a pocket full of artful empathy

Historically I made paintings about people, places or things. Representational art that was always about somebody, somewhere or something. I never really cared for abstract paintings much, because I could never bother to understand them, or even try for that matter. 

My life went though a series of over hauls the past decade. Maybe that's just what happens to everyone, and it just feels "especially over-bearing," because when shit happens in your own life, you just tend to feel it more. And that's really what I needed and wanted to do, was to "feel more."

At this same time I started to tackle the "abstract" painting, because I wanted to understand it, wrap my head around it and was tired of being afraid of it. So I jumped right into painting color, without trying to paint a person, place or thing. Just color...and possibly dare I say "feelings?" 

And so this is where I have landed in my studio for the time being. When I am not being commissioned to make paintings about families, the Rocky Mountains, and poppies, I am making paintings about energy, color, love and empathy. 

A friend just recommended I pick up the book, "Tiny Beautiful Things, Advice on love and life from Dear Sugar," by Cheryl Strayed. Somehow my paintings, or my writing about my paintings evoked her to evoke me to get this book and get reading. And so I did. And the stories and concepts and ideas in this book of "advice," make all the sense in the world to me - and why I paint the way I have for the past decade. In trying to get real, to feel more, and to not be afraid of things I don't understand, has encouraged me to delve into the universe of painting abstracts. The larger the better. And oh how I love where I'm at right now with my "life's work," and am grateful to be a working artist every day that I'm still living and breathing.

I hope you enjoy my latest painting, "Dear Sugar, (A Pocket of Delights)." And thank you, Cheryl Strayed, for writing some real good shit.

"Dear Sugar, a Pocket of Delights" 60"x60" mixed media on canvas, 2017, all rights reserved by Laurie Maves ART

getting your head out of your smart phone

I know its not officially autumn yet, but there's something about the date, September 1st, that makes me feel like summer is most definitely over. And once fall falls upon us, I always feel like the year needs a good review. What has happened this year? How have I spent my days in 2016? How have I improved my existence? What would I have changed?

I feel like if I take time to complete some kind of re-evaluation process I might actually have time left in 2016 to accomplish some goals that otherwise may have not yet been completed. Yes, I am that type A person, that type A artist, that is always pushing for new paintings, new works, new series, new projects. There just never feels like there is enough time in this lifetime to make all the paintings I want to make. To sell all the paintings I want to sell. To get to all edges of the planet my work. To inspire others to think, act or live creatively, so we become more than just drones, robots or slaves to our smart phones and social media systems.

I have been working on a series of works on paper that have been selling quite well on my Laurie Maves ART Vango ART page. These pieces are generally smaller, 9"x12" - 11"x14" and they are mostly mixed media works on gessoed paper. I have truly enjoyed making these smaller pieces in 2016. They have allowed me to generate more images about relationships, love, connections and reflections on the human experience. These pieces exhibit many of the thoughts and concepts that run through my brain on a daily basis. My mind is never quiet. Unless I focus on making it so, (there's that type A artist personality again).

2016 has also allowed me time and space to make a handful of larger circular abstracts on canvas. These are from my "Gottlichkeit" series. These paintings have been very popular as well. They have exhibited in Kansas and in Colorado and I am very proud of the messages they convey.


I guess we still have 4 more months to go in 2016. I hope I am able to continue creating mixed media works, large abstract paintings, and hopefully continue to inspire those that take the time and energy to read my posts and blogs - even if that means at this moment your face is in your digital device. Maybe you could take a minute for yourself to reflect on 2016 and see where you are headed next? And just possibly take a moment and get your head out of your smart phone to see what life has in store for you for the remaining days of 2016.

as an art therapist, i prescribe a tantrum

Mostly I write about art, the metaphors of my work and the healing nature of the creative process. I often use art-making for processing my difficult moments in life and later view the images for reflection, growth and personal understanding.  This is the "grown-up" & "adult" way I've learned to deal with my many god-given and perfect human emotions that may not be so comfortable to live with at any given time. When faced with: Why do I feel the way I do? Why does a certain situation cause me to cry? I should be over that by now!  and Why can't I control my emotions better??? Sometimes folks, the art-making just doesn't cut it.

