To say that we as artists are an island to ourselves would be misleading. It is through the very essence of being that we find inspiration. The sound of the shower in the other room, the gentle breeze creates an ever changing melody of brass and wood chimes, a fly enters the room and zooms over head in a chaotic pattern lending way for a new day to emerge. It is through the sights, sounds, textures and interactions with others that feeds our very need to create. There were times when I drew on the emotions locked inside me and attacked the canvas with a ferocious energy I got lost and emerged a new person, having worked through the pain. Other times , it's a moment caught for all time filed away that later emerges- like the way the light catches a small tree growing out of a cliff of rock. Shear joy encompasses me as I take part in this wonderful world full of beauty that I want to share this energy with the world. So I paint, and paint, and fill sketchbooks and portfolios but still it doesn’t even touch the surface. It is our gift- it is our curse. Not everything that we experience can make its way to the canvas, and in that we, as artists find most frustrating- there is so much to share, so much to do and the journey has just begun.
This photo was taken early one morning when I set out on a painting and photo retreat in Taos, New Mexico. The light was rather ethereal as it traveled over the mountains into the valley of Arro Seco. This photo reminds me of the peace I felt as I set lay down a sarong and a palette of watercolors. Im also reminded of the friendships built and the kindness we were shown while there. Truely a land of enchantment. The fire ants added a little comic relief from the awe inspiring view.
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