"Musings: The Remains of the Day"

Mixed media

7"x10" +frame

2018

"The Scene:

Somewhere in an artist's studio, late afternoon, autumn...

Quiet and undisturbed, soft music plays perhaps...

Contemplative...

Thoughtful.

Would that every day cold be just so."

Artist Bio

This is the space where most artists include a list of shows entered and awards garnered over the course of time. Usually these lists describe a consistency to their efforts in a chosen medium. I applaud those efforts and admire their consistency.

My work as an artist has spanned decades though not with the consistency I might have desired. I have been accepted into juried shows; I have also been rejected by them. I have won awards at such shows and I have been ignored. My artistic efforts have continued in spite of life commitments that prevented me from spending consistent time in my studio.

While exhibitions are important, know that my creative output has not been limited to the visual arts. For me, creativity is a life-long exploration. I have worked not only as a painter and mixed-media artist but I have also worked in graphic design, in art education, and in theatre as a scenic designer, set painter, and costume designer.

As I approach my mid-seventies, it is also important to note that I am a wife and a mother, a sister and a grandmother, and, occasionally, a writer. These roles bring me immense pleasure and demand a creative spirit as well.

Artist's Statement

Picasso once said, "If you know exactly what you are going to do, what is the point of doing it?" I have always approached my work with that very same mindset.

While personal expression is the driving force of my work, I also delight in the exploration of materials. The combination of expression and exploration has led me into the realm of mixed media. When beginning a piece, I may have an inkling of where the work is headed. Inevitably, however, the materials alter my direction. I savor the element of surprise and am energized by the courage required to change course.

As I age, my work has lent itself more to telling a story. In some cases, the story involves whatever I may be experiencing in my private life. In others, I supply the title from which the viewer, upon examining the images, may speculate on their story. It matters not what narrative I may have been contemplating, if any. It matters more that the viewer is intrigued enough to question, wonder, speculate, and thereby create their own story. After all, creativity is best when shared. Life, after all, is a series of stories.