Update: February 12, 2017 – Check out my new home for my art work: rebeccagerendasy.com
April 13, 2016
There have been some changes underfoot at Cooking Up a Story.
As you may know, Fred and I have been producing videos for a number of years. That continues. Some of you may have noticed some drawings popping up now and again – on the website and in the newsletter.
Late last summer I was diagnosed with breast cancer. The months that followed were a whirlwind of phone calls, doctors, and decisions. Fortunately it was small and caught early. I opted for a bilateral mastectomy so no radiation was necessary. Now it’s full steam ahead with life, just flat-chested. I have to admit, I don’t miss a bra at all.
Suffice it to say, it was a life changing event. Going through something like that, made me take an overview of my life. Was I satisfied? Did I have regrets? I felt immense gratitude overall. The only thing missing that leapt to mind was my artwork, which I did all my life but put aside when I began my family. Between full-time work and raising 3 boys, something had to give. I told myself you’ll have time for it later. But something always came between me and carving out time to create (other than the videos). After the surgery I told myself, later is now. So I began. Again.
At first slowly. I was rusty. I knew the creative magic was in there, but I was wary. Where do I start? What medium? How do I fill a whole page?
A Facebook friend, Christina Tolomei, was sharing beautiful bold portraits. I loved the color! That woke a place within me that had been dormant for a long time – my love of playing with color. So I bought a set of brush markers and began playing.
And magic began.
In January I started an Instagram account and discovered a community of many talented and supportive artists. It is where I upload many of my daily sketches and paintings. I’d love for you to see my work there too.
I’m working on my art everyday now. It has almost been an effortless transition to bring it back into my life. It’s like I opened a door and it just flowed in. I’m excited to produce art that I can sell in our store and through licensing and editorial work.
My whimsical style, as it was with my clay work years ago, continues with my two dimensional work.
I love the design and shapes of vintage things – cookware, appliances, and even phones.
And I’m influenced by nature also.
Every other week I’ll be posting and sharing the results of my art journey via this blog. In addition to the variety of work already shared here, much of the subject matter will continue to focus on the themes of this show, for growing food, putting food up, trying to leave a smaller footprint is a way of life for us.
Creating my artwork brings me great joy, and hopefully touches you also.