Its time for an update, and perhaps I may have also run out of pacer leads so this is my alternative. XP

Its hard to say how I feel at this moment, but it seems that the last 13 months didn't happen. I've come full circle in my employment via job jumping. There is very little on the enjoyment front and I've gotten rid of almost everything that i was doing in those last 13 months.

Either they are complete or they do not exist anymore. 

The residency application is done. And that was a relief although I am pondering the idea of trying to just get a space if I fail. Cause I don't wish to let this go without a fight. I demand you see this stuff in real life, and leaves you just begging to touch it.

Progress with everything is slow and the Christmas season is starting, I hope you are all healthy and stay away from that nasty hay fever and may those who sing along to the carols still 7 weeks out get laryngitis.

  Long time and no update.
Its all been for a good cause though. I'm currently working on 2 series. 'Flesh' and the other being a new pulsating features of the continuing 'bodies' series, that will no doubt ever die.

 This work is also tied in with some more fx designs and the well rounded belief that as an artist I desire to be taken seriously and want to show you the world through darkened eyes. With that in mind one is fully functioning and creating, and no doubt doubling efforts for residency.

 The works will be on display shortly in the gallery link.

- My stock images have depleted again, so it must be time to get you all naked. The call is going out to all you would be exhibitionists or even the curious to get in contact.
 I have multiple photographers available;

http://lorenpalombo.daportfolio.com/gallery/63229

http://gustavthemushroom.deviantart.com/

(Others of whom i do not have links yet.)

depending on your tastes and comfort levels.
 Or alternatively, I'll bring my sketchbook and camera to do a little more low key work with you, so there is less people.
 'MEL WANTS YOU', so contact me with absolute zest or just with faint interest. We'll see what comes of it.

 Everyone need apply, no matter what you think of your body...its only what you do with it that counts!

The trip was a success on all fronts.
Despite some persons comments before I left, I did not get lost whilst over in America, in fact the trip gave me some time for self reflection and I discovered something I can cling to even now.

Ones Art.
For some unknown reason my little escapade has opened fresh incisions into the creative, Somehow I feel like I could just bleed art into being at the moment.
After one interesting talk to a studio artist in Vegas, with his thoughts processors and desires conveyed to me through his art and inspiring speeches left me reeling. He spoke of a few things that clicked inside and I walked away with a new understanding.

I am unique in my ways but I am definitely not alone.

Either it is because there was so many more people or because that he had accepted himself some time ago that he spoke with the candor that the Australian artist simply cannot or shall not.
The one thing that struck me most was the artistic separation. Artists place so much of themselves in their art, in many ways art equals the persons self. So considering that, and when (inevitably) the artist creates flawed art, that they are a flawed person, and when they make no art, they are no person at all.
It hurts, so human nature forces us to separate the identities till which time we can accept it or the artist just gives up art.

Why did this stand out to me?

I've struggled to sit comfortably in the art space, simply cause of that one thought and I sure as hell wasn’t going to talk to someone about a separate identity. People’s perceptions are already so put out by me most of the time.
Because of all the artists I had a chance to converse with I was able to gain some bearings and I've never felt so comfortable with my art as of now, than I ever have either in a class room, or in galleries or simply just presenting.Which brings me to a point, a long round about way of saying I have a new focus, I am no longer confused about mediums and the direction it was taking. No more conceived ideas from people to box what it is exactly that I can and do actually produce.

From this I've undertaken a project that will no doubt take a year or so to get completed, working with other artists to meet the end. I'm excited and those that have had the idea proposed to them are also enthusiastic about joining me.
Everything else really has become secondary.

 As of the 23rd of October, Melinda Olive will be adventuring in the United States to find out if there really is a way to get lost. This will be a journey in artist exploration, and knowledge.
 With nothing but a sketchbook and a need for artistic knowledge a month abroad mainly in California will no doubt encourage a new atmosphere, thus my other projects will be placed on hold for the moment and continued with new vigour and inspiration on return.