UP in FLAMES!

Time for the annual burn...

It has become an annual event: a cold night bonfire to offer up art of the past year: failed experiments, pieces that didn't make the "cut," damaged frames and the like.  I have friends who lament this process (and one who tried to abscond with some in the dark of night) but I stick to my guns.  The why is difficult to explain except that it is hard to see your "not best" work in the world regardless of what someone else thinks of it.  It is also a practical move: one cannot afford to house the 10,000 pieces it takes to perfect any particular craft.  So burn it is.

This being the Year of the Downsize we added a few additional pieces to the ritual: diplomas (no office walls), journals (boring even to me), cast off poetry (my Rod McKuen-esque phase) and a few family portraits that I couldn't bear to send to the dump to be chewed up with everyone's garbage.  A funeral pyre is so much more dignified and ceremonial.

Good bye old paintings, you were important stepping stones to my future.

There is only a pile of ashes in our fire pit this morning.  But instead of sadness my heart is filled with wide open space ready to be filled with new work and as-of-yet unpainted masterpieces.  Only by clearing out space, mentally and physically, do I have the room to make new.  Try it. ** Let me know what you think.

NEW COLORS COMING,

CINDY

** I would be remiss if I did not remind you that these bonfires should take place outside in the open air.  Some types of paints, leathers, photo-finishes etc are more toxic than others and should not be directly inhaled.  

Burn, Baby, Burn & Day 3

Out with the old to make room for the new....

Canadian artist Robert Genn is also a great writer and inspiration.  When he recently discovered he had a terminal condition he began culling his work so that he could curate what was left behind.  While I am thankfully in good health, he nevertheless made me think about cluttered work spaces and cluttered minds. This prompted a clean out of closets, stacks, stashes and shelves.  His idea of a bonfire appealed to me so we planned one in conjunction with welcoming the new year.  My husband thinks I have hoarding tendencies so he was on board with set up and prep.

It was tricky slicing up canvas with my left hand but very cathartic as well.  Good riddance you nagging failures.

It was a very hot but beautiful fire.  We invited a couple over and as I fed the fire the other three played their musical instruments and we sang under a new moon as the new year rolled in.  I feel empowered and cleansed.  No regrets.

DAY THREE of 30 in 30 is "Rebellious Roses"  

  7" x 5" watercolor on paper; limited left-handed edition!

Enjoy your weekend....and yes, for me the weekends do count in the one-a-day-challenge.

click here to see work by other participants.