2009

* Started a new body of paintings. So far two completed, three more in progress.
* Started a visual blog to showcase new drawings and paintings.
* Moved house three times and retained my sanity.
* Completed three portraiture drawing commissions.
* Constructed a plan of action regarding artistic career.
* Moved in with boyfriend.
* Sunbathed in Fuerta Ventura for a week, and still have a tan some three months later.
* Accepted the inevitable increase in wisdom hairs.
* Returned to keeping a journal, morning pages and poetry.
* Had the Mahamantra sung throughout the house by HH MahaVishnu Swami.
* The (blasted) wedding dvds are now complete and ready to be gifted.
* Moved into working studio at Robertson Yard.
* Holidayed in Clare with good friends Ad, Bec and Rich.
* Attended a Muslim wedding.
* Attended 40th Anniversary Gala of Hare Krishnas at the Troxy.
* Completed a nine day colon cleanse- five days of which liquid only.
* Saw Bat for Lashes at Somerset House with Rich- amazing.
* Perfected the art of mount cutting.
* Researched potential galleries in Amsterdam and London.
* Moved on from romantic delusions of the last several years.
* Climbed Mullachmor to watch the sunset, then climbed down by moonlight.
* Weekend in Amsterdam with my sister.
* Celebrated my beloved fathers 70th Birthday.
* Learned how to fly a power kite at Lahinch.
* Five days in Leeds with Kyla- art, nature, open fires.
* Invigilated at FUSEBOX gallery during Brighton fringe.
* Had two job interviews, got neither.
* First swim of the year in Lahinch.
* Strengthened relations with parents.
* Donated linen drawing to Walpol Bay Hotel.
* Hosted a 24 person Hare Krishna program with Rich in our tiny house.
* Had my portrait drawn by Roy Eastland.
* Preached when drunk.
* Accepted my failings with good humour and the desire to continue to grow.

2010 holds all manner of possibilities.

Yuletide

Christmas is upon us, and my thoughts are going to friends I miss... lucky buggers who find themselves in hotter climates. I am feeling the pain of separation.

Amsterdam was a mixed bag of drunken merriment coupled with frustrated artists... I think I'll give it a miss for the next couple of years. It was great spending the weekend with Bel, and we did get ourselves to Haarlem which is home to the Teylers Museum as well as the Fran Hals Museum- both fascinating and inspiring places. Dutch painting really does hit it like no other. I feel good about this path.

A wet month

It rained and it poured and it rained and it poured and it rained and it poured and it rained and it poured and it rained and it poured and it rained and it poured and it rained and it poured and it rained and it poured and it rained and it poured and it rained and it poured and it rained and it poured and it rained and it poured and it rained and it poured and it rained and it poured and it rained and it poured and it rained and it poured and it rained and it poured and it rained and it poured and it rained and it poured and it rained and it poured and it rained and it poured and it rained and it poured and it rained and it poured and it rained and it poured and it rained and it poured and it rained and it poured and it rained and it poured and it rained and it poured and it rained and it poured and it rained and it poured and it rained and it poured and it rained and it poured and it rained and it poured and it rained and it poured and it rained and it poured and it rained and it poured and it rained and it poured and it rained and it poured and it rained and it poured and it rained and it poured and it rained and it poured and it rained and it poured and it rained and it poured.

I would like to go somewhere hot- blindfold myself and put a pin in a map, aimed in the general direction of the southern hemisphere...

Autumnal hues

I love this month- now don't get me wrong... all is not rosy. It's better. Brown, red, orange and yellow.

Painting is going strong- I've been steaming away, and almost finished two, and the third is going well, early on. I have my painting mojo back. But, boo, my deadline to show has been wiped away. My friends at the lovely Hans Brinker never got it together to contact past prize winners to exhibit this year. 'The disorganization!' as one friend gasped.
It's disappointing- but I mustn't lose my focus. Keep up momentum, and create a new body of work with which to create new opportunities.

All's not lost. Me and Bel are still going to party in the 'dam.
My linen drawing for Walpol Bay Hotel.

2 months to go

By Roy Eastland, Walpol Bay Hotel

I need to get my arse in gear. I've barely spent a week in the studio this month. I have to get into a healthy routine- early nights, writing, reading, yoga and most importantly painting. Although I haven't been in the studio much, I have been doing a lot of writing, which has cleared my head and formed a loosely structured plan of action. Once I start working I can tighten it up, and watch as things unfold. So far so good. The writing is a blessing. I'm writing every morning and have started writing in my journal again (something I've avoided for 3 years). Jesus. It's not that I haven't picked up a pen at all- I have been writing and maintaining various notebooks, i.e. art ideas and quotes, spiritual realizations, but nothing regarding the day to day drama of my existence. I used to pour all the emotional confusion about relationships and my place within the world into my journal- I guess I no longer have such existential concerns, or at least not so painful ones anyway.

