sue clancy – artist

Since beginning recovery from my ankle injury I’ve become less of a night owl than I used to be. Lately it feels like I have all the stamina of a Christmas cracker so I work in even shorter bursts and retire early most days. Plus physical therapy sometimes starts before 9 am which requires an earlier bedtime because I wish to have at least 10 minutes during breakfast to sketch. (I share my sketchbooks here)

Prior to my ankle adventures staying awake late into the evening didn’t mean drinking or partying – it usually meant reading a novel late into the night because I was enjoying it. In the past staying up late also sometimes meant going to hear live music at a local bar or, at home, some domino games or conversations that would last till after midnight. For example when my adopted dad, mom and I would visit we’d often stay up talking till 3 am.

So I recently thought about owls and various nighttime behaviors as I worked on a painting at the kitchen table….

…which I’ve finished and titled “Night Owl”.

Now I’ve begun a new painting…

I’ve been interested in how many common phrases have birds in them. I’m interested more generally in metaphors, idioms, common phrases and how using them affects our thinking. Language is fascinating in the ways it dovetails with awareness and mental health.

And yes, I’m working towards a fine art exhibit to be held at Caplan Art Designs in October. I enjoy working for a year or so towards an exhibit spending that length of time thinking visually about topics… like language.

I hope your days are pleasant and that your nights are as late as you wish them.