Redtree Times

The Elevating Eye— Now at West End Gallery

What we truly and earnestly aspire to be, that in some sense we are. The mere aspiration, by changing the frame of the mind, for the moment realizes itself.

–Anna Brownell Jameson, A Commonplace Book of Thoughts (1854)

This bit of wisdom from 19th century British author Anna Brownell Jameson might be the first mention of the visualization techniques of modern self-help gurus. I am not sure and I don’t have the time to look it up this morning but let’s just say its idea of envisioning yourself as the person you wish to be is bedrock advice in any time and place.

And it is sort of the same idea that I see in this new painting, The Elevating Eye, which is part of my West End Gallery exhibit, that opens Friday. I see the Red Tree here as aspiring for more, to move beyond the sameness and worldliness that surrounds it. It desires higher ground for itself, where its sense of uniqueness and purpose can find clear air and wider views in which to function. 

Where it can be what is sees itself being.

Where its true being is exposed to the all-seeing Eye in the Sky.

Which begs the question: How close do we ever come to being that which we envision ourselves being? Do we view ourselves realistically, fully recognizing all our deficiencies? And if so, are we truly willing to change and grow in order to become what we think we are? 

It raises lots of questions that can’t be answered by anyone but each of us within ourselves. That’s something that could be said of all effective art. It creates reactions and emotions, raises questions without easy answers. It becomes a mirror showing dual images of who we are and who we wish to be. Artists can never say that their work is that mirror for anyone but themselves.

So, I leave it at that. It is what it is and what you want it to be.

Here’s song that sums up the thought and fills out the triad for today. It’s a 2005 song, Changes, from the ethereal Tracy Chapman. She has been in the news lately as her iconic song Fast Car became a #1 country hit for Luke Combs. He did it well and with great respect for the song but for my ears, the original is unmatched. It did, however, bring her work to a group of people who might not have ever heard it and that is a good thing. Here is her Changes:

The Elevating Eye is a 20″ by 30″ canvas which is included in Eye in the Sky, my annual solo exhibit at the West End Gallery in Corning, NY. The show is now hanging in the gallery and available for previews. The exhibit opens Friday, July 21, with an Opening Reception from 5-7 PM. I will be in attendance to field questions or just say hello and chat for a few minutes. Or maybe you can answer my questions– I have a lot. Whatever makes you comfortable.

Also, we will be having an in-person Gallery Talk at the gallery on Saturday, August 19 beginning at 11 AM. It should be fun, with the usual (or should I say, unusual) giveaways and drawings. We are asking that if you plan to attend you reserve a seat since space is limited. Here is a link to the contact form at the West End Gallery where you can let them know if you are interested.