Sunday, August 05, 2018

It's Been Awhile

I've been busy...I've been arting, chasing chickens and coming to terms with the difficulty of living with Dave's cancer. Since I last blogged and not that long ago, his cancer began progressing which means he's back on the chemotherapy. It's hard people, it's hard. Life is uncertain and has meant I focus pretty much on a week at time now. Planning further than that is harder. Dave is coping with the chemo as best he can, which frankly is like a super-human. Given the level of pain, the effects and side-effects of the treatment, he remains stoic throughout...me, I'd be whinging like I was training for an Olympic sport. When I hurt, everyone knows about it. 

In the meantime, in between hospital appointments, travelling for treatments and generally trying to live, I've been working towards my first joint exhibition in October. I find it difficult to write about my art, it's personal and I'm insecure. Now's the time to get over myself. The exhibition is coming up, whether I'm ready or not. I'm working on the last pieces that will form a triptych and will be the centre-piece over the fire place...no pressure then.

Yeah...my exhibition....

It's called The Speed of Colour: an abstract exploration of astrophotography. I'm doing it with astrophotographer, Chris Grimmer. I had this wacky idea, talked him into it, now I'm reaping what I sow.

I've got three more pieces to do before the work goes off to be framed at the beginning of next month. 

This has been a very steep learning curve. I've had to learn as I've done...and I'm still doing...I've gone from planning everything to working intuitively, the results are a bit variable but on the whole I think the work is stronger for it. 

I'm going to leave you with my latest obsession: lemons.

Earlier this summer I couldn't stop painting and drawing lemons. I did them in as many different mediums as I could...though thinking about it, I didn't do pastels. I'll have to rectify that. Anyway, here they are:



13 comments:

  1. N ice to see you pop up again,Roses.
    I'm sorry for you and Dave and those close to you.It's a bastard thing, isn't it? If the man is up for a big hug, please give him one. Otherwise a gentle squeeze of the shoulder.

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    1. Thanks honey. It's good to be back and catching up with everyone.

      I'll pass on the gentle squeeze of the shoulder to him. He's not really up for anything more affectionate at the moment.

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  2. Nice lemons, lady! ;-)

    Selling yourself is tough. I have no idea how to do that, and as a nurse, I don't have to.

    I'm hoping the chemo helps Dave, and that the two of you have much more time together. Massive love to you both. xoxoxo

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    1. Glad you like them. They're alright, aren't they?

      We take each day as it comes...

      Lots of hugs to you too! xxx

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  3. Nice lemons! The exhibition will be awesome!

    As always, best wishes to Dave.

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    1. Thanks very much kind sir. I do hope it goes well...I'm having the screaming ab dabs every time I think about the exhibition. In the end it will be what it'll be.

      I'll pass them on.

      Best wishes and hugs to you too honey. xx

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  4. I, too, have been obsessed with lemons this summer. I've been making lemonade, margaritas, and lemon curd and lemon cheesecake pies and lemon cupcakes. Delicious but not as beautiful and wonderful as your art.

    I wish you and Dave much strength and serenity and peace through this difficult time. Embrace every day and moment you both are together. I wish you the best for your fascinating stars and art show. It sounds amazing!

    Best wishes to you and Dave, Rowan, and your household and clan (including the animals!).

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    1. It's the time of year for lemons, isn't it? I'd love to try your lemon-flavoured efforts. I love lemon cupcakes. Dave is partial to lemon drizzle cake. He also likes making his own lemon curd. Finding the right, tart lemons...that's the challenge.

      Best wishes to you and yours darling. xx

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  5. Lemons ?! You are supposed to hang around in nebula 1035 left corner quadrant chasing particles of light, not squeezing yer lemons ... :)
    It is very nice to see that you found a little time to blog and let us know what is going on in your world. Let me gently hug you, assure you that all will be good - and my best wishes & greetings to Dave.

    Will there be lemon based drinks on opening night, Thursday 18th of October, 6-8 pm ?

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    1. I'm working on the exhibition *and* painting lemons all at the same time...for I am a woman of many talents. Art is weird, sometimes when I work on something completely unrelated, after when I return to a project I was struggling with, it's all good.

      There will be bubbly for the Private View, for sure.

      Lots of hugs to you too darling. xxx

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    2. I thought more of this tequila routine, was it "lick-squeeze-spit" or something ? But of course I'll ne ready for some champers too, let's get cosmic, darling !

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  6. Lovely lemons! Nice and refreshing in this hideous heat.

    Nice to see you back, and I'm looking forward to seeing your abstract exploration of astrophotography.

    Best wishes and another gentle shoulder squeeze for Dave (and one for you, too!)

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  7. Those lemons need a gin!
    All the best to you and Dave.
    Sx

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