That trip last week to Long Beach vis the train to LA for a connection, was for my appointment with my opthamologist for follow-up after my visit with the cornea specialist a couple of months ago. The news not so good and he agrees that surgery would be too risky and my vision is to the point of me not doing my job safely. So he has decided that I need to stop working so I guess I'll begin the process soon. This has been very hard to accept and the future doesn't look too bright either with the high possibility that I will not be allowed to drive either. As for my art.....well, I would be happy even if all I could do was finger paint!
This I did not finger paint. One night at the cabin my sister and niece Grace brought out their alcohol inks to decorate some card stock. I was fascinated by the process and thought I'd just try dripping some colors and alcohol onto some card stock. This reminded me of road kill splatter and thus called it 'Frog splatter on windshield"
Marta, I am sorry to hear your news about your eyes. It might be a way for God to tell you that it is time to dedicate solely to art. Who knows may be the downgrade process may be very slow and may take long time and long enough for you to enjoy doing art solely.
If you like to come paint in Thailand, I would like to invite you to come stay with me in Bangkok in Mid Oct 2008 or April 2009. I plan to take some painting trip around Thailand myself. Pls. let me know.
About the alcohol inks, they really look exciting. Somehow it reminds me of the cartoon "Nemo". Well done.
Aw, Marta--bad news about health (and especially vision for us visual types) really bites. I hope you find somebody with better answers (and not just a quack!!) who can keep you independent, mobile and bright eyed. I know you aren't the type to dwell on bad news, but I hope you'll keep your "virtual" friends and fans informed. I'll be thinking of you.
Thinking of you, Marta, and sending lots of positive vibes your way.
Marta, your blog always inspires me and it is heartbreaking to learn that you may have to give up the work you love so much. I have been awed and humbled by your posts about the children you take care of. Whatever course your life takes from here, I know it will always bring much joy to others.
Liz
Marta, We think the road is straight and smooth and then we find a sharp left turn ahead. You are a joyful person and always have a bright outlook on life. Hope to get together soon and hey, I like finger painting.
I refuse to believe you won't make wonderful use of your free time for your art, Marta. A better diagnosis was what I was wishing for but your spirit is so strong it won't be crushed by this.
As for your art, it's all about ways of seeing - I see far more than fingerpainting in your future. I'm thinking of the wonderful semi-abstract landscapes Australian artist Lloyd Rees produced when he started painting from memory as well as sight. Blessings and love.
Your splatter is beautiful. I'd frame it!
You are all so kind and loving, I couldn't ask for better 'virtual' friends! You are right, I do have a strong spirit and I'm still planning on immersing myself in art; in whatever form it takes. I suspect I have many more years of decent sight so I will cross that bridge when I get to it. I love my doctors and have faith in them so I am in agreement with them that for now we leave my one good eye alone. Bless you all!
Wow, what news, but retirement will allow other good work and of course More Art. Driving, is not gone yet, and may Not Go - and I know nothing will stop your wonderful Art - Keep on Keeping On - Every Day Is A Gift!
I am very sorry to hear the news about your eyesight, mARTa, but if this is what you can achieve with a simple dripping of paint, I have to say, I have no fears for the future of your artwork. I clicked on this entry in the Superblog because of the gorgeous colours and the remarkable simplicity and ingenuity of the image. I wish you many many more years of devotion to your art.
That ink painting is divine, Marta - simply luscious. I'm so sorry about your eye news, though - I know from reading your blog what your work has meant to you. Maybe now is just time to take care of yourself the way you haven taken care of all those beautiful kids.
And maybe next time I get to come out to Cali, we can meet up - I'll be glad to drive you anywhere...
Marta, our newspaper had a story about a book written by Randy Pausch called "The Last Lecture". In it he says "the brick walls are not there to keep us out, the brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something."
Follow your dreams Marta. As creative and capable as you are I fully expect you to use this "brick wall" as a stepping stone.
I'm so sorry to hear this Marta. I think your loving spirit was a special blessing for the sick children you nursed. But I suspect you will find another outlet of equal importance and value.
Sorry to hear this also, as the others said. I will just ditto everything they said!!
Thinking of you mARTa. Hope the news gets better. The results with the inks is exciting. Definitely will get added on TTT (thing to try) list :D
I had to go back to a previous post to see what vision issues you're facing. Oh boy. I'm sending you virtual hugs, Marta. My vision isn't great, I've had detached retinas in both eyes, and I also need lots of light, but I can read most of the time pretty easily. I hope you can find ways to adapt and do the things you want to do. One nice things about computer screens, you can make the print BIG. :) Stay strong.
I've been coping with diminishing vision for a long time. My sketchbooks have become a way of enjoying what I have. I also do a lot of healing exercises like wing chun, tai chi, yoga, everything to promote self healing.
aiko