October

Hi, Friends-

      I hope you had a wonderful, healthy summer and made amazing memories! It’s been a beautiful, but hot season of early morning visits with nature and Golden Hour moments that fill my camera roll. So much inspiration! We’ve had visits to and from family and we’ve been truly blessed watching our Grandson grow, healthy and strong. Did I mention the bear visits? Quite a few and a lil’ wild. (I know, but I had to 😉) Has all this living been happening while the rest of the world feels like it has gone a bit crazy? Yes.  And the reminder to me and you, is that Jesus is still on the throne- within thanksgiving and sorrow. Can I get an Amen?

I had the privilege of painting mostly commissions this past year and continuing my education with my Art Therapy Coaching Certification. I am so excited, but also like, WOW! I did not see all the doors that are opening with this step forward, but Blueberry Hill Studio is reaching new faces and I’m trusting Jesus in the process. Creativity and Painting, healing and sharing, so others can heal too.

Your ministry is found where you’ve been broken……

Your testimony is found where you’ve been restored.

Sunflower Series

by Vincent Van Gogh

Vincent Van Gogh

Self Portrait

I loved visiting the Van Gogh Experience in Maryville and could have stayed there all day! Have you been? It took us about 90 minutes to make our way through interactive exhibits and paintings. It was quite moving as you learned about the stories behind some of Vincent’s most iconic paintings. I have loved Vincent Van Gogh’s paintings, ever since I saw the famous, “Starry Night”, and have grown to respect him much more as a man, brother, son and artist. If you ever have a chance to read any of the volumes of Vincent’s Letters, please do. It’s insightful and truly a peek into the mind of a brilliant artist, and a fallible man.

It’s been a long time a comin’, but I have new series in the works and I’m so excited to share it with you, hopefully on December 4th. Have you ever heard of the Japanese art of Kintsugi? The official definition is “The meaning of the word Kintsugi literally means, in Japanese, joining or repairing with gold ( written 金継ぎ).”

 It consists of joining the pieces of objects made of ceramic or other materials, using some adhesive material mixed with gold dust, silver or other precious material. In this way, objects are repaired in an ostentatious manner, in which the importance of the joints or breaks surpasses even that of the original object, which is reborn with a new beauty.

Through this process, a kind of “golden scar” is created that highlights the cracks and makes the object even more beautiful and valuable than before.

I was asked to create a piece of art that would reflect rebirth and healing, say no more. This series idea has been in my heart a looonnngggg time. And God used the perfect person and situation to bring it to fruition. As a believer, the idea of our Heavenly Father creating us, as a potter to the clay, has always been more than humbling.   I never fail to be amazed at the alignment of facts when you follow the bible and the science of conception and new life of precious children.

“For you created my inmost being;  you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalms 139:13-14

How much are we loved, as our God continues to pick up the pieces of your lives, and not hide what you’ve been through in pain or shame, but cleanse, strengthen and beautify your existence, and turns it all to good, for you?

By being brave enough to carry our scars, and share how we’ve healed, we become stronger. We grow in character and faith. We conclude that we aren’t finished yet, it’s just the beginning of a new storyline. Through this surrender, you become resilient and better to weather what comes next. Ultimately, by living in your brokenness, you can help those who don’t know that living again is even possible. This new series sums this up in ways that I could never fully articulate with words and I pray that it will speak to you.

This is my first in this series, “Breathe and Renew”. Do you see the new day of promise dawning? The repaired and strengthened tree of life, with blossoms? What about the roots? They are entwined with the living water, as well as healed, at the broken and interrupted. The mercy and faithfulness of Christ. What does this piece say to you?

“Breathe & Renew” Acrylic, Gold Leaf with Palette Knife

36×48×1.5 Stretched Gallery Canvas with finished edges

Lastly, I have been asked to host a Sip n’ Paint party at the Holistic Wellness Center, in Morristown, on 11/3. The Clinic and it’s practitioners have become friends, as they have helped me to navigate new therapies in my health escapades. (I’m kinda tired of saying health journey, I need some shenanigans in my life). I’ll be posting information as I get the official flyer, but if you want to learn how to make healthy mocktails and spend time throwing paint onto a lovely Fall canvas, come join us! It’s my first time teaching and I’m a bit nervous, but it’s among friends and there is a first time for everything, right?

               Thank you so much for reading and letting me share my thoughts and ideas with you! I’d love to hear any feedback you may have.

               *Don’t forget- my Annual Studio Sale, it’s coming 10/17, 18 & 10/19.

Most of my studio artwork will be up to 50% off, and as always free local delivery! I only do this once a year, so please don’t miss it.

               Until next time, I hope that you will stay well and tap into the joy that’s ready for the taking.

               Yours Truly, Jenny