Roots

I have heard in several contexts today the word - root, it's uses varied but similar in some ways. I have heard it talked about in terms of wholeness. In terms of problems and their causes. In terms of solutions. I love the idea of the root as a metaphor for the wholeness of our human beginnings. Where it all started, whether a problem or the very essence of who we are. Maybe early messages we were given as childrent. We shouldn't just look at the twigs, branches, leaves, and fruit - but if we understand where the main context started, just as a seed, we can understand the mighty redwood tree. Ideas are roots. Ideas, whether true or untrue, can stay with us for so long they are part of our DNA. Unchallenged and lingering within our artist selves. Speaking to us, good or bad, they are the voices that influence our work.

Creative thought has roots deep within us, sometimes connected by nonsense and illogical fragmented ideas. I love those brainstorm sessions where there is a pulse of ideas with images and colors. There is an excitement with the belief that somehow all these ideas could make great art. That they could express what I want to say. The ultimate goal of an artist. That is why keeping all your sketchbooks and clippings, and images that inspire you is so important. You never know when you might need them in your process.

Creative thought is sometimes born out of problems. We need to understand the beginnings of ourselves. I know that pain or discomfort has brought great painting and writing sessions forth for me. It is the basis of many many songs. Sometimes songs or being in live music settings sends my mind reeling. I embrace pain today for the gifts it can give. Some of the most pained artists; Edgar Allen Poe, Emily Dickenson, Vincent VanGogh, Kurt Cobain have used this to create the brilliant brilliant madness.

The root of today is that just when you think life is all tucked in a neat little box, you may only be seeing the surface. The tree you see in the back yard with it's green leaves, swaying healthy branches, and ripe fruit just might be artificial under the dirt, or worse yet, hollow.

I painted this painting in 2002.

Oil on Canvas 48"x60"

"Enough"

Painting with Glitter and Pom Poms

My experience with creating an art project with my 4 1/2 year old neice was just wonderful today. I have 2 boys and they can sit sill for a maximum of like 5 minutes right now. They like the idea of doing art and doing a project together, but like a pinball - they gotta go! So, when I sat down with my neice today to decorate a treasure box I was refreshed with her ever so girly and every so glittery choices. She wanted pink and purple and pom poms and feathers. I was totally into each choice as we moved around the outside of this box tranforming it from a stiff kraft paper surface to one that is shiny and fluffy. Thank you my little niece. You have just placed the feminine back into my very puffed up, pirate, bad-guy, buggy, race car, milk- spitting little boy world! I love you.

A sunny kitchen and the reciprocity of art

I was sitting in the kitchen with my kids and I was listening to my friend Christy Field's song "If Anyone" (written for the kids in her life) this morning and thinking about the reciprocity of the art I give and others give to me. Christy gave me 3 CD's of songs and I have given her a painting. I read her message to me that thanked me for the painting while I just happened to be listening to that song. This was not a coincidence. My kids were eating their cereal in the sunny morning kitchen and I thought, all is well in this very moment. A gift to her, to me, and my kids (which I proceeded to tell them that Christy "wrote this song for all kids") It was beautiful and I felt an earnest yearing for purity and in the song. The message she sent expressed how the painting has brought her so much light and love in her home. I have traded paintings in the past too. The one pictured here was traded for another painting almost 6 years ago. I don't even remember the name of the girl I traded with. We showed at the same place in Nashville, liked each others work, and we traded paintings. I have bartered with art for services like photography and hair cuts. I think bartering is one of the most harmonious forms of commerce. The giving of things with personal value can only be measured by the receiver. I hope to be giving and getting the gold in this life. We all deserve that. Check out Christy Fields song called "If Anyone" at http://www.myspace.com/christydawnfields