I’ve been thinking lately about how, despite the ups and downs that come with wending one’s way through a global pandemic, there have still been some truly unexpected bright spots over the past two years.
Considering all that is happening around the world these days, it would be foolish to take anything for granted. And perhaps the enormity of the world’s current problems explains why it’s the little moments in life that offer the greatest reprieve and joy right now.
WH Auden ©2022 Elizabeth Fram, Watercolor and pencil on paper, 12 x 9 inches I made this portrait after reading Elisa Gabbert’s fabulous interactive feature “A Poem (and a Painting) About the Suffering that Hides in Plain Sight”, which appeared in the NY Times on March 6th. Her piece centers on Auden’s poem “Musée des Beaux Arts”. I found it very moving — another unexpected gift.
Two particular highlights that have come my way in the past 12 months were a total surprise. In both instances, I thought I was making a relatively small contribution to lighten someone else’s load, but truthfully, I’m the one who walked away with gifts far greater than earned or than I would have thought possible.
Thank you to my local art supplier, The Drawing Board, for coming up with the brilliant idea of a monthly watercolor subscription last year. When I signed up I wasn’t sure I needed a new half-pan of paint each month – but it seemed like an easy and fun way to support a local enterprise at a time when no one knew what was lurking around the corner for any business.
Seaglass © 2022 Elizabeth Fram This is a test painting for a work I haven’t yet begun. I’m including it here because the four Daniel Smith colors I mention below comprise its backbone.
The thing is, I got way more out of that subscription than I ever would have dreamed. Soon I couldn’t wait to see the regular envelope which included not only the promised paint, but also other supply surprises (paper samples, brushes, a sponge, drawing tools, etc.). As Covid dragged on, each arrival became something of an event that was just as exciting and as eagerly anticipated as when the Scholastic book order arrived in elementary school. Remember those days?
On top of that, I’m super glad to have added Daniel Smith’s Genuine Serpentine, Rose of Ultramarine, Amethyst Genuine and Mayan Dark Blue to my palette. I’m not sure I would have tried them otherwise, but they are remarkably versatile and now an integral part of my kit.
The other highlight I wanted to share with you comes in the form of a daily email from artist Janet Van Fleet, who is participating in the March Arts Marathon to benefit the Central Vermont Refugee Action Network. Every day this month she sends donors a brief recap with images of her art career as she ‘looks over her shoulder’ at her creative journey. It’s a tremendous commitment and amount of work on her part, but for those of us who follow, it has been a delight that marks how thoroughly engaged Janet is with the world, its joys and its woes. The whole exercise has made me realize how often artists’ creative paths are overlooked, and how important they are to understanding the development of someone’s work.
Hug Fish ©2021 Janet Van Fleet, 56 x 18 x 5 inches
To a great degree, I think the practice of art is a form of translation. One of the qualities I most value about it and the people who create it, is the ability to conjure unexpected and enlightening connections — associations that strike both a universal and a personal chord with viewers. Visual analogies are a strong means for making ideas and emotions relatable and palpable.
The Beginning © Janet Van Fleet, Oil on board with wine foils. Included in her 2019 exhibit “Vanishment” in the Vermont Supreme Court lobby, this and the painting below call attention to the devastating reality that we humans are killing off other species at alarming rates.
Please visit Janet’s website to see the breadth of her work. Look closely and you will see she is a master of metaphor. She tackles weighty subject matter without ever losing sight of the sheer joy of life. That’s a pretty impressive juggling act.
The End © Janet Van Fleet, Oil on board with wine foils
Her short film, March of the Teapots, will give you a sense of her marvelous imagination. And I trust it might be an unexpected gift for you today.
The past two years have been a long haul, but think about it — who or what has made small moments monumental for you? Whatever the answer, I’ll bet you didn’t see it coming.
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I recently discovered the sprightly work of M. Louise Stanley. If you curious about someone who combines her sketchbooks with old master works, laced with a healthy sense of humor, be sure to visit her website. You can also find her on Instagram @m.louisestanley.
A wonderful read. I need a teapot!
Thank you
Don’t you love how Janet gives them all such personality? Thanks for reading!
janet shared your blog and i have happily been reading and getting to know you a little. I too am one of her art sponsors ( and a participant artist as well)
Good to point out the blessings. All of life has blessings that seem to accompany challenges. Focus on the blessings and it will help us navigate the challenges
Well said Orah. I appreciate you taking the time to read further. I am a fan of your work – you capture the spirit of Vermont beautifully.
“Looking Over My Shoulder” has been a wonderful journey day by day through the evolution of Janet’s unique artistry. An unforgettable gift and inspiration to step out and enjoy life and art more fully!
Hasn’t it though! Love the way Janet’s work opens our eyes.
So great! Playful imagination like the March of the Teapots will likely save us all. Thank you for sharing. That short film warmed my heart and gave me chuckles that will reverberate all day. Your reflections on the last two years also resonate deeply and what a moving watercolor portrait of W.H. Auden. The blending of two forms of art through your use of images and words throughout this newsletter are at once nourishing and healing.
Such a lovely and affirming response Jane. Thank you. The fact that Janet has the ability to face the tough stuff through her work, without losing her sense of wonder & joy, has made me a huge admirer.
I love your portrait of W. H. Auden.. and your thoughts about the Drawing Board subscription service too. And of course your appreciation of Janet’s work. What a gift her reflections on her artistic development has been… I’m really hoping it will become a book.
I’m so happy to be introduced to your blog… looking forward to perusing and reading more.
What a great idea Nicky – for Janet to compile her art journey into a book! Thank you for your kind words and for reading. I hope you will enjoy what you find as you sift back through older posts.
I think this is a post that has seen two weeks of life! Of maybe it is just my deja vu. Regardless, thanks for sharing the march of the teapots. I want to be clear that the Auden portrait is stunning. Your portrait work has arrived at a new level, though I know you’ll never stop progressing. Really, just stunning. Now I’ll look up the poem.
Mailchimp is making an April Fool of me! My automatic delivery system continues to go haywire. Apologies to everyone for the repeat!
You have a great attitude in re-reading and following previously unopened links. Many thanks for the kind words about the portraits!