To be what we are, and to become what we are capable of becoming, is the only end of life.
-Robert Louis Stevenson
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To me, this new small painting, a piece about 7″ square on paper that is titled Fulfilled, feels totally peaceful. The road with its winding tracks that disappear over a small rise signifies a journey at its end for me and the Red Tree that appears on piece of land across the water represents the intended destination that is reached. The horizon here feels as though it might represent time or eternity.
Whatever the case, it has a great feeling of tranquility, one that feels very satisfying to me. Fulfilling.
This was one of those pieces that came easily, as though it fell from my hand without any thought or struggle. This is a sensation I have described in the past, saying that when it occurred earlier in my painting life I would not trust the ease with which it came. I still felt that struggle was necessary. Little did I know that what I sought required no struggle, In fact, this inner wrestling only took me further from the desired end, confusing me and obscuring the destination.
No, what was required was an acceptance of the moment and what I was. And am. And in this simple, quiet painting I think I see that.
PS– This painting, Fulfilled, is going to the Kada Gallery in Erie as part of my upcoming solo show there, Alchemy. The show opens Saturday, November 16th.
Redtree Times 