Redtree Times

Night’s Desire— At the Principle Gallery, December 4

The world is little, people are little, human life is little. There is only one big thing — desire.

― Willa Cather, The Song of the Lark

I guess this is a little departure from a Thanksgiving week of virtues. Desire, to some, might even qualify as a sin along the lines of envy or avarice. And I guess in many instances that might be true.

But here, for the purpose of this new smaller painting, Night’s Desire, that is not the case. At least, not as I see it.

The desire I see here is not carnal nor is it one of greed or selfishness. It is that desire that will not let one settle for things as they are, to be content when they can plainly see there is more at hand to be uncovered.

That there are answers and truths to be found out there beyond the horizons of one’s own little world and life. 

This is not about not feeling gratitude for that which we have. That should always be the case. For me, it’s more about questioning why we can’t make this world a place where everyone can rightfully be content with their lot in life.

A world where everyone has something to be thankful every day.

There is surely no easy answer but the desire to find one remains. 

Maybe desire can be a virtue, after all.

This new piece, Night’s Desire, is a 9″ by 12 canvas painting that will be headed to the Principle Gallery in Alexandria, VA for its annual Small Paintings show, opening December 4th.