Vulnerability and the Evolution of a Page

  
The last few months I've found that taking photos of my work really helps me to process my thoughts as well as my composition, color, etc...I can step back and think about my work and how (or if) I want to push it. Right now I am feeling that this is done. It says (both visually and with the written word) everything that I want and need it to say. I always want my work to be honest, raw, true and reflective of me. I'm going to add a couple of coats of gloss medium to protect it in a few days (I want the acrylics and adhesive to cure before I add the final coat so it won't bubble or wrinkle. I never seal my journal pages but original work like this, I usually add a couple of thin coats of protective medium.)

One of the things that I would really like to try in 2016 is selling my work. My goal is to have a small handful of original, painted and collaged individual pieces to offer each month. I'm thinking of both prints as well as selling the originals. It's a big step for me (in all honesty, it scares the hell out of me.) It's funny that I can openly share all of my journal pages, sell my started-in books, teach classes but this is an entirely new and raw territory for me. It both challenges me yet makes me feel vulnerable at the same time.

I'm sharing here to document a bit of my process but also to encourage others who are wondering about taking first steps (be they first steps in putting paint to paper, sharing their work, adding another layer, teaching, selling, whatever.) I know I'm not alone with my vulnerability. It's something that we all experience and some hide it better than others. In the meantime, onward.

"What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?"

-Vincent Van Gogh