"..in wrath, remember mercy"

When Habakkuk the prophet implored God's intervention over the injustice he saw in the world he said this:
     O Lord, how long shall I cry and thou wilt not hear!  even cry out unto thee of violence and thou wilt not        save!  Why dost thou show me iniquity and and cause me to behold grievance for spoiling and violence          before me;  and there are that rise up strife and contention... the law is slacked and judgement doth never      go forth;  for the wicked doth compass about the righteous and therefore wrong judgement proceedeth.
           
I find myself crying out the same things.  Where is your justice O God?  Why aren't you doing something about the wickedness that has nearly devoured these children?   I wait for answers.

We are not Foster Parents this time around... We are "Alternative Caregivers as a Safety Plan".  Dylan and Cheyenne have been with us since mid-October. Dylan had been hospitalized with a fractured spine and pelvis, multiple facial bruises and tested positive for Meth in his three year old system.  Needless to say there has been an investigation; the outcome of which remains to be seen.  We have been dismayed to learn that the parents are entering into another "treatment plan" with DSS to attempt to get these children back.  We are hoping and praying for Court intervention and the placement of a Guardian ad Litem.  It will be harder for the parents to get them back this time - though not impossible... and that is what distresses me.

At 51, caring for two children ages 3 and 5 is not the walk in the park that it would have been when I was in my twenties... or so I think.  I am older (obviously) and hopefully wiser, so it seems that it should be easier, not harder.  But alas, I am used to a certain level of quiet in my house, and order in my day, and freedom in my life - so this new life we have is certainly harder than I thought it would be... it is a sobering reminder that my world has revolved around me for quite a while.

So the lesson that I am learning from Habakkuk as the nation of Judah also learned, is that I am part of the problem.  As Edmund Burke remarked so many years ago:  "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing."  Therefore it is to my shame if I do not learn how to become part of the solution.  And so here we are;  turning our comfy lives upside down to do something good against the evil that has triumphed in these little lives.  It is not easy, and we are not doing it perfectly.  No applause is due us for sure... it is simply what must be done to hold the evil at bay.

What God told Habakkuk was that He would send the Chaldeans, a vicious nation, to take captive His holy people in Judah.  What?  Really?  And then the people are called to "Live by faith."  In other words, often God will allow things to get worse, sometimes much worse, before he allows them to get better.  Our job is to trust His ultimate goodness even in the face of so much bad.  Easier said than done, right?  Thank you to our "Emmanuel" that He is with us in this process;  or we couldn't make it... This I know.

And so I say with Habakkuk:
 O Lord I have heard thy speech and was afraid;  O Lord, revive thy work in the midst of the years,              in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy."

Yes, ..."in wrath, remember mercy." Amen.

"Peace Like a River"

"Peace Like A River"

Mr. and Mrs. Tom Tharpe

Tom & Jane Tharpe, with the Artist, me: Charlotte Murray

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jane Tharpe commissioned an Oyster Painting for her River House.  Knowing that the painting would be hanging in a place where family and friends would gather inspired the title:  "Peace Like a River." 

Delivering a new painting to its new home is perhaps one of the most rewarding things I have done as an artist. 

I pray that their home would be filled with Peace, just like a River.

Become a "Friend of the Arts" because Art will be a friend to you!

     As a teaching artist I have found myself in some interesting spaces in order to share my craft:  storage units, large residential garages, small living rooms, porches, some nice professional spaces and most recently , the "Green Room" at the Palmetto Theater.  This Fall I will be teaching in the Stanley Cultural Arts Center:  A large, spacious, amazing space that is home to the Hampton County Arts Council "Friends of the Arts." 
     As I was preparing the space for new classes I was both excited and confused.  How can a space this amazing thrive without lots and lots of people and activities?  The short answer is that it can't.  The more important answer is the reason for this post, and it is a question: 
      Would YOU like to be involved in promoting the Arts of Hampton County?
     Perhaps it hasn't occurred to you that there is anything for you and your family in the Hampton County Arts Council... or maybe you already have a busy schedule, or maybe you just didn't know.  The Arts of Hampton County will only be as strong as the community that supports it.
     What I thought about most of all that day is how important art is to people, and especially to young people.  Art is a way of stretching the imagination:  something that all of us use every day of our lives.  
     Albert Einstein said:  Imagination is more important than knowledge.  Knowledge is limited but imagination encircles the world."
What he realized is that imagination is the fuel that ignites the knowledge we have; the education we take in, the ideas that are born in our heart.
     I share all this to say that you are needed by the Arts Council... but what you may not realize is that YOU need the Arts!  Call today to see what you can do to be a "Friend of the Arts" because ART will be a friend to you!
     HCAC 803-943-3100

