Since I consider this blog to serve as a diary, not only of my artistic journey and discovery, but also how my personal journey affects my art, I need to speak of the sabbatical that I have taken from my work and blog over the past 2 months.
Above is a photo of some of my jewelry that became hopelessly tangled when I moved out of my home and took my children to start a new life as a single parent. It happened so fast that there was no time to pack carefully. But it is a funny thing- throwing out possessions grounded me in my priorities. Some things in a marriage cannot be tolerated and after the initial shock and grief I now have a new home along with new challenges regarding my children and in moving forward in pursuit of my art. One thing I know for certain as truth is that life can sometimes become so chaotic that even the things we love and treasure the most can become twisted and broken.
But I have chosen a new theme for my life going forward. I have always loved the color lemon-yellow. So my mantra going forward is that Life Is Lemon Yellow. LILY for short. Two weekends ago I was in New York for the PSA International Exhibition and opening where I was honored to not only hang in this prestigious show, but I was asked to demonstrate a portrait from life as part of the events. I met so many artists I admire and I made so many new friends. During the entire time and especially during my demo I wore this bracelet with this engraving from a dear friend.
And when I am struggling and overwhelmed, my best friends (God, what friends I have!!!) call me, text me or shout at me … ”LILY LILY!!!” And I laugh and know in my heart that life is good.
Will this affect my artwork? You bet. Art to me is a reflection of life- full of experiences both good and bad. A glimpse of what an artist loves, what hurts them and what they are trying to untangle. Art is a way to understand the world and to explain it, even if only to ourselves. So I will be creating. And hopefully healing.
I am changed, so my art will have to change too.
I feel the good wishes from everyone out there. It is a palpable thing and I thank you. I know others have struggled to come to terms with the end of a marriage- even after 25 years like me – and how to move on. I know I am not alone.
So my wish for this week is for everyone to find a life full of Lemon Yellow. I just bought a bunch of bright yellow pastel sticks in New York which I think I will be incorporating into my work.
LILY LILY
You have an awesome outlook! And you should paint your tangled jewelry!!!!
true! I think I will be painting my tangled self…..
Here is wishing you strength and courage to accomplish all your endeavors. Your website is such a blessing to other painters and your philosopy is so encouraging.
Thanks! I try to encourage others as much as possible. This art thing is hard but needs to be uplifting!
Moving!!!! A deeply moving post about your physical move and more importantly emotional move forward. I so respect your bravery and your strength. I wish you new joy and comfort in your new world. 🍋🍋🍋
Thanks so much. When I think of a tough person you come to mind. hugs to you!
You go girl! LILY LILY!
LILY! LILY!
Sorry to hear about the recent changes in your life, Christine,…..Stay strong. You’re a good person! LILY
Thanks Phil! We will have to catch up soon.
🙏 Beautiful, dearest Kippy!
LILY LILY 🍋
🎨 Way to make those lemons into lemonade ☺️. Love you 💛
Thanks for drinking the lemonade with me! The bracelet is my companion to remind me of you- thank you again for it and for all of your positive support and prayers.
Lily Lily,
I am so sorry to hear the news about your marriage. If it isn’t working, I guess the best you can do is end it and start a new life. Hopefully your children are old enough to handle the situation as well as can be expected. My wish for you is more success. More than you’ve already made for yourself. You go girl!
charles
Thanks. We will be fine. That which does not kill us…..
So sorry to hear Christine. I have been there and don’t wish it on anyone. It’s so difficult after that amount of time. It was 25 years for me also. All you can do is take it one day at a time and try to keep yourself involved with things. If you need a male perspective anytime feel free to call me.
Craig J.
412-215-2496
Thanks Craig! hugs to ya!
Christine,
I wish you nothing but good things. Lots of Lily ! Rely on God to bring you through this, and count the children and your art as blessings.
kathy
So true. MY kids are my rock. Will be painting again soon. I am sure the journey will be in future blogs….
My heart goes out to you and your kids. You are a strong, talented woman who I admire greatly. Best of luck in future pursuits.
I love your blog and always read it!
Mj
Thanks! WE will be just fine. Lots of art, wine and fun on the horizon. LILY! LILY!
Dear Christine,
What you are doing is very brave and sometime necessary. All the best to you in your new life adventures. You are a very strong woman and will find happiness in whatever you do. I admire you and the artwork you create.
Have fun in your new life and make more great art.
Patty Young
Thanks Patty! Love your art too.
I will remember you in prayer, Christine! We all have our own struggles and challenges in life, don’t we? The Lord never promised us we would not suffer or experience pain, but He does promise that He will walk with us and never leave us. We learn of Him in these times. He is faithful and if we believe in Him and depend on Him, he will carry us through. My art has helped me get through my grief of losing Gina. It is a gift from God in more ways than one. It is in this gift that we also receive many rewards and joys in life. God is so good and generous! Thank you for sharing!
Truly your words are so true. I think of you often and your amazing strength. I have seen how many wonderful and generous souls are around me and I am very grateful.
Christine,
I am so sorry. Your message touched my heart. Prayers for you and your children as you move forward.
