Beyond the Blues

I was honored to participate in the invitational themed exhibition at the Columbia Art Center. This organization is so supportive of local artist and I am happy to get to know the art director, Liz Henzey, who is a fantastic advocate of the local arts here in Maryland.

The theme of the show was “Beyond the Blues” which encouraged artist to explore an array of concepts from the color blue, to the music genre, to feelings & emotions, or resilience. I was thrilled to have three pieces of art in this exhibition, all exploring the of stillness of nature at dusk and giving homage to feeling of Beyond.

In todays world, with the non stop hustle and grind that is modern day life, I was hoping to portray still moments in time. A place that one might stop to ponder, even if it’s brief.

In this piece, titled “Night Light” I imagine someone on a nighttime walk though an old city street. She stops to take a look at the moonlit sky and quietly notices light flooding out of a window of a room that is no longer occupied. The birds seem to fly in slow motion overhead as the world stands still.

Finding stillness in a busy world is essential. We all need a moment to pause and let our blues wash away, to dream a little, to forgive a little, to hope a little.

I have been blessed to be able to watch some very entertaining wildlife just outside my window. The deer, groundhogs, birds and the foxes remind me so much of us humans. They are all so different yet share the same space with both hustle and play. They tend to their homes and work to find their meals. They raise their families the best they can. I see them squabble and love. The animals know when to rest.

This piece, titled “Turning Point” explores moving beyond the limits we put on ourselves and the freedom we feel when decide to take those first steps forward.

The theme Beyond the Blues can also be moving beyond a broken heart or a career path that didn’t pan out the way you thought it would. Moving beyond falling short when expectations were too high, and beyond perfectionism. Moving beyond things that are out of your control.

In this piece titled, When light dims, new sparks begin” I imagine taking a seat around a crackling fire to gaze out into the distance. As the fire gives warmth and light, the sun sets on the horizon. This gives the feeling of being grounded right where you are while still knowing the world is vast.

I brought my oldest son to the reception and he took this picture of me. Taking some time to reflect and to know that this little life is truly beyond our greatest comprehension. I always gently remind myself (and my kids) to stay grounded in the gift of the present moment.

I’m so happy to have this little blog as an accompaniment to my art. To write and reflect on the thought process beyond the brush strokes of the canvas is a gift.