Jan Lopez's Page

So, we went to Walmart looking for some paint.  As we came out of the store, I noticed what I thought was a glass lens on the ground - all scratched up - I said, HMMMMMMM, I could maybe use that for a collage. 

But I past it by, then a few steps later, there were the lensless glass frames all pink and sparkly with only one ear piece smashed to a flatness that was perfect for mounting on a canvas. 

So I picked up the wonky frames and went back and picked up the lens.  A few more…

I've been through some heavy crap lately.  I won't go into the gory details, but I tell you, it can be life altering.  I am trying to get a foothold - and I turned my attention (finally) back to art to help me cope.

I always had this view of artists in their studios, with their easels and paint, supplies in nice arty boxes, maybe an oriental rug on the floor, stained glass in the windows, listening to wonderful music as they create.  Somehow, I felt this was an achievable model…

It's Xmas Day and I'm already looking back.  I made leaping strides in my art this year.  I tried new approaches, deviated from my small controlled pen and ink sketches and commented on other artists' works.  Now it sounds like commenting should not be counted as an art achievement, but it is for me.  This year, I've broadened my art outlook to get beyond myself.  I criticize my work, sometimes even before I do it!  I know that sound insane and childish - my inner demons get the better of…

I started this moving from state=to-state thing in 2006. I had 25 years of stuff to decide to keep, recycle, donate or throw away when I left California for New Mexico - I downsized a lot!!! The local library and used books stores did not have to buy stock for awhile.

When I arrived in New Mexico, beading took the forefront. I hoarded beads when I was working - because I knew in retirement, my money would not be available (Hell, it wouldn't exist) to buy beads. I started working with…