Author: amygreenberg925

Update

| amygreenberg925
How are you all doing? I want to extend my well wishes and best thought to everyone as we deal with this new normal. I am working from home and doing my best to stay calm and hopeful.

I thought that being home would give me the energy to do my artwork morning, noon and night. Maybe it is because I am still operating in survival mode, grief, uncertainty, anxiety, what have you…I am just having a hard time focusing on art. It is the activity that grounds me, but I have to admit, I am just not fully there yet.

It is no surprise that the Open Studios event has been either canceled or postponed – we are still waiting to hear what is next. It seems frivolous to mourn such losses – an art show, an open studio, my daughter’s prom, perhaps – upcoming graduation ceremonies. It seems such a small inconvenience compared to those losing a loved one or struggling to care for those sick with this disease. 

Yet, I do know that these are my experiences of loss. So, here are the things that I am doing to have healthy management of this new norm – less news watching; unfollowing people to spread misinformation, more connection to those I love and respect. What are you doing to take care of yourself?

A little artwork in process

| amygreenberg925

I had fun working on this painting. A classic rotary dial phone! Who grew up with one of these? I love the feel of these phones – the weight of the handset, the twirling of the cord, the sound and feel of the dialing.

I definitely was happy when we got a push button phone – it seemed so advanced! It was much easier to make a call that would not ruin newly manicured nails!

new coasters

| amygreenberg925

New coasters are now available. These are made from my artwork. I will have them at tomorrow’s open studio. They make great gifts! A unique holding spot for your favorite beverage!

Bothwell open studio

| amygreenberg925

I will be at my studio at the Bothwell this Saturday, Feb 29 – 11am – 3pm

Several artists will be opening up their work spaces. Please feel free to drop by! There will be art demonstrations, family art projects, snacks and of course – ART!

I really want to clear up some space, so you will find special pricing on many of my items.

Bothwell – 2466 8th St, Livermore, CA 94550

fresh coat of paint

| amygreenberg925

I painted my studio and I am so pleased! The walls were a dull brown and without much natural light, it made the space feel confined. What a difference a fresh coat of crispy white paint makes! Now how to figure out how to get some better lighting in there! I have to deal with florescent lights 😦 – if you have any suggestions on how to improve this, I am open! Right now, I have studio lamps. They take up space so I am looking to mount something from above.

If you are in the area – we will have an Open Studio at the Bothwell in Livermore – Sat Feb 29th 11am – 3pm – we are near some amazing wineries so this could be a fun stop before or after some wine tasting!

Hayward Mural Project artist @ PAL-LAA meeting

| amygreenberg925
artist – Jean Bidwell

Please join us on Monday Feb 10 at 7:30 pm at the Bothwell Art Center. Artist Jean Bidwell will discuss her mural work – 2466 8th street in Livermore – Free event!

A native Californian, raised on rural farms and ranches throughout the Central Valley, Jean, early in her youth became intimately aware and fascinated with “creation.” It’s no surprise that the intricacies of the natural world have captivated her. As a graphic designer, she has contributed to a myriad of projects. Jean’s work graces private residences, books, and numerous corporate environments, such as Home Depot, AB&I Foundry and The Clorox Company. 

It was the convergence of her two career paths as an educator and an artist, that ultimately lead her to participating in the Hayward Mural Program. Jean has been gratefully active with the Program since 2009 and has painted more than 35,000 sq. ft. of the City’s utility boxes and sound walls.  

“I find my purpose in this Life as something of a Visual Scribe: a keeper of place. Along the way, I have been honored with opportunities to exhibit my works in galleries, private homes, along roadsides, and upon buildings. What I love about working as a mural painter is it puts me directly in touch with the community. Not only do I receive words of deep appreciation shouted from passersby on their bikes, or from their cars, but I am often gifted by community members—once unknown to me—who willingly enter into wonderful conversations and share a part of their day/life with me. The process of sharing feeds me as an artist, but also creates friendships and inspires the artist in everyone.” 

“It is a very good feeling to know what my “place” is in this world and to continue to expand my horizons, refine my abilities as an artist and a person, and wake up and contribute to our community each and every day.” jeanbidwell.com            Images: © Jean Bidwell

Words of wisdom

| amygreenberg925

I am collecting quotes that are inspirational for life and artistic pursuits. I hope to add to it here! Let me know if any of these ring true for you!

“Have no fear of perfection – you’ll never reach it” – Salvador Dali

“Art is my life and my life is art” – Yoko Ono

Finished!

| amygreenberg925

It’s a wrap! I am done with this painting. I just need a title to name it. I find that coming up with a title is either super easy – its has been with me during the making of the painting or it is super hard. That’s when nothing seems to capture my fancy. Now, for a classic, identifiable object, I can just go with the obvious “Gumball Machine” – which I might do. Any other suggestions??