Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Who's looking at who?


On my many travels to shows and openings I try to take some time to smell the roses if you will. Many times I’ll find a little out of the way place that later becomes my inspiration for my next painting. Sometimes I fell that I’m not alone, so who looking at whommmmm?

Today the shoe was on the other foot.

I was asked to jury the art show at the local high school, ironically this comes at a time when my works are being juried and judged throughout the country.
I walked the show no less then four times just to get an overall impression, (outstanding) and then I looked at each and every piece, the same way I would hope a jury would look at my own work. To see all that talent was wonderful, invigorating and simple amazing. I wanted to give them each and every one an award, as I could see all the hard work, the joy and the raw energy in the works of these young emerging artists. As with any show there clearly were some standouts and but then looking harder I found some real gems, sometimes way down at the bottom of the display or just in the mix of so much art. To me this process was about finding what was right with the piece, not what was wrong, to encourage young talent to keep on working, and in a flashback moment I remember how I felt winning some of these very same awards… it funny how life seems to run in circles.

Sunday, May 3, 2009

The rustle of marsh grass




I gaze out at endless waterways; a soft breeze tickles my face. Bright sunlight reflected on distant waves makes the water simmer and dance with light and shadow. Echoes of mash birds and the rustle of marsh grass break the silence. These are the inspiration for my latest series of paintings.