Paintings of Time and Place

Thoughts for the New Year: Goals Past and Goals Future

At this time of year I become very contemplative evaluating attainment of and progress toward goals of the past year and writing new goals for new directions during the coming year.   How far have I come toward attaining my goals, both professional goals and personal goals in various segments of my life. What could I have done differently?  How can I build on what I have accomplished and how can I change or modify directions which will enable me to reach goals during the oncoming 12 months?

For me setting goals is much more meaningful than writing resolutions.   Something about a resolution--potential failure is part of a resolution.  A resolution is made to be broken--but a goal, even if not attained to its completion,  has an element of success setting the stage for further successes and ultimate attainment of the cerebral dreams. 

In the next few days I will be writing down and modifying directions for my life in 2009.  How can I improve my visibility in the art world?  What medium would I like to explore to expand my artistic skills?  How can I incorporate weaving and writing into my schedule along with marketing my work?  And then, of course, there is the golf game always waiting for more attention.  A lot of goals for 2009.  Happy New Year.

Red at Night, Sailor's Delight, Oil on Paper

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

May the world have peace and love with all living in a state of serenity and cooperation where greed takes the back seat and pursuits of creative energy takes the lead. 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Taos Serenity--Painting in show in Los Alamos at the Historic Fuller Lodge,

 

I live and work in Taos, New Mexico, a town of beauty, mystery, and spiritual energy.  I was guided here by what some might call the energy of the mountain.  Little did I know at the time almost ten years ago that this town would change my being and my very life.  That it has done.

When I first came. it was only because a man that I had met in Minden, Nevada, wanted to ski the mountain black diamonds and all, the magic runs of the Taos Ski Valley.   I had visited Taos for a day perhaps 8 years before.  I didn't know, but the mountain knew--I would return.

My friend stayed for a year and a half, left, and I just knew that I, too, would leave.  Not so.  I tried.  I went back to California,  I went back to Nevada over and over again,  I was   leaving--the mountain knew otherwise.

What a joy this town has been and continues to be for me!  I started to paint again, I met a man who would change my life, and I continue to feel the spirit of Taos Mountain.  I am a part of Taos.

"Taos Serenity,"  Oil on Canvas, 16" X 15" (framed size), $225.00 USD

Look for this painting at the "Four Seasons" art show, Art Center at Fuller Lodge, Los Alamos, New Mexico,  January 9-February 14, 2009      (505)662-9331  www.artfulnm.org

                                                     SOLD

Surrealism: 2079 AD

This painting was inspired by a bone I found in the pasture behind my house when I lived on the high desert of Nevada. How long it had lain in the soil I will never know nor will I know the history of the animal it had once belonged to. But as I contemplated this bleached bone, I began to wonder about the bones of man. Would there become a time when the bones of man would lie in the soil bleached by the sun with little around them? Nothing more than desolation of the land with whistling winds blowing the sage brush and remnants of the great civilization that had been?

2079 AD is a surrealistic image of what might be, but what I hope will not be. May the earth be vibrant, filled with creativity with people living in peace.

Navajo Weaving Again

Over 20 years ago I learned Navajo weaving from a Navajo woman who traveled from her Arizona reservation to teach a group of Anglos the ins and outs of her beautiful art.  It was not easy.  I struggled with setting up the warp, making the turns neat and straight, learning how to make the diamond, etc.  More than once an end popped out where it shouldn't.  I forgot to do the Navajo selvedge at the turns; my design was askew,  but I continued to work at this wonderful art with a passion that has endured for all these years.  I still feel the spirit of centuries in the yarn as it passes through my fingers and into the warp.  It is still a passion and a part of my soul.

Once again I have returned to Navajo weaving as a part of the things that I do in the art world.  It takes me to another place and space somewhere in my fingers, my mind, and someplace beyond.  It is a connection with another culture and with the people of that culture--a place and space to be treasured.