See five new acrylic paintings of zinnias featured in “Wall Flowers and Other Flora”. The show is part of Arts Walk, opening Friday 4/27 5-10p and Saturday 4/28 12-7p. The show continues through May 31 at Childhood’s End Gallery - 222 W 4th Ave - Olympia WA. Call 943.3724 for more info.
Celebrating my love of zinnias aligns with the ongoing and underlyiing theme in my work - being present in nature. Every summer our zinnia bed blazes color, repeating the palette of childhood summers in Ohio, painting against a backdrop of verdant leaves.
Patchwork compositions help describe my immersion,
looking over, down, around
in, up, and out.
A towhee catches my gaze…
A Lorquin’s Admiral alights…
A house finch perches briefly…
In the moment
Life is good.
April 25th, 2007
A student of mine said that when she viewed her paintings she felt like she simultaneously had an angel on one shoulder saying they looked good, and a devil on the other shoulder saying she should destroy them right now before anyone could see what a mess she had made. I bet that sounds familiar to artists reading this. How do we suspend judgement when we are continually making judgements during the creative process?
I’ve noticed that as I’ve learned more, I’ve also gained a greater awareness of how much I have not and will never have time to learn. It can be hard on my ego and make me feel like an imposter at times! The angel and devils continue to spar. However, the end result has been greater humility and gratitude. Every person, every experience, offers opportunities for us to see in new ways and to appreciate counterbalance as well as balance.
April 16th, 2007
