Tuesday, April 21, 2020

From Possibility to Palpability

Twenty-seven days of incubation.

Every time I go downstairs in my home—probably two dozen times a day at a minimum—I glance through the door of my studio. Although my legs work just fine going upstairs and down, for twenty-seven days they are paralyzed when it comes to walking through that studio door to pick up a brush.

Nonetheless, I trust the process and keep studying my work-in-progress from the doorway even when doubts and unhelpful self-talk try their darnedest to knock me flat—and, believe me, they try their darnedest.

I don't know what shifts or how.

But today I begin to pull this painting out of the dark woods into the light of day.

work in progress, 43 days in, 4/2/2020
30 x 40" canvas

8 comments:

Lola (Jen Jovan) said...

OMG I SO know this feeling! I spend a lot of time standing in the doorway staring in at whatever was left on the easel.

This piece - 43 days in - invites me into the dark crevices to explore whatever is lurking in there.

dotty seiter: now playing said...

There's plenty lurking! Love that you SO know this feeling! Makes me laugh that I can feel stumped by painting after painting. That's just what it's all about : )

carol edan said...

I too know the feeling. Sometimes doing other things just not to start! But the wonderful feeling when we DO! Your paintings, in every stage, show just the opposite! Courage, freedom, bliss!

dotty seiter: now playing said...

Fellow pilgrims we are as we paint! I sometimes stop stock still in my tracks and laugh out loud at my fear. And then fall right back into the dark thick of it! It's madness, this artistic life! Thanks for your celebration of my moments of courage, freedom, and bliss, Carol!

Simone said...

I'm so glad you did!

dotty seiter: now playing said...

LOL! I"m glad, too!

Sheila said...

I see a creature there in the deep dark. He looks a little frightened too. LOL :) Love the marks, textures, play. Love that you faced your fears! Enjoy Dotty :)

dotty seiter: now playing said...

A creature frightened in the deep dark! He keeps skittering out of sight before I can get a look at him! Grateful for the affirmation for facing my fears, Sheila : )

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