Vicki McMurry - Creative Revelations

Dreams

2011-11-29T18:19:00.001-08:00

Something is different lately with my creative emotional status. So I traveled back in time to my youngest creative years and began contemplating my various emotional attitudes through time. What is it exactly that encouraged my creative path?

In the beginning, I started drawing solely because my best friend could draw. The challenge to draw well consumed approximately 8 years. I have no recollection of 'dreaming' about a career in art nor becoming known as a successful artist. I just hunkered down and plundered through the drills. Before I knew it, time had just vanished. The strongest 'feeling' I remember during this phase was a sense of being safely wrapped in a warm glow. I absolutely had a strong sense of myself. After all, I was wrapped within my creative self.

Looking back, I can't imagine wanting or needing anything else as a survival mechanism. So much ethereal time has lapsed. I had not prepared myself mentally nor systematically to dream of any line of work, so I continued the mysteries of creation in college. What I can say is that art is a lot of work. BUT, it never feels like work. It just feels good. I do believe delving in any artistic venue is THE BEST DRUG ON EARTH.

So dreams, they eluded me. I was busy learning my craft. However, as my work began to sell, I was thrown into the 'real' world of commerce. This can be exhilarating and deflating all at the same time. Dreams? Sure. Sell a lot of paintings. Bragging rights, right? I know myself well enough to know that I do not want to produce a commercialized product. The 'warm glow' surrounding me would vanish.

In fact, that is exactly what had happened. I've been pulling back from the public in order to wrap myself within myself just like when I was young. I always have been and always will be passionate about painting. I'm not searching for the passion. I'm merely trying to reconnect with what I have lost.

Dreams.

YES. I would like to leave the world a body of work to admire, surmise, and question. Go ahead. Make up stories.

YES. I would like for my teaching materials continue to help future creative souls.

DREAMS!

31 Years Ago.....

2011-11-02T09:14:00.000-07:00

Thirty one years ago I was pregnant with my daughter, Delaine. My only dream for her was that she be healthy. As the years rolled by, I had no expectations for her future. Mostly, I just let her drift through her life as she pleased. I suppose my only criteria was that she get a good basic education. Then, I put pressure on her to get a college degree....probably because I abandoned my own college degree ambition and still feel the pinch. I let her know that I was there for her if she needed me, and encouraged her to spread her own wings and find her own personal 'calling'.

When she was 5, I saw her artwork at school. It was so 'out of the box' for her age. I mean WAY OUT OF THE BOX. I remember being taken aback and had no clue what to do with this extremely talented little girl. I decided not to encourage her into the arts and starvation. If she was driven that way, so be it. She would have to take the initiative.

And I'm VERY PROUD to say that she has taken the initiative in the last few months and BLOWN ME AWAY WITH HER TALENT. She has been working very hard to redesign my website and launch some online art lessons. Today is our launch date. Eagerly, I woke up this morning, turned on my computer, logged into my website, and witnessed and embraced her amazing talent.

You see, I was born with the 'desire' to be creative. She was born with the 'gift' to be creative.

All these years, I have been in pursuit of creating a 'masterpiece' painting. Little did I know that I had already created my masterpiece, my daughter. She has worked hard in the corporate world and proved her worthiness. If she is ready to spread her wings and soar, I applaud her.

WOW. I'm looking forward to watching her blossom. She has the ability to truly change the way we view all visuals and life.

Turtle or Hare?

2011-10-07T09:02:00.000-07:00

What has happened to the world? For years, I have commented that my body moves like a turtle. And no, I have never worried about it until this week. Well. That only took 61 years to awaken my senses. "What's the rush? Relax. Enjoy the ride of MY life." This was my mantra.

And alas. This mantra seems to be crumbling as I write. The only form of communication these days is electronic. Boo. I can't hear or see 'your' emotional and physical senses. I'm only getting a partial picture and not the BIG picture. This new form of communication came about swiftly, like a hare. My turtle self will have to endure this new revolution just to stay in the race. What race? The race to stay connected to mankind.

As for the race to stay connected to the 'wonders' of life and the world, I must remain a turtle. I like the rhythm of my heartbeat. Who knows? I may even live longer if I PACE myself against today's hurried world. Think about it. The hare wouldn't have time to stop and paint. On the other hand, my mind has always been light years ahead of my body. There are thousands of unpainted paintings laying in wait in my mind. So I'm thinking that the two species should be blended for the betterment of me.

