kpkillipscurran
NEWSLETTER
December 31, 2022
On the verge
First off
A big big thank you!
As I write this, we are on the verge of a new calendar year. 2023 is on the horizon of a new day, tomorrow…
I’m a big one for fresh starts, I use several benchmarks throughout the year to assess and redress any goals or aspirations I have. And most importantly to thank those who have helped me along the way. People like you!
I use my birthday as a personal turning point. I like it because it’s mine all mine and is not pressured by societal values or marketing. I gather the year behind me and look for things to be grateful for and things to do again, and ways I have grown. It’s often a turning point in my life and many monumental decisions have been made on or about the time of my birthday.
The new year is a construct. The Gregorian calendar was conceived quite a long time ago. 1582 by Pope Gregory. Most of the world operates under its auspice. For me the best part about the new year, are resolutions. Strange as it may seem, that period of communal personal growth, comforts me somehow. None of us are perfect by any means and a time that recognizes that simple fact is useful. We all can take time to remember and redress the past year. A willingness to forge ahead with new resolve is a grand plan we can share.
“Be careful what you wish for…” I was told as a young woman. What was I wishing for then? (A lifelong artist living in a country home with a few animals and a garden to grow food and flowers). SO in that respect I have become that basic wish. In my 30s I always wished for world peace at new year’s. Its goal may be lofty or even unattainable, but blessings such as those, sent out to the universe seemed fitting. In my 40s I wished to be more kind. I had learned from the best of them (my mother RIP) to not be kind, to be selfish. It was a matter of survival against my naive, confused understanding of people. I’m happy to say I am more kind and it is my aim to continue to be more kind as each year passes.
So what are your aspirations, your wishes for the new year?
Be KIND!
The 8 paintings I sold this year ( a record low)
Sue
Wondrous taste, your clients have.
I really like your turning of the cycles’ philosophy.
Here is mine, extension i Chi g:
Shocking
Arousal action,
Surprises, never suspected
Isnt it wild?
Weather!
Time! The times are a’changin and I never suspected
Oh I know I will be 75
Same old.
The year, though!
It isn’t a sugar cake, a fifty dollar bill in a card,
It is, unexpectedly a giant, iridescent rainbow coloured bird swept against blue and rose skies.
It is a geaaaaant crevice , miles, miles, revealing amethysts, 60 foot high tourmaline, aquamarines magnificent in their newness…
It is…what?
I cannot predict my surprise, my arousal, the shock of lightning, perhaps of recognition or of rending away,
What is 2023?
Sue
Sorry title of that is ’51 Zhen’ from throwing the i Ching (book of changes)
Lisa Thomas
Beautiful paintings, all 8 of them Karen. I am always so in awe of your ability to capture the essence of water. I have struggled with that …..again….recently. Perhaps when I finally get out to visit you, you can help me explore that.
Glad to hear that you are finding a positive spin on the New year thing…..you never cease to impress me with your tenaciousness and insight. Love you
Carolyn Boatman
Thank you so much for these inspiring words. I think that living with animals, in a home of your own, and gardening is a rewarding life style. I love your painting. I can no longer paint as I have arthritis in both hands but I still get joy seeing other people’s work. Have a wonderful new year creating your paintings.
Carolyn
adminphi
Thanks for that Carolyn! It is indeed rewarding and I hope to be able to continue on this path for as long as it makes me happy.