In Memory of Theresa Duncan

Quote from Theresa Duncan's blog The Wit of the Staircase http://theresalduncan.typepad.com/,

That's what an artist is supposed to do. An artist is supposed to be a land-based astronaut. You're supposed to be walking out in front of people, avant garde, reporting back, if you make it.

Two steps forward, one step back, really means one step forward

Mind Machine, originally uploaded by livefunky.

Ok. I admit it. Life does not go in a straight line. Just like art, some pieces of the beginning intentions shine through, others are reworked over and over or wiped out completely.

I opened IllustrationStation.etsy.com a little bit ago for my digital creations. I wanted to keep them separate from my fine art creations at livefunky.etsy.com. Once I got going with it, the more the lines blurred between fine art and digital art - and well, art is art. So I've decided to close IllustrationStation and keep all of my creations in one place - my first shop (hehe and true love) livefunky.

Maybe I'm just a little worried people will think that my multiple interests/mediums means that I'm not focused as an artist. I am always going against that idea in my mind from both angles. One voice says to keep things clean and consistent, the other says "follow your instincts - some artists work that way - be yourself!". As usual, I've got dichotomy working for and against me at all times - hahahahaha

(which actually fits quite well with this image, me thinks...)

Anyway, I thought of "updating" my blog posts (which really means edit out the fact that I jumped into a new shop then backed out of it asap) but why do that? That erases the truth of my journey which has been categorically NOT in a straight line. We learn from our mistakes and we learn from other people's mistakes too. I know a lot of us blogging artists are eager to read other artist's blogs to learn from their lessons.

Yesterday I went through livefunky and edited every listing that mentioned my other shop, and I put all of my IllustrationStation listings in edit mode (besides two in treasury lists - that's what really made me sad I never went with one shop right from the get go :( - mLee - I've gotta say, you said 1 shop only and you were right!!!:)

It's all good. I'm happy to have made the choice and to be following thru with setting things up for a steady future. If I opened a gallery to show my own work, I'd include all of it under one roof. The same should apply to my online gallery.

Carry on.
:) jct

SPT - Zoned Out

Self Portrait Thursday - July 19, 2007, originally uploaded by livefunky.

Hello friends.

This picture is my entry to the flickr group Self Portrait Thursday. I took this using the Fireworks setting on my camera without a flash. I've been experimenting with that setting and the lightwaves I can capture from artificial light. In this case, I turned on our tv and put it on a snowy channel - the computer monitor is captured a little on the right, too.

I call this shot "Zoned Out" because I'm finally back in the zone after a break of a few very OFF weeks. To use a word I've become fond of in the past year, I was feeling quite wonky. Not myself.

After much reaching out and reaching in, I'm out - this baby's back on track! Sometimes you just need to take a big gulp and move on.

"I know it's true. Into each life. Oh, some rain, rain must fall"
Ray Charles - Drown In My Own Tears

I like to paint the world in bright yellow colors that shine with optomism and hope. When all I can see is blue, I panic.

Eventually I stop squeezing my eyes shut and open them again.
And see.
I'm okay

In fact,
I'm stronger

That IS the beauty of life, of age, of the experience of growing as a person. We keep meeting bigger challenges. The universe seems to raise the bar as we go along, and we could give up at any point, but we don't because there is so much to gain from pushing forward. The times that test us will come - that is for sure - but you just have to keep on keepin' on. It's so simple and lame in a way, but it's true.

Now that I'm feeling inspired again, I created a few new prints for both of my Etsy shops.

www.livefunky.etsy.com
www.IllustrationStation.etsy.com

Prints

I just started listing a few prints in my Etsy shop www.livefunky.etsy.com - more coming soon!

Hope everyone has a great weekend :)

New Etsy Shop

Sea Of Faces, originally uploaded by livefunky.

NEW SHOP ON ETSY!!!

www.IllustrationStation.etsy.com

I am excited to announce my new Etsy store called Illustration Station. It focuses on my digital illustrations created with the helping hand of Illustrator. Just to clue others in on what my process is with these images, I begin with a hand drawn sketch, which is scanned and then I add color and tweak the design in Illustrator.

The prints are created from my home with my new fantastic, wide format Epson printer. Epson is the only way to go with art prints, as their archival inks and papers are of superior quality. I am thinking I might create a new blog too, just to document my images as I make them, but we shall see. Painting is something that I am ALWAYS going to do. this project is just sharing a different side of me. I hope you like what you see!

La la la la la! Happy day!!

Sunface Man, originally uploaded by livefunky.

I am super duper double pumped because I just got Illustrator and I'm in looooovvvvveeee!!! There is so much it can do it's almost dizzying but each new trick I discover is awesome! This is my first real image made from a sharpie sketch scanned and digitally painted. Ahhhh the wonders of technology.... so different than painting - the bonus of changing things that you don't get with watercolors (which I usually use with ink). This is just too much fun....

