the 50

If you're new to this blog, here's some history. Late in December, I ordered 50 canvases built and shipped to my studio. The concept was to work within a uniform space, with the same dimensions, and to paint 50 fully-realized paintings.

My reasoning behind this was that I would settle into an almost automatic, assembly-line rhythm; and out of this process would emerge something (hopefully) unique and personal. This was never about the finished works, however. It is all about the process along the way.

Over the weekend I reached for canvas number 10. There are 4 cases still unopened, and this is an unprecedented situation for me as an artist; to have materials, time and space all available in concert. For the first time in my life, I can work (relatively) unimpeded.

Limitations are a good thing when it comes to art. Artists are, well, creative, so being forced to overcome obstacles more often than not leads to something interesting. It is so-often the case that when all limitations are removed from art, the work suffers. (A certain Broadway show comes immediately to mind).

Yet I have to say with the conviction of one who knows, there is nothing inherently noble about poverty. It doesn't make art more "true" or "real," it just means that one has to prioritize more carefully. So I'm fortunate to be where I am, fortunate to have this time and this studio and to be able to watch the work unfold.

I have also decided that this is my year of "purity". I will not exhibit, or seek exhibition. It is solely about the work and the studio discipline. I'm weary, and I must confess I'm becoming a bit jaded when it comes to all things "professional" about art. Better to withdraw for a time than watch that happen to myself. So the studio has become fun again. It is about slinging paint, and about play and about wonder. Hopefully, the work will have that freshness as well. This remains to be seen.

So, thanks for stopping by this little corner of the internet; one that documents an artist's work in a little corner of America, -one that you've likely never heard of.