Here's an example. At 61, my friends are 'passing on'. Again boo. My turtle speed needs to change, and quickly. Otherwise, what (latest gadgets), when (in our spare time), who (anyone still alive), and where ( in the privacy of our homes) will we talk? And here's my pet peeve: public phone offenders are forcing me to be a voyeur of sorts. Personally, I don't want to hear about a stranger's private life.............just my friends.........in person too!

There is no painting to post. I'm busy connecting electronically, learning as I go, and not at the easel. I'll deal with it.....like a turtle in a really big hurry. I will let the hare side of me do my thinking, hurry up before your time is up. I'm in good company. Steve Jobs moved onstage like a turtle, but his mind was light years ahead. Thanks Mr. Jobs! I love my toys! I just need to learn how to play with my toys.

The Story in a Painting

2011-06-17T09:45:00.000-07:00

For many years, I painted various subjects in order to become an accomplished painter. My effort at the time was to reproduce what I was seeing. Not until recently, and with this painting, did I recognize the impact of "the story" a painting tells. The story of this image is an aunt tenderly looking after nephew. She languidly encircles him with her body in a protective manner, leaning forward to rescue him if needed.

The emotional power of the protective human spirit has more impact than the style or the expertise in this painting. I've questioned students often times what is the 'story' of their painting with hopes of enlightening their awareness of their composition, etc. Even though I was aware of this phenomenon while teaching, I had not questioned my own indifference through the years. I am at that creative point now when all of the various painting techniques and skills are automatic. In the future, I will focus more on the story prior to painting the first strokes in a painting. By attempting this effort, my work will become stronger and more powerful.

A Perfect World

2011-05-21T14:25:00.000-07:00

.....in a perfect world, the temperature would be 72 degrees and sunny every day. Everyone would absolutely love their job. The family clan would be loving and supportive. Conflicts would not exist.

.....living in this perfect world would become stagnant and boring. Society needs the 'bumps in the road' to appreciate the 'good'.

Still, I paint the illusion that I am in a perfect world when I paint landscapes. Why? Hmmm. For me, I am one with the land. A peaceful feeling takes hold of my being and I FEEL the rhythm of the place and moment. As I paint a landscape, I wish to share and express this feeling with the viewers. I hear comments like, "They are so serene." Or. "They are so peaceful." Mission accomplished.

Mankind, by nature, are complicated creatures who complicate even the simplest tasks. They seem to be driven to make everything involved with living 'better'. What if everything was perfect in the first place?

The Revolving Door

2011-04-20T16:48:00.000-07:00

Sooooooo. Twenty years later, I changed my mind. For the first time, I accepted a painting BACK from a long time collector!!!! When this painting came home, my heart sank. Geeeez. Did I have a moment of insanity allowing this to happen? It turns out this painting is the truest reflection of 'how much' I knew or didn't know right there staring at me like a forgotten friend (or foe). It absolutely reeks of nativity. My first thought was to destroy and trash it AND NOT LOOK BACK.

A month later, I wanted a 'warm up session' at the easel. I might as well work on something disposable, right? Lots of thoughts were ricocheting inside the walls of my brain, some good, some not so good as I dove in with full gusto....not knowing what I would accomplish with this exercise....if anything.

I've been in the process of some major emotional growth and changes for a couple of years now. Viola! THIS time at the easel was well spent. I can now measure and see MY GROWTH AS AN ARTIST AND AS A PERSON. My range of colors and values has increased. I can paint more representational presently than before. Thus, this explains the simplicity back then. I truly understand the importance of 'the light' now.....and so on.

As an artist at 61, I am a 'work in progress'. My paintings and I are one. As I grow personally, so will my work. Since this was a rewarding experience, I will accept ONE painting back when I am 81. Ahhh. The light bulb in my brain should be at maximum wattage by then! I will close the revolving door for now and move forward with a new understanding of how far I have come. Look out 2031. I'll be ready when you arrive.

Right Place, Right Time

2010-06-29T15:16:00.000-07:00

I love the 'unknown' factor in making plans for the future. This way, I have no expectations and therefore am seldom let down. It works for me.

However, on a daily basis with daily duties, I try to control everything too much. I think my control issue comes from an ongoing sense that each day contains too many hurdles and unwanted surprises. Nevertheless, I continue trying to educate, eliminate, and expedite circumstances surrounding me with absolutely no success.

