Sunday, October 31, 2010

inspiration versus aspiration...

As some of you know, I joined the "Art on No" group of artists in Pittsfield last month. I really love going there to paint, draw, think about and talk about art...but mostly to create art. Here are the promised photos. The afternoon light is splendid; the energy in my studio is extraordinary and the hours spent here make me truly happy.
 Always the philosopher, I've been thinking a lot lately about what motivates us to create. Some say it's aspiring to new heights, reaching goals, but I find myself motivated more strongly by inspiration wherever I find it...in the studio, in nature, being awestruck by an image I can't seem to let go of, being in love, or dreams. What motivates you?

Friday, October 22, 2010

you blink and in an instant, your little girl has grown up...


Twenty nine years ago today, my first child was born and happy doesn't even come close to describing the way I felt. Part of "living the dream" included raising children and this brought a richness to my life that I will always cherish. Today Kate is a wonderful woman, wife, sister, daughter and friend to all who know her. As much as I adored being a day-to-day mom to my little girls (and I truly did), now that they are grown and living amazing lives on their own, I love the moments we share together as friends, as family, as women who love and respect each other.

Happy Birthday, Kate!


Friday, October 15, 2010

wabi sabi...

Here are my top five magazine picks of the moment. In this month's Whole Living magazine there's a wonderful article about the ancient aesthetic philosophy of wabi sabi. Wabi sabi originated from Zen Buddhism and is exemplified by the significant, yet simple tea ceremony. While finding words to define wabi sabi has been difficult throughout the ages, the philosophy is easy to grasp and appreciate.

Now I understand the link between wabi sabi and my appreciation for all that's imperfect, slightly worn, changeable and naturally beautiful. Wabi sabi influences nearly all my personal preferences. There's a link between wabi sabi and my strong attraction to nature and the natural order of things, which heavily influences my art and can be felt in my paintings. Maybe this explains why I love things that are slightly off kilter rather than the perfection that's so celebrated in the western world. In my most aware moments, I find the wabi sabi principles create a sense of freedom embracing impermanence, imperfection and what is.

Friday, October 8, 2010

Small Works Show and Open Studios

New Neighbors
As some of you may remember, earlier this year I began my fascination with pagoda type families. Well, things have gotten a bit out of hand. I have just completed a series of eight paintings, three small ones and five larger ones, celebrating both family and nature.  This week two small ones were juried into the Small Works Show at the Welles Gallery in Lenox, Mass.
 
Family Down the Street
I've also hung several in the gallery space outside my studio on North Street in Pittsfield (Art on No) hoping to share this fascination. I am headed to the studio now to begin work on a new series, definitely not rock related, but these pagoda families just tickled me. I just love rocks, what can I say?