It’s been four months since we last posted a Studio Practice: New Works. That’s because I haven’t been as dedicated to the studio practice as usual. Sure, we’ve been updating traditions (Death Series and exhibition news and preparation), yet there’s very little to report on the art-making. I did do two smaller paintings that have yet to be photographed and presented. And I have more ideas than I know what to do with.
One of those idea inspirations started with discovering an old batch of photos we took on the Oregon coast of what was intended as an elaborate resort area lovingly termed “Bay Ocean.” Due to tidal flows, time, and politics it never came to fruition despite big enthusiasms and investment. However, it’s still a beautiful area. We have 13 photos. I thought of doing a series of seven from the photos; ordered seven 11 x 14 inch stretched canvases.
Things interrupted, like big time sewer problems and other stuff. Quite distracting.
Time passed. I settled on a beautiful photo composition of Bay Ocean, but decided a series of seven of the Bay Ocean area (now quite naturalized) wasn’t abstract enough and would bore me and hence viewers. If interested in its history see https://www.opb.org/news/article/oregon-bayocean-ghost-town-resort-tillamook-bay/.
What settled in my mind was to interpret the energy involved in becoming engaged—not in the marital sense, in a more fundamental experience of connection. That would definitely be a more challenging series to express and floated around my idea of engaging with art.
Eventually, as I was analyzing for specific steps for weeks, I came to figure:
First is to 1. Notice something; 2. Find it attractive; 3. Give it attention; 4. Followed by appreciation; 5. Feel the connection; and 6. Experience transformation (within oneself and with the object of engagement) since I believe all connecting enlarges one’s world and this is me talking.
This morning, after talking with a person I connect with, I am reducing the whole idea to “Engagement is connection.” Don’t know how this will affect any studio work generated by this preoccupation but I’m willing to wait and see. Meanwhile I’m giving it more thought and realize I’ve also promised doing something about the 2023 Death Series honorees. Stay tuned.
One of those idea inspirations started with discovering an old batch of photos we took on the Oregon coast of what was intended as an elaborate resort area lovingly termed “Bay Ocean.” Due to tidal flows, time, and politics it never came to fruition despite big enthusiasms and investment. However, it’s still a beautiful area. We have 13 photos. I thought of doing a series of seven from the photos; ordered seven 11 x 14 inch stretched canvases.
Things interrupted, like big time sewer problems and other stuff. Quite distracting.
Time passed. I settled on a beautiful photo composition of Bay Ocean, but decided a series of seven of the Bay Ocean area (now quite naturalized) wasn’t abstract enough and would bore me and hence viewers. If interested in its history see https://www.opb.org/news/article/oregon-bayocean-ghost-town-resort-tillamook-bay/.
What settled in my mind was to interpret the energy involved in becoming engaged—not in the marital sense, in a more fundamental experience of connection. That would definitely be a more challenging series to express and floated around my idea of engaging with art.
Eventually, as I was analyzing for specific steps for weeks, I came to figure:
First is to 1. Notice something; 2. Find it attractive; 3. Give it attention; 4. Followed by appreciation; 5. Feel the connection; and 6. Experience transformation (within oneself and with the object of engagement) since I believe all connecting enlarges one’s world and this is me talking.
This morning, after talking with a person I connect with, I am reducing the whole idea to “Engagement is connection.” Don’t know how this will affect any studio work generated by this preoccupation but I’m willing to wait and see. Meanwhile I’m giving it more thought and realize I’ve also promised doing something about the 2023 Death Series honorees. Stay tuned.