A new year - a new me 2014

Where did last year go? Certainly had so many personal, family and creative challenges going on.

Where do I start?
Three huge things come to mind. You may have read that last blog, my Mother was dying. August 3 that happened, and I found out that it was the day before my baby sister's death. Not much was known about her, until I found some clues.

We named her before Mum died, and so Michaela Liana was recognised, had a tiny pink cupcake in the hospital, a significant ritual was performed, and a bigger cake at home made by my daughters.
Forever those 2 dates intertwined birth, death, death.

Hopefully Mum was given some closure, it was very sad for me because after her death (baby)I never got back the same Mum. For me from 3yrs of age, life was very difficult. I put her on Mum's death certificate, along with a title for Mum: Artist.

During all this stressful time, my twins were doing their HSC trials and final exams, enjoying their boyfriends, social activities, learning to drive, having their final big Formal.

Reality sets in that I now have 3 adult children. My earlier mothering phase is done. They have to now learn independence. So do I.

What next for me? A new career? More art practice? I hope so.

Also though, a huge creative year, a big art show with The Press Gang, 'Indigo' - our best to date. I was part of the publicity team, and for some reason, probably distraction from the huge loss and confusion, threw myself wholeheartedly into it.

Maybe a tribute to Mum, a lifelong sufferer of Depression and various phobias, a blue staircase installation.
Money raised for Beyond Blue, an organisation for Mental Health.

I've got past Xmas, New Year, my 56th birthday - hugely spoilt at that one, and now back at Printmaking.
Life will never be the same again. Hopefully though, eventually, when her Estate is settled, better.

So many creative directions I could choose. Where to start? As a catch up with you, dear reader, some art examples from last year.

 This is the lining artwork for my 'Returned To Glory' recycled art entry, mainly all plastics.

A lovely antique original pencil sketch I have now inherited.

 Detail of hatbox. Acronym in title 'Hatbox of Hope', means: help our polluted environment.

 A Balinese lady, vintage painting of Mum's.

 An oil painting by my artist ancestor, slightly primitive, but so peaceful. Turn of the previous century.

 My girl Bec's Major Work for HSC Visual Arts.

 My girl Sam's Major Work, one of a series of paintings, for HSC, she sold some before she finished school!

 The Press Gang, holding components of the mobile installation, along the blue staircase installation.

My gorgeous girls, dressed for Formal with their lovely boys. Sam in a vintage lace dress, Bec with real feather earrings, and a botanical print. Can you guess who is going to study Environmental Science,
and who is going for Design and Media at Uni?