Today’s painting is called “More Is More” It’s my tribute to Iris Apfel. In case you didn’t know, she is a 98 year old fashion Icon from New York City. I really didn’t know about her until I watched the Netflix documentary about her life a few years ago. She has stuck with me ever since as one of my most admired human beings. She’s in good company with Judge Judy,David Bowie and recently LIZZO!I know what I like and I love these people. Iris Apfels sense of style and her attitude that More is better leads to joyful thoughts of hunting for my own collection of cool stuff like hers. I could never house the amount of stuff that she has…she’s got a warehouse for that.

I’ve been Thinking about her life and her fearlessness is an inspiration in how to just go for it. That’s how I’m approaching my art these days. I am no longer trying to paint like anyone else. I’ve given up on that. I want my work to be recognizable as mine. I don’t want there to be any doubt when looking at one of my paintings that it is a Kim Cadenhead creation.

I’ve been watching a lot of interviews and music videos featuring LIZZO in the past few days. She’s an up and coming icon for this old Grandma. That girl has got things figured out. She’s had her trials but she’s been able to say “Screw it, I’m going for it”. We need these people to show us the way. I’ve spent too many years without a focus and a belief in myself. This young woman and Iris, an ageless leader are a tonic for someone like me. We all need to figure out what makes us happy. The thing that makes time fly, that you take enjoyment from is a clue that that is what you need to be doing. That’s what I’m doing now. I’ve decided that making art is my full time job…but it’s not a job…it’s a way for me to share my passion. If you like it, great! That’s a big bonus but it’s not necessary for me to have anyone’s approval. That’s a new thing for me. I’ve always known that other people’s opinions of me are none of my business…but boy…the ego can really hang on to that. Is it my age? Does graduating to Grand motherhood afford me the ability to just not care anymore? I think there’s a lot to that. That’s why so many Grandmothers dress really crazy. I’m starting to gravitate to big chunky necklaces and bracelets. Now that I think of it, I don’t like shoes that you can’t just slip into anymore and I don’t want to wear jeans, I prefer elastic waistbands now….yikes!

Oh well, I’m just gonna be me. I will operate under the belief as Iris tells us “More is More and less is a bore.”