At Times Like These
When are we not in times like these? I think possibly all times are times like these.
People have asked “why make art in times like these?” As if making art is a frivolous act to engage in with so much suffering in the world.
Somewhere I read a true adventure story about an underwater cave dive that almost went awfully wrong when the diver lost hold of the safety line in the inky depths. After a few blind panicky moments he found the line again and was able to lead himself back to the surface.
When I paint I feel like that cave diver, following a thread-thin line through a vague and murky landscape. The line is my compass, and if I lose it, what a mess! Why did I ever think this painting would be any good? Why did I think I could call myself an artist! All the devils of the deep come out. But, then, surprise! I find the line again, not at all sure where it’s going, but knowing it’s the only way back to the good place.
If the artwork is successful, beyond just me that is, others can hold the line I created too and maybe follow it to another, and another, leading to their own light and air.
At a gallery show once, a woman ran up and hugged me, overwhelmed with emotion. Something in my painting had spoken to her on a deep, personal level. What she saw wasn’t part of my intention—but it was there for her, like a sunny day. I’ve also had people respond with anger, projecting meanings that clashed with their own beliefs, catching me by surprise. I paint to navigate my own path, but once a piece leaves my easel, it begins to speak in languages I don’t control—sometimes ones I don’t even understand.
Right now I am working on a portrait of a friend, while fielding texts from my mother who is very upset about the day’s news. She asks, how can I paint when so many bad things are happening? I don’t paint to avoid empathy. If anything, I paint because I have to find a way through the bad, always looking for those threads in the dark.
STUDIO NEWS:
If you can, please carve out an evening to come to La Luz de Jesus’ opening of the annual “Everything But the Kitchen Sink” - I will have two paintings in this show:
The exhibition at La Luz de Jesus Gallery will run from July 11th to August 31st.
The opening will be July 11th from 7pm to 11pm.
4633 Hollywood Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90027
Contact the gallery for inquiries.
In Escondido, I will have 3 metal prints of original paintings for sale at a new gallery called Circle Center Art Gardens. The originals will also be for sale (but not in the garden site.) These are the metal prints, available at a very affordable price :
Banana Slugs in Moon Puddle 36” x 24” ; Los Boys 24” x 36” ; Mojave 36” x 30”. All are printed with embedded ink on aluminum, ready to hang. Inquire to the gallery info@circlecentergallery.com for pricing and details.
Circle Center Art Gardens opening invite, if you are in the area please join us 4:30- 7pm, 9705 Upas Lane, Del Dios, Escondido, CA 🌞
ON THE EASEL
A painting of my friend, KC. Check back next newsletter to see the finish.
That’s all the art news for now, but I’ve been doing a lot of listening, reading and watching - here are some good recommendations to keep your spirits up in this crazy world:
LISTENING:
DJ Koze – Music Can Hear Us German, electric, Afro & Indian beats, poetic…
Kin’Gongolo – Kiniata Congolese electric punk
Smerz – Big City Life – Norwegian, electronic, romantic
READING:
How to Fly (In Ten Thousand Easy Lessons) - Barbara Kingsolver few poetry books have made me stop and re-read passages over and over like this one.
Catching the Big Fish - David Lynch - the master filmmaker’s meditations on inspirations and creativity.
WATCHING:
The Life of Chuck – there are many things I liked about this movie, it isn’t the standard scary/gruesome Steven King fair. It’s a sweet, but not cloying, story about “life.” It won’t linger with you for long, but it’s a nice way to spend an evening.
The Fall 2008 thoughtful, fantasy “art” film starring Lee Pace (who I adore from Halt and Catch Fire.)
