How’s it possible it’s been three months since we last written you? Despite the gap in our writing, we want you to know you’ve been on our minds probably more than you know. Please allow us to explain…
Recently, we were commissioned to create an outdoor public art piece for Bend’s Tin Pan Alley Art Collection. While we knew we had to work in a media that would withstand four seasons of weather for several years, we thought we’d remain true to our style through our subject. Having an opportunity to work on a 4×8-foot panel, it’s been a scale we’ve long dreamed of working in.
Unlike our spontaneous approach to the fiber art, the parameters of the commission required us to submit a proposal. Our plan was to create a painting of a wide, vast panoramic landscape. After prepping the panel with its base layer of gesso, we were poised to make our first marks, outlining some of the general elements of the scene. But then there was a long pause.
Like most people, we see, hear and feel the struggle around us. Some days, we get overwhelmed and it can become difficult not to succumb to stewing in the problems affecting us, or others. As it happened, on the day we had reserved to begin work on the public art, it was a bad day. Then it turned into a bad week. We were in a funk.
There are a lot of discoveries a twin can make while working with their identical. One of them is that there’s powerful synergy. When the synergy flows, nothing can beat it. When we’re feeling unhappy, it can become the lowest of lows. In both cases, we can see how these sensations extrapolate to every type of relationship in the world, our version of this is just a bit more immediate and obvious. So back to that week of feeling down – we were unable to lift ourselves out, compounding on each other’s despair, and it continued to get worse – until we got tired of it. Which is when we began to seek the positive.
And this is when we thought about you. When we find ourselves upset, it’s often triggered by human behaviors that cause pain and suffering. And yet, many other human activities are what cause us to feel the greatest joy, lifting our desire to be our best selves. After that long week of muddling around in gloomy thoughts, we thought about what would make us the happiest, in terms of what we could convey through the Tin Pan Alley piece. We thought about community, and the role it plays in all of our lives. Community, in all its best forms, will support an individual. It will lift, inspire, and nourish. When you visit, call, or send an email, this is exactly what you’re doing for us. Reflecting on these gifts, it changed our approach to our piece.
So here, we’d like to introduce you to “You Have No Idea What You Mean To People”. As we thought of you, our moods lifted and we wanted to reflect our happiness (and relief) through the art. We began to paint a neighborhood of homes scattered over hills, drawn together with textured trees, roads, and bridges. We were depicting community through metaphor, but the message was lost in subtlety. Considering how much we needed to be uplifted, we thought others might feel the same. We asked our visitors to write or paint in their words of aspiration, personal mottos, or quotes they think of during challenging times in their lives. We asked for them all, eventually getting our FaceBook and Instagram audience to send us their words of inspiration. In the end, “You Have No Idea What You Mean To People” (the title comes from one of the written phrases), has hundreds of words inscribed into it, from around the globe. This piece has gone a long way to lift our spirits, and we’ve been able to get back to celebrating the beauty of humanity again. Once again, we think of you, and thank you!
Comments
Your email made my day. Thank you.
So many of our friends have “met” the two of you through your work; the pieces that have found their way to us and have a permanent place in our home and our hearts (as you have found your place there)
I’m going to send this on to some of them. Thank you for brightening my day.
Evelyn M
Lisa&Lori on August 17, 2018 at 5:17 PMYou’re so very welcome, Evelyn. It brings us great happiness to know that you, the gentle person that you are, had your day brightened by our email. Also, it means a lot to us that you’ve shared our work, story, and email with your friends. You and Tom are very special people and we feel honored that you’ve ‘introduced’ us to your friends who are undoubtedly as lovely as you are. In turn, we think of you two often, and when we do, our spirits are always lifted. Thank you, Evelyn.
I like the piece very much, a little like Picasso’s Blue period. The colors and the mood are beautiful. I am excited to see it in real life.
Lisa&Lori on August 17, 2018 at 5:06 PMAllison
Thank you, Allison. We’re so glad you like the work and we’re flattered you thought of Picasso’s Blue period (As we’ve looked around the gallery taking in some of the pieces we’ve created in the past 6-8 months, we noticed this as well. A fascinating discovery for us.) We do hope you’ll get to see it when you visit, and it will be wonderful to talk with you! Thank you, Allison, for following us on our journey.
