A few days ago I told my sister-in-law Evelyn I'm painting dogs she said "You've come full circle." In that one statement she meant this:
When I began painting in 2002 I was so happy to be out of the corporate world my joy overflowed to my canvases. They were filled with crows doing anything and everything - driving cars, telling stories, even doing yoga. That lasted for years.
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| Love Birds, 24" x 36" |
Around 2005 I wanted to learn how to paint a face. They were expressive and an ongoing exploration into painting techniques. Around that same time my Mom got very sick and passed away in 2006. My paintings took on that sadness and lasted for several years.
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| Blue Eyelid, 16"x12" |
I reflected on my childhood, growing up in Michigan and my roots. I painted every room of the house I grew up in in Wayne, Michigan.
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| Home, Sweet, Home, 24"x18 |
I have had a life long interest in self-improvement, spirituality and the mysteries of life. I've called these paintings Ancients, Fantasy, and Misfits.
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| Everything Nothing, 18"x24" |
I paint still lifes to practice drawing, composition, form, etc. It's an activity that puts me in the moment and usually provides a break from the more emotional work.
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| Two White Bottles, 10"x8" |
A couple of years ago I felt like I was starting to be my old self again. I heard myself laughing more. I was getting my sense of humor back. Titles like "Spirit Takes A Break" and "Vogue Spirit" sprung up.
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| Vogue Spirit, 36"x24" |
Recently, I was out dog walking with a friend and she asked me to make a couple little paintings of her dogs' faces. I immediately thought what a fun project. For a few weeks now I've been painting dogs and cats and I totally love it. I see and feel the joy in these precious animals and in myself.
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| Petey, 6"x6" |
So when Evelyn said "you've come full circle" she knew that I was back to joy.
Although I've outlined the last 9 years in a linear process, it wasn't that clear cut. All phases overlap. Sadness and joy overlap. Commissions and my own work overlap.
Dogs and cats and spirits all need to coexist in my studio. That's what makes it magical.
1 comments:
Hi Mary,
This post reminded Steph and I of when we first visited your home studio during WG Open Artist in early 2005. It's been our pleasure to get to know you all these years. We enjoy having pieces of you throughout our home and glad to know you have come full circle.
Matt
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