New Cold Wax Works Now Available at Gallery MAR
In which I share some new paintings - the results of these last two months of machinations
Perhaps I was too hasty last week when I said that I had little to show for my efforts in painting with cold wax. In fact, I have a stack of studies and experiments on paper as well as 8 new paintings I just dropped off at Gallery MAR in Park City. Again, I am reminded that we are too hard on ourselves.
Once the paintings were framed, photographed, and delivered to the gallery (in a spring blizzard no less), I began to see them in a different light.
Actually anytime I get paintings into the gallery, where the light is literally different than my studio, I appreciate them more. Lighting really does make a difference.
And so now I’m excited to share with you these new works. I’m still riffing off the ground, dreaming of digging my hands into the soil, painting the earth and plants until I can touch the grass again. I may not be a very good gardener, but I dream of being one. If anything, I hope I can be a good steward, and help the land and the plants do what it needs to do.
The other thing about these paintings which I love are the details, which you’ll have to go see in person. The photos just don’t do them justice. What I’m really into is making these landscape paintings that are fun and also moody, but when you get in close you’ll start to notice the plants, the blades of grass, the flowers, and the little details that make it up.
That’s how it works in nature - the big picture and then all the thousands of elements that work in harmony to make it. There’s the forest, the trees, and then there’s the leaves. So these new works are exploring that idea and how do you hold both at once in your view. Too many details and you’ll get lost, too little and it’s too vague.
If you’re interested in any of the new work, please contact Gallery MAR directly
info@gallerymar.com or 435-649-3001
Yard Labyrinth
I made another snow labyrinth, this time in my yard, and I’ve wondered all along why I haven’t been making them regularly right here. I think I thought the location had to be special with a beautiful vista, but now realize the labyrinth is the special part, and the location doesn’t matter. Perhaps next year, I’ll doodle in my yard with snowshoes all year long, making art with my feet, and watching the snow bury it again and again. This picture above is terrible, but again, that’s not the point.
What I’m Into This Week
The Colors of Her Coat by Scott Alexander
Reading this article about the changing nature of art and AI gave me a lot of feels. The impact of AI on our work will be far-reaching. Is it just the next evolution or a devolution? Yes. Will there be good works that come as a result, undoubtably. But also, for me, I feel it necessary to hold on to that which is inherent to being a human - that which is hand-made. I’m not outright refusing to participate, I will never be a true luddite, but I am also prioritizing in my life and my work that which is made by the work of my own hands. I think this is critical, to at least my own well being, and also as a way of appreciation and paying attention. Time will tell of course, AI is certainly not the end of humanity (at least I hope not), but just the next step along the way. It is neither good nor bad, but just is. We make our own meaning.
One of the better romance novels I’ve read (listened to) in a while. It’s an older historical, but the plot had some twists and turns and it was more than just the romance. In case you need something to dive into.
The Art Thief by Michael Finkel
I listened to this book last year, and could have sworn I recommended it in my year end review, but I was reminded of it when I MET THE AUTHOR this week! Mike is a really nice guy and I peppered him with questions about his experience writing this book, which is fascinating. It’s about the most prolific art thief in the world and how you likely have never heard of him.
Chaos in the Garden by Rowen Brooke
A really lovely essay about gardening and all it’s chaos, which perhaps will get you excited about spring. Rowen Brooke is a flower farmer and writes a charming substack about her experience.
Michael Lewis, Moneyball Author, About The Importance of Government
Pod Save America interviews Michael Lewis about his newest book, Who Is Government? and it’s an interesting take on the importance of civil servants and what government is really good at - statistics and keeping track of things. Episode 1003
A Shondaland production - a murder in the White House solved by a genius detective birder. I loved everything about this show, and I hope there are more. Uzo Aduba makes for a really great detective.