My Beginnings in Encaustics

 

"Beautiful Truth", Encaustic on Board with Mixed media, 9 x 12

 This is my first attempt with the medium of Encaustics.  It is a wax based pigment that must be heated and fused.  I actually have no idea what I am doing, but had great fun trying it out.

"Oyster in Pluff Mud", Encaustic on Board, 8 x 8

"I sing because I'm Happy", Encaustic & Mixed Media on Board, 9 x 12

"Imagine Angels Unawares", Encaustic, 6 x 6

"His Eye is on the Sparrow", Encaustic & Mixed Media, 5 x 7

Discovery,  Encaustic, 5 x 7

Somewhere over July

Somewhere over July...  

Since my last post I have had a short vacation with my husband in February and one week later we landed three Foster children... six months later the children have transitioned back to parents and we are transitioning back to only three of us in the house... it has felt sad and exhilarating, if that is possible...but I am finding my footing... especially today because I spent some time ALONE... something I haven't been in 6 months!

I took myself out to Hunting Island and enjoyed the sun, sand and surf.  Beautiful day!  And so inspiring... I was reminded all over again why I love the beach.  The Atlantic was refreshing and flecked with glittering sand and I just wanted to cry it was all so beautiful.

Since July 2011 I have been working on a series of Oyster paintings that have been, most of all fun, educational, and at times, have even been enjoying some sales success (yay!) I am also returning to my Nest series and have recently ventured into Encaustics.  I look forward to seeing where all of this is going.  

So, I'm back to making a new effort in art and hopefully in writing about this journey.  Thanks for joining me!  

Helllllloooooooo, 2012!

With the advent of a new year I am embarking on a journey toward the celebration of 50 years!  Wow!  it seems unreal and yet so right.  I have loved every age - but perhaps none better than my present age.  I am glad to be alive and consider myself blessed in so many ways.  Last year found me reading Ann Voscamp's book "One thousand Gifts" and I will never be the same.  So I am counting the "gifts" all of the blessings that come to me from God's ultimately loving hand... and "All truly is Grace." 

My husband, Dave, and I will celebrate 25 years of marriage this year.  For those of you who know us you are keenly aware that this has not come easy, and yet, what truly worthy feats are easy.  God is still in the "Miracle Business" and for this we are grateful. 

David Paul continues his work with his photography and working with Dave.  We are praying for that "Good Thing" from the Lord for him and look forward to the mysterious ways of God's Providence as He works in this area. 

My Art has gone through various stages in the past three years, from wildly colorful palms to Bird nests, to mixed media pieces about "Home," to oysters, of all things and now I have just completed a series of "Valentines" for fun.  I am having a lot of fun painting and am exited to say that my work can now be seen in five different locales:
The Gallery, Beaufort, SC

Eden Gallery, Walterboro, SC

Simple Gestures, St.Augustine, FL

Julienne's, Hampton, SC

Fletcher's Finds, Yemassee, SC

Here's to 2012!

