A Thousand Lives

This painting has lived a thousand lives.

Made with tons of love for some dear friends, I couldn't be happier with the final result!

Although a thousand lives may be a bit of an exaggeration, which I specialize in ;), it is true that most of my paintings have many layers. Some paintings just happen to have much bigger transformations than others. The photos below may look like four completely different paintings, but they're actually all the same one! These are the layers from the midway through the painting, to completion. There were even more layers underneath that first photo, and along the way too, just not captured.

 And, because it's fun to watch things as a slideshow, thought I'd share that too!

Thanks for being here!
~Jacki 

Ferns, Roots & Sperm Whale Tails!

A detail of a painting that I'm working on.  I love when I see other artists' progress on their work, so I'm trying to be more intentional about sharing mine.  Wishing you as much joy in your work as I have in mine...

...a link to more of my work :)

You've Come A Long Way, Baby!

I got a t-shirt that says this from a clothing exchange within the last year. It makes me feel good every time I wear it.  It's like a little pat on the back. So, I turned it into a little card.

I didn't know where this catch phrase began, and upon looking it up just discovered that it's from a cigarette campaign ad from the '60's. Makes me bummed that it was created for that, but am happy it exists in my brain for other reasons.

Not sure if it will make someone else just as happy, but will be sending off this card to someone tomorrow! Email, like or send a comment!

:::Word Love:::

First, there's the word lover in me, which thinks compassion is humanity at its very best.

Then, there's the scrabble/boggle lover in me, which loves that you can find both compass & passion, amongst other words, within compassion.

And, since compassion is so damn awesome, I'm mailing the little note above to a random person.

Email me, or enter a comment below and I'll put your name in the hat to get a chance to win this! I'll be drawing the name on Wednesday, June 10th at Noon Central Standard Time. Any/all are welcome!!

The Life of a Painting

Curious about what goes into a painting?

Several years ago, I completed the painting above. It now resides in the home of the lovely family who commissioned me. At their permission, I am now posting photos.

While I worked on the piece, I took *photos* along the way...

As you can see, a painting can take on major transformations before it is completed.

And now, having thrown the whole sequence into a slideshow format, it is now available for your under 2.5 minute viewing pleasure! 

*Please note that making the painting is a much higher priority than capturing & editing the photos of it. Hence, the photo quality is much lower quality than the actual work. Regardless, hope you enjoy!

As always, you can see more of my work at my website: www.jackizitek.com

Art-A-Whirl 2015

Stop on over for Art-A-Whirl 2015!

I will be showing work outside of my friend Camille Hempel Design's Jewelry Studio on the 2nd floor of the Q.arma Building 

Location:

1224 Quincy St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413  

Hours:

Friday, May 15th: 5-10pm

Saturday, May 16th: Noon-8pm

Sunday, May 17th: Noon-5pm

While visiting, stop by Jayme Halbritter's Photography Studio right next door to Camille's, & Anthony Huonder's Ceramic Studio on the lower level!

Tons of stuff happening all over Northeast! 

Check it out and Enjoy!

Wind-Up Keys & Golden Wings

All at once, the Golden Wings appeared ~ 

~ and the bird soared to unbelievable heights!!

Ever wish you had a wind-up key on your back, and maybe even a set of golden wings to go along with it too?

Instead of the real deal, I went for the next best thing. I created a visual reminder of how beautiful it feels after I do the wind-up so that I can begin the wind-up! 

A visual aid of what it looks like to soar to unbelievable heights. 

 

I think we all have them, these sets of beautiful golden wings with wind-up keys attached. We just sometimes forget that they exist, or that the power to wind them up exists within us.

Personally, I have to wind mine up every single day. Some days it can take all day, and other days I have to ask for help. I usually have to dig into my imagination to find the places I can go with the wings.  And, there are days when I have to remind myself that they still really exist.  

So, in the chance that you need a good reminder too, here it is: 

The wings really are there, ready and waiting for us to show up and use them.

Are you a visual person like me? Do you like to keep visual aids around to remind you of things that are important to you? I would love to hear about them or see them so, feel free to leave a comment. Or better yet, we could collaborate on making new ones!

Let's wind-up those wings and soar to unbelievable heights!

wrapping up:::

:::the first of many creative days & eves

so much to create, so much to share, so much to write, so much unknowing & thread following & new discoveries/universes/paths & patience & hope & aspirations & desires & joy in this whole process

i've felt like i was getting ready to leap off of something these last few months.  not a bridge, more like a diving board

and though i thought i'd dive in head first today, instead i'd say i dipped my toes in the water. it felt unfamiliar and good all at the same time.

with the universe full of ideas buzzing around in my head it was a way to be gentle with myself.

easing in, following my intuition, and continuing to do what feels right.

grateful.