If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with success unexpected in common hours.
–Henry David Thoreau
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This has long been one of my favorite pieces in the studio, a 14″ by 24″ painting on paper from 2002 called Soft Dream of Night. It was part of the work that I completed in early 2002 in the aftermath of 9/11 . It is considered part of what has been referred to as my Dark Work. It was work that I feel was very reflective of the feeling of that time and, as a result, was not as deeply embraced as my typical work that has a more optimistic and forward-looking tone. As a result, I was able to hold on to several pieces from that group which pleased me because they just felt so emotionally wrought to me that I liked the idea that they stayed in place.
This piece has evolved in feeling over the years for me, from a feeling of regretful, mournful retrospection to one that offers the promise of a road forward, one that climbs through rich fields with the brightness of the moon to light the way. Though it has a darkness beneath its surface, it no longer feels dark in tone. It has a confidence and positive feel that would not have come to mind eleven years ago.
Time often changes our perceptions on many things. I like that this piece has evolved for me and was not forever mired in the memory and tragedy of that time. Perhaps the darkness underneath this painting is that memory, always present. But above, life moves forward and dreams are still lived out.
As it should be…
Redtree Times 