Hawaii is Teaching Me To Write

Hawaii is teaching me to write.  My first month or so,  I saw a posting in the newspaper for a writers group.  I went on a Tues at 10 am and there were about 25 people sitting around the table.  They were of all ages, sizes and colors.  I felt right at home.  I'd brought some of my writing and when it came my turn, I read a poem.  My group's reaction was wonderful and I'll never forget it.  The room was dead silent, people's eyes teared up, some mouths dropped open and then I got "feedback".  Guess what?  They loved my work.  I felt like I was accepted and part of the "Waimea's Writer's Group".  After hearing some of their readings, I knew this was a special place to be and that these were not just weekend warriors, but people that cared deeply about writing and about other people's work.  One man had written a story about a very young couple.  He portrayed the female as strong and able to make decisions, even if it meant not following her boyfriend who was going to college.  By the time he finished reading, he was crying openly and so were others.  I was touched by this.

It was interesting because the group was going to take a hiatus for the summer and meet at another location. I went a few times and was blown away by the location.  We met at a place called Algoods Barn. Algoods is located on a corner piece of the island.  There are horses, cows and lots of chickens running around a huge plot of land.  The trees lean toward the land, shaped by the wind that blows constantly, and the ocean surrounds the land on two sides.  Its a dramatic piece of property that you can't help but fall in love with.  The ladies that own it have built a house with the express purpose of hosting artists and other entrepreneurs. The group has kept me producing at a good rate, but I wanted more.

I met Richard and his wife at a friends house and we got to talking.  Richard owns a gallery and does so many other things just like the rest of us here on the island.  He ghost writes for several authors, plays music and now he's helping me.  What is different about the work I'm doing with Richard is that he's pushing me beyond my limits.  He doesn't swoon over my work, he just asks how I could change it up or say it better.  At first I didn't like it.  Then one of my poems exploded. See what you think.

Anger Flash Song

Girl, take your angry woman suit off ,

It don’t look good on you,

You bringing us all down, I’m telling you,

Nobody’s gonna  like you in that get up you got on now

You’re just scared little girl, cuz no one ever showed you how,

I saw you dancing,

I saw your skirts flying in the air,

It’s your anger that I can not bear,

It leaves me empty, it just drains me.

Life hurts us bad, I ought to know,

But no difference really, you’ve just gotta go

Reach deep inside and pull out the love,

Come on girl, it’s a new day have some fun,

Somebody told you something that was a lie.

I saw you dancing

I saw your skirts flying in the air,

Its your anger that I can not bear,

It leaves me empty, it just drains me.

Girl, take your angry woman suit off,

It don’t look good on you,

You’re beautiful today out in the sun,

Forget the story, remember how

It only about solutions, come on now.

I saw you dancing,

I saw your skits flying in the air,

It’s your anger that I cannot bear,

It leaves me empty, it just drains me.

 He told me that I had used too much dialect and hadn't really said what I wanted.  Here's what happened.

Sweet Mother, Release Me

By Amara Cudney

Her mouth opened and the atmosphere shattered

Jagged pieces of soul

Torn from bellies not yet

Pregnated, fertile and alive.

Just her teeth spayed across her lips

In an almost smile that wasn’t living.

Her hand holding the scotch,

 eyes dead from

Repetitive abuse,

 I let go of what I wanted to be

 where I wanted to go.

Those dreams floated in the gutters

By my street.

 I held the scotch and added a needle

 Trying to find the relief that wasn’t coming

It never came, not in musty hotel rooms, or at Pink Floyd concerts.,

Her words reflected in the blood I drew,

I cried for what would never be.

 I called for your help; help me

Your quizzical expression startled me as you reached for my hand

And held me in your heart,

I knew it wouldn’t be easy

I knew it wouldn’t happen quickly,

 I fought, climbed, surrendered

To something bigger than I was.

Forever held below the moon, spooned by Jupiter, cradled by Mars.

Now he wants me to take this version and turn it into a song. I'm actually feeling challenged and stoked about this.  I don't like doing stuff over and over but I like the results of being able to say things more clearly.

Interview With Diana Shepherd

             

Fun Day

Friday

Win a 15% Discount Off Of Merchandise-When You Visit Diana's Web Page

artbydiana.com

Meet Diana Shepherd, one of my friends and one of the most phenomenal sculptresses on the scene today.  Diana has won several awards  for her work, all the way from Korea to St. Augustine, Florida where she is currently living.

Diana working on a piece in Albuquerque, New Mexico    

Awards

Jacksonville Coalition for the Visual Arts

Juried Fall Show Oct. 5-27, 2011

Gallery L, Wells Fargo Bldg.

