Looking Back

I never meant to stay away so long. In fact, my original plan was to take a picture a day and post it in December to get me back into the swing of posting and routine. Lately life is anything but routine, in a lot of ways that is a good thing, in other ways--sometimes I just have to remember to step back and breathe a bit.

(Class set up at Swank December 6th)

And so today I turn 41. Reflecting back not just on this year but the 40 years leading up to this day, I am so proud of so many things. I'd want to go back and change a few, who wouldn't. There again, it's those bumps in the road that lead us down the clearer path eventually so maybe the things I would have changed were supposed to be there all along. The bigger question, what's next? What do I want to do for not just me, but for my family, my career, the community--what are my goals? I looked back in my idea book for 2009 and it is full of things that I wrote down as goals and plans for the year and it was wonderful to see I accomplished many of them, those that I didn't button up, I did make headway on. It's always better to move forward rather than not move anywhere at all. Even with little steps, you still make progress.

Creating everyday has become more than a habit, it's become a life line for me. Nourishing, safe, challenging, and peaceful even when I've over committed myself, I still feel more at peace creating than I do anything else.

My kids are by far, my dearest and most proud accomplishments. It's fun seeing my to babies grow into such thoughtful, intelligent, kind, funny, generous, giving, and loving young men. I get teary eyed just thinking about how much joy they've giving me in the last 15 years. We have our bumps in the road and things aren't exactly like I would have envisioned them between us, but in the end-I know things are the way they should be for now. I can't wait to see how they evolve as I enter the latter half of my life. Theirs is just beginning.

I've created a lot of commission pieces this year, far more than I could have expected and for that I'm very grateful. This next project I'm working on, is one of my hardest as it is a memorial painting for a mother who's young daughter lost her short battle with heart disease.

Through art, I'm learning how to deal with emotions, even those that are not mine alone.

Over the last couple of years, I've become connected. Connected with an abundance of wonderfully beautiful, talented, giving, and amazing creative individuals that I can call my friends. This is huge for me because I've had a hard time making friends in the south not because of the people, but because I was not open to it. I was all about my job and my family and not always in that order. Shameful to say but true--mostly because I felt I had to be that way in order to keep our financial world afloat. When I let go of some major things in my world, I became opened to some very positive things, people, and opportunities. I am way happier than ever before in my life, a lot of it has to do with me finding my creative side and feeling good about myself again.
If you don't feel good about yourself, and believe in yourself--it's hard to expect others to feel that way either about you. Unfortunately over the last few months, I've kinda become sucked back into an area of my life I had thought I had gotten passed but I gave it one more shot (after a bazillion) one more shots and I do believe it has been poisoning me. I have been thinking of why I feel a bit out of sorts, overwhelmed, not very focused, and just in general not overly happy. And then I realized that the one major thing that has changed is being around a person that is very draining on me emotionally and it has affected me tremendously and in the same vein, my children. No one ever told me breaking free from what should be obvious could be so hard. My friends have intervened in a good way yesterday, bringing me back to reality and at a point of strength where I feel I can move forward with my head tall and feet firmly planted.

Maybe after I march forward, I will be able to truly enjoy all that I have worked so hard for.

41 years and I finally own a home, I have a career, two wonderful children, a hobby that has turned into a passion and many more dreams yet to accomplish before the sun sets.



Thank you for looking back for a brief moment with me as I get ready to really and truly move forward for this next half of my life.

Ordinary Moments Around The Table

As I prepared for our first Thanksgiving in my new house, it dawned on me that I was missing something (besides all of my family) to make it as complete as it could be.

You can see part of it to the right of Josh...

...a new kitchen table.

Isn't it funny how we try to recreate things we had as a child as we grow up ourselves?There are so many things that happen at the kitchen table. Conversations late at night, hushed so not to wake the little ones in bed. Homework and paper reading. Plans for the weekend as we laugh and recall the events of the day. List making and grocery unpacking. Family dinners and early morning breakfasts, sharing thoughts and learning more about those we love and hold dear. Holiday buffets and cups of coffee with friends. All of these things and more happen in the center of where we gather in almost every home.
The table symbolizes the bond that holds a group of individuals together that we call family and it provides us a place to come together as one. Having a place to gather and reveal all of the magical every day things that make up our moments in this world, is really important to me. I knew I had to have a table before Thanksgiving if for no other reason than to try to show my kids a little bit of what I had growing up during the holidays. But I hope it will become something more as time goes on.

