Life in Bold Strokes

In the forests of Appalachia there is a flower that grows in the deep shade in places where only a few of the warm rays of the setting sun can penetrate as it moves down in the sky casting angled rays of light below the canopy of the dense foliage. I searched for this flower as a child, walking barefoot in the woods which surrounded my home--seeking this flower day after day without success. Living high up on the mountain there lived a very old woman who was home bound from advanced diabetes. I would often visit her pony Tumbleweed as I made my way through the forest and then sit and chat with her as she sat rocking on her front porch. She was part Cherokee and her long gray hair fell down to her waist. Although she could no longer walk the mountain she had lived on for so long, she could still wander the forests in her mind. She knew of my quest and we often spoke about each plant or flower as I added it to my plant journal. She taught me all the properties of each plant, how it could be used, if it could be eaten, and if it was poisonous. But after several summers of searching, I had yet to find a Jack-in-the-Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum) or as she called it "Indian Turnip". I often asked her where to find it, and she would offer clues, but no specifics. One day, I was near to giving up and again asked her where to find it. Her response was strange to me. She said, "You will find it when you stop looking for it." Perplexed and frustrated, I began to make my way home. As the last of the sun's light cast its rays through the leaves above, along the very same path I had walked nearly every day for years, I saw it there in the gentle light. It was so beautiful, the flower I had sought for so long, yet I could not bear to pick it. She was right, it wasn't until I was willing to let go of the anguished search that clouded my view that I was actually able to find the beautiful thing that had always been there, right on my path.

Art journal 1-26-13

The road less traveled. Pretty much says alot about my life. I have always chosen the alternate path--never been able to settle for the traditional route. I'm easily bored, just gotta have adventure. I like places and people that are less civilized--still "one-of-a-kind", unique and not manufactured or modified by man. Maybe it comes from growing up a Texan. We Texans celebrate the art of storytelling--especially when it involves a larger than life or legendary character or cowboy who rescues a western version of sleeping beauty from some tortured life. It doesnt really matter if the story is plausable or not. What's cool about western heroes is that they did it their way, they stuck to their guns and did it all with their boots on!

I suppose I am a character in my own western novel. A petite, curly-haired, soft version of a rock-n-roll cowgirl, a dreamer of grand dreams, a painter, easily captivated by beauty--the night sky, a sunrise, a sunset or the handsome grin of my own handsome cowboy. I ache for sunshine, the feel of the summer sun on my shoulders, the smell of hot desert dirt. It's for this reason that I could never live back east (save Savannah Georgia which is a place so beautiful being there is like standing in a southern painting). My soul belongs to the Southwest, to the warm desert winds. I would wither and die if someone tried to plant me somewhere else. I am happiest when I am cooking, or painting or riding--surrounded by beautiful things, wonderful smells and with people I love. I am a hopeless romantic. I believe in Happy Trails--that every good movie ends with a loving couple riding off into the sunset. We should all be so lucky!

Our Lady - Gourd Art by Jan Oliver

Our Lady - Gourd Art by Jan Oliver, a photo by janoliverart on Flickr.

This is a new gourd bulto of Our Lady. She is 7x20 tall. Her crown and pedestal is polymer clay.

Following the Trail of the Ancestors by Jan Oliver

Following the Trail of the Ancestors by Jan Oliver, a photo by janoliverart on Flickr.

This is a new Native American piece for me. It's been a while since I've done a western piece like this but I enjoyed the process. Being part Native American, working on pieces like this lets me spend time meditating on my ancestors and how they have shaped my future and continue to do so.

Angel of Hope by Jan Oliver

Angel of Hope by Jan Oliver, a photo by janoliverart on Flickr.

New in my series of prayer angels, this angel is called the Angel of Hope. She is 9x11x18 tall.

Saint Francis

saint francis 1, a photo by janoliverart on Flickr.

For so many reasons, I just love Saint Francis. Everything he shared with us teaches us to be at peace in our world and to enjoy creating and sharing God's message using our own voice. This Saint Francis is a mixed media sculpture. He is made from a gourd and polymer clay. He is 11x9x17 tall. He is accompanied by three blue birds, one dove, 2 sheep, a squirrel and bunny. His message reads "Let Me Sow Love". I hope you enjoy him.