03.25.10

Every once in awhile the writing becomes difficult for me.  The words are forced, the process becomes thick and dense.  The pleasure is sanded down and I can't bear to sit in front of my laptop or write in my journal.  Yesterday, I took a holiday from writing and decided to use some of the art supplies around the studio.  It was completely decadent letting this painting unfold in front of me.  I took my time and the world seemed to disappear.  I used pallet knives to add and subtract acrylics until this piece came into being.  It's been a long time since I've worked on such a large scale, really who has this kind of space in real life.... ;-)   and what pleasure to play with the colors, to angle the knives just so, to mix and streak the white before it turns to mud.  Of course there were mistakes but unlike the frustration I feel with my writing it felt loose and open because the opportunity to correct was half the fun.  The creative self, the part of me that seeks pleasure when I connect was completely satiated.  I spent the better part of the morning and the early afternoon (losing time in the process) to just work.  It's 36 inches wide and 60 inches tall  (1 meter x 1.5 meters).  I tried to keep the paint as flat and as thin as possible since I think I'll probably roll these canvases to take back to NYC.  The smile that keeps bubbling up comes from the center of my being.  I can't wait for the paints that I bought off Tony to come in the mail.  He's moved on to a different medium so he has all these tubes of acrylics....it'll be good see what more comes through then.  I feel like a kid in candy store.  YAY! 


All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2010 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.

03.19.10

Down by the Indian well today,

Sun high overhead, the breeze is cool

Zeus and Venus keep me company

I listen to the rustle of dry leaves

and swaying tree branches. 

In a quiet field a thin wind glides

and green grass sprouts in clumps.  

All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2010 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.

An Odd Day

Today I am off-kilter, floppy, not totally here, not totally there.  The world seems unreal, I woke up a stranger to myself.  Last night, I dreamt I was married to a German man who went out and bought me twin blond eight-year boys when I told him I wanted kids.  We lived in a very white apartment, stark and empty.  I sat in his lap and brushed his blond hair with my hand and told him I thought we would talk things over, I didn’t expect him to buy me boys on a whim.  He didn’t understand why I was protesting, his impatience frightened me and I told him we would make do.  What does that mean?  Make do* of two stolen children, what an odd thing for me to say. 

I lit a fire to burn paper in metal drums.  The flames flicked past the edge and I watched small pieces of burnt paper hover and float away. White smoke escapes.  The sun tried to make an appearance today but the clouds were dense and unforgiving.  

*made a small correction.  Changed DUE to DO.  Who knew?  Wow and I call myself an English graduate.  I think someone is revoking my card-carrying status somewhere.  Thanks for pointing out the oversight.  Keen eyes are always appreciated.  

All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2010 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.