Art has such power! I had the most wonderful encounter with a lovely gentleman in May of 2015 over this painting entitled "Torn." When I painted it, I simply saw it as a great combination of colors and marks that was pleasing to my eye with nice little “surprises” here and there.
This man, Jerry, came into my studio for my monthly Open Studio, and walked around looking at my work. He stopped in front of this painting and must have stood there for a solid 10 minutes just staring at this painting. Now understand, during Open Studio, many of my visitors are just out for a nice afternoon looking at art. Many may or may not like abstract art. Many just wander past the works quickly, say a quick “Thank You” and continue on their way. So Jerry’s lingering over this painting, any painting, was rare.
After said 10 minutes, I approached him and asked if he had any questions. It was as if I had snatched him from a deep thought.
He told me he had recently lost his wife of 24 years. He said this painting spoke to him in a special way. He continued to look at it for a long time as we spoke. He said saw a large hole in his life in the center. He saw tearing and brokenness. After a time, we both saw the man in darkness on the right ... head and shoulder ... looking to the left into a light and bright future to come ... eventually. The little streaks and marks were memories that floated around and stayed with him.
Tears came to my eyes, too, as they glistened in his. It was a touching and powerful conversation!
He had a lot going on at that time and was crushed that he couldn’t afford to take this work home right then. I felt as if this painting was meant to be his. I’m pleased to say that a little more than a month later, this painting was hanging in Jerry’s home.
I love the unforced power and messages that art can have for people. When I paint, I let the Spirit move me to create. I alway pray over my paintings and ask God to use them as He will. I often don’t “see” things in my paintings, but often others will point things out that they see. I rarely will assign deep meaning or titles that put too much definition to my paintings, because … I suppose in part because of Jerry … I want the ultimate owners of my work to find their own connection to the work. Colors evoke emotion and our own life experiences make us view the world (and art) in ways that are very personal to us.
My hope is always to create work that connects with you. I’d love to hear about the things you “see” or feel from the work in my Gallery. Send me a note and tell me about it here.