Semblance of Order

What an incredible whirlwind of a year this has been. I have been stretched, pulled; reshaped like a lump of Silly Putty in the hands of a child. To say I have been busy would be a gross understatement.

Working two jobs and attending college with a full course load, I have struggled with 500 word MLA style papers, constructed sculptures composed of sticks and leaves, and studied until the next day - all fueled by copious amounts of caffeine.

I took my first trip to New York. It was love at first sight.

My art has expanded as I have begun to learn to speak and better understand it's complex language.

The world around us has become increasingly toxic and volatile during 2008. Many lost fortunes and jobs, homes and hope. A senseless war still rages. This is old news, and most are weary of the day- to- day reality of it.

But risking cliche, on this New Year's Day, it is good to begin anew. As artists, we have a mandate to decipher the world around us, to make sense of it in some way. Lines become shapes, shapes take on form and mass. Simple marks, all put together, can become an expression of a place, person or feeling.

Here's one of my student works, pen and ink on paper, which was ridiculous in it's complexity, and quite a challenge to render. It's really amazing what you can do if you just try.

Please

In between all the miscellanea I still, to my shock, have managed to do some sketching here and there.

Here is my latest, titled "Please".

Special thanks to Tom Stone, whose photos broke my heart and inspired me to do this work in progress.

Somethings got to give, folks. Is this still the USA???

Ahhh, New York!

What a summer this has been. After the crush of summer school, I took a much needed breather and traveled to New York with friends and colleagues.

I was warned by some fellow Southern natives to be wary of the Big Apple - the hustle and bustle, the traffic, rudeness of the dwellers. "They" said "Watch out for the subway riders and the taxi drivers," and "The big buildings might make you claustrophobic" . . .

What utter nonsense.

I have no doubt "They" were trying to be helpful, but I had the best time of my life. Went to the glorious Metropolitan Museum of Art and my eyes beheld such beauty in the works of Monet, Renoir, Matisse . . . no printed copy could ever do them justice. Went to MOMA and saw Dali's "The Persistence of Memory" - and oh dear God the colors, I had no idea it was so small. Went to Central Park with dear friend James and listened to the NY Philharmonic on a blanket
under the stars . . . pure aural ecstasy.

Experienced my first transit train ride, NY cab ride, subway ride, NY pizza and bagels. Dear friend Ellen Zisholtz had a hugely successful first exhibition of her work in Soho, along with fellow artist and writer Pat Kaufman.

Gee. I survived it all, with much aplomb.

"They" usually mean well, but you cannot listen to their voices of fear. To be afraid of the unknown and unfamiliar is to stagnate and die. Even in these perilous times, and I think especially so, grab life, hold on for all it's worth. It is vitally important to sing your song, paint your masterpiece. Don't let "They" hold you back!

This kept playing in my head all the way back home. Thanks, Billy.

Kickin Back on Edisto

Hard to believe the glorious days of Summer are upon us. Where did the time go? Either we are living in extraordinarily busy times, or we have been already sucked into one of those tiny black holes that CERN may inadvertently cause when they fire up the big collider later this year.

In any event, I am glad to slow down a bit, dip my toes in the ocean, and just chill. I am looking forward to catching up with friends and family, and taking a long, deep breath. I'll touch paint to canvas, and pencil to paper, and hopefully something decent will come of it.

Here's a shot of a recent foray to Edisto, a quiet little island that I go back to time and time again.

Ya'll have a great 4th.

I learned . . .

Pleased to meet you all, I'm Harriett and I used to be a pretty regular blogger, until I started college in middle age . . .

Glad to be back! School is out, I did decently, and am getting ready for Summer school and then a month off before Fall semester.
I learned:

I can figure out m=y2-y1/x2-x1!!!!!! Took me all semester . . .

The immense value in disciplining yourself to do a sketch a day, even if it's seemingly worthless.

The comfort of friends who really understand if you don't return their call.

A new appreciation for those who struggle and sacrifice so others can achieve a dream (namely professors).

Here's a page from my sketchbook:

Back From The Dead

I just realized it's been over a month since I last posted! I have no excuses, just reasons:

1. Spring Break was just that - a much needed break from all things except food and sleep, Hubby and the company of treasured friends.

2. My new found respect for college grads continue to grow with each MLA -style -500 -word paper -that's -due -2 -days- from- now.

