"Scotty, Energize"

Heating Up 2011-12, oil on canvas (48 x 72in. diptych)

It was a great week for me even though I didn't actually do too much painting, meaning I did manage to spend a couple of days painting but I got to do things a little differently than the usual thing I do each week. 

First I had a meeting with the director of a downtown hotel for a potential three month exhibition in their lobby, beginning in March of this year. This project sounds pretty exciting because it can lead to some new exposure for my work and also potential clients from other countries.

Right after the meeting, I met with Holly Friesen an artist whom I've known for awhile, for a coffee and we ended up having a two hour chat.  It had been a while since we talked and it was nice to see her and actually seeing her sitting in one place for more than five minutes, being as busy as she is.

 I decided as the new year rolled in, that I wanted to prioritize my days in the studio and my time making art. I had a tendency to sometimes waver and not concentrate on what I needed to get done. Part of that was to also spend time creating more opportunities for my work to be seen and to stay more in touch with my friends and fellow artists. It is a great way to share ideas, encourage and feed off each other. It seems to be working so far because I seem busier but with a purpose in mind and that pays dividends in the studio with the work pouring out of me. Art is lots of hard work, so don't let anyone tell you otherwise. I want to create conversations with my fellow artists and open up to new ideas. The art world is definitely changing and it is important for us to stay focused and to support and care for one another. No two artists are alike and If my opportunities might also work for another artist and I can relay that info to them, all the better for all of us. 

Heather working on paintings

Later in the week I invited Heather Yamada to my studio to paint. She wanted to use a space that was big enough for her to paint these beautiful large works on paper. 

It was truly

Movement and lots of energy

inspiring just sitting and watching her work. 

There was so much energy in the studio as I watched Heather moving from one painting to another, throwing paint, using brushes and brooms and mixing tools to get the effect that she wanted and working on each piece as she saw fit to do. 

Someone curiously asked me why she worked on so many pieces all at once, "wouldn't they all end up looking the same?" they asked. I think the answer to that is that there is so much energy involved when you're working on large pieces that you can't help but work on so many at once. 

The energy, our energy needs to get expended over a larger surface to be considered successful and by only working on one, your energy would drain rather quickly while you wait to decide what to do next. Especially when dealing with water and paper. By moving from one to another, you give each a chance to absorb the paint and water and not end up with mud before going back in to do more. 

I would love to have a different artist come to my studio every week, to paint and just spend the day talking and working. That would be so energizing and inspiring. So after a not so painterly week, next week will involve more painting, lots of energy and new inspiration from being with two of my friends whom I admire and love hanging out with.