Kachina

"Kachina" 32.25"x 21.5" polished cement and dry pigments on panel

(click to enlarge)

As I worked on this piece, I was aware of the effects of the culmination of my last few paintings. Lessons learned through reaching into unknown territory. It was a calming sensation that settled into the feeling that everything was falling into place. I was reading Jeane Myers blog today and she spoke very eloquently of the value of consistency. It is always amazing to me when I find that other artist experience many of the same feelings and and situations that I go through. She put her finger on what I was feeling. My past work is a foundation that allows me to build and grow, to produce one satisfying piece after another. Yes it is true, some are better than others but my total failures are becoming less frequent and farther apart. Ah-h-h-h, I can relax and watch a little TV tonight!

the Clandestine Intervention of Sumatra

"The Clandestine Intervention of Sumatra" 41.5"x 31.5"

polished cement & dry pigment on panel

(click to enlarge)

In this piece I experimented with embedding pieces of failed art that had been broken up and saved as scrap. I guess it is technically an assemblage even though it is comprised of my own work. I found that if I sealed the pieces down using petroleum jelly, the pigmented cement did not flow under them and their edges remained defined. This open up a lot of new and exciting possibilities.

Nineveh

"Nineveh" 27"x 24" polished cement and dry pigment on panel

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I am working this year with renewed passion. I spent almost all of 2010 completing construction on my studio and gallery space. There is a huge gaping whole in my blog! Not much of the art I created during that time survived. My concentration was too divided and frankly, my surroundings were so chaotic and disorganized that finding an open space to work was difficult. But at last the dust has settled and I finally have an organized pristine working environment. I have vowed to try and keep it that way. I like being able to reach for a brush or scraper and actually find one. I am able to walk around the studio without tripping over debris or stepping in wet paint. This makes it much easier to immerse myself in the creative process without fear of bodily injury.

Abernathy

"Abernathy " 18"x 19" polished cement and dry pigment on panel

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I filmed the process of this small piece. It is interesting to look back on it's creation and relive it's development. I wonder how much influence the physical act of filming had on the art. It certainly had the affect of slowing the work, as I had to start and stop the camera or move it's location, but did the self consciousness the camera imposed, alter the outcome of the work? It was hard to ignore it's presence and remain focused on the task at hand. I am sure that decisions I made during the process were altered or affected. But is that necessarily a bad thing? All art is influenced by physical conditions that are taking place during it's creation. A disturbing phone call, stopping to have lunch or answer the call of nature. These influences are all ingredients of authentic art. They make it real and honest.

First piece of 2011

"Rislinger" 36"x 28" polished cement & dry pigment on panel

This year I am filled with renewed energy and creativity. I am making a conscious effort not to listen to my conscience! This is to be the year of the sub-conscience. I am truly letting go and letting the paint fall where it may.

Texas Blizzard of 2010

You need to understand that in Texas, 40 degrees is considered freezing and a light dusting of snow closes down the school system for a week. So imagine what manner of chaos ensued when an all time record breaking 12 inch snowfall befell residents of North Texas last week. At first I thought it was really cool, after all, it was quite beautiful and I work at home. I don't have to drive in that mess. Then power lines began to break, trees began snapping like twigs and roofs began collapsing all over the area! The streets and highways were littered with abandoned vehicles driven off roads obscured by snow.

So the artist in me reached for a camera.

The following shots are at my home while snowed-in

Cold Call

I finished this image about 20 minutes ago. Man I love digital cameras! It was very quick and easy and just flowed out of me. I am really getting into gestural drawing. I try not to pre-plan the marks I make and just allow my sense of design to take over and control the development of the piece.

"Cold Call" 20" x 27.5" polished pigmented cement on panel

click to enlarge

The trip to Tyler

I wised up and decided to wait a day for the roads to clear before I tried to deliver the art. I'm glad I waited. It was sunny and 20 degrees but no ice! It was actually a very pleasant drive, (thank God for my GPS!).

When I got to the University, I had difficulty locating the gallery. Everything was locked up. I continued to nose around until I found a warm body who could give me a little help. The Meadows Gallery is very impressive; I think my art will work well there. Below is the piece that got in. The show opens Monday, January 11th with the reception January 21st. The exhibition will be up till March 5th.

Hudsucker 39"x 27" click to enlarge

25th Annual International Exhibition

I was informed yesterday that my work was excepted into the 25th Annual International Exhibition in the Meadows Gallery at the University of Texas in Tyler. They tried to notified me over week ago of my inclusion but my e-mail was on the fritz. I received a phone call yesterday wondering why the gallery had not received my art. I was elated but frustrated. The only way to get the art there in time for the opening is to hand deliver it. Then the worst cold spell in over a decade hit. Do I risk life and limb driving over two hours each way on icy roads with temperatures in the teens. Hell yes!

I will write soon with the outcome, if I survive.

The New Year

As the New Year begins, I look back and review things I have done in the past year. Have I learned all they had to teach me? As I revisit a previous piece, especially after completing numerous new works, I see it with a fresh eye. Time has separated me from the creative process. It speaks to me in more muted tones so I have to pay attention and listen closely. If I am not careful the demands of new struggles drown out the relevance of old ones.

As I look forward to what the new year has to offer, may I have the good sense not to forget what the past has taught.

"Darjeeling" 30"x 36" polished pigmented cement on panel