I spent a week with Camilla in Fuerta Ventura- a sun drenched, turquoise surrounded haven. I read two books and came back with a delightful tan.
I went to the studio yesterday morning and the work is looking great. Felt very positive about it all- I plan to finish these two and have three more on the go in preparation for Amsterdam in December. Need to get on to Bertha re:dates and renew my passport... I've been waiting 10years to change that Godawful photo. New work can be seen on my visual blog www.kristenhealy.blogspot.com

Mid-Summer

Oops- I skipped a month. But ney bother- I've been very busy.

Myself, Rich, Adam and Becky went to Ireland for the first week in July- it was gorgeous. A wet kind of gorgeous- it rained and rained, but when it didn't rain the sun roasted us. We drove around seeing the sights, climbed a mountain under the watchful gaze of a full moon, sketched and mounted an exhibition in Lola's kitchen, watched the sunset at Doolin and enjoyed the old folk singing the ol songs, had drinks with my cousins, swam in the sea and flew kites. It really was a wonderfully relaxing holiday. The only downer was Kyla was missing, but hopefully we'll meet up soon.

Since getting back it seems to be one things after another- different hare krishna events- a gig in Eastbourne, a 24 hr kirtan at temple st, devotees visiting, spent a few days in London showing Mary round galleries and meeting up with Camilla, visiting the folks in Margate, a Muslim wedding, seeing Bat for Lashes at Somerset house with Rich (lush), job hunting and in between trying to squeeze out as many hours at the studio as possible.

My paintings are finally going well- starting to look like something I wouldn't mind sticking my name to.

A preview:
I love the studio- it's a much needed space for myself to make a mess, think in, read in... I love it. and the others there are very respectful- friendly but not intrusive.

Things are going strong with mr peacock also. It's a very mellow household- I can't complain. He does his own thing, and has been getting out on work experience- and enjoying it! Such a positive thing- he's definitely moving in a progressive and positive way.

The rest of August will hopefully see the confirmation of a job, a 9 day liquids fast (eek!), a trip to Margate, possibly a trip to Liverpool to catch a exhibition on Colour at the Tate Liverpool and meet Camilla's fella, much more painting, and a swim or two in the sea. I have the car for most of this month, so I'm definitely going to use it!

Haribol! Chant hare krishna and be happy! xx

Summer

Myself and Rich have moved into our new house- a cute 2bed terrace, with a patio out back. It's a lovely little house- we're settling in nicely. Some friends helped us move in, my family have helped us fill it with essentials, and Annabel has donated hanging baskets and plants for the yard, which are blooming beautifully.

It's cute as a button. The only problem is it's on, quite possibly, the busiest road in Brighon... but we can live with that. It's a good price, a private let, very central, close to a lovely park, and very close to my studio... Krishna ticked all the boxes on this one!

We've had a housewarming, and plenty of visitors already. Mostly my family- cousins who like to drink, Annabel, Margaret and the parents. It's so nice having our own space- and being out of the madness. It seems like things are being resolved with the others also, now we're not so closely involved with the whole thing. Things are much more balanced.

My studio is fantastic- I'm all set up, and the painting I've started is going well. I like the people there- there's a good buzz, folk are happy and relaxed. A nice community vibe.

Brighton is much brighter this time round.

Check out the greenery below...

New beginnings

I have a new studio! It's perfect, as far as I can tell... the space has good natural light, is a neat size, and is situated within a courtyard full of creatives. Two buildings house an assortment of artists, with some patio space to relax in between... there's a big tree with a tree house, a communal area for tea and lunch... And I already know one of the artists working there- a girl I shared with when I last lived in Brighton. The cherry on the cake is the price of it- about £30 cheaper then I thought possible in this expensive town.

I move in next week. Let the painting commence!

Another change is myself and Rich are getting our own place. The last few weeks have been really difficult and it's a decision we feel good about- time to break away and have our own space. I'm not going to go into all the ins and outs, but let's just say commune living ain't my bag. It comes with it's own pressures, hierarchies and restrictive nonsense which I don't want any further part in. We're hoping to move out anytime between now and mid-June. Wish us luck.

The Brighton Fringe has come to town, and tomorrow I start my first day volunteering at a small independent gallery near the station. Last week I drew a picture directly on the wall outside the gallery, as a marker to the exhibition. It was nice. People smiled at me as I scribbled, one hand holding an old fuse box, the other a fat permanent marker. I'm looking forward to the interaction, and also checking out the art scene in Brighton... open houses/studios and large scale installations scattered through the town. A play or two will also be on the cards.

Here's a drawing I made of my beloved godfather for his jubilee celebrations... 50 years as a Catholic priest. An amazing person- a fellow Aquarian, and as odd as they come.

