Wednesday, September 24, 2008

From the Rooftop of Spannochia

Breathe.

Life is busy.  And making art makes me busy. Between late night painting sessions, squeezing in time in-between Olympia's naps, private lessons, meetings and gallery "stuff", I have put together a body of work that reflects our recent trip to Italy.  This will be presented in a solo show at Three Graces Gallery in Portmouth, NH that is set to open next Friday night. Putting final touches on my triptych paintings I have had a chance to catch my breathe and look at the work with some distance.  I am still trying to formulate my reflections though. This will take some time. But please feel free to see what I have been up to and let me know what you think. 

Monday, September 8, 2008

Flying

Wearing her tights, shiny patent leather boots, and onezie all organized in a flat black hue, with left leg turned in just a little, Olympia races down the long hall of our local YMCA. Its Halloween and Olympia is a monarch butterfly. As she turns towards you, you notice the hand-stitched butterfly cutout on her chest, orange and yellow patterns swirling and bringing you to her squishy quilted wings, attached by Velcro straps. She keeps tugging at her black antennae but stops when another trick-or-treaater or guardian notices her. She is eager to wave and “make friends.” While smiling at an older girl in a princess costume, I notice how Olympia’s blonde thin mop and ivory skin glows against this sexy and cute Halloween “get-up” for a one-year-old.

Her nose is running, and I wipe with every turn of her head. She runs across the chaotic gymnasium of screaming kids, of fake witches and white sheets. I chase her through the madness to which she slows for nothing but the little red toddler car. She trips lifting her big feet in – she’s been walking for over three months now but still so easily toppled over.

I push her in the little car. She waves to Grammie, Grandpa & Dada. I worry about her running nose, being too tired, and getting worn out. Worrying doesn’t do you any good, I know. I used to worry, now, not so much. I look ahead. I look at my daughter wearing the black suit waving and smiling at the craziness in this world. I want to be a butterfly too.

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

First and Last Kicks

The Humble Sheep of Spannochia

Ready, Set, Go!

Although I did not have a chance to work in the studio today, I am still thinking about my new paintings. I have attached here some works in process from inside my studio for you to see what I am up to.  Yes, I am having fun!  After my summer travels to Italy, I am retrieving back with my paintbrush and imagination.  These pieces are part of an upcoming solo show "From Italy To Paint"  at Three Graces Gallery in Portsmouth, NH to open on this October 3rd, 5-8 PM.

I also have some creative writings that I am working on to be released here later in the week. Keep posted.