Sailing: A Metaphor for Life

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I titled my upcoming art show “When the Wind Stops". When I told someone that was the name of my show they questioned me about this title and couldn’t see how sailing and painting related and why did I see that some sailboats in the middle of a body of water could represent life or painting, for that matter.

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Here’s the photo that my friend, Elizabeth took during a sailboat race she was in. They were about halfway through the race when the wind just stopped. All the boats are sitting idle in the middle of Puget Sound with their sails all out. I asked her what they did when that happens!! She talked about awareness. They had to be aware of the most subtle signs, such as the small ripples as possibilities, making preparations for the wind to return, scanning the weather radios, checking radar. All these things went into making a decision as to whether they were going to wait it out, or call for help, or motor back to the yacht club. 

Haven’t we all had things happen in our lives that stopped us in our tracks, sent us wanting to hide under bed coverings, or to the doctor, or into a depression? Well, it’s really what we do with these same terms… awareness of possibilities, preparation, scanning or checking on things, isn’t it, that makes the difference? I’m using the boats stopped in the water with no wind blowing in as a metaphor for my life.

Hope you will come to my show and see my painting of this scene. Such a great photo!

Ready for Artstock Weekend 2015!

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We're getting ready for your visit here at The Creative Center.  The tour starts at 10am until 5pm on Saturday, October 10th and 1pm until 5pm on Sunday the 11th. Here's what's waiting for your visit in my studio:

I will be enjoying showing you my work and enjoying the refreshments that Debra has planned for us. Look for the RED balloons. For more information about the annual ArtStock Studio Tour event, visit this site!

Enjoyed the Tyler White O'Brien Gallery "Sassy" Show opening last night

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It's always gratifying to have your work accepted into a show at a respected art gallery. I have especially fond feelings toward our local Tyler White O'Brien Gallery on State Street. Friday night was the opening to kick off "Sassy" and I had the pleasure of attending. The name Sassy, what does it mean? "Sassy: Second Art Appreciation Spectacular Show with You!" and as one of the local artists who has attended workshops there over the years, I qualified to submit my work! It turned out that they accepted four of my recent paintings to hang in the show.

Among an artist's great pleasures is getting to see her work hanging alongside that of other fine artists on a gallery wall, and fortunately I remembered to shoot a few photos to be shared here as a highlight of the evening. See if you recognize which paintings are mine in the gallery above! (Clicking the thumbnails will generate a larger view in a "lightbox" view.)

Click to visit Tyler White O'Brien Gallery's "Current Show" page and learn more.

Click to visit Tyler White O'Brien Gallery's "Current Show" page and learn more.

You may recognize my friend (and sometimes partner-in-crime) Alice Bachman, grinning beside me in one of these shots. She has work in the show as well. We often enjoy snagging a quick 'selfie' before we wrap up an evening of showing together, and this one was taken just before we left last night.

If you missed the opening but have some time, come by and take a look. Tyler White O'Brien will be showing this body of work through August 5.

Just as the gallery was kind enough to show their appreciation to the artists who have been a part of their "family" over the years, I want to express my own appreciation for the friends and family and other art-lovers who support the work I do. I don't do it for the accolades and kudo's - usually, not, anyway - but it sure does feel good to know our art is appreciated. Thank you for your part in this! I hope you'll go by and see the show, then tell me what you think!