I hope it becomes part of their memory of how simple and ordinary moments can mean everything to you as you grow older. After all, the ordinary moments are far more plentiful, at least in my experience they have been, and they are what I remember as I reflect back on how thankful I am for all that I have been giving and all the wonderful experiences I have had in my 40 years.

The paintings I'm featuring today are part of a project I'm working on for a friend. I've been commissioned to make a painting for a friend's friend. That friend of hers, daughter passed away at the young age of 16 (or 17) last year after a very short and surprising battle with heart disease.
How quickly life can turn makes one realize how very important it is

to gather together and hold our angels so very tight as we share
the ordinary moments
created and remembered
around the
kitchen
table.

So much to give thanks to, and forever grateful for.

Happy Thanksgiving Friends!
Jodi

Angels by Jodi Ohl

Newest Paintings.....Watching Over the Ones She Left Behind and Beautiful Child.

Black Friday Sale at Sweet Repeats through Cyber Monday!

Buy Handmade!
Take advantage of some SWEET deals in my Etsy Shop! If you haven't visited lately, it's time to take a look, the prices won't get any better than this!
"Black Friday-Cyber Monday (November 30th)"
All items in my shop
are
20%-50% off

***
Don't forget, December 6th from 1-3pm come take my "Merry Mixed Media Ornament" class at Swank in Southern Pines, NC
$25
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Save the Date: December 20th from 1-4 pm FREE Demo at Jerry's Artarama in Raleigh
Mixed Media Portraits
***

Happy Holidays!

Merry Mixed Media Holidays :)

What is it that you wish for this season?

It's hard to believe that as I'm sitting here writing this, it's already Sunday evening. Where did my week go, let alone the the weekend??? I had a full week of meetings that ran late, and training days out of town, so it seems like I got virtually no art completed this week. I tried my best to finish a few projects though this weekend, these "Merry Mini Canvases" are some fruits off my fun labor :)

I don't really make a whole lot of holiday related art or crafts, as I'm afraid it won't move and I will have to store it for next year, but these are so cute that even if I didn't sell them, I'd put them up in my own house for part of our decorations. Speaking of which...who already has their decorations out? I'm contemplating putting some of mine out after Thanksgiving. I have a nice assortment of fall items that I hate to put away until we've had Thanksgiving. It just doesn't seem right to rush the holiday. Time moves quickly enough on it's own.

I guess if I had a wish, time would be something I'd ask for. I'd not just want more of it, I'd want the secret to using what I had wisely. If I can't have that, then some nice perfume will do. ;)


For those of you who are local to my area or within a short drive, don't forget to sign up for my "Merry Mixed Media Ornament" class at Swank in Southern Pines, NC. December 6th, from 1-3pm. Class cost: $25 dollars including supplies to make 3 ornaments and if time permits, some cute holiday tags. For more info, email swankgirls@gmail.com

***I'm excited for a 2 day work week this week!!! whooohooo!!!!! I'm trying to figure out my Thanksgiving menu, I mean, I know typically what I'm going to make but there is always that new recipe I search for each year to try. Any suggestions? I always love to hear what others are having for their gathering! I'm getting hungry just thinking about it.

Mixed Media Art and Musings by Jodi Ohl-check out my latest newsletter!

A month in review--check out my latest Newsletter!
I'll be back later this week with more news :) tonight I'm beat!!!
Have an artfully great week!!

Mini Zentangle Doodles and a Demonstration

In honor of Art Everyday Month hosted by the uber talented Leah, I'm trying to be better at showcasing what I'm doing and blogging more frequently (as well as visiting blogs). Over the last few months, it just seems that I've been bogged down with misc. things that have kept me from my little online world of blogging. Art has not stopped though...in fact, this year I've done a lot of projects, shows, and even a bit of writing. (Stay tuned for a new article coming out in Cloth Paper Scissors come January)!

