I've had two wonderful photo shoots with my dear husband the past couple of days, and had to laugh at this photo because my pupils are two different sizes! Guess that's what happens with different lights and flashes. Luckily, David Woody is a whiz with post-production work and I know my photos will turn out fabulously. These were all taken with pieces from Refrain on the body--the work will be photographed separately in a couple weeks. Stay tuned!

It's all wrapping up, winding down. Not quite the end, but the end to a lot of things. The pieces have been made, the paper is written. There are no more meetings. Experimentations are done. There is a sense of both relief and disbelieving panic at the same time.

On Monday, I start installing my work in the Hoffman Gallery at OCAC for my first Thesis show (one of three), which opens on Wednesday. I'll have my Orals Defense on Thursday (to be followed by many celebratory drinks), followed by a public presentation on May 13, off-site exhibition (JUNCTURE) opening May 16, and graduate show at the Hoffman Gallery opening on May 17. Let the last of the whirlwinds begin!!

I will have much more to share about the actual work in my Thesis soon. I had a fantastic photo shoot with my husband, David Woody, today with the pieces on, and they will be photographed again in May. Overall, I'm thrilled with the pieces and the process I have undergone. I honestly could probably have written my thesis paper for months to come, and when I look back at my research, I find myself continually inspired. It's an incredible feeling.

In the meantime, if you want to see more of my process, head over to my Instagram!

I just finished working on one of the unsent letters, reading through and applying the 'redactions'. Some of these I can get through in a breeze, just scanning words and blocking them out. Other times, it tears at my heart, re-reading those letters. Re-living experiences. Revealing some things, hiding others.

Making personal work is an exercise in emotional strength. It takes determination, belief in yourself, knowledge that what you're making is true and good. I am so grateful to have this year to really delve into this project and work through so many aspects of it. We're just starting Spring Break, so I'll be spending a whole lot more time in the studio this week, as well as writing my paper.

Now, back to those letters (4 down, 9 to go...)

I am making amazing things.
I am experiencing vast amounts of growth.
I am working with new materials.
I am broadening horizons.

But it's not all easy.

My work is personal.
Most of the time I feel vulnerable and exposed.
Most of the time it brings up issues, relationships, past experiences.
I realized today that I don't trust anyone anymore.
(I have learned more about myself through this work than any sort of counseling I've ever had.)
I have to continually push, work, move.

Last night, I realized it had been terribly long since I've been for a hike.
I haven't had time to myself in months...
...but I'm making myself a lovely necklace with a hidden token.
I have given up on going to the gym until May...
...but I'm going to go back to meditation this week. I find myself daydreaming about getting on the freeway and just driving away into the sunset.
Or just sleeping in.
I cannot wait to get back to making jewelry.
Soon, I will give up on cooking in order to save time, and find myself sleeping on the couch in order to get as many hours as possible, undisturbed.

It's not all easy, I know. No one ever said it would be.

But I know it's worth it.
Nothing worth anything ever came easy.

It's HERE!!! The OCAC Thesis Class of 2014's Kickstarter has officially launched and we need your help to get to our goal!! Check it out and help us put on an amazing exhibition in May! Above is a little snapshot of one of my favorite rewards, The Cubist, which includes an ephemera packet from an artist's studio! They are like little artworks.

JUNCTURE is the culmination of years of hard work perfecting our skills as artists, as well as our ability to think critically and conceptually about our work. We look forward to seeing you at the show and are so grateful for your support. You can learn more about our show and our work by visiting our blog!

It snowed in Portland!!
It's pretty rare that it sticks around anymore, so we went for a little adventure before the inevitable freezing rain came last night.

The other day, as I was frantically shuffling application papers around for an exhibition, I realized something.
I was reflecting on this notion of withheld words, and barriers, and it occurred to me that this idea has been a part of my work for years.