The decorations are up, and yes they are encroaching on my art space. Crowded, yes. Busy, yes. These cons do cause in me a reluctance to paint. Yet, there always comes a moment when I decide to make something as a holiday or thank you gift for someone this time of year. And with all the imbibing (what artist doesn't work better with a drink or two or ...), there's a guarantee that I'll be painting or drawing by the fire this season. So who will be the lucky recipient of this year's 2013 holiday Susan A. Wenz original? Oh, I think I know. Stay tuned.

My art space is also the living room. I like it that way. While a dedicated separate studio would be really great, I enjoy creating during everyday activities, and in the middle of our family life. The constant exposure to creativity is good for me and my kids.

But every year, the Nutcrackers invade.

We have a strong tie to Nutcracker ballet. My 11 year old son performs in George Balanchine's The Nutcracker with the New York City Ballet. This is his third season, and we have developed quite a collection of Nutcrackers over the years!

No, my Christmas decorations are not yet down from the attic. But the Nutcrackers were specially requested today...they have been sorely missed by my 6 year twin girls during the "off season". (The Nutcrackers are adored and played with instead of baby dolls.)

And so they march in, invading my space. But, I don't mind because I can paint and draw as the kids play at my feet, and life just doesn't get any better than that

Began in 2010, it sat … until 2013, finally signed.

Mirror, Mirror (Praying Mantis), 2013

This painting would have wound up in the art graveyard with the rest of my unfinished works, if I hadn't been inspired to rework it in a different way.  I wish the rest of my paintings were that lucky.

Originally meant to be part of Renouncing the Web II series, it had three hand-constructed frames around the painting, meant to portray three facets of a person's personality. But it totally stalled. I hated it's progress. I hated the personality I was trying to portray.  And so, this beautiful rendering of a praying mantis sat, collecting dust.  It was a damn shame.  Suddenly (as most of my inspirations hit), I had a thought; mirror.  Save the painting, ditch the frames, and mount it on a mirror.  The effect is super cool in person, like a metallic photographic print morphed with an oil painting.  The concept is more pure.  This piece isn't a metaphor for a single personality type, but instead for everyone.  Anyone can personify the characteristics of a praying mantis.  Especially the negative ones. Step in front of the painting, and take a good look … is that you?