PS - I also got a new printer and I'm going to be offering prints in my Etsy shop SOON!!! Please let me know if there is a certain image of mine that you'd like to see me offer as a print. Thanks!

ACEO Magazine Interview

ACEO Magazine Interview, originally uploaded by livefunky.

www.aceomagazine.com

Spring 2007 ACEO Magazine Cover Artist

Spring 2007 ACEO Magazine Cover Artist, originally uploaded by livefunky.

Here is the front and back of the magazine. (Left is back, right is front). I'm going to post the interview page inside the magazine next...

www.aceomagazine.com

Your Light Goes On And On And On And On

Your Light Goes On And On And On..., originally uploaded by livefunky.

On and On and On
lyrics by the band Wilco
www.wilcoworld.net


On and on and on we’ll stay together yeah
On and on and on we’ll be together yeah
You and I will try to stay together yeah
On and on and on we’ll be together yeah

Please don’t cry we’re designed to die
Don’t deny what’s inside
On and on and on we’ll stay together yeah
On and on and on
On and on and on

One day we’ll disappear together in a dream
However short or long our lives are going to be
I will live in you or you will live in me
Until we disappear together in a dream

Please don’t cry we’re designed to die
You can’t deny even the gentlest tide
On and on and on we’ll be together yeah
On and on and on
On and on and on
We’re going to try

Please don’t cry
This world of words and meanings makes you feel
outside
Something that you feel already
deep inside
You’ve denied
Go ahead and cry

On and on and on we’ll stay together yeah
On and on and on
On and on and on

You and I will stay together yeah
You and I will try to make it better yeah

------------------------------------------------------------

This song may have been written for a lover, but for me, it applies to all forms of loving someone, all relationships and bonds of love, including family and friends. Lyrics are one thing. The music is another. You need to listen to this song to hear all of the other non verbal layers of meaning. I found a live recording on youtube at http://youtube.com/watch?v=vDdiYccIGLE

Together this song and this image can say what I cannot put into words right now exactly, but I'm going to try.

--------------------------------------------------


a message to jack......

blue eyed beauty
you woke with the dawn
ready for a new day
that is your way....

early riser, eager engager of life
you lived to the fullest
and gave even more
that is your way

so shy of praise
humble and proud
sure to be the first to arrive
that is your way

there for your kin as a rock
through winds of change
giving before thinking
that is your way

never asking for much
but wanting the best
for all whom you cared for
that is your way

working through strife
but keeping it together
because you never imagined another way
that is your way

in all ways we'll miss you
in all ways we'll remember you
in all ways we'll love you and thank you for being you


IN LOVING MEMORY OF JOHN (otherwise known as Jack) TORRANT
my wonderful grandpa - i love you so much

Enlightened Journey

Enlightened Journey - original abstract painting by Jessica Torrant, originally uploaded by livefunky.

I finally have a new original to share! Today I went back into this painting, which stayed in it's raw underpainting stage for a few weeks. I just loved what happened in that first layer of expressive washes of paint. Today I came in with a little white to emphasize certain elements, then called it Done before I went too far. I know this piece could have evolved in a number of directions, but when it clicks it clicks - it doesn't matter if takes two hours in or two weeks.

I have just listed this 16" x 20" painting in my Etsy store.
www.livefunky.etsy.com

positive INFLUENCE

i need to speak about this, about this very positive influence i've had watching The U.S. Vs John Lennon. as much as it makes me sick that a human being full of so much love and compassion could be stalked like a dangerous criminal by our very own GVT, it gives me great hope to know such a human being existed....

(i am currently listening to joss stone singing "i had a dream last night - what a lovely dream it was - i dreamed we all were alright - happy in a land of oz - what a lovely dream it was")

the hope continues...

i am in this place that tells me to no longer make apologies. to speak clearly and unafraid. the truth is something that we know but are scared to talk about amongst ourselves. SPEAK IT says the voice and I'll do so through prose rather than preaching. because it is not my intention, to speak out as if i have all answers, or even some..... but my truth.... i won't hide that in pretense. i won't manipulate myself for marketing sake or even to please. i will love forever but in a pursuit of truth, and there is a point when you accept that truth hurts sometimes or not and

i'll be there on the other side

ready to hold you and me and all of our dreams...

ready to begin again.

now i am listening to nina simone and that is why i go so deep - because others have before me. they have gone into the very depths of their souls and turned themselves inside out for all to see - exposed before the world without fear - full of faith that what they are, how they are designed, flaws and raw beauty and all, is intended. and they blow their horn loudly for all to hear. because they know they must.

i am in that place that says "it is time to shed your skin again" and this new phase is me coming from a placid stance overlooking a river to actually stepping forward and dipping my toes in.
in fact, dunking my entire body under the intimidating but ultimately healing waters.

the things i feel in my heart and soul are radical in a way. but not at all. they correspond with what i surround myself with, but to publicly declare "i am such a freaking liberal, you'd might as well add me to "The List"" is a little scary. i am ultimately just a nature loving, good hearted woman, but i can't keep my mouth shut for fear of big brother coming down on me somehow. watching that documentary about lennon refreshed me with the inspiration AND the intimidation of/for speaking your truth. i'm going to pick up the torch and SPEAK even though it's risky.

all we need is love

and

all we are saying is give peace a chance


that is really all i am saying
is that so bad????

