Friday, June 10, 2011

Embracing the Time Out--Looking Through the Glass Brightly

I was discouraged. Silly me. I was humbled by rejection. Unnecessarily. I was lifted up by your presence, by your words, by your spirit of generosity toward me and your fellow artist friends online. Feeling much better now. This 'time out' included a trip back East. There I was dazzled by green, enveloped by the eagerness to move forward, and deeply touched by the gratification of a milestone for my family, my son, and all those wonderful people who gathered to share the day. When I returned home, I began to look through a piece of glass on my work table, brightly this time--more so than before.
  Image © 2011 Melinda S. Esparza
Image © 2011 Melinda S. Esparza
A new commitment to seek excellence, if not consistency in posting, inspired me to work on this small 5" x 7" piece of glass, producing an image on both sides. Kinda fascinating, don't you think? This man, Mayor Cory A. Booker, preached it (!) at the Williams College Commencement, and I would like to encourage you to watch this video--daring you not to laugh and cry and rise up with a shout!

   
 I think even Ken Burns and Marina Abramovic were touched by the day too.
  Image © 2011 Melinda S. Esparza Image © 2011 Melinda S. Esparza But the star of the day for me was this young man, Ell. He's reached a magnificent goal and will be a blessing to the world. I just know it. He will stand up.

13 comments:

daviddrawsandpaints said...

Such vibrancy of colour from such a vibrant, colourful, personality, and carried out with such panache.

Congratulations also to Ell on his graduation. He is lucky to have such a supportive family and you have much to be proud of and nothing to be downhearted about. A strong spirit lives.

Melinda said...

You are a dear, David. Thank you. Many days I lack vibrancy, but artwork makes it come back.

You know.

p. s. Thank you for the congrats. It means a lot to me. It will make Ell smile.

Jeane Myers said...

nice to see you back - have missed you - looks like nothing but successes
in your world on many levels - the glass painting is so interesting xo

Melinda said...

Thank you, Jeane! It is often difficult to measure success when we experience both acceptance and rejection within a few days. However, we can change how we measure things, can't we?

I've missed you too. Love your photo!

Donald Diddams said...

There is nothing so energizing as visiting a new and green environment while sharing in the promise and enthusiasm of youth (and an accomplished one at that!). Congratulations to Elliot and to you.
The glass painting is lovely, and so interesting with the echos from one side to the other.
I'm happy to see you back and happy!

Melinda said...

It's true, Donald, about the benefit of a new environment. I know you know this too.

I'm glad you like the painting. It was an impulsive thing, and I'm glad it worked out.

Thank you so much for visiting and commenting!

Linny D. Vine said...

Congratulations to Elliot!! (And his parents!) Welcome back, Melinda! Your latest piece(s)is fabulous - a Magical Melinda painting(s)!!

cohen labelle said...

Congratulations on all fronts, Melinda - El graduating from university and you returning to your painting - that's a light too that we all love and have missed! Not that it isn't good to take a break once in a while and escape from the all consuming internet but it is truly wonderful to have you back!! Love the painting!!
xo Marcia

Melinda said...

Hello, dear Marcia.

Thank you, thank you, thank you. You are a light to me and I appreciate your stopping by each time.

Local life has pulled me away for quite some time. I'm hoping to get back into a good work routine soon.

Your portraits are so wonderful. I hope you are jazzed about them and will do many more.

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Melinda,

Great post and beautiful painting. Congratulations to your handsome graduate in his cool shades. He will be a blessing to the world like his mother and father before him. How could he not? After watching his videos about clouds in Iceland and Tucson I feel connected by humour to this young man, who along with you, changed my views about clouds forever.

Much love to all of you,

Barbara

Melinda said...

Hello Barbara!
Thank you very much for your kind words of congratulations. He has a wry sense of humor and a good heart. Let's hope the world is kind as well.

He really got me started on the clouds too. When he was a child of six and onward, we started looking up--and "finding our way to the roof."

I know your boys will rise up too!

Best wishes with your painting.

Virtual hugs--M

Elliot said...

Hey ma!

As I've told you in person, I love the glasswork. I think it's a good idea, and it really comes alive when you see it and hold it.

Thank you to everyone for the congratulations, I greatly appreciate your well wishes!

Melinda said...

Hi Ell!
So glad you like the paint on glass. It does look different in reality. Hard to show how it changes as one turns it and light goes through it, making clear turn black, and texture jump and get translated. It was a fun experiment, fer sure. And, this I know too:

Life is good when you're around.