Redtree Times

Zenith— 48″ by 30″ on canvas- At Principle Gallery

The moving toward one’s inner self is a long pilgrimage for a painter. It offers many temporary successes and high points, but there is always the residuum of incomplete realization which impels him on toward the more adequate image.

–Ben Shahn, The Shape of Content, 1957

Does anyone ever know when they have reached their peak? Does anyone ever recognize that period of time when all they are as close to self-realization– mentally, spiritually, and creatively–as they will ever be?

Does it even matter? Maybe it shouldn’t. Perhaps if we don’t concern ourselves with trying to identify our peaks and focusing on signs of our inevitable decline from this peak, we can somehow extend our upward ascent and continue our growth.

Move the peak, if you will.

I think that’s what late artist Ben Shahn was referring to in the passage above. It certainly rings true for me, as an artist. There have been many times where I felt that I had finally done my best work, that I could not do any better nor have anything more to express. I felt at those times as though I was at my creative peak. But, as Shahn wrote, there has always been that feeling of being incomplete to spur me on on the next work.

To move the peak.

I see this new painting from my show, Zenith, a 48″ by 30″ canvas, as representing one of those moments when one feels the elation of being at their ultimate peak of being.

Let’s hope they can move that peak and keep climbing.

Here’s Willie’s version of the classic Hoagy Carmichael song, Stardust. I don’t know how well it fits this post and don’t want to perform any mental gymnastics trying to justify it. I just wanted to hear it.

And that’s good enough for me. Now, either give a listen or get off my hill.

Passages is my 24th solo exhibit at the Principle Gallery in Alexandria, VA. The opening reception is this Friday, June 9, beginning at 6 PM and going to 8:30. I am looking forward to being in attendance at this year’s show for the first time since 2019. Hope you can make it.