Stephanie's Studio

I've switched gears and started painting and drawing a lot more in my studio. I tend to do this as the seasons change. Seasonal change is just to darned inspirational to ignore. Spring is lovely and lush with unusual colors worth celebrating. Just in time my son Liam bought me this lovely, full bouquet of tulips with stock and some trumpet flowers, among other tiny delights for Mother's Day. It took all week to do these drawings. It felt like a race against time. That's what happens for me with direct observation still life. The light changes greatly from day to day and the subject transforms, if it is alive, as is the case with flowers. So here's what I did. "Mother's Day Tulips Full Sun" c. 2015, Stephanie Rose Bird Mixed Media Preliminary "Tulip Study" c. 2015, Stephanie Rose Bird Close Up Pastel Study, "Tulips" c. 2015, Stephanie Rose Bird Black and White Vine Charcoal Study, "Tulip Bouquet," c....

Last night I happened upon the PBS Front Line program “ All of Me ” by Independent Lens. I was fascinated by the sociological and psychological implications of losing weight, particularly of obese and morbidly obese women that were featured. An important part of the conversation was about acceptance of fat. One of the women said something to the effect of, “We came together as fat girls/fat women.” But then the documentary goes on to show how the women changed towards each other after weight loss surgery and the challenging effects of shifting perceptions of the self on the group.                                                                   (Venus of Willendorf) One of my close relatives is into the BBW (Big Beautiful Women) scene. He prefers his women super-sized. He came to where I live to be with a wom...

Yesterday was an exciting day! I was in communication with the publisher that might publish my spirituality and weight loss book that I've mentioned before. This book focuses around earth-based spirituality and earth wisdom like prayer, invocation, plant wisdom, the elements and more. Another publisher has also come forward to express interest, so now there are two. Both publishers are newer, especially in comparison with the publishers I have worked with in the past. Each one has a huge upside. The one is very eclectic and experimental in taste, whereas the other, is going to be devoting the house to more metaphysical and ritualistic titles. I will be reflecting on where might be the best home for my baby and should be able to share that with you shortly. I have posted in this space about Dealing with Rejection because it is something I struggle with. I think most artists and writers do. In fact, I can't think of any one I know that loves to be rejected. I also posted re...