Shortly after my last newsletter, I fainted and hit my head. I know, super scary! I came out with only a minor concussion and have been laying low for the month of February.
Last time I wrote, I was feeling some artists block and considering learning how to animate. Well…digital art is NOT concussion friendly so that dream had to go on the back burner. As did any digitally-based ideas I was finding.
At first, being a digital artist with a concussion was depressing. I was stuck at home and I couldn’t even do the thing that helps me recoup. Not to mention, I fell days before my birthday, which felt devastating after two years of Pandemic birthdays.
But after a few days of naps and reciting emails to my roommate, I felt this familiar stillness. It brought some breathing room, and reminded me of early 2020 - when all we could do was wait. The pandemic reminded me that I knew how to do this, and I might as well take advantage of the time on my hands.
It was incredible, really, how much clarity I found after falling on my head - clarity in my goals, relationships, needs, and (of course) art.
So, this newsletter is a chronicle of my concussed art. I was confined to analog materials, which turned out to be a beautiful reminder of my talent. I started having creative ideas while meditating again and I stepped way outside my comfort zone by painting BIG (big for me). My artist block was suddenly gone, maybe because my materials were limited. I knew limitations can work like this in practice, but finally had to embody it.
(Concussion) Art in your Inbox
(Friendly reminder: my newsletter offers a creative space away from social media. Avoid scrolling like it’s an Instagram feed - there’s no ads. Look at each piece individually and notice what comes up in you.)
I painted the background of Where I Sit pre-concussion. One of the first times I meditated after hitting my head I had this image pop in my head and I knew it belonged with the skyline I had previously painted. I replicated it as best I could - as if this is where I go when I meditate.
Inspired by a National Geographic image of trees glowing from a nearby fire. Certainly had climate change on the brain during this one.
I got on a HUGE Joni Mitchell kick while concussed. I’m still very much in it. My bestfriend gave me a Joni bio for my birthday. All of the art in this newsletter was made while listening to interviews, live performances, and her albums in chronological order (still not done). I’ve heard her art, but this is the first time I’m really listening. There’s something amazing about painting to her words, since she’s a painter herself. This drawing happened when I wasn’t even paying attention.
Finally, I decided to go BIG with Green Gal! (See the original, small Green Gal in the top-left.) I’ve always been intimidated by big canvases - I get worried I’ll screw up and waste the materials. But this was such a vindicating experience! I love her even more now! (I probably need to invest in an easel.)
In the end, my concussion felt like a twisted, yet beautiful birthday gift. It never ceases to amaze me how the creative well gets filled.
In other news…
“Ocean Scene” is now available for sale on the A.P.E. Gallery’s website! Available through December 2022!
Thank you for your kindness and support! I put a lot of time into making art and writing newsletters. If you’re willing and able, I accept tips on Venmo: @Halley-Glier
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I hope this brightened up your inbox. If someone you know could use more art in their life, or just needs a break from lame emails, hit that forward button!
I’m always open to commissions & collaborations! Let’s connect.
-Hal
You can also find me here: Instagram | Hallaurart.com | Hosmer Gallery | A.P.E. Gallery
Incredible!