As the world slowed down…

I hunkered in at home, anxious and forced to live more and more with my own thoughts. I found myself increasingly aware and more conscious of my inner dialogue - muttering away, jotting down notes, asking myself questions aloud.

I heard the same from many of my artist friends. This forced pause encouraged an examination of my current path in life and art; in my priorities, desires, sense of gratitude, and purpose. I sensed the fragility of life and human connection. I felt my need of others, and of community.

A refuge

The studio has always been a refuge for me from the tumultuous and uncertainty of the outer world. Within its walls I feel adventurous and safe to explore and experiment; reveling in material, concept, and meaning.

What about this material draws me in? What is this work about? What am I trying to express?

I started having longer text and email exchanges with artist friends in addition to the not-satisfying-enough-but grateful to-have-something zoom talks. Zoom feels necessary. Yet it is as if a viewfinder is centered on a tiny fragment of a large, vital, and intriguing painting. So much is lost in the translation; the breadth and depth, and texture and fullness of experience.

Studio muse

Studio Muse was born of a period of contemplation. I missed the impromptu conversations with others at openings and gatherings, critique groups, and shared meals. I missed the questions that stir the pot and volley back and forth generating ideas and stimulation from other artists. This blog is my internal dialog — as record, response, sketch or rendering — of where I am and what I am experiencing in this time as related to my studio practice, art in general, and the connections and pathways between my life and my work. I welcome you in and look forward to reading your thoughts in this digital conversation.

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