A piece of heaven called Hermit Island

I am an island, originally uploaded by livefunky.

Last weekend I spent a fabulous few days with two of my best friends camping on Hermit Island in Maine. Apparently this park is so popular, you need to reserve a spot a year in advance during the "on" season. Luckily, we were several weeks before that time begins, so we had our pick of the litter.

The three of us have our deep connections to the Maine seacoast, so just driving up and seeing the "Welcome to Maine: The Way Life Should Be" sign on 95 had us so excited. We ended up picking an incredible site overlooking a cove. We made a fire, and watched the full moon rise and sparkle on the water. It was magic. The little shop there had lobsters and clams that they boil up for you for a dollar and a half! So we had a feast at our campsite, toasting plastic travel wine glasses and savoring every "fresh out of the ocean" bite. Did I go in the water? Yes I did. I had to honor the Torrant tradition of braving the biting cold Maine waters. It was shocking - but very worth it.

We did some drawings in the sand, and took our time wandering around, soaking in the majestic views. You can see more pictures of our trip at http://www.flickr.com/photos/livefunky/

So... I'm an artist, oh yeah. You'd get the feeling I do nothing but travel and live it up. Well, these days, that's what I've been doing. It's been a non stop run since about this time last year when my husband and I got to get away from it all on our honeymoon. Since then it's been work work work in overdrive. It's been thrilling, but I am welcoming this break right now. And regrouping.

I've got some new ideas about directions I want to take my art, my business, etc, etc. Now is the time to stop and think and work out my plan. I'm taking a break to think but also to rediscover myself and my work. Things are in motion, and it will only be a matter of weeks before I can really get moving in these new directions. It's exciting.

Hope everyone is enjoying this time of year. :)

"I know you're going away this weekend..."

My Beautiful One Eyed Boy, Leonardo, originally uploaded by livefunky.

Here is a picture of my boy this morning. He knows I'm going away. He always knows, even if I don't "tell" him. How do I know? Because any other day he'd be bouncing at my feet, barking to go out and play, go for a ride, a walk, anything! But when I am about to leave for a trip, even if it's just for a couple days, he gets a little solemn and looks up at me with that one, blazing eye. Hits me right in the gut. It's hard to EVER leave! And the next few weekends I/we will be traveling, so I'm going to have to really make it up to him during the week.

Yesterday Leo and I went to visit my cousin who lives on a great country property less than a mile away from where we live. He's got a pretty big pond and Leo LOVES swimming. He did not stop for HOURS. Steve and I sat on the hill and tossed a frisbee which Leo chases then leaps in the air to catch. Whenever he missed, he'd pick up the fris and come back to us to throw it again. If he caught it, he'd reward himself with a dip in the pond. It's insane when you can read the more random thoughts of your pet. They have such personality, as you all know.

I'm going to visit my best friend in Long Island. I never enjoy driving through the city, but I'll brace myself for the white knuckle drive. She's worth it and thensome! It will be nice to get away. It's been a while that I went off and did something on my own. Next weekend is a group trip to Hermit Island in Maine where we will camp and kayak and hike along the awe inspiring coast.... uhhhh yes. Then Rob and I have a wedding out close to the Cape Cod (where we got married last year in June) so we'll probably spend a night on the Cape (off season cheap motels are plentiful!) and soak in some of our favorite spots. It will still be enough off season to not be a mob fest. It's been a year (the wedding/honeymoon) since I had a vacation and I feel like this time right now is vaca time! I have things I need to get done so I can't blow off a whole week, but I'm really making the most of the weekends. How many self employed artists/crafters out there do not stop working over the weekend? Raise your hands. I'd bet every hand in the house is raised right now.

So I hope my ramblings makes you stop and think "yeah, I can take this Sunday off" or "why not take a road trip this weekend?" or even "I'm giving myself three straight, uninterupted hours this weekend to just sit back and enjoy life". Do something fun, or relaxing or anything you need right now. We all need money and can make that an excuse for not doing something fun, but there are plenty of ways to have a lot of fun with very little cash. Just enjoying your own backyard. So many of us work so hard to make our yards look beautiful, but don't stop to really enjoy them. Love and joy and good times wished to you all.....
jt

Good Times!

looking into my studio 5/11 open studios show, Indian Orchard Mills, originally uploaded by livefunky.