ART CLASSES AT HAMPTON COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL

Beginning Tuesday, February 7, 2012 I will be offering art classes at

HAMPTON COUNTY COUNCIL FOR THE ARTS:

My classic 6-Week "Discover the Artist in You" instruction includes:

• Week 1:  Color Theory, Color mixing & Pre-Instruction painting
• Week 2: Monet History; Brush Strokes & 2nd Painting
• Week 3: Van Gogh History; Brush Strokes & 3rd Painting
• Week 4:  Cezanne History: Brush Strokes & 4th Painting; 
• Week 5:  O'Keeffe History: Brush Strokes & 5th Painting
• Week 6:  Personal Choice Painting

 All Classes include:

• Creative Prompts and Ideas for continuing inspiration  
• Artist Tools and philosophy
• Art Exhibition to Celebrate Accomplishments

Three class times will be available beginning Tuesday, February 7, 2012:

1:00 - 3:00  Adult Class 

4:00 - 5:30  Student Class (Ages 8-15)

6:00 - 9:00  Adult Class



Contact me at charlotte2911@yahoo.com

2011 FALL ART CLASSES SET TO BEGIN

Wow!  It was a gorgeous August Day here in the Lowcountry and I just wanted to let you know that I will be starting new art classes in September.  The Beginner "Discover the Artist in You" class will be held on Tuesday evenings from 6 - 9 and the "Discover the Next Steps" Class will be held on Thursday evenings, also from 6 - 9.  These classes are six weeks with an art show reception at the end to celebrate your accomplishments. 

  If you need an art supply kit I will be ordering those next week (75.00)- so just let me know - if you have your own supplies email me and I can let you know what you will need to bring to class.  The classes include 11 x 14 canvases; if you would like larger ones, let me know and I can order them in bulk for better pricing.

I am still ironing out the exact start dates, and show dates, but let me know if you are "in".  Space is limited to 10 people per class for this six week session.  Call me at 843 384 9650 or send an email to charlotte2911@yahoo.com

More information coming soon!

Looking forward to seeing you there!

at 49

At "49" I found myself in St. Augustine rummaging through the neighbors trash and was rewarded with this massive antique frame... so, of course, I took it to the beach.  It was a great present for a great birthday.  Will share more of our adventures when I return from "The Week the Women Went"... yeah - I am actually going to take part in a "reality" tv series... who says old people can't change?

Comment Settings Back on!

Hi There, folks! I didn't realize it until this past week - but comments that have been posted to me on the website have not been getting to me. Got that fixed and hope that I will hear from some of you again soon... So sorry that I have not gotten messages from you...

In other news... The "Series" Class on Tuesdays is almost full but there are still plenty of spaces available for the basic class on Thursdays! Just let me know if you are interested!

2011 SPRING STUDENT ART SHOW & NEW CLASSES

WOW! March is here! The weather is beautiful and I am hoping you will be here!

March 17, 2011 7-9

This Week: March 17, 2011 7-9 pm is the First Student Art Show of the year. Nine students have been hard at work for six weeks and this Thursday they will be exhibiting their work! Please come out and enjoy an evening at STUDIO 2911

March 29, 2011 (TUESDAYS 6-9)
"Taking the Next Step" in the "Discover the Artist in You" Series. This is a new class that builds upon lessons learned in the basic class. Students will begin work on their own "series" of paintings to begin building their body of work. Six Paintings will be painted and will be exhibited at the Art Show on May 12. Cost: 30.00 / session

March 31, 2011 (THURSDAYS 6-9)
Discover the Artist in You Basic Class begins again March 31, 6-9 pm Classes run for 6 weeks (Mar 31, Apr 7, 14, 21, 28, May 5 with Art Show May 12). For more information please call me at 843 384 9650. Cost: 240.00 (Includes art supply kit)

Looking forward to seeing you!

PS
Our chickens are laying lots of eggs these days - So let me know if you would like some "homegrown" eggs!

I wasn't always Like this - Sometimes I was worse!

