Home, family, fun and pigs

This is my latest commissioned painting. It was purchased as a birthday gift for a wife from her husband.

It was a fun and easy process. After learning that family, home, fun and pigs made the wife happy, I came up with a couple of ideas.

This is the one she chose.

Their three kids are in characteristic costumes. They are subtly placed and all center around home. Two little pigs sit in the shade of the tree in the back.

I liked the idea of a living post for the birdhouse to represent the idea of growth and change and life.

And, it is no surprise, there are words hidden in there somewhere!

Be good,
Scott

Easter Lilies

The white lily has been a symbol for Easter since the Middle Ages.
I would imagine it is a rare Christian church that does not decorate with
Easter lilies on Easter Sunday.

In the past, we have had lilies near and on our altar table.
This year I wanted to use the Easter lily as a more integral part of the congregations experience. Initially, I thought about hanging potted lilies along the sanctuary arches over the congregation. However this brought its own set of problems -
how to hang them, maintain them, and give them attractive pots
(the metallic-sheet covered plastic pots are not so pretty).
I also felt that they weren't going to have the effect I was hoping for, close but not quite.

I wanted more drama.

Then it hit me. I wanted each flower to be big, really big. I set about designing 3-foot high Easter Lilies. Working with paper I cut and glued, painted and stapled, folded and sewed, tore and taped. After a few prototypes I ended up with something resembling a kirigami design.
(origami with cutting)

Each lily is one piece of paper cut and folded, then secured with hidden tape and staples. Though labor intensive for my team of 4 the result was fresh and new and Easter-y.

The best comment I heard was "I am convinced that I could actually smell them."

Happy Easter!
Be good,
Scott

Everything old is new again

This past fall as I was cooling down from one of my morning runs, I came across 'free stuff'. You know, the pile of stuff by the side of the road with the handmade sign saying 'FREE'. One of the houses in the neighborhood was being renovated and each day something new, rather old, was put out for the taking. This particular day I found a piece of furniture that had been a built-in desk. I liked it but couldn't really justify taking it. What was I going to do with it?
But, that afternoon I was still thinking about it. So, I got into my car and loaded it into the trunk.
It had sat in the garage for the last 5 months, in pieces.

I finally decided to tackle it. My friend Elynne had sent me an electric fireplace insert, which I ahd used as a heater, but it lacked character. The desk would become the new home for the fireplace insert.

After getting the desk back together, I still had a bit of work to box in the sides, build a 'hearth', make an inner frame and paint it, antique it (there was no way it was going to ever look new and fresh) and wax it.
It turned out beautifully.I used the scalloping of the leg and drawer shapes to dictate the design. I selected a print of one of my paintings that has similar shapes and covered the inset frame with it. I was even able to maintain a working drawer.
Be good,
Scott

Ever Wonder

Today's question comes from the book 'ever wonder' by Kobi Yamada

When was the last time you did something for the first time?

The Art of Divesting

We all own many 'things'. Maybe too many things? I know, for myself, that I don't always see all of the things with which I have surrounded myself. Every now and then, I stop and take inventory of what I have. It helps that I have moved 4 times in the last 6 years. Each time I pack and move everything I question why I have all this stuff. So I have learned the art of divesting. There is great freedom in divesting. Moving out the old makes room for the new.

Art is Personal

I have been working on an interior design project. My friends Nancy and Mike have moved from Boulder to Seattle. They have rented a house and have hired me to help them make it a home. At this point, the furniture is chosen and situated. The rugs, pillows and accessories are carefully placed. All that remains is the art. Nancy really (really) wanted to create art. Though Nancy is a highly creative, beautiful dancer/choreographer the visual arts are still fairly uncharted territory for her.
We began with a trip to the art store where we purchased two canvases. In this case they were 30"x40" each. Then we hit three different paint stores. The goal was to see what was available in the mis-tinted section. It was fantastic, when, at the first store we found 5 different gallons of paint with colors that would work for us. At $3 each it was truly a steal. We rounded out our color palette by having 2 more colors mixed in the quart size. With seven colors, I felt we were ready to procede.
After laying the canvases on a drop cloth, I had Nancy do several quick sketches for me. These were no-thought-initial-reaction drawings. I gave her a word and she drew. I chose words that I knew were important for Nancy and Mike and their home. "Calm.... happy.... life..... growth... love.... celebration... connection.... " She drew and drew and drew.
I took her simple drawings and painted them (much larger) onto the canvases as an outline in the darkest color we had, which happened to be a blue.
It was then her turn to fill in the outlines, very much like in a coloring book. I gave a little direction in color placement, blending and balance, but mostly it was Nancy and her unbridled willingness.
While the paintings dried, I painted a white rectangle on the dining room wall to frame our bold art piece.I think it turned out beautifully. What I loved most about it was Nancy's reaction. She was almost beside herself with how much fun she had had and how lovely the painting is. "That was such a high. It's so beautiful." she told me (again and again and again).
This piece of art is very personal. Not only did she play a part in creating it, but it holds hopes and dreams and ideals in her own expression. Art is personal.
Be good,

