In everyone’s life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.
–Albert Schweitzer
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My show, Into the Common Ground, has been delivered to the Kada Gallery, well in advance of the December 5th opening. While it is a relief to complete the task and have the work out into the world, there are always those pieces that I wish I could spend a bit more time with. This is especially true of the paintings that were completed in the final weeks.
These pieces usually are done in the midst of a deep groove that has developed over the months leading up to the show and often feel effortless in their creation, a culmination of purpose and effort coming together. But they are done and suddenly gone before I have fully taken in their fullness for an extended period of time. And I am left wishing I could have spent more time absorbing their essence a bit more.
Such is the case with this painting, Blaze, a 20″ by 24″ canvas. It was one of the last pieces completed and made quite an impression before it left soon after.
It is a simple piece, one that relies on its color , lines and texture to carry the weight of it. For me, the Red Tree here is an example of the the inner fire coming forth and displaying itself to the world. I felt that the quote at the top from Schweitzer was very fitting. Most people have something inside that inspires passion, sets them ablaze. It often goes untended, sputtering with that person left feeling that there is no one with which to share it — no one to take in the warmth of the fire.
I know this is true for my work, that thing which is an emanation of my own inner fire. Without sharing it, without feeling that it is tended by others, it would likely sputter and go out. Without the eyes of those fire-tenders my work, my fire, would not exist.
So in this week of giving thanks, I send out a sincere thank you to those who have kept my fire alive through the years. To my family and friends, to those who work with me at the galleries, to the collectors and the readers of this blog, I extend my deepest thanks for kindling this fire. I have enjoyed the warmth and hope it has warmed you as well.
Redtree Times 