JUST WHEN YOU THINK YOUR IN A GROOVE

Windows #18 24x24

For the past 2 months I have been working a series I call “window” paintings, many of which I have posted to this site. Slowly they have been evolving, but have generally retained a consistent theme and composition. I have enjoyed painting them, and have had hopes of using them to get the attention of one or more galleries.

Then it happened! An artist neighbor/friend, whose work and commitment to her art I greatly admire and respect stopped by the studio to see what I’ve been doing. Of course I proudly showed her my new work, and Teri, without hesitation, proceeded to offer her honest and critical opinion. She complimented me on what she felt was good and interesting in the work, but quickly moved on to discuss and question what I was going to do next; where was the work going, why, what was I trying to say? And isn’t time to stop using those trees?

That was late yesterday afternoon, since then I have not stopped thinking about our conversation and about the work. She has made me confront questions that I have been managing to avoid, and to think critically about the purpose of my work. Some of these issues I had already, in a small way, recognized, but for the most part her visit triggered a train of thought that might not have otherwise occurred

One broad question: How do we find the right balance between rational thought and intuition in our work, or, is it even necessary that we do? Trying to answer this only raises more question; what motivates the work, who are we painting for, and on and on and on.

One specific question about the window paintings; what am I attempting to do or say with these images? And, how about those trees!?

My attempt to answer that will be my next post.