Swedish Death Cleaning

While having lunch with a friend recently, I mentioned my efforts to declutter my home, ensuring that my daughters won’t have to sift through my belongings after I’m gone. She responded, “Oh, that’s ‘Swedish Death Cleaning.’” Initially, that sounded quite dark, but I realized it perfectly describes my process. This term refers to removing unnecessary items and creating an orderly home as we become more conscious of life’s impermanence, according to Margareta Magnusson, who is, in her words, aged between 80 and 100. She is the author of The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning and The Swedish Art of Aging. In Sweden, this decluttering practice is called döstädning, with “dö” meaning “death” and “städning” meaning “cleaning.” This surprising and invigorating process of clearing out belongings can be undertaken at any age and should ideally happen sooner rather than later—before others have to take on that task for you. Last year, I moved from a large house that I shared with one of my daughters to a cozy country cottage with a separate art studio. During that transition, I donated what seemed like carloads of clothes, drawings, studio tables, paint, substrates, shelving, small paintings, and appliances to a local charity. However, I retained most of my art supplies and hundreds of cherished photos, many depicting my life with Kai Winding, jazz musicians, and of course, my family. After my last birthday, I confronted the reality that much of my life lies behind me, and I created the Encaustic Academy, http://vimeo.com/ondemand/theencausticacademy featuring 14 digital encaustic classes to share my techniques and experiences. Now, I’m looking at a collection of paintings in storage that deserve to be seen and appreciated by collectors. I am planning a gallery exhibition here in San Miguel in February titled “The Legacy of Inspiration.” While I haven’t selected the paintings yet, all will be offered at sale prices. Additionally, there will be an online sale, likely in January, where I will either provide free shipping or a 30% discount. Be sure to check my posts for updates on the sale, or visit my website to see if there’s art you’d like to add to your collection: www.ezshwan.com.

Temporary Introductory price on the Encaustic Academy

The online classes / The Encaustic Academy/

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The Upcoming Encaustic Academy

I have been working many weeks creating a new digital class; The Encasutic Academy The Encaustic Academy seems like a great way to share my passion for encaustic art and mygv extensive knowledge with others. I was inspired to take time for self-reflection and have chosen to focus on leaving a legacy through my art and teaching. Creating a digital class with diverse techniques can help many people explore their creativity and develop their skills in encaustic painting. Sharing my tips and memories will add a personal touch that can resonate deeply with my students. Here are some examples of some of some of the finished paintings in the classes.

There is an Oak forest not far from San Miguel de Allende

If you've visited or heard about San Miguel de Allende, you're aware that this beautiful town has once again been voted the best city in the world by Travel and Leisure Magazine. It is situated in the high desert in central Mexico. I don't need to tell you about the beauty, art, and climate of San Miguel, but did you know that within a two-hour drive, there are oak forests of magical beauty, tranquility, and mushrooms? Yesterday, I treated myself to a special birthday present by joining a group to travel to the forest to forage for wild mushrooms. I learned that Mexico is second in the world, after China, in producing more varieties of wild mushrooms than any other country. It was an unforgettable day, leaving San Miguel at 8 in the morning for a full day in the forest, discovering mushrooms with Arif Twons Alonso of "Simbiosis" SMA. He is an expert in all kinds of mushrooms. In addition, a chef participated in creating a three-course lunch for all of us based on mushrooms. The first 2 photos show the forest where we forged mushrooms. #3 photo is the chef surving the appitizers as we combined our collected mushrooms on a tarp, so Arif could identify them.The edible ones were placed at the top of the tarp and the toxic ones at the bottom right. It seems we collected more toxic ones than edible. A lot depends on the weather conditions. Photo #5 The last photo is the mushroom named "The Angel of Death" and that one is deadly poison, but beautiful. If you are interested in the incredible healing properties for humans and the planet, I encourage you to investigate this incredible non-plant online.

Process of an encaustic, abstract painting

I am a Featured Artist on Artsy Shark

Please click on the link below to see the article. I am pleased to

have been chosen. I have worked many years as an artist and teacher. This is a special honor, I have added a just finished painting that is not shown in the article. Many layers and many days of work. This encaustic painting is availale, 24' x 32"