A Cleansing Interim in the Wilderness

Honorable Mention at Paint Historic Waxahachie

I got to spend my Saturday in my classroom, fulfilling my teacher contract in making up for an inclement weather day.  The students went home yesterday, so teachers had the option today of taking a personal business day off, or spending the day in the classroom doing . . . what?  That was my day.  A day in an empty classroom.

But now school is really out (until summer school in about ten days).  I drove south to Waxahachie for the Awards Reception this evening.  I managed an Honorable Mention.  The competition was fierce indeed this year, and I was fortunate to achieve any level of recognition.  I’m proud to get the ribbon, and proud to be listed next to the winners, who were truly outstanding this year.  I’m glad I decided to do that last painting at deadline yesterday, as it was the one that took the ribbon.  I was tired then, and am tired tonight.

Now I have a little over a week to retreat to the wilderness for solitude, reflection, thoughts about what direction to take next in my art.  I will be listening attentively to the art masters that I have been reading recently (Henri, Hopper, Manet, Homer, Wyeth, Delacroix, Gauguin), as well as the philosophical thinkers (Emerson, Tillich, Heidegger).  And I plan to do plenty of writing.  I am ready for new ideas, new visions, new directions.  A few days ago I introduced brighter, more aggressive color into my compositions.  I intend to follow that thread for awhile, and see how I can weave it into the detailed work from my past.  I’m wondering where it is going to take me.

This interim space is a genuine gift for which I am boundlessly grateful.  My students this past year have been lovely beyond description.  But I am ready now for the quiet, ready to sit in a room alone with my thoughts with no deadlines.  There is so much to ponder now, and I need that time and space.   Only good things can come from the retreat.

Thanks for reading.

I paint in order to remember.

I journal when I feel alone.

I blog to remind myself that I am not alone.

Tags: Paint Historic Waxahachie