My name is Jeane George Weigel and I am a working artist living in a tiny Spanish Land Grant village in the mountains of northern New Mexico. There are many other serious artists here and we earn our livings from our art. It hasn’t always been like this for me. I didn’t paint for 26 years after college and I used to think it was because my teachers discouraged me (being a realist painter during 60’s conceptualism) or that I’d bought the whole cultural view of it being impractical. But now I know it was mostly because, as a young woman, I wasn’t strong enough to withstand the energy that flows through me during my creative process. When I paint, the room fills with light, color bleeds from my brushes, and heaven and hell exist there in my studio. The power is immense.
But leaving a corporate job to be an artist does take some courage and it certainly hasn’t always been easy. I’ve faced issues that test my faith in the life I’ve chosen to live on almost a daily basis. But this life has also fostered growth, connection, awareness and transformation in ways I couldn’t have imagined 14 years ago when my journey began. This artist’s path has demanded an ongoing shedding of my old identity, my old ways of being. I’m immersed in an exploration of what it means to live my truth.
I didn’t make these major changes quickly or easily. I was aware for years that my life didn’t seem to fit me, or I didn’t fit it, but I wasn’t sure what else I was supposed to do. I felt unhappy on a level I wasn’t willing to acknowledge and I used to say that if I knew what I wanted to do I’d go do it. Life flowed by, day after day, and I ignored my own restlessness. I told myself to grow up and get real—to be practical: Life wasn’t meant to be fun and work certainly wasn’t. Finally, I believe, the universe dealt me an ultimatum: paint or die. So I began. I trusted. And my vision continues to unfold.
I’ve found, over the years, that my story and the life I’ve created for myself are encouraging to others—people see I did it and believe it may be possible for them as well—so I wanted to offer my own brand of inspiration to a broader audience. This blog will be a five day per week entry about my artist journey—my life’s journey. I offer it as a sort of guide for those of you who sense you are not on your authentic paths. I’ll begin by telling the story of what led me to, finally, change course and then continue with entries about my daily thoughts and experiences and whatever they generate. Some days I’ll submit photos with little text. Other days I’ll answer your questions or write on a topic you suggest. But, on this 4th day of the month of October, 2010, I take this new leap into the unknown. Together may we learn to live more fully alive.
Simply outrageous!!! Congratulations!!
THANK YOU!!!!
This is WONDERFUL….wonderfully written and visually presented!! I look forward to seeing your daily blogs my dear. Peace and light be your every moments joy.
Love,
Grace
The time here is actually 8:19 AM…some sort of switch of the time there lol.
Grace,
Thanks for pointing that out. I fixed the time issue. 🙂
Adam
Thanks Adam, you work at lightning speed Bravo:) Love your aquatic site also.
Grace
Greetings! Is it okay that I go a bit off topic? I am trying to view your blog on my iPad but it doesn’t display properly, any suggestions? Cheers! Geralyn
The iPad issue should be fixed now. Try it again and let me know if it is still giving you trouble.
Thanks for this, great information
Hi Tim–Glad you liked it. Stay with us and let me know what you think as the story unfolds.
I am so excited to see what comes of this. yay!!!
Thanks sweetie–We shall see!
Congratulations on making the change and for deciding to share it with the world. I look forward to a fun ride. 🙂
Thanks Kathryn. Nice to have you along.
love the blog
I just wanted to say that I found your web site via Google and I am glad I did. Keep up the good work and I will make sure to bookmark you for when I have more free time away from the books. Thanks again!
Thanks for letting me know! I’m happy you like the site. Let me know what you think as it unfolds.
I have read a few of the articles on your website now, and I really like your style of blogging. I added it to my favorites web page list and will be checking back soon. Thanks.
Thanks! Glad you found us.
Loved this blog for it so relates to me! I often feel I am not on my authentic path for I feel God gave me this gift of drawing and painting, yet I ignore it out of insecurities I have that I can’t make it as an artist alone; though I itch to do it deep down in my soul. I often find myself making excuses to not get started with it again, but there is this ever nagging voice: (I believe from God every time I pray to him what am I here to do?) “Paint, just Paint!” I have everything I need. All I need to do is to JUST START! A girl at my work is doing it and by this it has inspired to light that flame; make that voice louder to go for my dream I’ve had for years to start. Also now I came across you and your blog which is tickling my insperation even more! Like you I need to listen to my messages of my soul; from God who is putting all this to the forfront of my life and just get started!!! Only then do I think I’ll start to feel alive again and do what God is wanting me to do for I believe he is calling me to it to answer all my fears in life and put them to rest to finally be what he is willing me to be. Sorry to write so much, but had to get it out! I look forward to read more of your blogs for they interest me greatly! Keep on writing for those people like me who need insperation! Glad to have found you!
Hi Cindy–Never apologize for writing “so much.” I love it when people reach me to express their feelings about the blog. I’m very excited for you, standing on the edge of this precipice, as you are. My 15th anniversary of changing my life is coming on March 8th. I mark it and celebrate it every year. I’m so glad you’ve found the blog at the exact time it can support you best. A couple of posts that I think will be beneficial to you are coming up on March 3 and 4: A Great Art Project 1 and 2. Check them out and let me know what you think. Give yourself lots of kindness right now. Our inner artist needs love to come out and show herself, not a lecture. One of these days you will begin, you will “just” paint. I promise.
Thank you so much for replying back to me. I notice that you answer to all your responses and I Love that about you. You are definitely in your right relm in life by touching so many people with what you do. Again thank you and I am so happy that I have found your site for I am sure I will be introduced to a lot of interesting things to come!
You’re welcome 🙂 Thank you for responding. You, and others like you, are the reason I write the blog. We’re in this together!
Jeane, I was in Taos just a few days ago and when I am there I am always struck by the incredible beauty and sacredness of the area. I just found your blog through a friend and so appreicate it as I just quit my job as a physician and professor to pursue creativity-painting, pottery and writing. I am still trying to find my way as I have not really focused on art since I was an undergrad. Would love to know if you do any teaching or have any suggestions for beginners like me. Sylvia
Hi Sylvia–I’m so glad you’ve found the blog and that you’re enjoying it. Thank you! Fifteen years after beginning I am STILL finding my way. I think you’ll find that you’ve begun a process that will continue to unfold as long as you are alive. Congratulations!
I’m not actively teaching right now but will consider doing so from time to time. I primarily focus on painting, sitting the gallery and writing the blog. Next time you’re in the area, though, contact me and we can look at it together then.
I highly recommend doing The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. It’s one of the reasons I’m a working artist today. There is power and magic in that book. Julia Cameron is an excellent guide, one I think who would help you as you begin this wonderful new journey.
Many blessings,
Jeane
Thank you for your kind, helpful and prompt reply Jeane. Will definitely contact you next time I am up that way. (Just moved to Albuquerque and loving it).
My pleasure always. I look forward to hearing from you. (So glad you’re loving your new home).
The force is strong in this one.
The posts are fixed now. Thanks for pointing out the glitch. Of course all of these pieces that tell my story are powerful for me. So glad you found this one meaningful.