Okay, so I wasn't always this way... And this wasn't quite the angle I was going for ... Still they are nice Ruby Slippers ... but I was hoping to look more like Dorothy than the Wicked Witch of the East under a house ... But you gotta love what can happen when you are trying to take your own pictures ... And, no, this was NOT PLANNED. But it is a mighty good lesson. Now, If I can just think of what that lesson might be... No, nothing is coming to mind...
But the future is looking quite optimistic... I actually have Ruby Slippers. The other pictures turned out okay. I was not hurt in the fall. My camera still works. And I had a great laugh when I got up and got back to the camera... which was set on a timer. And it has inspired a whole new set of artwork based on chairs - namely ones that have not tipped over when I went to sit in them. :)
I say the future is optimistic because of Proverbs 31... Which I read on December 31 which tells us that a woman of courage can smile at the future - And I love that. And if I can't smile at the future I now have this nifty "self-portrait" that will always make me laugh. Because there was a day when if I fell down, I couldn't laugh; I couldn't smile; and I certainly didn't want a scrapbook style photo of the event. But I am different now. What a wonder the grace of God.
So back to the point of the my picture taking session in the first place: Hundreds of thousands of dollars have been paid for the original Ruby Slippers; there were only 6 made for the actual movie. One pair resides in the Smithsonian Institution and they say people stand and cry when they look at them. I totally understand this. I watch the movie just hoping for a glimpse of them. But I mostly just adore their message. You always have the power to go back home... and There's no place like home. It may take a round about journey of struggle, and humility, and fear, and forgiveness - And it make take a few friends: some courage, some heart and a sound mind, but there is no place like it...
And one day, we have the opportunity of standing before a Holy God who longs to have us join Him in His Home... He has prepared a place for us - What a glorious thought.
So as I stand here in the wee hours of a new year I am grateful for a home; the friends that helped me here along the journey and the fact that I can take a new picture - 'cause it's a new year after all - And I am looking forward to this new journey.

And by the way, Happy 2011!

"Embracing the Mystery"

"Embracing the Mystery"
Charlotte Holmes Murray
9 x 12 Mixed Media

As I come to the end of 2010 I am reflecting on the fact that I have never had a busier year of my life: From weddings to funerals, from stretches of time at home to many long trips, from the planting of our garden to the raising of chickens, from art classes and art shows to having the Studio and our home on an Arts Council Home Tour - Phew! It has been B-U-S-Y! And it has been good - very good.
This most recent painting, completed this week, actually sums up the whole year as it represents for me the mystery that is our existence: precious and precarious. We hold onto life gently and reverently and we wait: sometimes with great anticipation and other times with dread. My nest series continues to fascinate and intrigue me as representational of "the home" and all the ways we embrace a place of refuge. We are writing a history. It will be read by someone... and very often by those that we didn't even know were reading it.
I look at 2010 as the year that had a "mind of its own" and though at times I feel like I was just "along for the ride" it held for me many of the keys to a journey that I love more and more with each passing year. It is a journey of faith. Faith that is absolute truth and absolute mystery: It is why I love Jesus...
"who being in the form of God thought it not robbery to
be equal with God but made Himself of no reputation and took upon
Him the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of men..."

The key for me this year has been to embrace the mystery of our journey of faith and allow God to be God. There is no vacancy in the Trinity and I do not have to have all the answers. I can trust in simple faith that God is in His heaven and all will (ultimately) be made right with the world. I do not have to do it. (This fall I was enjoying some painting time while in St. Augustine and USA Today carried a front page headline: "What America Thinks about God." I thought to myself - Isaiah 40 - and promptly began a new artwork on the concept of the world and God. Read Isaiah 40 and see what you think about the world, America! It is not going any where until He says so. )
Thankfully, EVERYTHING is not a mystery. Some things God has clearly revealed in His Word. If we do not obey what we DO know, we cannot expect to be handed any more light for things we don't yet understand. Deuteronomy 29:29 is my favorite on this subject - and I will close the year with this:

The secret things belong unto the Lord our God, but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.

Amen and Amen.

A Little Yellow Bird and a Great Big Thanksgiving

I got away to St. Augustine recently to paint for a few days. The weather was so wonderful that I had doors and windows open for all the fresh air and sunshine... and while standing in the kitchen I heard a thud against one window and before I could bolt out the door to see what it was, I heard a second thud against a second window. I stepped out the door just in time to see a little yellow bird floundering on the ground and gasping for air. I did not think I could take the poor thing dying while I watched, so I picked it up and actually began praying out loud for the little thing. I blew air toward its little beak that had been opening and closing, and it just sat there... so I blew more air. This went on, me praying and little bird trying to breathe for at least a minute, and then it occurred to me to take a picture... so I grabbed my camera and snapped a few shots, hoping for a happy ending... and then just as I finished the pictures, little yellow bird flew away to the bushes. This was the ending that I hoped for. How often does a bird hit the glass, not once, but twice and still fly away? I was very happy, and I would like to think, so was little yellow bird.
So today, I am giving God the thanks for the second chances that He graciously gives... Sometimes, even when we have run into the glass for the second time! I am grateful for my family, friends, being at home, God's amazing Word and His unfailing love.

