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It has been a weird winter. I had a really dry spell, painter’s block, struggle in the studio, a failure to fruit sort of thing going on for what seemed like a very long time. The shift towards productivity happened in the last few weeks and the amount of relief it brings me is beyond welcome and absolutely essential to my well being. It has taken me a long time to complete several paintings but now that they are actualized to my satisfaction it gives me a good head of stem to keep rolling. Now that life is good in the studio I can focus on some practical things like I need to buy more paint, the studio could use a good cleaning, and I need to have plenty of panels in different sizes primed and ready to go. I can also reflect on what the difficulties were for me during the tough spell I have just come through. I have not necessarily come to any conclusions about why I was struggling but I have realized anew what is most important for me in respects to painting, and that is producing solid and exciting work. This probably seems like a pretty obvious focus but sometimes it is easy to get lost in the need for recognition which comes in three primary forms: Selling is quite a heady affirmation as well as showing the work and being praised for it. But now I am back to square one which is always painting. Painting because I paint. Many years ago my voice teacher told me that before you reach the next plateau with your voice you often slip back and can’t hit the notes you could the week before, then suddenly you leap two steps ahead. She said this can also happen when you have a cold. Something about being sick makes your voice come out differently and it can actually vault you to the next level. I never got very far with my singing but I do think the same thing applies with painting. Being in the midst of a struggle is part of the process of producing the next good work. Being patient is essential, pushing through despite the lack of gratification and having faith that the rewards will come.
Crimson Cabal acrylic on wood panel 24" by 24" detail : detail 1
I am sorry you had to go through a dry spell, and worry and struggle. . .but the end product was worth it (for us, the end viewers/potential buyers). This is some of my favorite work that I have seen of yours... /jack
ReplyDeleteThese are very beautiful and interesting. I love your style!
ReplyDeleteAlso, spring is pushing upwards in us and all around us, I find this helps enormously to move the stagnation of painting blocks.
ReplyDeleteI particularly love the first painting here Cathie :) Bravo!
thanks guys :)
ReplyDeleteYes...I think that dry spells...are...like when a new seed is being planted. But they are a little scary when they go on and on...I have had one too recently. Love these paintings..if they are recent..I would say the dry spell was worth it :)
ReplyDeleteThanks they are :)
ReplyDeleteCathie, this is SERIOUSLY good work! I think that the first commenter Jack is right: they are also some of my favourite pieces I have ever seen of yours.
ReplyDeleteWe've both struggled recently and now we've come through it, and we're both producing work we're proud of again.
Congratulations! These pieces will be a real hit.
Natasha xo
thanks so much Natty :) interesting how our struggles and push through coincided
ReplyDelete