“Brilliant Determination” – GC Myers
Well, I finally made my choice for the painting to be given away in a drawing at this Saturday’s Gallery Talk at the Principle Gallery in Alexandria. It was a tough decision that came down to two pieces that both have a lot of meaning for me. But when it came right down to it, this painting, Brilliant Determination, seemed more appropriate for the event. It has the Red Tree in a windswept posture in a simple composition that is supported by a deeply textured background that sets the emotional tone for the painting. The strong texture of this piece has always drawn me in, connected me to it. One criteria for giving away work has been met– this painting has meaning for myself.
Another criteria is that the painting be a real painting. It must have real value, be a painting that I would gladly exhibit and not a studio failure that is one step from being tossed into the fireplace. This 16″ by 20″ painting on canvas meets this requirement easily.
I thought enough of this piece to have written about it here a few years back. Here’s what appeared in that blog entry:
If your determination is fixed, I do not counsel you to despair. Few things are impossible to diligence and skill. Great works are performed not by strength, but perseverance.
– Samuel Johnson
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I’ve been thinking about determination a lot lately. There are times when nothing seems to come easily and it seems like there are any number of things that would be more enjoyable than struggling forward with your chosen endeavor. But in the end you force yourself ahead. There’s a greater satisfaction in struggling with that which you have chosen and feel is meaningful than in doing something that means little to your inner self even though it is easier and, in many cases, more entertaining.
This is something I keep in mind when I’m in the studio. There are many days when nothing comes easily, every stroke is like lifting a heavy weight and inspiration seems to have left the building long ago. In these moments self doubts begin to stir and I seriously wonder if I have reached an end to my creative life. It’s like a dull pain that seems like will be with me forever and there are points I want to stop.
But I remember that this is the path that I chose to follow. With that recognition I am reminded of other times when I have been at this point before and I know, I just know, that if I steel my mind and force myself to move ahead, one small step in front of another, that I will come to a point where all this forced energy builds and builds and suddenly breaks free. In this moment of release, everything suddenly seems effortless and inspiration is everywhere. It’s like going from the dark depths of a stifling mine to the top of a cool mountain.
And the memory of the toil that it has taken to reach this point fades into the distance.
Until the next time. And that’s where determination is needed once more.
So, if you can make it to the Principle Gallery in Alexandria this Saturday, September 13th, around 1 PM, you will have a chance at giving this painting a new home. Plus, there are always a few more surprises. Hope you can make it!
Redtree Times 