I'm trying to position myself to one day doing this gig full time. I'm having a hard time deciding when that would be though. When do you know you are ready??? Is anyone else out there self employed??? How did you get started? Did you have another income coming in before you hit the ground running??? I've been thinking about this a lot lately. I don't have a lot of money saved, that's the problem. AND I just bought this house. I do have my 401k I could tap into...but...not sure if that would be wise. hmmmm...all things to ponder as I decide what I want to do with the next 40 years of my life :)

In the mean time...I'm conducting classes, creating when I can, and even doing demos for different functions and organizations. My next two demos will be at the Art of the Carolina's this coming weekend, held in Raleigh at the North Raleigh Hilton. On Friday at 12:00 I will do a ATC demo on creating distressed backgrounds using ranger inks; then on Saturday I will be doing a demo at the Strathmore table featuring their ATC papers and these quick little pen, pencil and marker doodles-similar to the ones featured in Cloth Paper Scissors on "Zentangles". I am a bit addicted to these mini mindless activities. I've added a twist to a few of them by lightly sketching a subject rather than random tangles and filling in the body of my sketch with fun doodles and limited colors. I love how they look matted! Come see me at 1:00 pm on Saturday at the Strathmore table!!

***
Question of the day--when do you know it's time to go off on your own???

Image Transfer Class and Art of the Carolina's

What a crew!
Just sharing a few pics from my samples shown during my class yesterday on Image Transfer techniques. My students were eager to learn, enjoyed a variety of different techniques--some worked better than others, but over all I think that that's how image transfers are, testy and challenging but alluring and mystical all at the same time. Revealing the faint hint of the image or the crystal clear copy is all part of the fun!

I also explained the process of creating a paint skin then creating a photo copy on a typically non porous surface by using Golden't digital ground. I've just started playing with this technique but love the possibilities that it provides to add dimension and mystery to my work.

Do you see my little assistant in back??? Such a trooper to put up with all my artistic endeavors. My oldest son was here for the weekend so he was my other trusty assistant in charge of heavy lifting and transportation of equipment..lol...see there's room for the entire fam in the art biz. Who knew???

This is perhaps my favorite technique....anyone wanna guess how I did this??? The first person that answers correctly wins bragging rights..haha :)

***

Coming up this week:
The Art of the Carolina's
I'll be doing a demo in the ATC make and take room on Friday at 12:00pm--woot woot

Come see me in the vendor area where I will be doing a demo on Saturday at the Strathmore table as well from 1-2pm!

I'll be featuring techniques to creating backgrounds using Ranger distress pads, working with pen and ink, and of course, creating funky lil mini houses as time permits. This is my first time doing a demo for such a wide and diverse audience so wish me luck! I have stage fright I think!

Hope you have a creative week!

Art at the Speed of Life- and other GOOD Things

Exciting news!! My good friend Pam Carriker is writing her first book !!!! woooot wooot!

AND....I am going to be one of the contributing writers!! another wooot wooot! I received my assignments yesterday and CAN'T wait to get started!
The book will be released in the Fall of 2010 so stay tuned for more details and join the journey by visiting Pam's new blog "Art at the Speed of Life"!
CONGRATS PAM!

***
Other good news--I got a clean bill of health from my biopsy on Thursday so I am very relieved, I mean VERY relieved. I had an awful week full of anxiety and stress just worrying about the possibilities (I'm a worry wart by nature), so when the Dr. walked in the room and said, it's all good, I about fell out :)))) Nothing like a little scare or a big scare to reel you back in to take stock of what is important in the world. Because of this episode, I have a pocketful of ideas I'm going to start enacting on that I have been just setting aside waiting for tomorrow. Why wait? One of the ideas is actually not an idea but a commitment to continue teaching and holding work shops. In fact, I'm holding another one tomorrow locally at Swank Coffee shop in Southern Pines.
"Image This"
..an exploration of image transfer techniques
I've been experimenting for the last two weeks with a variety of image transfer methods and really have only begun to touch on the array of ways you can do image transfers. One of the techniques that I played with for the first time is that of working with Golden's Digital ground and really playing with these products. My mind is twirling with different uses of this application. I've had the package sitting in a drawer for almost a year so it was about time I tried it out!