Congratulations! Cheryl and I love you both and are so happy to see your continued success (through the struggles). It is often the light seen because of the sharp experiences that enables the inspiration to flow unbridled. We wish that light for you both always.
Thank you, Dave (and Cheryl). You’ve described the gifts that can be gleaned from challenges (as well as joys) so very well. We’ve always appreciated your perspective on such things. Thank you for your support, in all the forms you’ve offered it, we are thankful to have it. We look forward to continuing on the path of our work and having much to celebrate. Until then, and as always, our best to you both!
My husband and I have moved to San Diego to be near our family. We are always glad to read your newsletters, and we have your tile of Sparks Lake winter scene on our table here. Our son-in-law Andy Hewitt bought one of your paintings. It looks so beautiful on the wall of the landing of their stairway. I always think of you when we first saw your gallery in a small area near Bond Street traffic circle, and your fabric paintings cost about $250. I couldn’t afford one, but I loved all of them.
You have come a long way as you mastered your craft. You should be so proud,
I am looking forward to walking down Tin Pan Alley in Sept. and taking the Art Walk in Oct while we visit our relatives and friends in Bend.
Lisa&Lori on August 17, 2018 at 4:21 PMCongratulations on your special achievements. Pat Peckham
Thank you so much, Pat, for all the ways you’ve been part of our journey over the years. Even though you are now in San Diego, we’re so glad we can continue our connection with you. We’re truly thankful for yours and Andy’s interest and support of our work – please know you’ve directly contributed to our ability to make a life of creating art – which is a very big deal! (And regarding those $250 fiber pieces 15 years ago, we feel your disappointment – we often wish we could have afforded them ourselves. To this day, we own just 5 of our own pieces, two of which were gifted back to us, if you can believe that!) We hope you’ll consider visiting our studio again in Sept and/or October. It would be wonderful to see you again! And, since the Tin Pan Alley Art project has expanded through town, you’ll be able to find our piece right here in the Old Mill.
Wonderful result…….once again.
Lisa&Lori on August 17, 2018 at 3:49 PMThank you, Bill.
This piece is such an inspiration to focus on the positive in life when we are down. So many others can help if we reach out as you did with this wonderful work of art. Thank you both for this reminder so see the sunny side.
Lisa&Lori on August 17, 2018 at 4:08 PMYou are welcome, Ginny. And thank you for sharing your thoughts. It’s made our hearts swell with gratitude when we’ve noticed people spending time with the piece. We’ve overheard bits of discussions, often between generations, about what some of the words or quotes mean to each of the viewers – the layers of what it’s evoked for people in conversation and thought has gone far beyond what we imagined. This piece, for us, is proof that positivity begets positivity. We’ve also found it to be a wonderful reminder, for those times when we forget.
Being an older sister, I have watched the two of you grow – as women and as artists. Across our large brood you two expressed the times in the most heartfelt ways, in times of both joy and sorrow. This piece so captures who you are, and is a sincere, authentic yet whimsical comment on the times. I look forward to standing in front of it and taking a selfie of 3 smiling faces, then going out for a nice coffee!
Lisa&Lori on August 17, 2018 at 3:49 PMAah, thank you, Kathy. Umm, there’s a lot we’re feeling from (repeatedly) reading your post. We’re deeply touched you think of us and our work in this way. As our sometimes surrogate mom, we want to thank you for what you gave of yourself in order for us to grow into the people we are. We look forward to showing you in what ways you contributed to the piece, taking that selfie, and having a long conversation over that coffee!
I feel so warmed by your introspection and your reflection of what can be uplifting to us all. I love how you live in mindfulness and that you generously share your compassion, empathy and love with those who love the two of you . . . us!
