Dark times.
The latest series I’m working on (Alex) is taking place during unsettling times (Covid-19, Black Lives Matter protests). My work focuses on the “space between” and my intent is to paint the experience of viewing the model. But that experience doesn’t happen in a vacuum. There is the place and time that it is happening.
Relationships are experienced in a context — the artist’s studio being an example. But I would be foolish not to acknowledge the “space around” as well as the “space between.” Sheltering at home (I’ve been lucky to be able to go to the studio), being stalked by an invisible agent, and existing in a world where denial, distrust, anger, and unconsciousness are floating above and below the surface is stressful — off putting — dark.
Is it any surprise that my current work looks — dark?
Or was that the experience of viewing when Alex was at my studio?
Just like everything else about this time, being clear about what’s going on is impossible. So I act from where I am, within the circumstances I am experiencing, with the knowledge I have, seeking an unknown result, trusting my senses, and knowing that my intentions are good.
And when the Alex series is done I will have learned something that hopefully will enlighten me and the viewer about this time, this person, this space, and this experience. We shall see.