3. That goes triple for those 15 -color- hue- only -gray- saturation -figure- ground -reversible art projects.

4. "What do you mean you don't have 150 sketches - they are due tomorrow!"

But no complaints - I am learning . . .

It's socially OK, and even expected of you to text your 18 year old friend during a math lecture, even though you are sitting side by side.

Coffee is a magic elixir.

So is chocolate - but I knew that already.

Will post pics, of something, when I come back up for air. For now, back to looming exams. Yippee!

From Harlem to Hubble

Taking a short break from approaching midterms. My goodness, how time escapes! My goodness, I am ready for Spring Break in 2 weeks!

A wonderful thing is happening tonight. A new dual exhibition has been installed at the IP Stanback Museum and Planetarium on the campus of my school, South Carolina State University, and tonight is the grand opening and reception. These exhibitions are The Hubble Space Telescope; New Views of the Universe and Harlem on My Mind Part II; 1940 -1959, and they are fantastic.

These images encompass where we have been, the struggle and misunderstandings; and where we are going, to new worlds and vistas we can scarcely imagine. It is hope housed in a building of brick and mortar; it is a continual fight for freedom- artistic, social, intellectual - documented and shared so we will always remember.

If you can, please make every attempt to see this exhibition. It will be available until June 15, and you will certainly be glad you did.

Golden Discovery

One neat thing I'm discovering about college is the richness of the learning environment, and the unexpected ways new ideas can be discovered. Of course there's the traditional classroom way, with lectures and interaction between professor/student and student/student.

But I discovered a real gem in music . . . and no, I don't mean Brittany's out of rehab and decided to actually attempt to sing, or any otherwise unlikely event.

No, I mean a real talent in the person of Paul Robeson.

I write and maintain the blog for the IP Stanback Museum & Planetarium, which is on the campus of my school, South Carolina State University. We are getting ready for a new dual exhibition, The Hubble Telescope and Harlem on My Mind. Harlem is a a group of photos from the Harlem Renaissance era, taken by some of the best photographers America ever produced. The Harlem part is dedicated to Paul Robeson. I found out about him after researching for the blog.

Lord, oh Lord, what a voice. This voice will make every cell in your body resonate.

Take a listen if you haven't heard him before. If you have, reminisce.

Coming Up For Air

Finally able to see a bit of daylight after being in the dark for a bit. I've been in the thick, tangled forest of school and work.

I am enjoying myself - the college experience is one I can appreciate more, given that I'm older than the average student, than I could have if I attended when I was younger.

I don't have to worry about fitting in - I don't and it's perfectly fine. Cool even.

I don't have the self esteem issues a lot of the younger students seem to have - I have a confidence that I've bought through happiness and heartache.

I don't abuse time - achieving "middle age" makes one aware of every tick of the clock.

It is a privilege to be able to go to college. Though the work load is sometimes daunting, time
has become a precious commodity (as if it wasn't before - now I'm more aware of how precious it is) and I am realizing how ignorant I am . . .

This is an exhilarating experience.

Photo courtesy of dcJohn

Act II

The second half of my life has begun. I began school last week, and much to my surprise I found it enjoyable. Of course, the key words here are "I just began". . . time will tell whether I'll regret this decision to the marrow of my bones, or just through to the first layer of dermis.

On this day, I'm off from both school and work, thanks to Martin Luther King, Jr. and our government, though lately I have major criticisms of said government, at least they set aside a day to remember this heroic fallen son of America. I am using this time to study and do homework.

I've found a fountain of youth of sorts, old school memories flood my mind. I'm much more thankful this go 'round, much more cognizant of the sacrifices the professors make each and every day, and of the incredible journey many students have embarked upon just to be able to be there. Everyone in their middle years should go back to school. Just sitting in a desk again, after 20+ years, is a miracle in itself.

Time to get a cup of java, and get back at it. Here's a sketch I did for my art class. . . pen and ink on paper. We are assigned to do a sketch a day, which is a great way to build focus and skill. I recommend it highly.

Rural Splendor

Had a super time this weekend riding around the countryside looking. I am fortunate to have artist friends who need company, an accomplice for restocking art at a gallery that is a long way from civilization, or the type of civilization that most of us have come to expect.

The day was clear, the sky the color of blue memories are made of. The sun bright and gentle. I am rejuvenated, and aching to tell of my impressions of that day using the language of paint.