Here's a sneak peek of a packing tape transfer that I played with for another one of my samples:


What's YOUR favorite method of Image transfer techniques? Any tips you can offer for a successful transfer??

***

Lastly, my other resolution is to get back to blogging more regularly and pay more attention to my Etsy shop. These last two months with moving and my art show have really been a whirlwind, then there was my little health scare. I appreciate more than words all of your support and to those of you who have dropped me an email to check in--your good thoughts and support have helped hold me up amongst so much chaos lately! Thank you :)

Recap of October!

Can it really be the beginning of November already?? For those of you who thought I fell of the face of the earth, fear not :) I simply have let time escape me once again. Right after my big move I had to prepare for the Holly Arts Festival in Pinehurst, NC and a class on artsy tag making so I lost track of time.




One of my signature pieces for the show was this BIG painting (30x 40), "Findley Lake". Working on this piece really stretched some of my artistic wings as I normally do very whimsical pieces.


This time around, I wanted to incorporate my signature textured background, a limited color palette, but then create a work of art that met whimsy with realism, if that makes sense.

However you want to categorize it, it was such FUN to create! I think I'm going to do a collection of funky old houses over the next twelve months. I'm going to have to travel with my camera (which I should be doing anyway) and search for some good prospects for my new art 'campaig' :)

So...how did the Holly Arts Festival go?? Well, first there was the rain, then the cold wind (did I mention it was an outdoor show?) then there was finally a hint of sun by mid afternoon. I really had high expectations for this show considering it was in Pinehurst and how well I did at Springfest in Southern Pines. Truthfully, if we are being honest, I felt like the last kid picked for the team during this show..lol. I don't think my art work fit for this type of festival. The ones that did well were the primitive folk art, country, and anything and everything having to do with dogs. Did I mention I was right next to a guy that sold handmade dog collars?? The ca-ching ca-ching of his register was like fingernails on a chalkboard reminding me how it was two 0'clock and I had only cashed in 20 dollars worth of merchandise....


after spending 2 months preparing for this show... I did put on a smile and tried to keep my spirits up because I know, sometimes things work out during shows and other times it doesn't pan out. I've only participated in 2 shows so I'm not really talking from experience, I'm mainly relaying what my sweet friends tried to convey to my puppy dog face :) THANKFULLY the afternoon brightened up and so did the sales, and I did sell 3 of my newest pieces (see the last post), otherwise I might have jumped off the artistic cliff!

I'm still glad I did the show because it forced me to bulk up on some of my items and I did create a large piece that hopefully will eventually find a new home (right now it is being showcased at Swank Handmade Market and Coffeeshop, in Southern Pines, NC). It's just hard not to be disappointed at the outcome when I had high hopes to really do well.


Here's a peek at the piece hung in front of my booth :)


...my cute bird series drew some attention, definitely the hit of the show once again.

On the Monday after the show, I returned to work and received a call from the Dr's office asking me to go back for another re-check on a procedure I had done that previous Friday. I have to tell you, it's been really nerve wracking simply even waiting for the results of the test. I'm a worry wart anyway so I've really had to focus on other things so I don't drive myself insane (which I probably wouldn't have to drive too far to get there ;).


Tomorrow I go once again for another procedure and hopefully by Thursday of this week I will know one way or another if it's nothing or if it's something. Either way, I'm sure things will be fine but there are those moments that cloud your ability balance fact with reality and you imagine every possible scenario with the what ifs.

Worrying about the what ifs in life can stop your forward movement. Thankfully, I have had an outpouring of support and uplifting words to keep me from drowning in the what ifs and I'm doing much better this week than I was last week when I found out about the possibilities of what could be the next steps should the road turn one way rather than the other.

...control what you can control and let the rest happen as they may then deal with it one day at a time.

one day at a time. One day, today...is all we are promised so make the most of it. :)

Have an artfully great week!