I’m not sure if Strange Affair is going to be the title of this piece. I’ve had this painting, an 8″ by 18″ image on paper, done for several weeks now and I’ve been waiting for a title to come. Something that speaks of it’s starkness of detail and stillness.
Then I heard a version of a Richard Thompson song, Strange Affair, sung by June Tabor accompanied by Martin Simpson on the guitar, and this piece came to mind. It was as though the character in the painting might very well be playing this very song. Really evocative.
Sometimes, at this point in my year, I spend a considerable amount of my time revisiting past work, going through old image files or leafing through older work that I still have in my possession. It’s kind of a reminder of how my mind has been sparked in the past and I’m always looking for a revival of that spark, especially at the end of a period of time when I have been working a lot and have fallen into what I feel is a too predictable pattern with my painting.
I tend to focus on the odd little pieces when I’m doing this. Pieces with figures in them, odd compositions, odd shapes- things of that nature. I came across this little triptych from 2002 and had to linger over for a bit. I remember it well, the way the surface had a smoothness, almost enamel-like finish and the way the three pieces played off one another. I never fully understood the meaning behind this piece but I was always reminded by it of the music of Richard Thompson, a writer of many wonderful distinctive songs, many of them with dark undertones.
So, I’ll keep looking back, hoping for a rekindling of inspiration, and in the meantime, here’s some Richard Thompson with Mingus Eyes…
Well, it’s Sunday morning and I think it’s time for a little music. Thought I’d play a great version of one of my favorite songs, 1952 Vincent Black Lightning, written and originally performed by Richard Thompson. This version is from Del McCoury and puts a wonderful bluegrass twist on the song that fits very well. I enjoy hearing songs done in a different genre like this. I’d love to hear Del McCoury do a version of 409 from the Beach Boys. It’s a song built for bluegrass and his flat, plaintive voice.
There’s something very lyrical in the name of this mythic motorcycle. Vincent Black Lightning. I think I’d like to come back in another life with that name. I can only imagine…
Anyway, until that happens, give a listen and enjoy…
Redtree Times 