The STUDIO is OPEN!

STUDIO 2911
Yemassee, South Carolina

Hi Y'all, Fall is in the air and I am excited about upcoming art classes and workshops!

DISCOVER THE ARTIST IN YOU classes begin Tuesday Evening September 21 (5-6 pm for a "meet, greet and set up" with session beginning at 6pm and lasting until 9pm) . Each 3 hour session will cover drawing techniques, color theory and brush strokes, creative art philosophy and history and students will complete a painting during each session.
At the end of the six weeks we will send out invitations and have a Student Art Show - but don't let that intimidate you! We are in this for the fun, the friendships and the fearlessness of painting and really enjoying ourselves! This Course is great for beginners and more experienced artists.
Included in this course are 18 hours of instruction, a great wooden artist's box with paints, brushes, apron, paint knife, palette, canvases and more, PLUS a really fun art show to celebrate your work! Cost: 280.00

ONE DAY WORKSHOPS will be held on an interest basis. These workshops, usually a Saturday, are comprised of six hours of instruction in basic drawing skills, color theory and brushstrokes with personal instruction to finish a 16 x 20 painting. Call if you have any interest in this type of workshop day. You will need to bring a sack lunch, but all art supplies are included. Cost for the Day Workshop is 95.00

If you have any questions or would like to get signed up please send an email to charlotte2911@yahoo.com or call me at 843-384-9650. I look forward to hearing from you!

In the Company of Amazing Women

This past Saturday I had the privilege of being in the company of amazing women. We painted. We dined. We laughed. We cried. And I, for one, remembered why I am so blessed to be in the company of women.

I was visiting my sister Julie (shown at left) in Charlotte, NC. She is a wonderful mom to her three children Kyle, Chad and Lexi; a dedicated employee at "Anita Goodesign" and a loyal friend to those in her life privileged to call her such. I am proud to call her my sister, and awed to be counted among those who love her.

We had been wanting to have a "Paint Out" at her home for years and this weekend became what will be known as the first of many! We called it our "Soul Sista' Studio" and invited a couple of other women over to share the time. Shelley and Karen joined us and it was a great beginning of what will surely grow to include more women and more dates on our calenders.

Karen began work on this piece with the tree and a "quilting"effect around it.

Shelley worked diligently on her painting even though allergies beset her all day. We were all thrilled with her ability to mix these colors from a basic set of five primary colors.

Julie began this painting of the beach.

And I continue to be enthralled with nests and the theme of the home. This mixed media piece is a new foray into texture, found objects, and recycled art materials.

I am excited about all of the potential that this continues to hold... And I am also delighted to have found a home in the company of these delightful women... they are wives, mothers, friends, teachers, artists and sisters, but mostly, they are amazing!

Red Highlights of my Paris Trip

Now this is a page out of my dreams... brought to you by my amazing son David Paul compliments of Photo-shop - but really, it looks nice, oui?

But I did have the pleasure of breezing into Paris last February and thought it was about time I shared some of the photo highlights of my trip.

Snow was falling as I took the train in from Charles de Gaulle. I had my cafe au lait with this view of the light rain at the intersection just outside Le Petit Trianon, my hotel.

I love the wet streets and street lights of this scene along with the angles of the buildings. I have wanted to paint this scene ever since.












Coming to Paris on Valentine's Day Weekend was perhaps not the best choice when travelling alone - but I was limited in my travel date options and that is another story altogether. But this particular weekend did offer the most beautiful Parisian Flower Bouquets I have ever seen. And, as you know, the flower stores are everywhere and wondrous to behold.

Everywhere you look in Paris there is something to ooh-la-la over, or to cry over, or to paint...over and over and over again. If it's not the door-knockers, it's the doors; if it's not the architecture, it's the gardens; if it's not the chocolates, it's the ice creams and candies! Really, it is overwhelming the pure sensory overload. So it was my A to Z RED weekend!

