Resurrection

I think it time to rejuvenate White River. I would say that approximately two and half years of my life have been framed by the act of selling my house and land and moving. Miserable, nerve-wracking, painful, agonizing, and finally wholly debilitating. Today is the one-year anniversary of the paper signing and moving.

As the process escalated my creative life declined in direct proportion. I cannot remember the last time I had a creative impulse that wasn't "faked" or created artificially while I tried to fool myself into believing I was still an artist.

I realized I needed help. I got it in the form of a morning with Shanley Triggs who gave me a lesson in how to begin a watercolor painting. VALUES VALUES VALUES. That was a week ago Wednesday. She also loaned me a book How To Make Colors Sing by Jeanne Dobie. As I listened to Shanley, I honestly felt something stir inside. After she left I ordered a palette like hers (a Pike's palette) and the Dobie book.

The next day Susan Abbott, on a two-day painting trip through the Champlain Islands, spent the night. We talked far past my bed-time about many things. The next morning I told her about Shanley's lesson and she asked to see my sketch. She got her sketch book and we stood on the back porch for 45 minutes while she talked and I listened. While she sketched and I watched. I felt fire in the belly at last. Onto the fire which Shanley had lit, Susan poured gasoline.

Now I am waiting for the palette, which has not yet arrived, so that I can set it up per Susan's instructions and with the colors on the list she gave me. I will be making a palette chart with saturated colors also per instruction.

I've given you the description of what has happened; for what my soul has felt, there are no words that are not overused, and I refrain from trying to embellish the simple word "grateful".

That black hole inside me is now being filled with colors again.

Numbered Days Continue

As I number the days of this morning view I'm feeling homeless and helpless. And, to preserve my sanity, I seize on any distraction that comes my way.

For the latest one, I have Verizon to thank. Their service is so abominable that after 7 months, I had a temper tantrum and, using the real Credit Card -- the one that's NOT a debit card, I signed up with AT&T and came home with an iPhone. From a couple of bars at best in a few places in the house, I went to 4-5 bars everywhere. But, that was only the tip of the iceberg.

Finally, finally, I feel that I have a small corner of the 21st Century in my hands. When the snow denies me my satellite internet connection, I flick on my phone and read my email. I'm also currently reading Nikolas Tesla's quirky autobiography via a free eBook reader. No more gnashing of molars because I have to wait somewhere and forgot to bring a book.

And, speaking of books--I've discovered a blog that will be a "must read" from now on: The Idea Logical Blog. Anyone reading this who is a compulsive reader, lover of books, old English Major, armchair traveler, etc. ought to be reading this blog on a regular basis. My dears, it previews the future, and I for one will be on board (though I will definitely be moving my approximately 50 cartons of books when the time comes)!

Out of the depths once again

Hey! It's not much to look at, but I woke up this morning with those colors, or a close approximation, in my head. First time that's happened since my last post on November 27,2009.

I know two things are responsible. The Art of Action exhibit currently at STAART Gallery in St. Albans (reception was last night), and talking to Susan Abbott again. It seems to be a potent mix for me. And that both things occurred at STAART Gallery added something extra; there is a vibe in that place that's hard to describe, but almost tangible.

Putting the family homestead on the market more or less wiped my soul of color. And, for that matter, most everything. I think I know how a mole feels on the first real spring day.

FOR SALE BY ARTIST

HOUSE and 32 acres FOR SALE
In Fletcher, near Fairfax. House built 1937-38. Hardwood floors. 4 Bedrooms. Needs work.
Current owner/resident is indigent artist whose family land this has been since 1867. New furnace, new chimney lining, roof new about 5 years ago. Excellent spring water.

Large studio/workspace attached to house with heat and double-door entry.

Listed with Paul Clark, 802-598-4553 (Lang McLaughry Spera, MLS#2912808).