I began by sketching my friends and soon realized that I wanted to take this idea further by painting them. Using myself as the first subject, it did not take long before I knew where this idea was going, especially as I realized that all my friends are artists. I was compelled to capture them in their creative space, the place where their visual concepts come to life, the place where the magic happens. I was encouraged by their tenacity, their distinctive skills, their willingness to step into the uncomfortable, often facing rejection, and their readiness to follow through with the necessary steps to achieve their goals.
I saw myself in their creative pursuit, as they mirrored back to me my own journey as a visual artist. In the heart of the artist there may be an innate desire, while in the process of their own self-discovery, to fulfill what people seem to need most; truth, clarity, new awareness, a way to transcend our limitations, a sense of well-being and hope, and perhaps most of all, something beautiful.
This series of paintings will open on Friday, August 21st at Lawndale Art Center in the Cecily E. Horton Gallery from 6:30 - 8:30. There will be a brief artist talk at 6 pm.