In making art, I've always taken pains to be safe about the process particularly because I tend to use what is classified as toxic materials...no basic watercolors or acrylics for me. Given that fact, safety precautions are absolutely critical. Usually that entails nitrile gloves, and a respirator with specialized filters. Unfortunately, while working and in the flow I spent time on the painting without wearing the respirator thinking that the completely open side of the building with a fan to keep the fumes flowing outward would provide sufficient airflow and make a mask unnecessary. 

How completely mistaken I was! First I began to get headaches and then came the racing heartbeat (tachycardia) which freaked me out... then came an abnormal EKG.  Now I am generally a healthy person, minus the breast cancer from last year which is now gone, so I became worried. I Googled and realized that it was fumes from the large quantities of alcohol ink that I have been working with. How ridiculous is that! I was actually having signs of IPA, or isopropyl alcohol poisoning. I love painting but certainly don't want to die for it! 

My health update since this started... still have an abnormal EKG but no more headaches or racing heart. Thank God. Am now wearing specialized filtering for my respirator which I put on the second I enter the studio and keep on at all times.

Note to myself and everyone else working with dangerous materials - Wear the SAFETY GEAR at all times! Don't allow yourself to feel a false sense of security. There will never be enough airflow.

Feeling great about this week's progress! Using ink as my primary medium. I chose it for its' fluidity and translucent qualities. I've really found myself in the flow and feel like I can make this painting sing.

​The next stage includes creating greater depth, intensity, and form. To achieve this, I will be busting out the dark blues and gold. The gold really makes the painting pop and provides a sense of dimensionality when you look at it from different directions. Panel #1 is in process and moving along. 

This week the panels arrived for the huge triptych that I am began this week! It is a commission piece consisting of two massive 8' x 3 1/2' x 2" panels and one 8'2" x 4' x 2" panel. 

Preparing the panels and materials took some time as I like to paint all of the edges white as it creates an added crispness and snap to the impressionistic color palette that I am utilizing.

The color pallet, imagery and feel represent my newest series entitled 'Transcendence." Bursting with pure color and fluidity, its abstracted imagery creates an immediate feeling of vibrancy and life in which I hope to transcend the viewer's soul in that moment. A moment of beauty...a moment of respite.

As we have all learned this year, if we weren't aware of the fact already, life can be challenging and moments of joy, tranquility, and peaceful reflection can be hard to find. My own fight with breast cancer this year combined with all of the Covid 19 limitations left me feeling sad, lonely, and scared as hell. I've learned that hard times make the craving and appreciation for love, beauty, and joy all the more needed and nourishing. Meditative moments are as oxygen to the soul.

What we all need now is to be lifted up and delighted out of our senses! Light after the darkness. Light to lift the darkness. That is what I seek to achieve with my artistic expression.

​Please join me on my painting journey. Consider yourself hugged and remember that you are never alone. 

xo