The March Project

"It’s a funny thing, what people expect from an artist. They ask me “what is it you are trying to say with this piece?” And I never know quite how to answer. How do I explain to them that my painting topics choose me, not the other way around? A certain angle of light catches my attention. Or a juxtaposition of colors. Sometimes I simply feel the need to capture for eternity the way a child sits, or the look in an animal’s eyes. But as for that great personal message to the world through art thing, well, it’s just not my thing. Not yet.

I far prefer to ask the same question of others, because honestly it matters way more what a potential buyer thinks than what I do. I’m amused when someone tells me of a deeper message they get from my painting, particularly one I didn’t intend. Maybe it is in fact the muse working through me and I don’t know it. Or maybe they just want to sound intelligent by finding a message they assume should be there."

So says a character in some fiction writing I did several years ago. 

Her words were quite literally my words, or at least what I used to say when asked about my paintings.

Times change.  We evolve.  I'm ready now, I think, to talk more about the why behind many of my paintings.

This will be The March Project.  I'm not committing at this point to a specific number of days.  To do so would be foolhardy this early in the game.  "Underpromise and overdeliver" directs the much debated sales device.

Let's start with one day, ok?  Tomorrow.  March 2.  Ash Wednesday.  The first day of Lent.  I will consider this my Lenten discipline. This project will require me to spend some time in prayer before I write.  To be still, and to listen.  Then to be brave enough to share what I hear. Why did I paint what I painted?  I'm honestly not sure I've ever really asked myself the question.  Will you join me, please, in following this journey of discovery?