From October 2017

“Healing Her Back,” cartoon for larger painting by Bea Garth

Oh wow so much to do prepare for Open Studios here in Vancouver, WA! Meanwhile Lymes started inflaming my joints again–most especially my shoulders and neck. I have to just focus and do what I have to do to take care of myself and let the rest slide for now–though I did manage to take one of my paintings over for the big show for the Clark County Open Studios at the beautiful new Cave Gallery here in Vancouver, WA (reception this Friday!!).

"Rubbing Her Back," small painting sketch by Bea Garth copyright 2015 acrylic on paper
“Rubbing Her Back,” small painting sketch by Bea Garth copyright 2015 acrylic on paper

Am finally starting to feel better using natural remedies!! Likely tomorrow I will be able to draw and paint again–perhaps by doing a larger (better) version of this small  sketch  to the right (“Rubbing Her Back”) which relates to husband rubbing my sore shoulders. This afternoon I went for a walk with him. Doesn’t sound like much but for me it is a victory! Given where I was at the last few days.

So yes often my art is born from struggle even if it does not always show it directly. I often like to focus on communication, beauty, eros and transformation. In this case  it is more directly about the transformative power (and closeness) of healing.

“Devil’s Lair,” mixed media by Bea Garth

Here’s a new painting from a pen and ink I did while waiting for an old boyfriend who was at his therapist’s. Am calling it “The Devil’s Lair,” watercolor and ink by Bea Garth.

"The Devil's Lair," watercolor and ink on paper by Bea Garth, copyright Oct 2017
“The Devil’s Lair,” watercolor and ink on paper by Bea Garth, copyright Oct 2017

I like how pen and ink and watercolor really go together. Am thinking of doing more for Clark County Open Studios this November 11th and 12th and beyond!

“Discovering Joy,” acrylic on canvas by Bea Garth

I finally finished my new painting “Discovering Joy.”

"Discovering Joy," acrylic on canvas by Bea Garth copyright 2017
“Discovering Joy,” acrylic on canvas by Bea Garth copyright 2017

My paintings are a lot like dreams where everything gets mixed together–thus the surrealist edge. For me what I am after is an exploration of the unconscious that helps me realize what it is I am feeling and thinking of underneath.

In this case it was and is the joy of experiencing summer after a difficult winter earlier this year. It got me to remember joyful times in the past such as swimming in Mexico when I was seventeen.  I remember swimming in the warm waters off of Guaymas and being thrilled by all the fish! And yes I loved being on my own with my sister and enjoying the Latin culture.

I think my trip to Mexico as a teen reminded me of my early childhood when the boy I played with next door had parents who were from Spain.  I was in love with their music and dancing and very different approach to life to that of my family. I was sorry when we had to move away.

This painting mixes experiences since quite obviously I am not a red head, nor did I even have  a boyfriend at age seventeen except perhaps in my imagination.

I am thinking of visiting  Mexico again sometime soon when I get the chance.  I bet it will help foster a whole new series of paintings celebrating life!

 

 

 

 

“Swimming Underwater,” work in progress by Bea Garth

"Swimming Underwater," work in progress by Bea Garth, copyright oct 2017
“Swimming Underwater,” work in progress by Bea Garth, copyright oct 2017

Am nearly finished with this piece “Swimming Underwater.” Its been  good to make a work that expresses the joy of life in these troubled times. What else can I say about it? Except that I feel its so very important not to lose sight of what is is that makes us happy.

For me I am reminded of swimming down in Mexico years ago off of Guaymas. I was so impressed/amazed by the quantity of colorful fish! That and of course my continual exploration of the dance between the sexes and the fineries of body language and subtle facial expressions.

From it I am inspired to do another more mythic piece of giving birth to a new world, perhaps also from underwater. Will see what and if it happens… Be watching for it. It all depends on what my psyche is ready for!!

Though for now I may want to simply finish some pieces for the Clark County Open Studios happening here in Vancouver, WA this November 11th and 12, 2017. Be watching for that too!

“Swimmers,” painting in progress by Bea Garth

I just started working on my painting Swimmers again in preparation for the Clark County Open Studios in mid November.

"Swimmers " painting in progress by Bea Garth copyright 2017
“Swimmers ” painting in progress by Bea Garth copyright 2017

Given this very traumatic fall season with massive forest fires, hurricanes, earthquakes and yet another mass shooting, I feel its important to  realize we all have special moments that make this world very worth preserving.  Meanwhile we need to do what we can to help those in need and begin to rectify some of the causes of these difficulties such as global warming and creating a better socio-economic system while still remembering to cultivate and savor those happier moments.