Reflections

 Waiting (11 x 11)

Today my son is graduating from Davis High School.  It's kind of an interesting time of transition and reflection.  In that vein, I've been taking a look at my "artist statement".  Trying to discover why I paint is something I think about a lot but find almost impossible to understand.  There is an intrinsic element of failure in the pursuit.  Here is a portion of my attempt at articulating a statement.

Painting is an expression of my search for a connection with the seemingly alien world around me.  I am fascinated by the way living objects affect each other and are changed by the world around them: the spacing of birds roosting; the texture of feathers fluffed against the cold; the tortured growth of trees bent, or even broken by the wind; the way branches arch to make way for the traffic of a road.  My paintings reflect my personal mythology, the result of many hours, daily, of internal narrative.  I hope that others can find some personal meaning in my distraction.

Theft

I've heard that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, maybe theft could be seen as some sort of flattery as well?  My painting processes involve layering that often require extensive drying time.  I am often impatient with pauses- especially when I feel the work is progressing well.  On a warm, sunny day last month.  I took one of my larger pieces outside to speed the last drying so I could get a signature on this finished work.  Unfortunately, someone came along (maybe looking for scrap wood?) and took that painting.  At first I thought he didn't realize that it was a painting- but after watching the playback, he clearly looks at it before he lifts it over his head.  It's interesting how vulnerable theft can make you feel- even if you are an unintended victim.  I'm sure he has no idea how many hours I spent, not only on the actual painting, but envisioning it in my mind.  Although I was painting others in that series simultaneously (as I often do), the feeling of loss is still pretty intense.  Maybe if I can just convince myself of the flattery...

I'll share more of the video on FB and IG for anyone interested in some sleuthing.  How should you feel about his and how would you get past the self blame and other negative thoughts?

Do you have a hobby?

My "Meadow"

One of my favorite hobbies is creating spaces that inspire me.  At home, I have a flower bed that I have been told looks like a "bunch of weeds".  I like to call it my "meadow".  I do allow quite a few "volunteers" to thrive there amongst some other plants that I paid way too much for.  I love to spend cold, winter evenings in front of a fire, browsing mail order magazines for bulbs, etc.  I try to create flower beds that mimic nature, looking effortless, but have actually required quite a bit of planning.  I am not sure I am getting it quite right yet.

Although I rarely paint flowers (although I regularly think I might change that)- this method of layering, striving for an effortless appearance is a common theme in much of my work.

Do you have hobbies that inspire you?  I'd love to hear about them.

Have you visited Wetlands?

 Wetlands #14

While you might not have realized that June is National Wetlands Month, I hope you have had the opportunity to visit your local wetlands (did you know that there are wetlands in all 50 states ?) My love for these diverse habitats has grown as I've been able to spend time in Louisiana with my wife's extended family.  I love to hear her stories of playing on the banks of the bayou and finishing with her brothers.  I hope looking at my pieces inspires you to go on your own adventures.