A visual journal of 2018
I'm having a look back at this past year, by way of the paintings that were completed in 2018. They always tell the unedited story.
The overarching flavor of the year has been dense with activity, complex interactions, unrest, tumultuous changes. It began with this triptych, which was inspired by a conversation with a friend and gallery owner who was experiencing enormous personal challenges and changes. I related to her feelings. This painting is titled "Out of Chaos Comes Movement and Clarity". Looking back now, this continued to be the theme for the year.
Winter, spring and summer I was immersed in the studio, painting for a major solo exhibition in southern California. Along the way, another solo show was planned in late summer, and three group shows were added. Very little happened outside of the studio until late July. My last two blog entries reference the works in the massive solo exhibitions that were installed in beautiful, expansive galleries. These images I'm including below are of additional works.
The time in the studio was intense. After awhile, all my senses were translating into color and mark; softness/sharpness had color, anxiety/peace had color, taste and smell were wild with imagery, unceasing, through the days and nights. Communicating outside of a visual language was challenging. I was reading Greek Mythology. This painting is titled "Leda and the Swan" and is 7 feet tall.
While most waking hours continued to be in the studio, I consciously slowed my movements down with great effort, even a deliberate effort to walk slowly. I read ancient poetry, watched the sky, taking in some emotional and visual nourishment. During this time, there were some smaller quieter works that came into being organically, gently. This first piece, massive at 20' wide, is called "Music of the Inner Universe", titled for one of Kabir's Ecstatic Poems. It was part of a group show at the Kansas City Artists Coalition.
Below a smaller piece titled Rhapsody, which feels to me like gentle life forms wafting through evening's atmosphere.
When the final show of the year was complete, I took a short but pure break, and then began to paint with abandon. Amelia Earhart was in my dreams and on my mind, so these two paintings are titled in honor of this great adventurer.
Ameila's Eastern Seaboard, 11' wide
Amelia's Western Seaboard, 12' wide
I'll resume studio time on the gulf side of Florida in two weeks. See you then.