A Happy New Year

[Jora]

I can't wait to get back to painting again. I am suffering serious withdrawal symptoms! New Year, New House and, as soon as possible, new studio. J x

[weathervane]

Love the painting Jora 😄Happy 2017 x

[Nitrobunny]

Love, love, love!!!!! Happy New Year!!!!

[Jora]

I should have added 'New Knee'!

[Hidden]

Happy New Year!!!

[cathie]

Are you in yet? Exciting beginnings I hope

[Jora]

I move on 10 Jan! I'm realising what amazing storage this house has. There's a never-ending stream of stuff, so it's taking me forever to sort; council dump, charity, Freecycle,, sell on EBay, give away to friends, take with me. I fear I'll have to do another cull when I get there.

Look forward to seeing you around 23 March.

Jo

X

[sylvi]

Happy new year darling.xxxxxx

[Jora in reply to sylvi]

Same to you Sylvi. I've been a bit out of touch recently, but I hope you are in a better space than you were, if I've remembered correctly. J x

[sylvi in reply to Jora]

Well i have had my moments,but i have had a lovely christmas and new year with family and friends. THings have been much the same,but it is new year new start and i will start to be more careful what i eat and try to be more active and get out more with my camera. Hugs for you from me.xxxxx

[Jora in reply to sylvi]

Yes. I believe that the right food ( and less of the wrong food)?is crucial. I had been gluten free for about a month, but lapsed over Christmas. I really notice the difference.

Hugs to you too. J

[janmary]

love your art. Good luck with new studio. Does the RA affect you work? I got discouraged with drawing and painting (not that I have any talent) because it set my wrists and hands on fire

[Jora in reply to janmary]

Thank you. Yes, the RA does affect my work; everything does, whether obviously or subconsciously. I've had to adapt, and I can't paint large canvases now; my shoulders won't allow that stretch., and I do have problems with opening tubes etc. I do have to be careful ( or rather I should be careful); I can completely lose myself in art . It's only when I stop that I realise I can hardly move. Twice I have had to ring a neighbour ( who has a key), to come and help me down from my loft studio.

My new studio will be smaller, but much more accessible. However much I have to compromise, I won't give up art. It's what keeps me going.

I have a small grant from Access to Work to provide me with assistant to help with hanging, sorting stuff etc.

J x

[sylvi in reply to Jora]

Jora i use a toothpaste squeezer to get my paste out of the tube,could you use them for your oil tubes darling. Go on amazon and have a look darling.xxxxx

[Jora in reply to sylvi]

I'm afraid that doesn't work. It's not just the squeezing of the tubes ( some of which are very large). It'/ the lids which are sealed tight with dry oil paint. Sometimes I can release then with hot water, up it's not really helpful to spontaneity!

But many thanks for the suggestion! J x

[janmary in reply to Jora]

Good for you - maybe I'll pull myself together and have another go. Please could we see some more of your work? I just loved the last one you put on the site!

[Hidden]

I understand Jora, just be careful - I'm convinced that my house renovations were partially what kicked off the most aggressive phase of my RA. All the paint, fumes, liquids, etc.

[Jora in reply to Hidden]

Yes, I use oils far less now because of fumes ( I also have mild COPD) though when I've got support and feel strong enough, my bliss is to paint oil on paper in the open air. That way, I connect with the landscape in a way that I can only describe as spiritual. When I'm in my studio, I always make sure I've got good ventilation.

But thank you for the warning. I do need to ve reminded!.

[Hidden]

Good luck Jora! Moving will be fab I'm sure.

Just a thought re. fumes etc. .... many parts of our house haven't been touched since the 1920s and when we do anything at all to it it spews out dust like a great belching beast! For the first time ever we are getting professional decorators to do all the preparation and will be moving out meanwhile. My husband has COPD but he seems unaffected by the dust whereas despite having no lung problems that I'm aware of, I go downhill fast when the air's filled with dust and fumes ... just feel awful come evening plus chronic sinusitis and laboured breathing. Maybe it's the disease, maybe something to do with the meds, dunno ....

More importantly, I absolutely love your passion for painting and the way you won't let anything stand in your way.

[Jora]

Thanks for sharing that, Postle. I'm not helped by the fact that next door are doing major building works. The worst bit was the resin used to bond the fibreglass roof to their extension. I wore a mask for two days.

Happy New Year, Jo.

[soootired]

I LOVE the painting.

I wish I had talent to go with my desire!

I bought oils etc a few years ago because I home educate my children and we were doing an art project having been to an exhibition of Gauguin, we painted in the style of him and it was great. The research into his personal life led to some interesting discussions as well!

I hope you continue to find the strength to paint, I'd love to see some more of your work.

All the best

Claire x

[Jora in reply to soootired]

Thanks! In haste. Jo