Moving on: Early this year I made plans to teach an art workshop in Ocean Springs, MS. The time rolled around for me to get on the plane and head into unknown territories and encounter a new group of artists. I arrived, chilled down for a couple of days prior to the class, walked the streets of this delightful painterly community, slept like a baby, enjoyed the seaside, and began building my strength again.

I walked into the classroom with no expectations, and viola! It is a beautiful old school room with lots of north lit windows. As my students began filtering in, I did not sense any friction. Good. No. GREAT. Lo and behold, I landed at the right place at the right time. With each progressive hour, I realized that this is perhaps the best class I have ever had the pleasure to teach. At times, I am envious of the paintings by these amazing ladies. There is also a camaraderie among this group that is refreshing. More hoorays.

So there you have it, the perfect artsy town, the perfect studio, and fabulous creative ladies to make the package complete. I do want to come back here. Will it be the right place at the right time a second time?

My guess is yes. My expectations will be limited to more of the same, 'no worries' about making it better. I am so relieved. In the art community, it is said that we need to be at the right place at the right time. I had always equated this saying to 'sales'. Sad. I like my new interpretation of being in the right place at the right time. It's not about making money AT ALL.

Cheers to the creative ladies in and near Ocean Springs; delightful, diligent, daring, and downright talented.

I highly recommend staying at The Eaves B&B while staying in Ocean Springs. The hosts are warm and friendly and it's just a short walk to everything.

Electrifying and Deliciously Tranquil

2010-06-14T20:12:00.000-07:00

As artists, our memories are captured emotionally in our work. Family and vacation photos remind of us of what we did, not necessarily how we felt at that time. I vaguely remember painting this small jewel. The emotions it is generating to me at this time seem electrifying and bold. The majority of my work is wired to accommodate 110 voltage, normal and tranquil. 'Daunting Light' is a 5"x7" painting that packs a 220 voltage punch. So, the painting is telling me that I was charged with full vigor and pure unadulterated joy. And, it also appears to be calming simultaneously.

That's good. I suppose I had closed the doors to the outside world and completely enveloped within myself. Pollyanna here. Rose tinted glasses are great, until reality kicks you suddenly from behind. Lately, reality has been kicking me around many times each day. Am I missing something here? Or, is this just the way the world has evolved and I was too busy to notice the acceleration of screw ups?

One of my biggest 'whines' lately has been that I am being forced into non productivity because no entity seems to get the paperwork right or return phone calls appropriately. For me, this little painting was a productive use of my time. Even with technology, I spend far too much of my time correcting billings, etc. My friends tell me that I am not alone. More rules and regulations is not necessarily helping any of us. It is creating more paperwork to shuffle between us, with too many problems attached most often. It is delaying the obvious, closure. Bill paid. Done. Move on........or on and on and on. That vicious merry-go-round. I'm trying to put my leg out and stop the bleeping thing. I want off. And now. I want to 'play' on something else, my creative impulses.

Ah, the simple life. It nourishes the productive side of us all. The more productive we are allowed to become, the more electrifying our output. Small wonder, huge impact.

So here goes. I pledge to fight 'the system' and add more juice to my work in spite of the current trends of gloom and doom and MORE PAPERWORK. At least, one of us mortals will remain sane in an otherwise insane period in history. Here's to life: may it find a more harmonious path.

A New Sense is Dawning

2010-06-10T20:45:00.000-07:00

Setting out to teach my first workshop in over a year, I pondered what I should bring to the table. I had several returning students as well as several new students. As I passed by my own collection of work many times each day, it hit me. I REALLY need to go back and rework quite a few with my new heightened sense of awareness. My demos for the workshop involved sanding an old painting, explaining why it no longer represented my true expression, and then proceeding to make changes without destroying the basic composition as well as the good imagery.

I could hear sighs as I sanded away. I'm laughing to myself. You see, I understand that I may end up tossing it in the trash. But so what. At least I allowed myself to intellectually grow or fail. Each is fine. At least, I tried.

"Rouge Rejuvenation" seen here was one of my demos. The lower one was the original rendition. I wanted to 'pump up' the painting and give it more light by adjusting the values. As I dove in, I realized that I had committed lots of errors and had not realized it at the time. The painting was dark, many areas were confining rather than expansive, and the shapes needed tweaking here and there.

In no time at all, I whipped it together and the new rendition seen at the top just blossomed. This is where 'seasoned artist' means knowing what parts of the image are salvageable and how to build more information into the original work.