Here is a picture looking into my studio on the opening night of the Open Studios show. The weekend (May 11 & 12) was fabulous. Sharing art and laughs with friends, making new friends at the show, then celebrating with my peeps Saturday night for my birthday. The next few days my husband and I got to spend together (a scheduling rarity) so we enjoyed driving around the countryside, ducking out of a rainstorm in Northampton MA for a yummy dinner and pint at the Brewery, and just hanging at home - together. Ahhhh..... so that left me feeling great all week, then this weekend I went down to my college girlfriend's house to celebrate her 30th. Her husband threw a surprise party and it was fabulous. A crew of college friends were in the same room for the first time in years and I couldn't help but think about all of us ten years ago and the contrast of where we all thought we'd be at 30 and where we actually are. it's all good. Our life choices, the new roles and relationships in our lives, it all makes sense. It all fits and yet I could never have dreamed it back then...

I feel so amazing right now. Life is beautiful. I am beyond happy with my life and where it's going. I know that this is my time. I think being born in May made me attached to this time, it brings out the best in me. New Year's Eve is rarely my point of rebirth/transition. This time is my rebirth. New, fresh buds of insight and inspiration, love and compassion, joy in others. Zing!!!!

If only I could bottle this feeling for my winter downer days....

Indian Orchard Mills Open Studios Show - this weekend!

Magic Unfolding
Acrylic on 20" x 20" box canvas, 2007

Looking for something to do this weekend? Come to the Open Studios Spring Exhibition at the Indian Orchard Mills!

Friday May 11, from 6-10 pm
Saturday, May 12 from 12-4 pm

For more information about the show, including directions, please visit www.indianorchardmills.com

Across The Universe

Across The Universe, originally uploaded by livefunky.

Acrylic on 30" x 30" box canvas, 2007
Available at www.livefunky.etsy.com

Melting into a beautiful beyond....

The weather man has nothing to say but SUN

Original ACEO by Jessica Torrant - 3 Faces Merged, originally uploaded by livefunky.

It's outrageous. In the TV land of weather every five minutes, the pros don't have anything to say but blue skies - the end. It's gorgeous out and it's going to stay that way for days.

I am loving life. It's been a beautiful Saturday morning. Bright light streaming in through the windows as I savor my cup of tea and paint some ACEOs that I drew about a month ago. (This is one of them). I'll often just do a batch of ink drawings that will sit around for a bit before I come in with watercolor. I'm glad I got up early to do a little painting before I head out to go to the chili festival later this afternoon. It's an annual event at the four town fairgrounds one town over - yee haw! It's always a good time. I love food, local yocal fairs, sunny days and beer. It'll all be there. Plus I'll be in the good company of my aunt and her husband. I'll bring my camera and try to take some pics to share here.

Self Portrait Thursday - May 3, 2007

selfportrait thursday - may 3, 2007, originally uploaded by jtorrant.

This is my first week posting in the flickr group, Self Portrait Thursday. I took this digital picture of myself around 10 pm. The eye on the right was drawn with a sharpie on the back of a business card that I'm holding up to my face. My hair is in it's usual state - knotted on the top of my head in a wacky bun. Obviously, I played with the original photograph, making it black and white and then adding funky filters.

Please post a link in your comment to your self portrait if you also contribute in this group - thanks!

Visit Self Portrait Thursday on flickr to see more self portraits from creative people!

New Paintings

Circles On All Sides IV by Jessica Torrant
Acrylic on 6" x 6" box canvas
Available at www.livefunky.etsy.com

I've been enjoying working on a batch of new box canvases. Instead of painting the sides black, I've been experimenting with extending the painting onto the edges. You can see all of my new works in my Etsy Store.

In other news.....

The OPEN STUDIOS Weekend at the Indian Orchard Mills will be Mother's Day weekend. I'll be opening my studio to the public, along with the other fifty plus artists that share the unique space of the renovated mills. Show dates and hours are:

Friday, May 11: Opening Night 6-10 pm
Saturday May 12: 12-4 pm

For more information and directions to the show, please visit www.indianorchardmills.com and click on the Open Studios Art Show banner.


In other news....

I'll be thirty years old on May 12.

Painting up a storm until the sun comes back

Alone Time
original ACEO available at www.livefunky.etsy.com

Guilty as charge - I have neglected my blog. BUT I have been painting a ton and listing all new works on Etsy, so that must count for something, eh? The cold, wet weather we faced for the last week has been instantly erased by some sweet sun shining today - and the weekend is supposed to be even better. I cannot describe how happy I am. Sun and comfortable temps make me feel whole.

I am looking forward to a girl's night tomorrow night. Even more sunshine my way - could I be anymore content right now?

Happy Spring everybody.