The election is over.

And many people still cannot avoid engaging in conversations about it.

About who won, about who lost. About walking out, about hope for change. About sadness and disappointments over glass ceilings, about walls going up, coming down, my side vs. your side, vs. no one vs. everyone.

As an artist, freedom of speech truly relates to what I do and what I make and what I share. As a full time artist, I make my living by exercising my freedoms. And people pay me to express their thoughts, ideas and inspirations.

I'm not here to tell you what to do with your thoughts about the outcomes of November 8th. I too have been on winning and losing sides of coin tosses, athletic events, art contests and elections. As I'm sure we all have as human beings.

I am here to tell you however, that my newest mission, and possibly my newest tag line as an artist, will no longer be, "I'm here on this planet to make your painting." Yes I still feel that this is true. But I feel a stronger calling of creating a movement of "stronger together" through spreading Love, Hope and Joy through Artworks. This is what I can offer as an individual. I pledge to no longer whine about my situation or spread ugly thoughts or nastiness because that does not help build a stronger community or better human relations. Empathy is queen. Love is Hope is Joy.

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.