The Beginning of Transformation

June 18, 2007

This on-line journal is my way to stay connected to the ones I love and those who are studying with me. In light of the fact that there are different types of audiences reading this blog, my comments will be directed to the experience of working on a masters degree in painting as part of NYU's summer program in Venice and how that is a transformative experience. Hence the title of the blog- "Mutation."

To my family, friends and students. I'm almost packed and working hard to finish the last items on the to-do list before my husband Paul and I leave for Italy. When friends have asked if I am excited to take this journey to Italy with Paul, I answer "YES." The feeling is similar to bouncing on the edge of a diving board where I can see the water and I trust my skills to spring off the board but the official whistle has not sounded. After a two-week trip together in Florence and Venice, Paul returns to Houston and I begin my studies in Italy until the end of the summer. My only apprehension comes from being apart from my husband for such a long period of time. To say that I will miss him is an enormous understatement; he is my light and air.

As an emerging artist, this opportunity is a great one and one which I hope will help me be a better artist and teacher. I am leaving behind two bodies of work nearly completed for fall shows in Houston.

Perhaps my experiences in Italy will change the way I see these works and the techniques used to complete them. The first exhibit I am working on is called Storms, Sumos and Sweets for the O'kane Gallery at the University of Houston, downtown. The second show is called Made in Texas for Bering and James Gallery. More about those later.

I will add to this blog as time and ideas allow. For my St. Agnes students, I will be directing comments directly to you for lessons that will begin the first week of school. On August 28th, I will return to St. Agnes to begin watching YOU go through the process of transformation and mutation. For my adult private students, our dialog can continue via the Internet. Good luck with your assignments and projects. And to family and friends, thanks for being on my shoulder.

Ciao!