Lisa&Lori on August 17, 2018 at 3:30 PMDear Jane, Thank you for reaching out and sharing your feelings with us. We know most people are ‘just trying to do the best they can’, and keeping this in mind really helps us to do our best while inspiring us to support those who are trying as well. Through words or images, we feel very fortunate that our efforts to connect with others are seen as a contribution. Thank you for expressing this to us Jane. We so appreciate you and Jeffrey!
As always, you put it all together and make something wonderful. You both lift me. Great approach to a project.
Lisa&Lori on August 17, 2018 at 2:54 PMCarolyn Platt
Thank you, Carolyn. Coming from an artist we admire and whose work we appreciate, this means a lot. Thank you.
What a lovely piece! I hope I’ll get to see it when I get to Bend again….
Lisa&Lori on August 17, 2018 at 2:50 PMThank you, Alice! We’re excited to hear you’ll be visiting Bend again! When you do, the piece will be on display right here in the Old Mill District, hanging on the outside of the stairwell next to Strictly Organic Coffee. The Tin Pan Alley Art project has extended beyond downtown. In our opinion, it’s an exciting expansion for artists and art lovers alike!
What a wonderful piece and thanks for sharing your creative process, both ups and downs. My daily focus in to always look on the bright side of life which works 95% of the time. Love your work.
Lisa&Lori on August 17, 2018 at 2:44 PMAnne Zick
Thanks for sharing your reaction to our work (and journal post), Anne. We appreciate your assessment that a positive attitude works 95% of the time. Upon reflection, we think this is true – though sometimes it’s difficult to remember. We would all do well to aim for 95% – it would be transformative! Thank you for the inspiration, Anne. And thanks also for following our story.
Dear Lisa and Lori, once again, your words to all of us, and, your resulting artwork, help each
Lisa&Lori on August 17, 2018 at 4:59 PMone of us to realize that, ultimately, it is only by concentrating on the good that surrounds us that can pull us out of despair, and, lift our thoughts and hearts to a better place. Your Tin Pan Ally art piece, inspired by many people, WILL help others to realize that the calm and simple joy we create for ourselves does shine in a way that makes this life here a better, more beautiful place. i am, and, always have been, grateful that you are a part of my life! Donna
Dear Donna, If there’s anything we’ve learned over these past 8 or so years, is that doing the work of keeping a positive attitude (along with a good night’s sleep) makes getting through life’s challenges quite a bit easier. Despite knowing this, we do forget now and again and sometimes find ourselves out of balance for a while. The unexpected shift in focus that came while working on the Tin Pan piece, proved to us without question, how important it is to try and push through – to find something, anything, that lifts us. It has been remarkable how long that piece has carried and inspired us. Our hope is, for others to find a similar outlet for the times when they’re feeling despair, or if not, that they can find hope and inspiration in others’ activity. As we’ve just experienced, it’s truly amazing how quickly it can build momentum.
It’s always been wonderful to have you in our lives, Donna. We’re just so glad we can stay in touch, no matter the time or place. Much love to you!
There is no substitute for reaching out and loving everyone. It can stop the wrong, bad and insincere in their tracks. Do not ever accept the statement,”there is nothing I can do to make things better.”
You are the light/port in the storm.
Lisa&Lori on August 17, 2018 at 2:30 PMWe are living in difficult times while chaos grows around us.
We can see clearly through it all by doing our art, no matter how insignificant. Thank you for your shining example.
Thank you, Sharon for offering your thoughts about how a positive approach can improve so much for all of us, not just ourselves. We are grateful you are part of our community and the creation of your art helps make it a better place for all. Thank you.
Dear Lisa &Lori, thank you for who you are! Inspiring each and everyone of us to reach out to one another in love, grace and respect. When we have others interest in mind, our own problems seem so small compared. With so much tragedy going on just in the US at this time, your work inspires us to be that community. Thank you and hope to be in Bend soon.
Lisa&Lori on August 17, 2018 at 2:21 PMDear Belva, your response to our Journal page and “You Have No Idea What You Mean To People”, has touched us deeply. As you probably know, our work is created through a spontaneous process, not knowing how the piece will finish until we get to the end (wherever that is). This community piece surprised us when the clearly formed idea presented itself, yet it seemed to be EXACTLY what we needed to do. To read your reaction to them is all we could have hoped for. We will think of you and your words as we move forward in doing our best to be mindful and act accordingly, for the good of all. Thank you for this.
