Dear Artist,
Its been a full month of studio commissions, watering seeds, tending Moses, and preparations for summer travel!
This month my mama returned home after months of her own traveling to find no more fish in her pond. “Its one thing to keep the pond going when you have fish dependant on you, she says, its another when there are no fish left.” She is thinking about nixing her pond in furtherance of loosening her ties to her house. It was my childhood home and a place of convergence for multiple family members: my dad’s aesthetics and aspirations, the pines of his childhood, my great-grandmother’s support and legacy, my mom’s continual transference of power and acceptance to bloom where she’s planted. She has been seeking to uproot and move herself elsewhere for some time now, but hasn’t settled on a place. Perhaps soon she will find it. Perhaps its the turning of an era. Months ago I had a dream around a fireplace in our basement, about our family leaving the home, which felt like a premonition.
All last month I have been diligently working on the fire circle as a gift for my mama and a surprise for her return. While she knew I was working on the project, I wanted to do all the heavy lifting in terms of design and construction decisions, so she could have the luxury to simply bask in the final space upon her arrival. She is peacefully in love and has found a new place in which to greet the sun. I am happy she is there.
As I mentioned in my previous letter, I strongly feel the importance of spending time with real fire for our whole health. Too many generations have tended their kin by the fireside for our bodies to forget it, even while we meet the need in new ways. Our favorite is our handheld blue-light screens. While our ancestors used to share stories, news, gossip, advice, songs, and meals around a fireside, we now are doing all these things in front of a smartphone. But this latest version of fire does not nurture our embodied communal wellness like the hearths of our foremothers. Like so many facets of my practice, I am rekindling ancient wisdom by bringing it up to relevance amid all the trendy new tech.
My artwork got installed in Aspen City Hall this month! It will be up for the next two years! I’m honored to be featured in City Hall among such talented select few other artists. More information about the opening reception to come. Until then, feel free to go visit the work if you’re in the area!
Mark your calendar for my Legacy Art Sale, debuting this September! If you’ve always wanted to invest in my work but haven’t had the cash, this sale is for you! Artwork will be deeply discounted to make space for new work!
In other news, I was awarded a scholarship to attend a workshop at Anderson Ranch Arts Center this August! “The Ranch” is a premier destination for art making and critical dialogue, bringing together aspiring and internationally renowned artists to discuss and further their work in a stimulating environment. Particpating in a workshop has been on my radar for over a decade, and I’m looking forward to the cross-pollination and investment into my practice!
Lastly, and perhaps most eagerly, I am traveling to Mexico this month! I will be bringing my artwork and family to explore the town of San Miguel de Allende, a vibrant Spanish colonial town and Unesco World Heritage Site with cobbled streets, lots of art, and a laid-back vibe, located in the Mexican central highlands at the same elevation as where I currently live (6,200 feet above sea level). I’ll be connecting with other artists and galleries while soaking up the beauty and goodness of this delicious place! I learned about San Miguel through a beautiful artist friend of mine named Elaine, who encouraged me to visit. I’ve now read multiple guidebooks and spent dozens of hours researching the place, and I hope it blooms as much in person as much as it has in my pre-travel hopes and aspirations!
Right before we leave, I’ll attend the Barefoot Shoe Expo in Denver, a hub for fellow movement afficionados, barefoot shoe lovers, fashionistas, and biomechanists to connect! I wonder if I’ll come home with a pair of shoes… 🙂
Momo is active as ever. I just sewed up a little harness for him (think tactical vest mixed with rock-climbing harness) with a handle on the back, which will hopefully be helpful as we wonder the streets and parks in Mexico, so he can run and walk freely and mama can still grab him at a moment’s notice! My little devil is on all cylinders all the time, and I treasure the sound of his little feet pounding over the floorboards with gusto as he tears apart the house.
Caio for now! I have lots to do before I depart! With love from your artist, Jenny Welden