I missed your Cleveland workshop due to my husband’s surgery, but still hope to sit and watch your masterful work.
HI Sally. Sorry about your husband, Hope he is doing better. I am planning new workshops! I will be increasing the number I can do each year now. The Cleveland group was so great. Hopefully I can come back again someday!
Such a healing attitude to take!! You go girl!!
you bet! Time to kick some butt at the easel.
LILY LILY my friend, you will be ok and you will be strong. Prayers for you and your children. I went through that with my first marriage.
I thank you. We will be ok….Thanks for sharing. hug!
Dear Christine
I am sorry to hear of your difficulties. Your courage & optimism shine through reading your blog. I hope this is the start of a happy productive new phase.
thanks!! LILY LILY!
Dear Christine,
As many have said, I, too am so sorry to hear of this new life challenge you and your children are facing. I have been through it and know how difficult it can be. As you said, “What does not destroy us, strengthens us”, and though it may be difficult to see at present, time is the greatest healer.
Thanks Nick. hug!
Dear Christine,
I am so sorry about your marriage breakup. I will also lift you and your daughters in prayer for this big change in your life. I always thought you to be a strong person. Pray to OUR PRECIOUS HEAVENLY FATHER TO BE WITH YOU , to guide you and I pray for HIM to wrap HIS arms around you to give you that “peace that passes all understanding.” Love Much, Carol
thanks Carol. I feel better already! hug!
Heres to good friends,lemons,healing hearts and beautiful art. Man, know that you & your kiddos are loved by many. Thank u for all u do for us struggling artists.
thanks so much! I actually am in the process of gathering things for my book. I love getting artists to truly think about what they are creating…because I am always struggling too!
I am deeply moved by your sharing and my heart aches for your new challenges. Change is inevitable but you will wear it like a runway model. I hope oneday you and my daughter Jaime will read each others wise perceptions. ❤️
ooh! runway model…I like that! strut strut! Please send me her writings!
Christine — i was inspired when I I met you last weekend at the fair in Sewickley — interesting to read your story. I haven’t been here that long, but if I can help in any way, please let me know. Beth
So glad to have met you! I am actually thinking of setting up a “coalition” of fine artists here in Sewickley so we can have a voice and support for each other. I haven’t figured it out yet, but stay in touch. I want to set up “Master Classes” from myself and from great artists from across the world and bring them here to teach. In all mediums! Serious study from and for serious artists. Hopefully I will have a plan and start developing it next year….
Christine as I read your blog I was reminded how I felt when I ended my 28 year marriage nearly 20 years ago for things I could no longer accept any longer. I truly believe everything happens for a reason, so know that you will come out of this stronger and happier. Can’t wait to see what you create next. Lily, Lily!
thank you so much for sharing your story. It means a lot. I believe that too-
You are such an inspiration to us all. Even from afare. I am here for you my friend 🌷
thanks! I know you are….
It has all been said before me but, strangely, as I look at the rainbow out my window–the colors all have a luscious lemony caste to them. Stay strong and take care of yourself and the kids.
you bet!
I just saw this blog. Christine, you are such a strong, capable person, and I know you’ll absolutely love living in Sewickley. I’m so sorry, however, to hear of the horrible pain you recently endured. My heart goes out to you and your fabulous children. I look forward to being in your class on Thursday. You are one of the most generous and fun teachers ever!
I look forward to seeing you as well! hug!
and please reread the post- the rest was missing….
Christine,
I am just now catching up on your blog and am so sorry to read about how your life has changed. However, your outlook and strength as well as your friends will get you through this. Even not knowing the circumstances I know the pain and sadness you must be feeling. 💛
thanks for your concern. I Am actually doing very well. So many good friends to rely on!
Better late than never.So sorry about your loss and good luck on your new adventure.It happened to me after 25 yrs. also.It is hard but you will survive and things wILL GET BETTER. I remember standing in a house full of boxes with a broken hand and my arm in a sling wondering how the f… am I going to do this. But I survived and you will too. You are a wonderful artist and friend. LILY!
hi. You know me Craig. I am a tough mother-trucker. Not only will I survive, but I will thrive and buy my own diamonds! hehe 🙂
Christine I feel for you in this time of change, but it sounds like you have an amazing support group, which helps! You are a pragmatic gal, a superb artist, loving parent and great teacher, and I’ll do my part to support you in my prayers. Take out your emotions on your artwork…good and bad, and we will all be blessed by your creations. LILY LILY!
Thank you Cathy! yes the process for my “yellow phase” has begun…sketches, color ideas….angst on paper….it is starting to form together now. I am happy and well. truly. I hope we get to paint together again someday too!
Thanks for helping me to keep it real by keeping it real!! 🍋
you got it!
Christine…I’m so sorry I am now just catching up on my life…and yours.
I had no idea about all you were going through because of our own move.
Your artwork is beautiful as is your heart! Now after about 5 months in the Nashville area I am getting beyond unpacking, painting walls and organizing.
I’ve been feeling like I need to get back to my own art, whatever that means.
Funny that I jumped on your post because I loved the color.😊Miss you! Wishing you all the best!❤️
back at you! 🙂