Scott

Season of Color

This morning as I was writing, or supposed to be writing, I found myself staring at the table by the window. The Christmas cactus happens to have bloomed at Halloween and the glass pumpkins I bring out every fall. I love the little squirrel-candle-holder as he is a reflection of the food-gathering-squirrels outside. The combination of colors is so vibrant, so beautiful and I wanted to share them with you. Surprisingly, (I didn't plan this) it is a study in the secondary colors: purple, orange and green. Okay, that sounds a little art-nerdy, but I am a little art-nerdy sometimes.

I hope you are surrounded by color (primary, secondary, tertiary....) especially as we embrace fall and enter winter.

Be good,
Scott

The brushstrokes of my writing

Each morning I get up, make myself coffee and sit down to write. I find the calmest place I can. On warmer days I sit outside in the morning sun. On cooler, darker days I sit at the front window where I can see the tunnel of trees lining my street.

I have been doing this for 12 years, or so. Originally, I struggled to integrate it into my everyday. There were many fits and starts. Now, I can't imagine starting a day without writing.
The act of writing, for me, serves several purposes. It settles the whirl of unsettled thoughts. It chronicles my life. It captures my ideas, questions and inspirations.
I have found many paintings in my writing. Though, often colorful, crisp and careful my pieces are responses to my ideas, questions and inspirations.

For a while I was wondering about organized religion. My reflection of that wondering ended up as the piece "It's About the Grapes". Everything in this painting represents something. All in the name of religion.

Then there is the whole idea of freedom. I have written and written and written about what it means, or could mean to be free.
Here in America we have much freedom. I recognize that freedom. I am intrigued by spiritual freedom, emotional freedom. What would life be like if I was free from judging? Or, what if I was free from fear? It's that freedom, the freedom to be be guided simply by love, without the influence of judgment or fear.

The zebra (Freedom) and it's birds have their 'inside and outside the cage' message.

The bird cages in the forest (Les Cages des Bois) show one empty cage, suggesting one free bird.

The floating woman held delicately by the string from a hand below (Holding On) expresses the idea that freedom is a choice.
In writing about experiencing life through the heart of a child, I have painted the red ball several times. I like the graphic impact, but I also like the blatant reference to play. My greatest creativity happens when I play. Sometimes the red ball shows up in a playful place like "The Play Date".
Sometimes the red ball shows up in a more unsuspected place. "Life in a Gated Opportunity" shows my desire to take things less seriously.

Each one of these paintings, and several others, have been born in my writing. In a way, they are the neat, tidy, organized version of my meandering journal.

I will continue to write. It is my quest, my curiosity, my striving to find truth. My truth.


Be good,
Scott

Clearing the Way

Little Mary Sunshine

I have just finished another painting. I call this one "Suddenly, Little Mary Sunshine".

A few years ago, I did a painting called "As If". It is a woman holding a mask, by the strings, in front of her face as she floats above the ground. It was based on the concept that one can achieve personal change by acting as if you are already the change. For me, it meant 'acting' more patient and open and confident in order to actually become more patient, open and confident.

This painting has a very similar sense to me. It's about putting on a happy face. I have a friend , Addie who has a friend, Char. They have known each other for many years and had been through a lot together. They even ended up working together.

When Addie got a new job, her dream job, with a different company, she was very happy. Char was not.

They had many conversations about it. Char felt abandoned, alone and envious. Understandably. It was during one of these conversations when Char, slightly upset, said to Addie "...and you are, suddenly, little Mary Sunshine". It wasn't meant to be a compliment. I liked it. This idea that"Little Mary Sunshine" as undesirable was fascinating to me.
Immediately, I saw this little girl on stage holding a cardboard sun around her head. Her dress shows cloudy skies, the detail has blue beads of raindrops. Her face is in the style of the old sun illustrations - all round and full. The detail in the sun itself is to exaggerate the 'happiness' of it.


