Loosen Up

Future Filmmakers of America in the Black Board Jungle Series

My work is evolving again. I am feeling bolder and more confident approaching the canvas. Artists don’t usually write about these shifts. I decided to clarify in writing for myself and also to see how my community reacts to such openness...to educate about the unfolding journey.

My goal is to paint so abstractly and loosely that the larger part of meaning is left to you, the viewer. I have always leaned this way. I am taking it a step further than the loose figuratives I have created for so long. Tho’ it is comforting to paint this way, my heart longs for an even looser approach. I posted just such a new work on Instagram, “War and Peace”.  It was met enthusiastically by respected followers. Other of my attempts veer back to a more familiar style – loose by some measures but not the broad loose style now calling to me so urgently.

This shift in thinking, feeling and manifesting is difficult to describe. I have thought about it for a long time.  It applies to other of my work as well. I have yet to show all my attempts into this wild unknown, requiring of me an open mind and a courageous heart. Rejection looms close by. Still, I must follow the crumbs leading to elevated work. I need time to practice, modify and find the sustainable, worthy landing spot. This blog is a way of letting my faithful collectors know: I will not paint over older work that you love and may be readying to buy.  I will continue to show it for the foreseeable future. I will not entirely abandon the art you have let me know you love. Do let me know what you want; we will find a doable way for you to have it while it is available. My evolution is not undermining the value of past projects. But I must follow this arrow for it feeds my growth personally and as an artist. Terrifying and exhilarating.

A certain element of curiosity is part of my growth process. I have explored many facets of art, am competent in many styles of art making. The greater challenge is to develop the one soul-revealing approach that best reflects me and consequently speaks more directly to your own heart. To achieve this requires exploring all the ways to manifest within the one approach. The bolder approach I speak of earlier is moving a loose style of making art to an even looser style. It requires a degree of trust not only in myself but also of my followers – that they will follow me into this wild unknown. What I am striving for is a balance seen in nature of the peaceful, soothing times in the forest, on the lake, and by the ocean contrasted with the beautiful weathering of buildings and landscapes provided by the violent, explosive beauty of volcanoes, rain and wind storms, hurricanes and tornadoes.  This reach between opposites creates a treasured wabi sabi of life; the ying and yang; meditation and the dance that enlivens us at many levels.

Come visit my studio; see the evolution as it happens.  You may visit me as I work, M-F, 130ish-5ish or on First Friday Open Studios, 5-8pm at ZhouB Art Center, 1801 E. 18th St, KCMO. Let me know before you come by email at least by the day before (phyllisbjenkins2@gmail.com) to make sure I am present. If you’re on my mailing list, I will let you know of events where you can see newer projects.

My best to you friend,

Phyllis Anne aka pánne ally