Bloomberg Magazine Stack

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Oil on Wood

8"X6"

Last night I stumbled on Art 21's video segment on the artist, Vilja Celmins. I have always loved her paintings. But hearing her talk while "building a painting," in the most honest, intimate, unadorned way was a revelation. In the middle of night, I woke up, and imagined her night sky. Soothing. Reassuring. Inspiring. Once again, to do what I do. Just that. With deep conviction. Just that. Do that. And the rest will follow.

At Sea

At Sea

Oil on Wood

10"X10"

To be at sea. Bobbing around. Unnerving. But necessary now and then. Letting go and going with the waves. Not sure where I'm headed nor even where I've been. 

Doing what I do and hoping I'll find my way ashore.

After the Rain

After the Rain

Oil on Canvas

18"X24"

The skies have cleared. But the mood remains somber. January is a brooding time. Or is it the feeling of beginning all over again that feels heavy? Carol Diehl's Art Vent article, "Emerson and Enthusiasm" couldn't have come my way at a more opportune time. An eloquent reminder to do your own thing with gusto and to persevere despite the circuitous route and illusive nature of progress. She quotes Emerson as saying, "Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm." 

Stirring up some of that very thing with paint and light and memory and song. The Wailin' Jennys "Bright Morning Stars." 

Light Rain

Light Rain

Oil on Wood

18"X18"

Welcoming the rain. 

Making Waves

Making Waves

Oil on Wood

10"X10"

My mother used to call it, "making significance." The urge to make a mark, leave a trace, do something meaningful. I don't need to rock the boat, but creating ripples would be good. Making waves and adding a little beauty to the world could occupy me for a good long while.

Rose In My Window

Rose in My Window

6"X6"

Oil on Wood
For the last several months a single rose has been blooming just outside our dining room window.  The plant came to us in a tiny pot as a party favor at a young friend's wedding many years ago.
 I planted it in a large pot where it has lived ever since. Now. This simple, single flower that just keeps blooming. A testament to something, I don't know what. Nature? Beauty? Life? Tenacity? Takes my breath away.

Beside The Point

Beside the Point

Oil on Wood

12"X12"

Almost everything qualifies as being beside the point. Except maybe old friends and family. My new year's resolution if I had one would be to be in the presence of the ones I love, early and often. Off to a good start.

Black, White, and Red

Black, White, and Red

Oil on Wood

6"X8"

Just back from New York where I spent first thing in the morning taking in de Kooning at MOMA. 

Then I lost myself and my way in the permanent collection where the art is ever so enhanced by the parade of people flowing through. Humbling and inspiring to be surrounded by the magnificence of great human endeavor. And always enchanting to watch the figures dance amidst the art.

After that one might expect an ambitious New Year's resolution involving the creation of bigger and better art. But here I am, happily back in the studio, just seeing what happens next.