Under my skin!

I have been trying to pay attention to the way I create in an attempt to better understand myself.  My most recent paintings caused me to really take stock of my complexities - I am unsophisticated but unique.  I was trained as a scientist from high school and as an undergraduate.  A biology major - life science!  As a result I am very curious about the world; people; art; color; feeling - everything!  It comes thorough in my art; and in so much as I hate the categorization of people - I have to admit that I am an expressionist. I communicate an emotion with my art - if you don't get it then you suck - lol.  Phew!  That was freaky!  Anyway on to the work!

Frustrated

This piece reminds me of gametes - sperm and ova. A friend interpreted this painting and said that it felt chaotic/frustrating and she was on point. I couldn't paint what was on my mind and fought hard with this piece~

Baobab - Wisdom

I am particularly pleased with this piece - not that it is particularly good but because I was present as it evolved into what you see! This is not at all what I set about painting.  I like what it became!  I am in awe of this piece. I had been trying to paint a tree for weeks and was unsuccessful until now. Don't know where it came from but I am glad to see it. This piece exemplifies my creative style/approach to a T. It just evolved into the tree you see before you. This is not what I set out to paint at all. I used a sea sponge to make this - fah tru!

The poem reads - 

"I bow to the All Creating Power from which I came, and to which I am returning." -LaoTze-

Convergence

This is my version of the big bang - or anti big bang. This is a snap shot of the universe as it returned to Tao!

New Work!

Been busy painting lately - the inspiration and ideas are overflowing.  Luckily, I am on vacation until Thursday and will be creating freely.  These pieces represent the new direction for my paintings and hopefully the view appreciates them.

"Journey into Color"

"Blessings"

If you look carefully you can always see - "The Way"

"Work in progress - as yet untitled"

Enso Drool - by Apophis

After a long lay off, I'm back. I did my first painting in well over a year today.  All that chat in the past few weeks about my art, circles and the Enso symbol got me inspired on the way home this evening and I had to create this piece.  This piece "Enso Drool" is acrylic paint and sumi ink on canvas board 18" x 24".  Hopefully, you can see the evolution of the piece from the photos.  Can't wait for it to dry so that I can spray seal it and display it!

Wandering

What is the difference between assent and denial?
What is the difference between beautiful and ugly?
What is the difference between fearsome and afraid?

The people are merry as if at a magnificent party
Or playing in the park at springtime,
But I am tranquil and wandering,
Like a newborn before it learns to smile,
Alone, with no true home.

The people have enough and to spare,
Where I have nothing,
And my heart is foolish,
Muddled and cloudy.

The people are bright and certain,
Where I am dim and confused;
The people are clever and wise,
Where I am dull and ignorant;
Aimless as a wave drifting over the sea,
Attached to nothing.

The people are busy with purpose,
Where I am impractical and rough;
I do not share the peoples' cares
But I am fed at nature's breast.

-LaoTze-

The Eye of the Beholder

I had an interesting experience today that boosted my confidence as an artist.  I was having a chat with a coworker and friend about art, particularly a series that I had done several months ago centered around glass marbles - I've Lost My Marbles.  He really liked them because the he was able to relate to the circular nature of the subject.  We chatted further and he indicated that he saw the circle as a source of inspiration and wanted to have a piece of art centered around circles to hang in his office.  I showed him a painting that I had done last year (my first piece of art) that was really themed around circles - Circle Layers and he really liked it.  I was shocked at his response.  This piece has been hanging in our spare bedroom for over a year now and before that leaning against a wall in our old apartment.  I was really proud of it when I first created it but as my art evolved I didn't like it as much.  Seeing the response to the piece made me realize the truth about art being in the eye of the beholder.  I create because I am inspired but I also destroy because of my perfectionist nature - I don't physically destroy but I undervalue my creations by judging them too harshly.  For others, who perhaps wish they could create or are touched by my creations my purpose is fulfilled.  I create for them, not for myself.  As an artist it is my job to create and to present - finding the right eyes is the mission of every creation; to be appreciated by the right person/people.  For this lesson I am grateful and move forward with confidence that my creations will find an audience, some day, eventually!  Thanks Keith!

Tools

Thirty spokes meet at a nave;
Because of the hole we may use the wheel.
Clay is molded into a vessel;
Because of the hollow we may use the cup.
Walls are built around a hearth;
Because of the doors we may use the house.
Thus tools come from what exists,
But use from what does not.

-LaoTze-