Update

Greetings of the season and best wishes for a year of peace and happiness.  I hope everyone is excited about what we are to create in the next year.  I know I am.  As one of my first resolutions, I will post here before the new year, and do so more regularly.

I was recently asked if I still made art.  Yes, I do.  I've mostly been sharing on Facebook and Instagram.  But I have forgotten this blog as my effort to share more process and thoughts behind the art I make.  I also feel FB and IG are not the best at presenting to the most inclusive group.  It's for all and this is what I've always felt is the best way to share.

Last time I wrote here my son was a young baby and my artwork seemed to be about breastmilk and the beginning of life.  So for my first post since then, I will write about pregnancy.  Yes, my wife Jenny is pregnant with another boy due mid February.  And my ability to describe my life and thoughts since this news with just words would not be enough.

As expected my sketches started seeing more pregnant bodies and themes.  But I was particularly inspired by a painting called "The Town" by Alison Blickle a painter and ceramics sculptor I came across this year on Instagram.

Last few days of my show at @kravetswehbygallery! The Town, 80 x 60 in., oil on canvas & ceramics, 2014

A photo posted by alison blickle (@alisonblickle) on May 20, 2015 at 9:49am PDT

I don't know her interpretation of the painting, but it grabbed me and I started to attach my thoughts and representations on it.   Her last three posts show the artist very pregnant and then announcing her son's home birth.  She even mentioned Birthing from Within, which was instrumental in our decision to birth at home the first time around.  Highly recommended.  So maybe, the painting is autobiographical as well.  Congrats to her.

Belly Vase

Working out composition and a little color.

Mi Vida, Tu Vida
Oil on gessoed paper

The setting in my version of "Mi Vida, Tu Vida" is Mexico by the Pacific Ocean where we plan to have our 2nd baby boy.  The vase is an Asian design where Jenny and I met.  It has trees and a river to signify where we have been dwelling for the last 9 months next to the Comal River in Texas.  The woman is Jenny peering into the vase which holds our new son. 

The fact that Jenny is illuminated by the light inside reflects the bond the two of them are forging during this time.  She can see in and feel his life.  And she is guided and assured by his light to prepare herself for the journey ahead.

Thanks for visiting and reading.  I promise to share more and maybe even some recap posts about the last 2 years.