New Paintings

Back in Brighton, back to work.

It's good to be here, and in the studio but must admit I miss the country (but not the madness).

It feels like a funny time to be started new work... would much prefer to be in hibernation. At the moment I'm painting on cheap, nasty pre-stretched/primed canvas which is doing strange things to the paint. It repels, rather than holds which is causing problems re: building layers... I am viewing these as oil sketches in preparation for the next series based on the Burren.

Some cow arses for you....

Sunny days and Guinness

Drinking too much.
Painting too little.

Ultimately quite enjoying myself.

Walks up the mountain keep things tip top.

Shattered

It has been an emotional disaster of late... I've been energetically thrust into an quagmire of dysfunction and upset.


I cannot wait to be back in the Burren.

On a more positive note- my greeting cards and commercial birdies are doing well... They are now available in IO Gallery, Northlanes, Brighton and The Bodhini Gallery, St Albans. Check out at www.kristennavarra.carbonmade.com

This summer I'll be making lots of paper based work and working with photography with a view to informing my studio practice in the autumn. Creatively it will be a time of focus and experimentation, coupled with an emphasis on healthy living and sound judgment...

Spring Clean

Detoxing... retoxing... detoxing... retoxing... ah, detoxing.

Ready for a retox baby!!!

The flowers are popping, the sun is shining (in between soft rain spells and the occasional hair lifting blustery wind bursts) and the year is progressing nicely.

A commercial gallery in St Albans has taken some work, and some paintings are going to feature in 'Living etc' interior design magazine. All very positive. I've had cards developed and have started doing craft fairs- receiving positive feedback for my efforts.



Off to Ireland for the summer again... there's just something about that place. The Burren- a beauty spot in the west of Ireland, and where I spent summers with our huge extended family as a child. It's all feeding back in to the current work I'm making, and being there is strengthening familial ties. A win win situation... IF I can avoid mischief making... Kristen be a good girl.

Thirty-one

The transition from 30 to 31 has passed without too much fuss and fancy, but good fun and quality time with loved ones.

Had a day in London with Bella- trip to Susan Hiller exhibition at the Tate Britain (( old hippy- loved the happy halo portraits, and the audio piece featuring sentences from endangered languages... beep beep pop beep prrrrrrr... lovely)), then lunch in Soho. A few drinks in Covent Garden before meeting Camilla, Lebo and Kabelo for a Japanese meal, and bowling at Bloomsbury Lanes. There were two very good bands, one of whom sang songs about Liberation Theology- right up my street. Bowling was enjoyed with much booze and merry-making- a lovely evening.

The following day started slowly- another meal and some Chinese New Years action in Soho. Colourful and interesting, but pretty soon needed space from the crowds. Back in Margate that evening for some time with the folks- massages, cream teas, cards, gifts and playing cards with me dad. In Brighton celebrated with Sky in the evening- a delicious home cooked feast and an abundance of red wine... great conversation and lots of laughter.

I have to say I missed Rich, it being the first birthday in years without him, but the sweetheart had sent me two emails and an e-card from Dubai. Also many thanks for the steady stream of texts and messages throughout the day- nice to be thought of. No cake this year, but a custard tart and a pineapple sponge left little room for complaint.

Recently, it's been a case of too much booze, too much excess, too much thinking about things past and unalterable. Too much moody smoking, and general lack of focus. I suppose I've been a bit shook of late.

I began another detox on the 9th and already feeling clarity slowly return...

Pauline

A strong, beautiful, quick witted woman- I loved being in her company, especially when hung-over. She was so in the mode of goodness, her light was soothing to my toxicity.

Love and thoughts are with Brendan, Michael, Enda and Yvonne, and all those who knew and loved her.

May her continued journey be blessed and full of bliss.

2011

Out with the old, in with the new.

2010 was difficult- spent the year splitting with Rich (and still not quite sure we've managed it), the summer in Clare (drama and chaos coupled with nature and meditation), and working hard at painting (see www.kristenhealy.blogspot.com ).

Those were the main themes of the year, but other stuff happened too-
I became an aunt to Rene and Shanti's first child,
I witnessed Tom's wedding to Lucy,
I photographed Carls to Amrita,
there were two crazy Irish weddings (alcohol, laughter, dancing, injuries and hospitals),
I went to Budapest with Camilla,
I turned 3o,
I started smoking again (and have since quit),
I worried about my father during 3 months of illness (he's fully recovered now, thanksbetogod),
Holidayed with folks and Bel in Fuerta Ventura,
I went to Amsterdam to attend a party (which was pretty damn good),
I started living by myself for the first time (still adjusting).

I said goodbye to 2010 with the Brighton Hare krishna devotees at Temple St, then snuck off in the early hours with Sky for a beer on the beach. It was a nice mellow end to the year. Sky came round for dinner on the first, and we constructed our lists of goals and wishes for 2011.... concise, attainable targets and structured plans. He thought my list was too career/work heavy, so I peppered in some fun stuff. To be honest, the fun stuff takes care of itself... it doesn't need planning.

Here's a brief overview:
- Secure gallery representation
- Clear all debt
- Make a profit
- Learn how to use a sewing machine
- Go camping
- Spend 3 weeks in Ireland painting
- Get fit
- Be active in Brighton art scene

... positive stuff. Keep moving forward- we're playing the long-game here.

Good luck one and all for 2011- may it be challenging and fun, adventurous and fruitful.