When Things are Worth the Effort, My Holiday Hopes for You, and My Workshop in Collage-Lab's Virtual Retreat!!

Today after a long day, I was moving suitcases out of the way to get to my family’s wrapping paper stash from last year to wrap a present for my mom. There was already a perfectly good roll out on the desk that I could have used. However, the thought of all the packages being wrapped in the same paper just felt blah. It wouldn’t be the joyous cacophony of pattern under the tree. It just wouldn’t be as fun. I decided it was worth it to put forth the extra effort. Suitcases were moved, doors were opened, digging was done, and voilà! More lovely wrapping paper. More fun. Worth it.

I hope that in this holiday season, whether you are near or far from home, you encounter a thing that requires a bit of effort, that delivers some kind of small reward that makes it all worth it. I also hope that you take some deep breaths, take care of yourself, and treat yourself to something a little fun, whether it’s bubblegum or a bubble bath.

Speaking of fun, if you enjoy learning and my collages, you can now sign up for Collage-Lab’s Virtual Mixed Media Collage Retreat, happening the entire month of April 2023! I’m teaching a workshop about creating dreamy unified landscapes with depth and color. You can find out more on Collage-Lab’s website. Early bird pricing is $125 for a whole month of collage fun! I was an attendee last year and I loved it. I hope you can join us!

Happy Holidays!

Image shows the text: Dreamy Landscapes: Creating Unity and Depth with Jen Blalock.  It also features an astronaut in an ocean with fish in the foreground.

I want to be like Mireia Sentis when I grow up

This semester has been crazy.  So many visiting artists, field trips, and recently, a workshop with Mireia Sentis.  I loved working with her.  I asked her if she thought she was successful, and she said that she didn't think she was in the traditional sense because she isn't well known, but she did think she was successful in that she has the freedom to pursue the projects that she wants to pursue.  I would like to be an artist like Mireia.  Someone who wears many hats and contributes to our culture in a variety of ways.  She does photography, writing, publishing, producing, curating, and on and on.  I can't believe I had the opportunity to work with someone of her caliber.  I am so grateful for the experience.  It. Was. Awesome.  I'll be sure to post pictures of the painting and the zines that I created for our Words and Objectivity Show!