Art is standing with one hand extended into the universe and one hand extended into the world, and letting ourselves be a conduit for passing energy.
I had a terrific time teaching a two-day workshop at Sitka Center for Art & Ecology this month. Teaching always brings home the need for artists to trust their inner voices – to become a conduit for putting their experience on paper or canvas.
I always advocate for artists to trust their instincts. To gauge their own success by their own viewpoints – not the views of others. It’s sometimes a challenge to follow my own advice though! For artists, becoming a conduit for creating art is the ultimate goal.
I think I’ve finished two new works this month in preparation for the Seattle Art Fair. When I can’t see what to do next to improve a piece, I think maybe it’s finished. With abstract work it can be more challenging to assess. But I do try trust my own instincts.
Working from imagination is one way to tap into our feelings and fascinations. When a trusted art friend said that this painting below reminded them of Italy, I knew I was on the right track. My goal was to express the feeling of romance and excitement that washed over me when we first pulled up to our villa in Tuscany last spring.
Distant Villa, Oil on Panel 24×24″
The second work is more difficult to explain. This piece began with a color influence – playing strong color against the more neutral shapes surrounding that bright ridge. For me it speaks about hope in a world that looks more dim by the moment.
Bright Ridge, Oil on canvas, 24×24″
“The universe buries strange jewels deep within us all, and then stands back to see if we can find them.”
I’m interested to hear your thoughts. Leave a comment: Do you have a preference for one image over the other?
