Open Walls Series, reworked

Here are some pieces from a group called Open Walls, currently on display at Artefacto gallery in Palma de Mallorca until October 4th.


Virtually all of the written text in this body of work was provided by anonymous contributor. He shared a 2-part story of a move from a small village in Mallorca to Barcelona, and then, his return to the island 7 years later, a changed man. The story is poignant and has provided inspiration for many recent works, not to mention that transcribing the words has helped my Catalan comprehension!



The pieces above have advanced since earlier posts, you can see the in-progress images here, and here.

Unfinished Business: What to do with old, unresolved work!

I have been organizing the office and studio in my new home, coming across so many unfinished pieces of artwork from series past, spanning ten years of work. Practically, this is a great way to see if there are any hidden little gems I can post in my soon-to-be-complete Etsy store.

But, finding a big collection (you see a sampling above) of work that was left unfinished has got me thinking about the nature of my work and of changing thematic gears in general. If you haven't already noticed, my style and approach is broad and varied. This has its pros and cons. I love variety and use whichever materials I feel best express a given idea. However, I do sometimes feel fragmented, not sure which project to work on some days (Hello, Gemini!). In addition, more than one gallery owner has told me my work is not 'cohesive' enough. Business and marketing aside, I know it's important to learn from the steady growth of an idea over time.

One of the reasons you can see so many different styles is directly related to stopping and starting work in the studio due to moving house or other big life changes.
As I have mentioned before, I have moved 17 times in 21 years. Thus my persistent curiosity in stories about moving, renovations, packing, nesting, etc. When I have had to pack up and relocate, then get through transition times, I would often interrupt a series of artwork. Then, when I was ready to work again, I wanted to respond immediately to my new surroundings and sensations, leaving the previous body of work 'boxed'.

These days I seek continuity. One of the mantras from Yogi Bhajan I repeat to myself daily is: Consolidate, Concentrate, Be YOU. So, in this consolidation process I am determining whether some of the unfinished artwork should be finished and presented, and some should be recycled forever. Part practicality, part 'letting-go'.

There are also only so many hours in the day, so for one month, my daily paintings site will be dedicated to finishing and posting almost-there works. It's practical, but also sort of an experiment. would like to see what the common denominator in my varied bodies of work of over the last ten years is, and then how it connects to what I am currently exploring.

Across the Bridge

Here is the diptych I recently completed, Across the Bridge.

It's a 'moving story' (Español) about making big changes that includes writing in English and in Spanish about both the fear and relief that comes from this process. Thanks to Kristen and Xavi for providing the story excerpts. I am always looking for new stories to illuminate, so click on the links highlighted above or instructions. Thank you

Exhibition Open in Palma de Mallorca: The Search for Home/La Búsqueda de Casa

Just look at the sheer joy with which I work...My exhibit in the Gallery space at the Social Security Building in Palma de Mallorca is up and will be until the 13th. We will celebrate on Friday night at 8 p.m.; come by for Spanish tapas and a refreshment! I say this knowing that most of my English-speaking readership will certainly NOT be there, but a girl can dream...

Expert Mover, 1 of 8

A little sneak preview of a new series of daily paintings not yet posted over at my Dailies site. I've been a busy little bee.

La Vida Pseudonómada/The Pseudo-nomadic Life

La vida pseudonómada (The Pseudo-nomadic Life)

Completed September 1, 2009
35.5 X 47 inches (90 X 120 cm)
Mixed media on wood (rusted metal, collage, acrylic)

I started this piece ages ago and have finally pulled it together. It is the first piece that utilizes some of the many Moving Stories I have collected over the last 2 months. Thank you, Jose for your contribution. The original building structure is one in Inca, Mallorca. The junk was collected on the streets of Muro and the wall paper is from the site of a renovation in Sa Pobla.

I am entering this piece today in a competition at a gallery I have been salivating over; the exhibition space is a wonderfully restored historic estate and well-suited to my work. Just being in the group show would be great, but the first prize of a solo exhibit is going to be even better! Wish me luck.

gathering

Process is as important as product. I take tons of pictures of textures that inspire me. Here are some recent ones I am incorporating into my newest series of paintings.

This morning I collected more twigs and rusted materials. Malena and I walk by the bull ring each day on our way to school. The dirt road there is a dumping ground for various cast-offs from orchard pruning and home repairs. This combination of materials invokes the dual relationship of "man vs. nature" and "man with nature".  Alas, in the end everything returns to the original state.

Sedentary 2008 34X44 cm mixed media/dirt on bark paper

New Beginning

Just before I go to bed I will christen the site with an image. 

It is new and already sold.  I had so little time with it, 

I need to see it objectively to bring the ideas into other pieces.