me in there. I will post photos of me while I am working and visitors to the studio.

I have also put a painting in TASTE in the high street in Henfield for sale. They will primarily be the seascapes, and will be rotated regularily. (thanks Lecia!)

My work can also be seen in Jeremys in the High street Henfield.

ANd then there is always the Impure art gallery in the lanes in Brighton.

And if you are overseas there is the Human Rights Gallery in Florida. 

PHEW!

Anyway, inthe new year I will be getting together a few series of paintings for upcoming shows yet to be arranged, 
However I am certain I will be taking part in the Arts and Gardens, Henfield show this year. I have asked fellow artist Liz Spencer-Clare to join me with her lovely art works.I hope to have a few sculptures from other artists. This will be taking place in June so lots of time to work out all the kinks so to speak.

I will also start to take commissions for paintings on view in Jeremys. It seems I already have some which is fab. 

I want to take the time to 
wisheveryone a fantastic New year and of course a Merry christmas. May you all get pie-eyed and dance and be merry!

I know I will!

karen xx

Holiday time and the lost spirit?

Today I thought I might venture out into the real world and do a spot of shopping.. Much to my surprise then to find that all the elbowing ladies were no where to be seen>?  Where have they gone.  I now we are in the throws of a recession and all but surely one has enough to spead the christmas cheer about?  There was an almost eerie calmness, like something was pending.. I cant quite put my finger on it.  But when I mentioned it to one of the shop owners , he seemed to know what I was on about.  Is this what is to come?. Bare streets and gloomy faces?  I had gone into Woolies the week before and was overwhelmed at everyone nostalgia, people were actually making conversation with strangers, rather than staring at each other blankily.  I came away feeling quite happy on that trip.. I even had my last pic'n mix in my hand.  I might add that it didnt quite make it home and had a bell ache to prove it! So maybe we are returning to the true meaning of Christmas after all. Yeah blah blah Jesus and all that but I am talking about be thankful for what we have and making meaningful presents.  Not just tat that ends up in the bin or given to some aquantance for their birthday a few months down the road.  So it looks as though thtis may be the return of the knitted jumpers from your mums and nans.  Or those homebaked treats that have long been forgotten. No more endless packaging.  But instead perhaps the family all sitting around together making things and stringing popcorn.  Well they can I will be having a glass of wine and watching from afar, enjoying the moment.  kx

Welcome!!

I hope to keep you up to date with all my bits and bobs.  I have been giving my website a new facelift.  And now with my studio built and up and running I can post some photos of me working.. You might even get to see some of my fellow artist mates popping in time to time as well as my family.  I feel really good about the new year and all it has to offer.  Christmas is upon us and I still have my shopping to do.  

karen

(actually this is a crappy first post)  I suppose I should be saying something with great wisdom and all that but I just cant think of anything.  Too much wine last night perhaps, or maybe not quite enough?