You see, my basic character has not changed; just my awareness and appreciation have changed. The absolutely beautiful phenomenon about being a creative person is being able to look inward, recognizing what you want to 'say' with imagery, and then getting that exact message to the viewers. Powerful, isn't it? I suppose the first image was a bit boxed in and melancholy. I know why, too. I had been questioning my sanity for choosing to be an artist, especially in this economy (with no back up plan).

So there you go, I have given myself the power to be honest through painting (and life) and ACTING ON IT.

By the way, this new freedom means I own my own space. I don't want anyone messing with my space either. In fact, I think the entire world could just back off and not interfere in other people's spaces. Gee. It might get a little calmer on our great planet....and buy more feel good paintings for your personal space.

Done.Tomorrow's dawn will bring a few more surprises and challenges. I can hardly wait.

Worth It!

2010-03-20T15:16:00.000-07:00

TIME is a four letter word to artists. There is never enough time to create that visual masterpiece the world needs. You know, the one we think we are capable of but it still eludes us. We tend to be annoyed with anything that interrupts our mission.

Some events in life are well worth an absence from our self appointed anointed mission. January 14, 2009, I got on a speeding train with no brakes. I was frustrated walking away from the easel, friends, and fun. As the year spun on, out of control, I found myself becoming creative on a whole other level. I revamped Dad's business, brought comfort and fun back into Mom's life. I also met some of the friendliest citizens in America. I will always look back on 2009 as an amazing year. It was an opportunity to tap into my inner strength to overcome adversities and also accept losses. Wow.

I uncovered long ago lost memories. You see, my parents kept virtually every piece of paper since 1935. I crashed 2 shredders. I also gained a new more realistic perspective of our past and the ties that bound us or separated us.

2009 was packed with discoveries and emotions. When I do have time to paint again, LOOK OUT WORLD. There is a new artist at my easel.

THANKS MOM! YOU ARE MY HERO.
I hope that you and Dad are having a grand time together again.

Hope is the Ultimate Four Letter Word

2009-02-18T13:12:00.000-08:00

For me, hope and art are one and the same. I hope to become a master painter. I hope that the public will appreciate my work. I hope that I will be able to support myself with art. I hope that my work will have some influence on generations to come.

I hope that the world will see the value of the arts in education. I think about the creative people who designed my hairbrush, toothbrush, coffee mug, spoon, chair, eye glasses, etc. Everything I touch or see each day involves some degree of creative design and thought process. I can be selective with my purchases and buy items which relate to my personality. I can't imagine living in a world void of talent or choices.

So, HOPE is the magical four letter 'acceptable' word. I hope that art continues to be a necessity for mankind.

Dealing with Sudden Changes

2009-02-16T18:08:00.000-08:00

There are times that I think I should alter my creative expression. Boredom with my creative message implies a growing period. This is an easy task since I am in control, to a point, of my goal. But sudden changes in life are not in my control. My Father passed away January 14, 2009 suddenly. Albeit he was 94 years old, but he was in perfect health. In fact, he was on a mini vacation in Las Vegas. He simply fell asleep peacefully and passed away.

This unexpected event forced many changes upon me very quickly. As I walk in his shoes to manage his business, find important paperwork, and look after my Mother (who is living at home and has Alzheimer's), I'm wondering if this is a fork in my life path. I'm reflecting over items found in the house. I came across my first grade report card. Lo and behold, my teacher had written that I am particularly fond of art.

Gee. I feel as though I've been wandering through life aimlessly. I had no idea that art is just a part of my personal makeup and that it showed up early in my life. So this fork in the road must mean that it is a temporary path and that I will indeed paint again soon. Change. I'm wondering what effect this experience will do to my expression. I'm pretty sure that I will continue to explore the many variations of color combinations. And that my work will exude the same harmony and calmness as before. Perhaps, I will paint with even more confidence than previous work.

Indeed, to walk in my Father's shoes is no small task. If I am able to fulfill his wishes, then anything is possible. Perhaps, confidence is the remedy to take my work to another level. Time will tell.

Spin Zone

2009-01-12T08:39:00.000-08:00

A fellow artist once told me that I should paint my 'dark' thoughts. He mentioned that it is therapeutic to do so. Within seconds I realized that it is not possible for me to paint the dark side. I've certainly had my share of tough times just like everyone. So, why is it that the same 'spin' keeps recurring in my work?

I believe that I was born with an automatic impulse to look deeper than the surface of conditions. I do see the dark side of human nature and it's consequences on society. If I contemplate long enough, I will eventually find a positive side to the negative in front of me. It is my mechanism of survival in what I call a seemingly unjust world.