Yes, Yet Another New Years List

Like almost everyone else on the planet, I've been doing a bit of reviewing here at year's end. Here's a few things I hope for the new year:

• That somebody will TAKE charge, and get our men and women out of the train wreck called Iraq.
• That for once, just once, my bills won't exceed my earnings.
• That at least one person in the world will allow their inner artist to come to life. (OK, really I hope about a million will)
• That stupid Head ON commercial will just go away.
• That my head won't explode from school, paint, work, blog, school, work, blog, paint . . . (Hmmm, wonder if Head ON works??)
  
• That my hand remain steady, my eyes clear, my soul easily inspired.
• That no child will ever see a hand raised to injure them, and the ones lost find a way back home.
• That goes for pets, too.
• That I never forget to tell and show those I love that I do.
• That even though I posted this lame end of the year entry, you all will bear with me and stick with me for another year.

Peace.

THE Gift

Been very busy as of late getting ready to start college. I had no idea it was such an involved process. I guess I ignorantly assumed I would just march in and sit down and begin.

I have had to chase down health records . . . which after all that chasing left me with having to get shots anyway . . . been shuffled from one building to another, been given a new appreciation for reasonably close parking to a destination (only 3 blocks away? How fortunate!) and have filled out at least a pound of paperwork.

But it is worth all the fuss . . . I'm in!
I'm the first member of my family to go to college.

A Christmas gift above all other gifts.

Hope all of you have a splendid Christmas/Winter Solstice/Kwanzaa/Chanukah.

Fini Revenir de Suite

Managed to get together and paint with fellow artist and good friend Ellen Zisholtz this weekend. This was my first experience painting with someone, and I am hooked! We cranked up Springsteen, went into our corners and fought with our respective canvases. It was energizing to be able to bounce ideas around and receive instant feedback. No wonder the Impressionists created such masterpieces!

Here's the finished Revenir de Suite (Be Right Back) 8"X10" acrylic on canvas.

Rainbow Painter

Well, I've gone and done it. Really gone and done it.

As if I'm not busy enough, as if I don't have more things to do than ever, paintings that need to be painted, etc . . . I just had to pile one more thing on.

I have decided to go to school and get my degree. Full time. And still work. And still paint.

Documenting the whole chain of events that got me to this place in my life would take more time than I have at the moment, and more time than I'm likely to have for a very loooong while. Let's just say an incredibly special someone encouraged me and believed in me, and took steps to make it happen. I won't be getting a free ride, I have to continue to work to see the end to this rainbow. But for the first time in many years, I do see a rainbow, and there is a pot of gold there at the end. All it took was for my someone, my mentor, to sit me down and paint the picture for me. Thank God she's an artist, and a very fine painter.

I'm going to get my BS in Art Education. So I can paint pictures like the one painted for me.

Photo courtesy of Darwin Bell.

Revenir de Suite

I finally got back to my easel!!! It's been entirely too long . . . and oh how I missed it! I set aside some time this past weekend and worked on a painting I started a few weeks (months?) ago. The brushes in my hand felt heavenly, working with and mixing the paint like a reunion with a long ago friend.

Here's my painting, revenir de suite, (Be Right Back) which isn't quite finished, still on the easel, and a corner of my studio.

What has kept me away from my first art love has been another form of creativity - writing. I've begun the first ever art blog for my town's newspaper. I get to make people aware of what's happening art wise, and I hope to joggle a few folks into realizing art is as necessary as other forms of commerce, even more so. To those of us who create, and those who appreciate the creations, it is our lifeblood, our reason for being, not just a way to make a buck, although making a living off our compulsion is nice, too. I find it exciting, and a bit scary. I intend to trumpet the artists and the artists' creations, to show how much richer we are with them around.

The blog is called Drawing Attention. I hope you all like it.

Artist Jonathan Green

South Carolina artist (he now resides in Florida) and native son Jonathan Green graciously granted an interview with me. I have always admired his work - the colors, the joie de vivre that is so abundant in his paintings. Here are his thoughts on art and culture, and the role they play in our lives.




"Marsh Woman" 1999
Copyright 2006 Jonathan Green Studios, Inc.


What are your thoughts on the role of artists and what
specific needs do they fulfill?


Artists are our shamans, their role is to record and inform visually- through music, through dance- the culture. Artists create and through that creativity the culture can be remembered for all time. Every community needs artists - they are vital.

What inspires you?

The now. What I'm feeling, doing, seeing, drinking, eating . . . all that and more.

What is your day like?

