I'm pretty sure in the scope of things we may be a few years off on our calendar, but as it is generally recognized currently it's 2017. June, 4th of said year to be exact. The last few months have been jarring, tumultuous and full of growth and learning. The older I get the more I appreciate the unexpected struggles and tragedy in life; not for the pain they are always paired with but the inevitable growth that follows when you face those challenges head on and gain some wisdom and experience.
My last blog post included a painting of a primate. A subject I have approached several times and will continue to do so throughout my art career. It becomes increasingly clear to me as a primate with opposable thumbs that each of us must choose to face our struggles head on to find any satisfaction in the day to grind that leads us down the paths we stumble across. I find myself enjoying the moments when I am engaged in a painting and realize I am completely lost in new territory of technique, color, process, design or composition. I don't feel that every aspect of my art is pushing me to a new precipice as a painter; however, I do try to embrace the concept focus onpeak performance regardless of the actual outcome. I know that 30 years from now the multiple tools and techniques I will develop from solving a new problem today will help me continue to paint at a level that always pushes some aspect of my ability.
New Orleans
I recently resumed doing some life drawing, and after a two year absence I found my line work, gestures and proportions to be off. Not just a little off.... I felt like I was learning a new skill. One that had been so familiar to me in the past. Neurologically speaking, approaching a task at which you are not competent at is a vital part of keeping a healthy dialogue among your neurons. I hope I set off a much needed wildfire internally to clear the mental forest of dead undergrowth and make way for seeds of inspiration. I did find I was happy with a few of my sketches, but most of all I found deep satisfaction in reconnecting with fellow artists and honing my craft. I may be rusty, but that wont last long. I have been working since last fall on slowly implementing better discipline in my life. Discipline with my daily life and my artistic pursuits as well as spending more time getting out and enjoying some life in public with strangers and friends.
I am currently working on several original works and commissions at any given time and working some in my alternate profession. One of my goals for the next 18 months is to connect with artist and artist communities in other states and countries and spend some time painting outside of Tulsa. Please feel free to comment or share my blog. I am sure there are some of you out there that find this mix of nonsensical rambling and actual blogging frustrating.... well this probably isn't for you. I will be adding some pictures and talk some more about art, art process and how to continue to produce art that is important to you in a world full of so many distractions in the next few days.
Thank you to all of you who have supported me, bought, appreciated, shared or even hated on my work. I will continue to create and sponge up as much of this life as I can get away with. I hope to bring some beauty to you all in the mean time.
Pain can result in transformation and positive growth. Keep growing and learning Tulsa!