Learning to Love Limbo

Written By: Missy McIver | Issue: 2020/08 – August, 2020/09 – September

My name is Missy (Ada Holmes) McIver, age 74.  

When did I become a member of the vulnerable generation?  I majored in Art History, which gave me a lifelong love of art, but was too intimidated to try studio art.   

In my 20’s I spent a year studying photography and calligraphy, both lifelong avocations.  I am also a knitter.   

Fast forward 40 years. I was caring for my mother and aunt (in their 90’s).  I was looking for something I could do at home while hanging out with them. 

I took a one day pastel class and was hooked. I studied pastels and then oils with that teacher for several years.  I have exhibited in the South Carolina State Fair, winning several awards.  

While I envy artists who see abstractly, I’m not there yet.  But thanks to The Bascom I have taken classes in Cold Wax and Encaustic, which has loosened me up some.  Do you begin to get the idea that I am a bit ADD?

I have also studied with Carol Marine, Julian Merrow-Smith, Chris Groves, and Barbara Jaenicke (pastels).  All are
worth googling.

Prior to the pandemic, I had been avoiding painting and spent my time knitting, making jewelry and gardening.  I felt the more I had learned the less I liked what I was doing.  Hence, avoidance.  A friend invited me to join an online Facebook Group titled Covid-19.  She then challenged me to a painting a day for 2 weeks.  To my amazement I completed it and actually liked some of the pieces I did.  My inner critic stepped back.  I got some positive feedback and found I was having fun again.  It has made this difficult time more bearable.

I am not a professional artist, but am always amazed when I step back, wondering how I did that.  I’m still not painting as much as I would like.  I am now sidetracked by Gelli/monotype printing, which helps loosen me up.  

That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.