I am a twin and it is good! May the Lord lift you up and continue to bless the two of you and all who see and participate in your wonderful art. Blessings ,Jane
Lisa&Lori on August 17, 2018 at 2:09 PMThank you, Jane. We so appreciate your support and encouragement. Since you are a twin, you may know the additional and wide-ranging breadth of emotions that come built into the relationship. With the highs and lows, there always come the gifts – seeing first hand how our single-minded activities affect the other. We’ve often wondered if this isn’t why we became artists, because of a need to interpret and release all we observe and feel as a result. Or maybe we were just meant to do this? Either way, we’re grateful to be in this place in our lives, knowing that every positive thought extended to us has helped us along the way. Thank you for yours, and your beautiful message.
wow.
Lisa&Lori on August 17, 2018 at 1:58 PMjust wow.
because.
because why?
just because.
thank you.
thank you two.
thank you.
because you are you.
thank you, dottie.
Lori & Lisa, Really valued your writings. An older brother might do well to follow the thoughts of his wise younger sisters. Thanks. John
Lisa&Lori on August 29, 2018 at 11:09 AMThank you, John! You know we have to turn this back on you. You have always been a role model to us, and for the bits of us that may be seen as helpful or beneficial, you have a direct hand in cultivating that in us. We can think of countless times that you were THE BEST big brother – showing us through your actions what care and respect (and being fun), can do for people. And you always made us feel like wanted little sisters, even when we were being annoying pests. Thank you, John. Now, like then, we are two of your biggest admirers.
Thank you that you reach out in many meaningful ways. Your words and works seem without time.
Lisa&Lori on August 29, 2018 at 10:38 AMThis is something we’re enjoying about getting older. Our powers of observation have long been about visuals, but now, more than ever, what we see in our mind’s eyes extrapolate to a wider view of the world and how everything is interconnected. The more we look, the more we see, and the more we have to express. We’re enjoying this time in our lives, and we’re feeling very appreciative that it is meaningful to others as well. Thank you, Corella!
I remember when you two were born, the baby sisters of my best friend, Sue. I always ran your names together like one long name–LisaNLori. I remember the time the other twins in the family put you in the dryer (or was it the washing machine?) to give you a spin. I hope you were too little to remember that! Several years ago, now, I looked up your studio when I was passing through Bend. It was great to see you then and now I admire your work on Pinterest. I can always pick out a Lubbesmeyer work! You have a distinct style.
It’s been about five years since I left Bend. Sometimes it feels like a long time ago and then sometimes, it feels like only yesterday coming to visit with you both in your studio…something I’d try to do when at the Old Mill. I will always be in awe of your work, your hearts, your story, and those moments that provided a glimpse into the magic of being twins. You have no idea what you both mean to me.
Lisa and Lori: It is always so special to bring my out of town guests to your studio to see your lovely work. They have all been so impressed by their beauty. One of my closest friends passed away almost a year ago. She was not a quilter, nor a fiber artist, but she appreciated fine art; but she did buy one of your paintings. In our zoom calls for the past two years, I always saw it behind her as we spoke. I will miss her forever, but am so glad that she bought one of your pieces.
Thanks for always being so gracious to everyone and sharing your special talents, hearts, and friendliness.
Gwen Brock
Lisa & Lori on December 7, 2022 at 1:38 PMGwen, We always appreciate your visits, whether alone or with guests. It means a lot that you spend your time with us, and wanting to introduce us and show our art to your guests feels like the highest compliment. Thank you!
We’re very sorry about the passing of one of your closest friends. We know the loss of loved ones is heart-breakingly difficult, but we’re grateful that you have wonderful memories of her to hold and keep with you.
We hope there will be a time to visit again, as we always look forward to talking with you. Until then, take good care. And our deepest sympathies.
~ Lisa & Lori