I truly believe that painting took over and I just participated as a bystander. Yes, I do think that is the best way for me to explain the new paintings. I’m not even sure if they are a new series or a continuation of a series I once thought completed many years ago as oil paintings on canvas. It doesn’t matter one way or the other because there they are. They mark at the very least a new beginning. Many more in process. Having fun with marks, color, and conversation. The title comes from a beautiful poem written by Edna Lorri Shipp. It hangs on my wall as inspiration.
underneath it all
lies our earthly remnants
scattered around
bits and pieces
glittery, transparent, translucent and dim
drips of silver and chalcedony
shards of purple lilac rain
notes of melodic romantic bliss
that entrance us wholly
poets of an earlier age
that told of heroes and stalwart women
and those of today
that look within us
sly wolf eyes upon us
owls from the trees that swoop down
and pierce us and take us away
to nowhere and everywhere
animals tell us where we’ve been
and where we’re going
to nowhere and everywhere
i can tell you now
I’m going to the moon
where chocolate tastes like ice
These are really lovely. How wonderful to be in a place where the art is leading you so firmly! I was interested in reading the poem you reference but haven’t been able to find it.
Franki I will post when I have permission. Thanks so
much for the comment. This series feels like a breath of fresh air.
Helen, thank you for posting the poem. I can see why you keep it nearby. So many layers to it; every reading will bring new thoughts and images, possibilities.
Love the new work, Helen! Look forward to seeing them in person. Don’t you love it when the process of painting takes over! Wish it happened more often:)
Thanks Holly, I do love the process when it takes over. It is certainly a state that seems to come unexpectedly and it goes the same way. We ride the wave while we can. (:-)
These are beautiful, Helen: lyrical, transcendant, alive – truly original.
Thank you! Your comment means a lot to me. Inspires me.