It depends on the season. In the Fall I'm up later, around 4:00 AM, and I work until the sun goes down, about 5:00 or 6:00 PM. I take an hour or two for lunch. I work six days a week, I spend the seventh day reading, relaxing.

Do you use studio assistants? Do you stretch your own canvases, etc.?

No, I do it all myself. I want to put time into art, not stretching canvas. I want to implement the imagery I have in my mind. My inspiration, my muse, is always around. I live in my home for my work and for other people - I represent that in my work.

What was your early subject matter, and at what point did you decide to focus on Gullah subjects?

Gullah has always been my subject. As a child I saw and did things and I knew the more one participates the more one is respected and acknowledged. People around me were always working and doing.

How do you support the arts on an individual basis?

I like the younger up and coming artists, and I like WPA art out of Chicago, and African American artists. I devote my life to making sure the imagery of American artists is not forgotten.

What are your thoughts on the way art is taught in public schools?

It isn't taught! It is a wide open field. Art should be taught at the family level. Families need to take the responsibility to support the artists in their family, to nurture that creativity. They should be taught to tap into their intuitive inner feelings . . . which is the importance of family . . . love, food, beauty, history. Art was our first language. The notion of art has nothing to do with an institution - it has to do with family. It needs to be nurtured by family, and the family needs to invest time into the child's vision. 99.9% of families are not supporting their members in the arts. If the family supported the arts, communities would support the arts, then cities, then states, etc. It ALL begins at the family level.

Many visual artists also write. Do you?

No, I speak rather than write. I put a lot of emphasis on speaking.

Can you share where your artistic direction is taking you?

On the first week of March, 2008 I'll be conducting a symposium on "Seeking" - I will start at the Gibbes Museum, then go to the Charleston County Library, Then to the University of South Carolina, and finally end at the College of Charleston. For more information contact Barbara Burgess 843 345-3664.

Still Thankful

It's almost Thanksgiving again, and I suppose I will join the hundreds of other bloggers and report on the season. Not terribly creative or original, I know.

Thanksgiving, however, is a time I look forward to each year. Not for the obligatory food or family get togethers, though. Of course I remember Turkey Day's past, and instances of both family peace and drama.

What is special about the day for me is the call to be grateful, to be thankful, for all things. As I posted last year, here are a few things I'm thankful for:

Leaves that are more beautiful than any painting
The ability to see those leaves
Men and women who have the courage to fight for the freedoms I enjoy, sitting here writing.
Election Day
Friends who love me like we share genetic material
The sound and smell of the ocean
Coffee and chocolate
That feeling you get when you get home after a long day and your dog is wagging all over
A loving, supportive spouse

Have a super Thanksgiving, everybody. (Photo courtesy audreyjm529)

Art Star

I had an opportunity to meet an artist I have admired for a very long time. Jonathan Green, a world renowned South Carolina artist from the tiny hamlet of Garden's Corner (which is nothing but a sign along side the road) was at the Penn Center's Heritage Days. This is an annual event that takes place on St. Helena Island, and is a celebration of Gullah culture.

Jonathan Green's work is a celebration of life, with bright colors, bold compositions, and inhabited by people who are happily going about their life. Seeing his work has inspired me to embrace my cultural heritage; to appreciate beauty and to see it everywhere. His paintings are harmonious and cause me to feel relaxed.

There was a long line to meet him and calendars and other items with his art were for sale.I bought a calendar, and got in line. There were people from all over the state, as well as out of state, there just to meet him. This is the small town guy who made it big.

Finally, my turn came. About six photogs were milling around - my friend Neta snapped my pic with him.

"Hi, Mr. Green! I've been an admirer of your work for a long time . . . if you have time may I have an interview for a blog I write?" Just knowing this man is too busy - look at all the people! He has had a ballet written and performed based on his art; he has awards and degrees . . .

"Sure", he said, "Here's my personal number, give me a call anytime."

Well, I'll be.

Unique Creativity

Creativity can and does come in all forms. Halloween is one of my favorite holidays because of it - it brings out the artist in people who don't, or won't, let it show at any other time of the year. This was evident at my dayjob in the library, when one of the librarians just let her inner Van Gogh burst through . . .

Here's the cake she made, which freaked us all out good. The poem she wrote read,

"Is this a trick?
Or is it a treat?
Is it nasty,
Or is it sweet?

If you're feeling brave,
Then scoop up some and eat!"


Thanks, Julie Knotts . . . it was delicious, by the way.