All of this exists in each of us, the clouds, the rain, the sun, it is all there and often we have a choice as to which we are wearing. Very much like "As If", once you choose to wear something for a while, it actually starts to become integrated into who you are. It's true whether (or weather) it is rain or sun you choose. I'm hoping that "Suddenly, Little Mary Sunshine" loses her 'suddenly' and just is 'little Mary sunshine'.

Be good,
Scott

More different

omething undesirable is 'ishy', it is customary to end a sentence with 'then' and if you are unsure of something, well, it is 'interesting'. To say "That's interesting" is one of the many ways that 'Minnesota nice' plays out. Even though it can be read as 'I don't really like it', most of the time it means 'Give me a little time to adjust'. It is an opening, an openness (ever so slight) to something different.

As I invite you to experience different by breaking your routine, or setting an inspiration date, my hope is that you can see things as 'interesting'. Interesting in the slightly open sense. Just give yourself permission to be open. Let your openness be the lens through which you see and experience.

That's it. Let me know how it goes. I love hearing your stories of inspiration.

Be good, then.
Scott

Results of Different

I came across this chalk drawing in a cul-de-sac. Artist unknown. It felt simply welcoming, the open arms, the smile and the star on the apron. So, welcome.

I have to admit that I am used to doing things different. I am not one for routine. I mean, I do have my routines: I brush and floss, write in my journal and run daily. But, whenever there is an opportunity to experience something new, I am right there. I often feel like the dog that hears the engine rev and jumps into the back of the pickup truck, not knowing where it's going. The excitement of 'going' and 'adventure' overrides any fear of uncertainty. (I try not to pant and lap my tongue or drool with anticipation.)
Still, it was difficult for me to break a routine. I did put a new head on my sonicare toothbrush. My teeth feel cleaner. Therefore, I feel cleaner. Therefore, I feel clearer. Therefore, more room for inspiration. All from a new bristly brushing. A boy can hope anyway. One routine broken. Kind of...

On the weekends, Cameron and I will try to go for a long walk in the neighborhood. We live on the "Queen Anne Boulevard" parkway. The boulevard is a 5 mile loop along the crest of Queen Anne hill. It is a spectacular walk as it has vistas in all directions. We can see the Olympic Peninsula and it's mountains, downtown Seattle with it's shiny buildings and Mount Rainier backdrop, the Puget Sound, the Cascade Mountain range, and several other Seattle neighborhood hills. This is the walk we usually take. It is the walk we know. It is the walk we like. We were all set to walk the loop when I heard the little voice inside say "Break out of your routine."
"Alright, shut up, quit nagging." was my reply, which really wasn't fair because the voice was actually very polite and not nagging at all. I apologized and we turned and went another direction. I am so glad we did.

We happened across this house. We stood there going over every detail. We were mesmerized by the colors, the mouldings, the tiles, the gargoyles, the carvings. Every little bit has something to say for itself. In graceful calligraphy the turret proclaims "Quo Amplius Eo Amplius Est". This house is amazing. The photo doesn't show that the garden is as lovingly created and colorful as the house itself. This is living in a work of art. This is a living work of art. Life is Art. The homeowners must feel special every time they come home. Can you imagine?

It left such an impression that when my friend Beth came over later in the week I had to show her. We walked over, stood in front and once again went over every detail. While we were there a pickup pulled up, the driver got out, sat on the back of his truck and watched the house. We figured he was, as we were, gawkers. We started to talk with him to find out that he was the contractor who did all of the work on the house. From him we learned: originally built in 1906, this restoration has been a 15 year project, it's still not finished, it's a true Victorian (all details taken from historic Victorian homes), the owner is an author of Victorian history, the inside looks like the outside, and it's fairly well known. The contractor sent us to his website to see detail photos.
http://www.jimdochertydesigns.com/Restorations/Brians/Brians%20index.htm
I love that we were able to talk with him and see the passion and dedication and art behind it. It truly is a labor of love. Thanks to the little nagging (just kidding) voice I not only got to see the house but then meet the artisan behind it. If you are ever in the area I hope you have a chance to see it in person.

What have you found in your broken routine?

Be good,
Scott

Oh, and "Quo Amplius Eo Amplius Est"? "More is more"