Fiesta Forever

©A.K.SIMON - Fiesta Forever - 8"x8" oil on linen $100

I am so surprised that I had never seen one of these pitchers before. This piece was rescued by an artist friend from a junk pile. Can you believe it? Who would throw something this cool away? This pitcher is such an awesome shape that I had to paint it. Then when people started seeing it in the studio they commented on the fact that they collect Fiestaware, or they have a pitcher like this in another color. Where have I been?! I love this stuff and the whole art deco period.  I can hear my husband now, "focus Annette, do we really need more stuff to sit around?" Oh, and the champagne glass is just to celebrate this awesome shaped pitcher. And, the persimmons had been sitting in the studio so long they were rotten. Does anyone else buy props and they rot or die before you get around to painting them? 

The Power of One Candle

©A.K.SIMON - The Power of One Candle - oil on linen $200

This painting was painted as my annual Christmas card. Every year I try to think of something that is easily recognizable as a symbol of peace and love in any language. This year it's the candle (of course the Merry Christmas and name enhancement are "photoshoped" in). Think of how many times a candle saved you from falling when the electricity failed you during a storm. There is such symbolism in the simplicity of one candle. I was reminded tonight at the Christmas Eve service of the book that Mother Teresa wrote called Come Be The Light. It was an epiphany as to what this painting means to me. It is to be the light that serves as comfort not the angst of darkness, serve a purpose of good and most of all be selfless and nonjudgemental. Mother Teresa was such a light in so many lives - her glow definitely came from within a loving heart!  Happy Holidays and my wish is that we all "be the light" whenever possible!

"Two Slices of Life"

©A.K.SIMON - "Hydor Angos" (water vessel) - 8" x8" oil on linen - $100

SOLD

Well. it's been awhile since you've heard from me! There's a saying, "life is what happens while you're busy making plans." I've probably mentioned it before but it's worth repeating. 2013 has proved to be a very challenging year for our family and blogging, facebook, twitter and even artwork have taken a back seat. It started in April with personal health issues and culminated In the month of October when we lost two of our family members to illness (cancer and heart disease). As much as you try to just accept the fact that death is a part of life, that acceptance doesn't come easy. This October my son-in-law lost his mother and my brother-in-law lost his wife (this all happened in the same week). 

I once read a book about the dynamics of change. There is no escaping it. and it can be very volatile, painful or almost immeasurable. The older I get, the more I hate it - or do I love it? With it I exist, without it I don't. My heart aches for my family members for what we are going through but I don't believe death is final - we may walk together for awhile in learning and preparation but at some point we must all part to face the ultimate reason for our existence. 

I know the skeptics will say that my faith is just a crutch to deal with the harshness of life. To them I say, "thank God!" Have you ever tried to walk on a broken ankle without a crutch? 

This painting is dedicated to two wonderful moms/sisters/wives/friends who have just lived out their slice of life and proved to be good and faithful servants.

Good bye Cheryl and Georgie, Merry Christmas!