The Journey Continues ... Beyond Collective Individualism

Since the final sale of the "Collective Individualism" paintings a month ago, I have been receiving requests to make more.  Usually when I make a series of paintings and I finish, I'm done.  No prints, no additions, no more thought.  I move on to the next project.  This is somewhat because my goal in creating art is never to generate income.  My goal, my purpose is much deeper -- it is to glorify God with my heart, soul, and talent.  My fear of falling into the machinist rhythm kept me from considering making more of the tree paintings.  Yet, other than a small commission, what was I going to be about in my studio?  A few weeks of floating or resting and I was ready to get back in the studio.  But doing what type of work?  I didn't feel like going back to my usual style of painting and I kept hearing people say -- do you have more of those tree paintings?  For some reason, the idea of flipping "Collective Individualism" into a way to build relationships and spark community rings a chord with so many.  Now what?

Then last Friday, after meeting for a project I will be creating with Eastridge Presbyterian Church on January 8, God spoke to me about the paintings.  I had been coaxed and encouraged by a dear friend to make more of these paintings and God used that woman to soften my heart and listen.  He revealed my fears through our conversation and on the way home I realized God was telling me the journey with these wasn't over and it was time to make more.  MORE?  I had all the supplies the last time.  More?  God reminded me that He provides for every need when He calls.  I decided "OK, I'll do it."  And I began to get excited.  

So this morning I'm beginning to stretch new canvases and begin the process of taking "Beyond Collective Individualism" on the next leg of the journey.  I am praying for people to join me in this journey to see where God will take this art series.  

I am thankful for those who've posted their images on Facebook and how God has opened opportunities for the trees to bring people together.  One tree painting went to a local school where the kids got to add their thumb prints to it.  Other paintings are records of people coming over for soup and good conversation.  

I look forward to what the next leg of this journey holds.  I hope to have another grouping of paintings complete by November 30.  Email me if you are interested in a piece (ann@envisiongalleries.com).  They will continue to be $25 each and I will ship them anywhere but will charge shipping to cover the cost.

FOLLOW THE PROJECT:  via blog or follow and like the project on Facebook at Beyond Collective Individualism

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Stretchers ready for canvas for the next set of trees.