But isn't "controlling our emotions" exactly what most of us have been taught to do throughout our lives? If not at the early age of 2 when we really are just getting going as an independent and separated from mom kinda person?  That no matter how angry you are or how sad you might be, you better "get it under control, Sister!" or bad things might happen. How many times were you told by your parents to "stop making a scene!" or  "If you can't get it together, you will be in BIG trouble!"  Of course in the 1990's and early 2000's parents were given the "time-out" tool, which I even used with my own children when they were having a meltdown. The time out and even counting down to a time out proved to be very effective for my own kids when they needed a break from a certain situation to calm down and chill out. But when a kid is angry - a kid is angry. And the same goes for adults. Just because we grow up doesn't mean we stop feeling - OR DOES IT???

And yes, even for adults, the "time out" can be an effective way for us to get our "$h*t" together during challenging moments where it would be best to walk away to a quiet room, than to blow up at a client or a boss or anyone who just might be missing the point, or not understanding your needs and wants in the moment.  I agree that there is an appropriate time and place for everything.

But as a culture it seems we have gotten so accustomed to stuffing our anger or sadness that we don't really know what to do with our perfectly designed human emotions any more - especially when they rise to a boiling point. I believe that this is one of the possible reasons behind our society filled with disease, cancers and over loaded pill popping and drug use. All those emotions and feelings that we have controlled, suppressed and not expressed over our lifetimes are now bursting at the seams if not to leave, then to drastically alter our bodies, our organs and our cells. 

So guess what I prescribe when you're feeling overwhelmed with emotions that might not feel so warm and fuzzy? 

GO HAVE YOURSELF A BLOODY TANTRUM!     

I MEAN ALL OUT SCREAMING AND YELLING AT THE TOP OF YOUR LUNGS, CRYING SOBBING ON THE FLOOR GET IT ALL OUT SISTER KINDA EXPRESSION OF YOUR PENT UP ANGER AND FRUSTRATION ABOUT WHY LIFE HAS LANDED THIS BIG BUNDLE OF SHIT IN YOUR IN YOUR LAP AND YOU JUST CANT TAKE ANOTHER MOMENT OF IT KIND OF FIT THAT MAKES YOU FEEL LIKE YOU'RE ON THE EDGE OF CRAZY, HELL YOU MIGHT JUST BE THERE, BUT YOU'RE GONNA RIDE THIS OUT INTO THE SUNSET UNTIL YOU CAN'T GET ONE MORE PEEP OUT OF YOUR ANGST RIDDEN DISGUSTED BLOW HOLE

(bloody as in the English/ UK term, not as in actually spilling any blood)

I did this week and let me tell you - it was downright FANTASTIC!  Yes for about three minutes - maybe even only two was what it took to exorcise my current demons, and I'm sure I looked ridiculous and pretty much like that toddler you saw at Target last week when Mommy didn't buy her that My Pretty Pony. But when you've got a lot that you're holding in for whatever reasons we ALL have about life's disappointments, I suggest you get those feelings out of you, before they take over the inside of you.  

Now please let me be clear with this prescription comes your own level of responsibility. Choose your timing wisely. Pick a space where you will be alone and you won't be disrupting anyone else. Make sure your windows are closed so that the neighbors don't call the police. And if you can't be alone, if you have the wherewithal, please let those around you know that's you're going to go blow up for a minute, then you'll be back calmer, better and healthier. And if you can find a way to "ground" yourself after an exhausting screaming sobbing and exorcising session, I recommend a good round of gardening. And if you don't have any soil to toss around for a good four or five hours, go sit on the grass and let the remains filter into the ground below you. And if you don't have the ability to get near a garden, soil or grass, then no wonder why you're so upset!!! (JK - which means just kidding for all you older folks out there) After you blow up, you need to gather back into yourself or you're just going to feel raw and overly-exposed. So find a way to sit  and send any left over nastiness into the ground even if only metaphorically. 

Now if you really are looking for a great coach to help you with this kind of activity if you feel you're not up for trying it on your own, I suggest you reach out to Master Healer, Tammy Cunningham who's my own personal hero, and she'll walk you through the proper steps of breathing into your heart, beating a pillow with intention and many other tasks for releasing those very most precious and important emotions that we have stuffed and tied up within our bodies, probably for way too long. Listen, we have our emotions for a reason, but when you don't "emote" them in any regular or healthy way, you're not doing you or the rest of us any favors.

So there you go! A prescription for a tantrum. I'm sure all of us could use one sooner than later. XOXO and have a beautiful weekend!!!! Love and Blessings,

Laurie