I think the longevity of the artist depends on always being willing, able, and unafraid, to step into unknown territory. – Maria Irene Fornes

I went into my studio today to see what would happen. I thought maybe I could start a new painting, do some value studies, etc.  But I was seduced by an old brownie camera, a seed spreader and a bunch of collage materials. The other day I took the brownie apart… wondering how I could use it for a lighted assemblage. My inspiration was Tiffany Electra’s work… you can see it here. I love what she does with layers in her lighted boxes… the transparency that reveals with light, adding meaning.

There were so many cool parts with the brownie! I was left with a box, containing several openings… one of them seemed perfect for shining light through it. But what image to use? I finally decided to use an image of my grandmother, fingerwaves and all. The ensuing juxtapositions enthralled me for the whole afternoon. Which papers, what found objects, how to place them? Now if I can just find my light apparatus, I might be able to finish it tomorrow.

Why work on this project today, when I really need to be producing new paintings for art fair juries? I think I am a rebel… I want to do new projects, projects that don’t have deadlines, projects that are very unknown. What will I do with this project? I don’t know! It just called to me today.

I did make a decision over the weekend to enter “Hong Kong Fish Market” in the WSO Spring Exhibition. I ended up liking the design, and figuring that would be the most important factor with the juror, John Salminen. It looks like I will be taking a workshop from him after the exhibit on the Northern Oregon coast in April. I’m looking forward to his class, have heard wonderful things about his teaching style. After a critique from a good friend, I decided to change a small part of the painting…. see before & after below. I’m keeping my fingers crossed!