Spring

We have moved to Woodingdean- we are living here. And settled, more or less. The garden is great for reading, writing, eating breakfast and lunch. The birds provide a lively symphony and there's loads of sunshine. The housemates are tricky (well one is great, the other is a selfish twat), but both have agreed to me utilizing the front room as a studio. Dhia, the eleven year old, will have a piano in there also... so it'll be a active creative environment. At the moment it's pretty empty, apart from meals and occasional small programs with Rich and myself- a bit of reading and singing. I guess in a normal house it would have a t.v. and we'd congregate around the dumb box most evenings- here people are generally doing there own thing.

The "community" is still dodgy as ever. I won't reveal the latest development but, believe me, it is drawn out and ridiculous. I am getting closer to certain individuals but feeling the pressure of negotiating master plans and egos.

All I can do is work away at my own stuff- art, self-development, consciousness.

The last couple of weeks have been completely stressful, for lots of people- must be planetary pulls or the like. Hippy hippy hippy shit.

Some sad news- Mike has left and gone to Australia... I got the Mikey blues. Bel and myself managed to spend some time with him in Margate before he left, before taking him to the airport. Sob! He's a diamond bloke, who's been a main player in my life for the last 9 years, and I miss him alot here in Brighton. Probably the same if not more so for sweet Bel. Anyway, lets hope his life is good down under...

29 going on ...

Today is my birthday. It was a good day. Lunch prepared by Rich, art junk market at Phoenix, Beethoven's 7th at the Dome, followed by Hare Krishna dinner/disco... No alcohol, no drugs, just a good sound system, classic tunes and some people up for a laugh. Oh how we danced the merry dance...

Have to say I feel a bit mixed up- very grateful and appreciative of all the loving folks in my life, but slightly emotional and displaced. Apparently 29 has important implications in terms of the numerology. It breaks down into 11, which brings big shifts regarding spiritual life. It also breaks down further to a 2, which, formed like someone in prayer, represents servitude and surrender. What does that mean then, eh??

Here's wintry Devils dyke...

A new year

2009 is here! A big fat Happy New Year to you all!


The month running up to it was pretty eventful. First all that house mess- which has since been resolved. I have to admit though, it has thrown me regarding my place with the project in Brighton. I find the instructions or pressure regarding my life rather alarming. Rich and myself are moving out, to another shared house on the outskirts of Brighton. There's a large garden which will be used to grow veg and flowers which is something Rich really wants to be a part of. We have been assured that because we aren't actually living in the temple ashram, there won't be further demands to get engaged/married. We'll see. In any case, myself and Rich want to live with each other to see how things go and perhaps this house (set to be much much more peaceful than the busy temple street) will be a better place to let our relationship develop. It's also more space than we would ever be able to afford by ourselves in central Brighton... let the 6 months trial commence!

Moving on- myself, Annabel and Mike escaped for four days of madness in Amsterdam mid-December.



The Brinker Hotel hosts an international painting competition each December, where fine art students from England and Holland show their work, which is voted for by all the guests of the party. The prize is €5000... pretty substantial amount to a third year student! I won it myself in 2002, and back then it included a 3 month residency. It was during those three months I formed good relations with the management and staff, which is why I'm invited back each year. I love going to the 'dam! It's a city I feel good in- things flow well. And going to the Brinker really is like visiting family.

Our only source of nutrition whilst in the 'dam.








We threw ourselves into the drinking, partying, shits and giggles with my friends from the hotel, old tutors, old friends I studied with and young floppy haired art students. It was a welcome relief from the hassles of Brighton, and so good to spend quality time with Mike and Annabel (esp as Mike is leaving this fair land for sunnier pastures). I made some nice connections, and reestablished relationships with tutors- a couple of exhibition opportunities have emerged for next year which is exciting. I had inspiring visits to the Van Gogh Museum and The Rijks which, together with all the art talk flying round the hotel, renewed/strengthened the desire to get focused with my work.

On return myself and Rich went to Dorset to visit his family- lovely long country walks, mooching round old picturesque towns, t.v. watching and sleeping in. Can't complain. Then on to Margate for Christmas, which included the usual- relaxing, laughing, over-eating, drinking, gaming, unwrapping, etc etc. New Years was with the Hare's in Brighton- 24hr kirtan. Some amazing musicians came along- one Israeli woman played the guitar and sang a really cool bhajan... Trippy, psychedelic, doors inspired tune verging on the dark... could imagine something like that played at a drug fuelled orgy. I was well into it! We sang, danced and made merry into the early hours, some stayed the course and kept going til 12pm the next day- the mad ones who don't mind feeling jet lagged for three days after. To top off the new years celebrations I went ice skating with Camilla in Somerset house.

Aims for the 2009?

- Paint like I've never painted before!!!