It May Not Be FOR Your Wall

When people find out I am an artist they assume I have all the answers to the "really big questions." I don't.  But opinionated I am.  And as someone who gets bored easily producing the same thing over and over again I have, inadvertently, created some really ugly things, some total disasters and not a few failures.  But I considered them all "art." Not art for your wall necessarily, but art nonetheless.

Some of us, artists and viewers, have difficulty with "statement pieces." The horror of looking at depictions of war makes us want to turn away and not examine the message which might lie within. But today, 77 years after it was painted,  Picasso's famous "Guernica"  has become a much discussed icon.  At its unveiling it was hardly noticed.  But it was, and is, art -- although not for the living room.

Consider that abstract art also gets short shift.  "My grandkid could do that," is something I hear a lot.  (So maybe she is an artist?!) And the viewer moves on.  But.....abstract art is not a "new" invention.

Henri Matisse, The Yellow Curtain  1915

Artists have long struggled using only the language of shape, color and size to convey something to the world.  Some are successful in communicating, some not so much.  Unfortunately too many people walk by without trying to hear a message. And whether I'd hang it or not, I think I owe the producer at least a try.

So where is this diatribe taking us?  to the Phillips Collection, the museum of modern art in Washington, DC. where an upcoming program will explore the affect/effect that viewing art can have on our bodies.  I'm excited.  

Whether or not you have been as intrigued as I by the "slow movement" crossing our nation lately (admittedly slowly), I think you will be interested in the Phillips program titled "Slow Moving and Mindful Viewing."  Its goal is to teach visitors to view art via mindful meditation.  Breathing emphasis, imagination, curiosity...a new way to "see" what lies within the paint and canvas.  Click on the link and learn more than I could possibly explain.  You may accuse me of being crazy but I applaud anyone willing to teach or try a new method of exploring art appreciation.

From now on you do not need to feel apologetic if  I produce something you'd never hang...but if it makes you think...or feel...or smell....well, that's the ultimate compliment.  And if you run into me at an art festival and I am holding a piece of pottery and chanting....well, give me credit for trying!!

Here's to finding new ways to appreciate art...without having to live with it on our wall!

Experimentally yours,

Cindy

p.s.    I had difficulty finding the exact dates of the exhibit but this is fair warning to all my relations and friends in DC area: I may be coming!

Embrace the Struggle: Day #30

                                  "Painting is just another way of keeping a diary." Pablo Picasso

Day # 30 is here and to celebrate the end of the 30 paintings in 30 days challenge I decided to channel my favorite artist of all time: Pablo Picasso.  My work over the last month is a diary of sorts, a visual journey of what it was like to paint with the non-dominant hand setting no expectations.  Of course it was a struggle. It first took hours as my hand tried to interpret the instructions my brain was sending.  My brain tired from breaking every motion into several messages. Some days I felt overwhelmed just with the notion of keeping up.  But on the whole I enjoyed the struggle: I learned, I was distracted and I was proud.

So with a nod to old man Picasso, I present the last painting of the left handed series:

"Embrace the Struggle"

7" x 5" acrylic on cradled board

$30 here til january 10

This whimsy is probably another self-portrait of sorts but I think many of us can relate to the thought as well as the experience and symbols.  Enjoy the colors, honor the journey and milk that struggle for all you can. Here's Pablo again, "Are we to paint what's on the face, what's inside the face or what is behind it?"

Good question, no?

edge detail of "Embrace the Struggle"

Thanks so much for sharing this struggle with me.  I promise not to take such liberties with your mailbox again in the near future!  Back to once a week postings...I have really appreciated your comments, encouragement and, of course, your purchases.  Many thanks.

Cindy

to see more work from the 400 other participants in this challenge go to www.lesliesaeta.blogspot.com