Pastel
“A bird will often appear somewhere in many of my paintings. Perhaps it’s best explained because they are often on my mind. In this pastel a Steller’s Jay becomes part of my landscape.
I named him Shadow, and to my delight he chose me for his mate. He nested in our home for many years, flying loops in and out my studio window. In the springtime he’d sing me sweet love songs and often woke me by gently placing a pine nut between my partially open lips. Shadow would swoop alongside us wherever we roamed, whether by canoe, ski or horseback, yet he never left the boundaries of our approximately 100 acres plus ranch.
When we moved to the other side of the mountain, I took him with me in my car – I didn’t want to think of what might happen, if…I just didn’t want to leave him. Although my veterinarian husband tried to warn me, I didn’t want to listen!
It has been over ten years since he flew across the river from our new home without looking back to get landmarks. This river runs a different direction than our creek did on the other side of the mountain…Could he be wanting to find his way back home?
I still find his treasures, left in the pages of books, behind picture frames and old suitcases…but the only place that I have been able to find him is in my mind…”
I’m sitting here crying… for your Shadow and my Max. We’re kindred spirits, I believe. Others feel the need to hang a label on us… “bi-polar”… We are artists who feel and love deeply. We desire the highs of happiness, but we aren’t afraid of the depths of love lost, loneliness, self-doubt, even death. We drink the tears of others’ pain. I hope your Shadow finds his way home… to you.
PS… forgiveness is our strength.
<3
We don’t die.
Dear Ms. Novak. My wife used to work at Edgewater Packing Company on Cannery Row back in 1979. She remembers how nice you were and that you favored the Black and White Sunday:)
Your words which accompany your visuals here are true verses of beauty.
Sundae😊
Oops🕺
Birds are everywhere in my poems. Everyone loves them for a reason. Sams Valley Serenade by Jon Plaisted
Dear Ms. Novak,
You are the cat’s pajamas. Loved your films, but REALLY love your paintings. I dabble, and watercolor underlining finished in pastel is very rewarding. I especially like “Canyons of My Mind” and “Finding the Road Home.” Your works are inspiring. Think you still look amazing and wish you further satisfaction in your art. Sincerely,
Vicki Moran
Hello,
While I cannot afford your lovely art, “Canyon/Minds” and “Way Back Home” in particular, with my teacher’s salary I can afford the time to let you know how I and my husband support your recent efforts to speak up against the ugliness of some people who have nothing better to do than get negative attention for themselves. We love and adore the time we get to spend watching your art on film. We thank you for all your artistry.
Judy and Ralph