Some Project Catch-Ups

Back in action after a week off for my birthday. This year, as a treat to myself, I took a hiatus from work and most computer-related things to reset some priorities and dig in to some personal projects. I finished a few projects that had been languishing, “nearly” finished a few others, and started prepping for some brand new work. Also FINALLY bought my new MacBook. It’s so nice to have a machine do my bidding without the 10 minute pinwheel of doom each time I click …

Mini portrait sketchbook (SB8) - nearly there with 4 pages left!

All in all it was the best way to kick off this year’s #43initiatives project. Determined to stay focused and productive through to 44!

It's A-Ok to Do "Nothing"

Today’s mission and mantra: “Doing nothing is doing something.”

Enjoyed a spring like day with my favorite fuzzy explorer Jack; taking a walk with a stop at the boat ramp for a view; finished a book; provided the demanded lap for P-kitten; and now finishing off the day with some sketches (with a few saved references from the many missed Drawing Hive sessions). A much needed break after a very long March!

Shout out and thanks to @jennywaltonart for today’s mission and mantra (it was repeated often throughout the day).

A Break in the Clouds

Long work days, late hours, stress, and the normal twists general life throws your way made for a very crazy March. Well, several months truth be told. Today not only marks the end of another work week but also the start of a new month. And it was a good day.

I managed to catch up on some important work and enjoy the calm and creative vibe of the studios without pressing worries to distract me. I overheard two women in Pyramid’s gift shop make some lovely comments about some of my work. Then, during tonight’s Members MashUp exhibition opening reception my piece (featured below) was purchased by a longtime Pyramid friend. These positive validations were such a boost after all of the recent chaos and upheaval … and it carried me all the way home. I even paid it forward when just before turning onto my street I came across a large snapping turtle in the middle of the road. I carefully helped him move to a safer spot then finally made it home. It was a good day indeed.

Today’s lesson: Sometimes you just need to hold on a bit longer for that break in the clouds. I hope I can keep this moment in mind the next time I’m weathering the storms …

Jungle Gym: Among the Violets, Hand colored woodcut, 2023

View from Among the Violets …

I’ve always loved the look of woodcut prints. It’s amazing to watch artist slowly carve away the surface, transforming a slab of wood into a beautiful relief block. Not that linoleum isn’t as versatile or beautiful—there’s just something extra physical about working with wood.

So as a treat for my birthday this year I jumped at the chance to take “Woodcut: As Detailed as it Gets” workshop with Jun Lee at Pyramid Atlantic. It’s been weeks in the making, even after the class officially ended … but my first #woodcut is finally complete! A big (and I mean HUGE) thank you to @junieleelee for sharing her wealth of knowledge in this amazing workshop and giving extra time and encouragement to ensure I pulled prints.

Black and white image of leafy undergrowth from a (lady) bug's view

Jungle Gym (Among the Violets), Woodcut, 16”x20”. ©2022 by Jen Sheckels

You can learn more about the piece and the journey to complete it here. This was a fun first foray into woodcut. Can’t wait to start a new piece!

Work Selected for ACAAC's "Into the Garden" Exhibition

New show alert! Happy to announce 4 pieces were accepted into What’s Up? Magazine’s 15th exhibition, “Into the Garden,” in partnership with the Arts Council of Anne Arundel County, Md.

Works juried into the show include: Observed: Fork-tailed Katydid (featured), Observed: Orchard Orbweaver, Beneficial Bugs: Praying Mantis, and Observe: Ants—Accidental Planters

Observed: Fork-tailed Bush Katydid, Pastel on paper, 9”x11.5”. © 2021 Jen Sheckels

January Moods: An Experiment

In December, while sorting through all sorts of feelings and moods, I discovered that I (more often than not) found a moment of solace and/or a sense of camaraderie with the aspects of the day's weather. I'm not 100% sure what spurred me to do it, but starting with January 1st I made point to look to the skies at multiple points during the day, taking mental notes and photos. At the end of the day I created a small, abstract pastel work that combined those notes and my overall mood for the day. Thus was born Weather as Mood: January 2021.

"Weather as Mood: January 2021", pastel on paper. ©2021 Jen Sheckels

For 31 days I recorded these observations and moods in quick pastel impressions. This is well out of my usual wheelhouse, so it was fun to simple play with color and shape. If nothing else, I got my hands dirty with pastels, which is always a good feeling. I may make the attempt again in the future.

"'To be or not to be …'"

2020 has certainly been a year so far … on a lot of different levels.

When everything shut down in March, anxiety and uncertainty were constant companions for many (if not all of us). Many rallied and found new, creative ways of dealing with being cooped up at home. Sparks of creative experimentation, art-making, and the coming together of so many across so many different walks of live was inspiring to witness. But I had such a hard time tapping into anything resembling "creativity" … and felt like I was letting myself down in not finding a way to do so.

But looking back, I realize that instead of creating I've been actively absorbing new input. Stuck at home, you take more note of the little things and find new ways to engage with the world. I've spent a lot of time following and discovering different artists, techniques, and reading across a broad range of topics. I've been spending a lot of time outside, observing so many different things. Which is how I stumbled across this little gem.

Found this leaf pasted to the sidewalk after a rain shower. Appearing or disappearing … I suppose it's all in your point of view.

Where does the sidewalk end and the leaf begin? Is it coming or going? Appearing or disappearing? Perhaps this is a visual metaphor for some of these recent thoughts …

I guess the point of this little post is to do what feels right to you. If you're inspired to create, do it! If you feel drawn to take notes, photos, and screenshots of a million different things to look-up, explore, try for yourself (like me) … do that too. There's no right or wrong in this crazy mixed-up world of 2020. And if like me, you've been simply absorbing all sorts of things that inspire, interest, and make you smile, well, I have no doubt that's going to provide the fuel for whatever's next.