paradox

Is give/receive a paradox? I am usually befuddled at what a paradox is. It's one of those words that I read the definitions of, and look at interpretations of, and it's like I get it...but when I try to think of it later, I have to start all over again.
My dog's face is a paradox...


isn't it?

I've been feeling the itch to be silent. I'm not very good at it. While being a very visual person, I also can talk a lot. It kind of gives me a slight feeling of pain when I admit that to myself. The acknowledgement that not everyone likes a person who talks a lot. Sometimes I'm not in the mood to say much of anything, but find myself doing so anyway. This morning I had happened to be thinking about how it would be cool to just do nothing but photo's for my post's. Telling "you" what I had been up to with nothing but a photo. I know me well enough that I'll soon find that I really, really, really feel I just have to say something or another that I probablyreallydon'thavetosay....
And then I read this at Daisies blog.
Now she's on to something! Or the idea appeals to me enough and coincides so well with my thoughts of this morning.
But first...there are just some things that I really, really, really have wanted to write about also. So since it's "Tis the Season" as well... I ran across this the other day. Some of you will have already seen it, but it was new to me. I always seem to be late about these things. :) The more I look around Etsy, the more I really think about what I purchase for Christmas gifts each year. That coupled with the whole Made In China fiasco...well, it just makes you pause. Now I know that I will probably purchase something that is completely against the meaning of the Handmade Pledge, but I signed it anyway, because I would like to live as close to that ideal as possible. Handmade stuff really is better, and it solves so many problems at the same time. I know I'm an idealist, but it can't help to be one of a small majority, in my book. I really urge you to consider looking at Etsy and all the things it has to offer, and looking at other similar type sites that the Handmade Pledge site has links to as well. And of course, don't forget to check out my etsy shop again! Wink, wink, nudge, nudge....
I've just finished or pretty much finished 5 little paintings that I'm going to be listing in the next days. I find it takes a lot to get something listed...or patience...which I seem lacking in too. But I painted these panels specifically to put them in my shop.
I'm waiting with bated breath for a package I'm expecting in the mail! I'll be sure to share it when I get it...in the meantime I guess I'll keep you guessing somewhat. I made a trade with the lovely julie and have solved some of my handmade gift giving conundrums, as well as gifted myself! I am delighted and can't wait to get my package!
Julie and Melissa have really inspired me lately artistically, just in the way they share. I was inspired to try painting a bird because they both create their own lovely birds...

I painted it in acrylics on a 7"x9" panel. I have to tell you though, that sometimes I have trouble attempting birds because they always seem to come out so Patchen like in my eyes. Having had this man surround my life in so many ways, it seems not right in some way to paint something that in my eyes resembles that. I think it is inevitable that my art would be informed by his though. So since it was kind of bugging me I flipped it over.

Ah, now somehow it seems more like mine. Now how can that be? Well, this is how my mind works about art, and I like sharing that with you so there you go... Which way do you like better? I like them both. Upside down and right side up. I have also always loved the idea of words in paintings...I'm quite sure because of Kenneth Patchen...but am simply not the poet. Sometimes the muse hits me, but in general I seem to freeze up at these moments. I had two panels this size and on one I wrote the word "Everyone" and on this one I wrote the word "Give" down one side, and "Receive" down the opposite side. The painting of the bird took over, but you can see the end of the word receive in the painting.
There is a bit of a theme of giving and receiving in this post, I think... And I think that give/receive is a paradox, which also happens to be inspiremethursday's theme this week. I especially like it when the unexpected fits right in to your hand like that.
And now I feel the strong urge to be silent, because that was about all I had to say...
Happy Holidays!!!