Jacksonville, Florida

“Best in Show”

“Three Sisters, Happy, Joy and Free” Bronze sculpture

 

Juror Jason John, Asst. Prof. of Painting and Drawing, UNF

Juror’s statement:

“Throughout all the pieces of this particular exhibition, three pieces really stood out to me.  Diana Shepherd’s “Three sisters, Happy, Joy and Free” was remarkable for the piece’s depiction of individual expression when overcoming a difficult life obstacle.  I might not be able to articulate what the 3 sister’s were celebrating, but my mind contemplated the celebration of a true life victory.  I believe that all good art sends us into a direction without completely answering all the questions for the viewer.  As a viewer I wanted to know the reason for the celebration, but not knowing why the three sister’s were so ecstatic, made me content with the moment and enjoy this celebration for what it is.”

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10th annual Tactile Art Show

October 7th-30th

St. Augustine Art Association

“Best in Show Jean Wagner Troemel Award”

“Esmerelda and her Little dog Toto”

 

Juror, Nofa F Dixon, Assoc. Prof.

Dept. of Art and Design, Univ. of North Florida

Juror’s Statement;

I always enjoy the process of evaluating artwork for exhibitions.  It is a task I take very seriously.  I take into consideration the skill level, good use of material, consistency, the overall aesthetic of the work and how well it fits into the theme of the exhibition.   Usually the element of texture can be real or implied.  However in this show, given the purpose of the exhibit, the texture is very real.  Although this exhibit was less complicated than most to judge, I found that assigning awards was somewhat challenging.  I considered the level of sophistication of the work, it’s presentation and overall presence, as well as the introduction of humor to be important factors in the selection process.  I personally enjoyed the award winning pieces and want to commend all of the artists for their innovation and outstanding work.

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CLAY, COLLAGE & CUTTING EDGE

March 4-27, 2011

St. Augustine Art Association

Second Place

“Red Hot Mama” Bathing Beauty

 

Juror, Alain Hentschel

Dean of Florida School of Arts Palatka, Florida

Newer Work

Interview with Diana Shepherd

   

Diana's pieces have always held a facination for me and when my blog started to take its direction towards discovering the "cool" factor in aging, I knew I wanted to present Diana to you.  She was excited to participate but I was really excited!.  

 I kept thinking of several of her pieces that depict women in a very unique way. I asked her what had inspired her to work with this particular theme. Here's what she told me.

I have always had a strong interest in the human form and how it communicates stories to us.  Through joy, contemplation, tragedy or an endless variety of human experiences, the figure, in it’s complexity, is a never ending source of fascination.  I find it intriguing how one can change a thought or emotion by the slightest manipulation of the clay.  Through sculpting the human figure I work to find a connection with the viewer.  My goal is to draw the viewer in, to relate their own stories through a shared emotion.  Sculpting the human form fills my imagination with possibilities and gives me a wonderful resource with which to communicate to the world.

About my work with the "Ladies"

“Best in Show” Jean Wagner Troemell Award

“Water Goddess’s”

These current pieces came about because I am dealing with becoming a woman "of a certain age".  I still feel vibrant and young, even though my body belies this certain fact, along with the mirror.  As my waistline expanded and my skin has become loose with extra lines, my bones creak and aches and pains have become part of my daily life, I notice that I have become"invisible" where I used to turn heads and attract attention on occasion.  Yet this is the point in life where I have done "it"...I have raised my children (and husband)...I have worked at a career to build a life...my obligations are diminished and I am able to relax at bit and enjoy the fruits of my labor.  I don't take things so seriously and have learned to deal with life on life's terms so much better.  Most aspects of life are without a doubt much more enjoyable...except for this age/body thing.  I look around at my peers and my future maturity and am finding an acceptance into this new phase of life.  This acceptance comes through my work...sculpting natural women that are full of joy, self acceptance and self esteem.  These sculptures are who I want to become.  There is a part of me in each of them as I struggle with my ego at not being a sweet young thing.  Reaching for the beauty of maturing in its entire.
In the Water Goddesses I have the Queen Bee, who is full of confidence and will be nobody's doormat!  She boldly jumps into life ready for new experiences not to be intimidated by anything.  Then there is the "Pampered Princess", (who of us doesn't want to be?!).  She has been there and done her part and now she has the expectation of being able to kick back and allow others to take care of things.  She will demand her due!  And then there is "Home Girl".  I am what I am is her motto.  She loves to laugh and tell dirty jokes.  Down to earth, with a live and let live attitude, she lives to love.  These are my hero's, who I strive to become, a vision of goals for myself.  I have been told to visualize what you want.  Through sculpting these particular figures I am seeking self acceptance and a direction to work toward.
With the "Bathing Beauties", once again I am working toward self acceptance, but in more of a sexual nature.  Along with this "maturity" comes a certain aspect of being both desirable with all the sags and rolls ("Red Hot Mama"), but also still has the ability to desire others ("Oh My...)!   We aren't dead yet girls!  There is beauty in aging that I am striving to grow in my own life.

-Diana Shepherd

As you can see, Diana is super talented and has converged with her muse to depict women in a new way.  I hope you enjoyed meeting my dear friend and that you'll visit her website. Until next time, Aloha.