This phenomenon is translated into my creative work because it is so deeply rooted or embedded in my soul. My Zen Zone is my purpose for being in the creative field. Let's take a simple object like a tomato. Photographers and nutritionists may want to 'capture' it's purity or worth within their personal agenda. I, on the other hand, will find hidden sparkles of beauty in the shadows or reflections. My purpose is always to look beyond the obvious. I can paint a beautiful rendering of a juicy tomato artistically highlighting the light. I can go one step farther and find beautiful color relationships and sparkles in the shadows or reflections. I feel compelled to explore these areas and bring them to the viewers attention. Hidden treasures become delightful surprises.

My internal Zen Zone guides my personal Spin on how I view the world, how I interpret what I witness, and how I address it through painting.

Stepping Lightly

2009-01-06T15:40:00.000-08:00

This is the perfect time of the year for new beginnings and goals. Hopeful, I stepped up to the easel this week in anticipation of finally getting around to painting my masterpiece. Instead, I find myself staring at my familiar style. I don't notice anything new or different. Am I dissappointed? No, I am not dissappointed. I am just amused thinking that I can add excitement to my work when I do not feel any exciting electricity externally nor internally.

I can not help but wonder if I had began my first painting of 2009 on new turf if there would be a different result. I am pleased with the quality of my work. I also feel that there is plenty of room for improvement. Breaking out of the box of familiar in order to grow and develop may take new surroundings. I will keep this in mind as I dream of the perfect studio. Soon, the weather will cooperate so I can venture into the field. The smells and sounds are always cleansing and good for the soul. Patience.

Onward and Upward

2009-01-02T10:34:00.000-08:00

Artists are truly unique people. We are super sensitive to all kinds of vibrations, both good and bad. My art has always reflected the peace that I feel internally. Producing hopeful and happy paintings unfortunately doesn't solve any of our current problems and may even appear trivial to some. If I could paint just one masterpiece in 2009, it would be a scene of earth with a huge happy face.

Alas, what are we artists to do during a financial crunch? We keep painting. We are the essence of visions. Not only does the world need our influence, we need it ourselves. So, I am preparing to paint my first painting of 2009. I need to paint no matter what is happening in my external world. Painting refreshes my soul. It helps me tolerate what is beyond my control. I chose to only control my visions for society. It is my small part in making our time here more pleasant.

To all artists everywhere, I wish that your 2009 year is full of creative fulfillment. We need to be ready for the good times ahead.

Layers

2008-12-18T13:40:00.000-08:00

The more abstract a concept is, the more I want to

explore all the nuances associated with the

concept. One day last week, I became fascinated with the word 'layers'. I fixated on the word for a

while and applied it to each facet of my daily life,

routines, relationships, work, play and so on.

When I approached my easel that day, I had plans

of thinking through the layers involved externally

and internally as I create a painting. First, it is winter so I selected a summery photo for my

resource. This is my conscious telling my

subconscious to escape the real world and enjoy

a dreamy world temporarily.

It must have been a good choice. I did the painting

alla prima, all in one time period. Most often, I need to paint several times on a painting for it to be successful. This produces several layers of

paint. With each layer, I create more depth adding the third dimension to a 2 dimensional format.

Perhaps Roughing It? represents solely an emotional whimsical layer. The scene shows no depth in distance nor depth of the water. This scene is merely an up close and personal glimpse

of two men enjoying their day. Ah, simplicity is destined to rule over complex concepts.

Unknown Destiny

2008-12-10T10:06:00.000-08:00

It snowed during the night here in Austin. Hours before the snow, it was over 80 degrees. I'm not surprised. For a year now, I've been saying that we are living in an era of extremes. The scales are tipping and have been tipping for some time now. Personally, I prefer a more balanced atmosphere. Therefore, I am managing to deal with the ups and downs of the world by withdrawing into my creative self. I intend to emerge refreshed and rejuvenated. While the creative spirit among us artisans remains personal, there is a certain need to take the personal to a public level. This brings me to my current dilemma. Should I withdraw into my creative spirit even more to protect myself from possible harm or should I cross the line into full view of the public eye? And how far can I jump into the arena with both feet landing firmly?

I tell my students that learning to paint involves a thousand baby steps. Have I already taken a thousand baby steps and don't realize it or am I just beginning? Whatever happens in the future is directly related to my past and my destiny. I suppose that is why the uncertainty of the future is so intriguing. And now, it's time for me to do what I do, paint.