In the Studio
In the studio
One of the first questions I always get asked is "What's on your easel now?" It seems people are curious about work in progress, and with the internet these days, we get the opportunity for "Virtual Open Studios" in ways we never have in the past. I know some artists aren't comfortable with this, but I find its a wonderful way to build community and combat the energy of feeling like art may not be conceived in a vacuum, but, by necessity, is often created in one. We are strange beasts, us artist-types. Needing our alone-time like nobody's business, but also, many of us, craving community. The two need not be mutually exclusive, in my opinion.
So here's what's on my easel right now. "The Golden Mean" is a commission piece. The collector who commissioned "Infinite Jack" requested this piece when they saw Jack partially finished. He wanted to show "prey and predator." I thought it was a brilliant idea and am absolutely thrilled to be working on the second piece!
A little background on The Golden Mean
More often than not, I struggle a bit with titling pieces. But every so often, the title comes, in a flash, early on in the process. The painting says, "this is what I am." The Golden Mean was the perfect companion title. Infinite Jack and the Golden Mean just has a certain flow to it, don't you think? A jumping off point for stories to form in the viewers mind about the relationship that plays out between the two. The beginnings of a fable or folk tale, perhaps - filled with potential for unexpected facets to the relationship between prey and predator.
The Golden Mean (in progress)
30x42, Oil on Linen
Infinite Jack
And here's the piece that started it. A collector who has been fond of my jackrabbits for some time was in my studio for Tucson Open Studios Spring Tour, and finally decided that the time had come. After a couple loose sketched, and a generous amount of freedom - I was instructed to "just do what you do. I completely trust you." - Infinite jack began to take shape. The numbers in the background are meant to signify the endless possibilities of things/people/species not necessarily always being what they seem. Jack has a certain intensity to him that one doesn't immediately expect to find in a jackrabbit, but they are hardier spirits than they appear on first glance. An make no mistake, he is one of the old desert spirits who live and roam and love in the Sonoran Desert.
Infinite Jack
30x42 Oil on Linen
So. That's a little background on what's currently on my easel. And now, I've finished my coffee, and its time to get back to work!