I showed amazing self-restraint by not going in and buying these right off the shelf...

Plus, I love all the elements of color and design in this photograph - especially the sky blue backdrop and the tree in the upper left hand corner. And the Kartell store was just one amazing wave of color after another. I love the St. Germaine area for all of it's glorious store fronts and luxurious cafe dining on the broad street.

Maybe it's just me, but on every trip I go I am cruising for color and texture as i search for my next painting inspiration. It was too cold for plein aire painting but I do hope to return to the French Countryside one day for a painting vacation.

More to come...

Yaaaaa ! First Chicken Egg

Yes, I am raising chickens. 46 of them to be exact. Started out with the little peeps when they were one day old this spring. Some of them came from a feed store; and some of them came through the mail. Yes, they send the little darlings in a cardboard box, if you can believe it. I'll post some pictures of my little nieces going with me to get them - It was hilarious!
And last night when I got home (late) David Paul said he had a surprise for me. He grabbed a flashlight and out to the chicken house we went. Inside everyone was on their roost - but lo and behold, an egg was in our newly strawed nesting box! I was thrilled. He had waited until I got home so that I could be the one to bring it in!

The egg is from the Buff Orpington Chickens (shown at left), which are the ones we got first. The Ameraucana Chickens will begin laying next; I got them a month or so later, and then I got another "batch" after that. It is kind of addicting... the little peeps are just darling! And if you get one, well you just want a hundred! But I showed a little restraint and we only have, like I said, 46.

They are sweet, actually, and are just a joy to have around... And the eggs are going to be great!

Lessons on The Fear of Failure in Art

As I have begun thinking about, praying about and planning out new art classes for the Fall one thing continues to go through my mind... Why are we so afraid of "messing up?" When I speak with women about art, they all sound hopeful and doubtful at the same time: "I can't even draw a straight line", they say in exasperation. Or they say "I don't have an artistic bone in my body." It is a common refrain... but most women would love to just try... but this fear keeps them from it, or keeps them from enjoying it.

I thought about all this because I recently painted a mural on my bathroom wall. The picture of it looks miles better than it looks in person, but it is nice. It only took a couple of hours and I was done with it. Over it, and was not doing any more... and no, I don't want a job doing them. It was fun, it turned out nicely, but it won't be there forever... I will get tired of it and will one day paint over it. But as I painted I thought about the myriad other strange and funny things I have painted (recently the inside of my chicken house - but that is another post for another day) and why I paint them so suddenly and with such reckless abandon... And it hit me:

I AM NOT AFRAID TO FAIL AT IT!!!

I am not so concerned that it won't look good, or right, or be beautiful enough, or perfect enough... because IT IS ONLY PAINT!!! What is the worst thing that can happen? Nothing really bad actually - and the same is true when you come to the canvas... What is the worst thing that can happen when you put paint on a canvas? You may not like it, BUT, it is not a life or death situation. There is nothing to be afraid of.... It is not like you are packing your own parachute!!! You can paint over it! (And I love doing this from time to time - very freeing!)

Upon further reflection I realized that I am just not afraid of failure... Failure in my life has become like an old friend that points me in a new direction. Ask Edison. I have failed at so many things in my life - but I realize now it was just narrowing down my field, honing me in on my desires, tearing away the excess... burning away the dross... and that brings me out less scattered, more focused, less encumbered, more pure... And I need all the help with that I can get.

So - onward to new painting classes with fearlessness!

Next weeks lesson: Packing Your Own Parachute!

The Me in St. Augustine and the St. Augustine in me

Here's a picture of me in St. Augustine with one of my newest pieces... It is the second in a new series on "Home" as a concept, a refuge, a question and an answer. I am looking forward to the others that are coming to me... Time in St. Augustine always seems to act as the needed catalyst for my newest work. I love the air, the water, and the way St. Augustine rushes through my veins infusing me with vitality and strength in every dimension of my life. I pray that this new series will in some way move people the way it has moved me during it's gestation and beginning pangs of birth!