This series is a study of old barns, both as they exist now and as I remember them. These barns were the cathedrals of my childhood and I find beauty, purpose and meaning in them, even in ruin. They represent the hard work and humility of home, and a time gone by. While the old apple trees remain, wild with hope.
A couple of elements took on a life of their own in the series. I was inspired by an old farm scale, rusty and pitted, its numbers long worn away but still wanting to work. And silos, which are often the only thing that remain, as the old barns come down. These forms became other things in the paintings and I let them be.
Throughout I am playing with the juxtaposition of forms in composition and the play of light and shadow. The colors are intentionally mysterious. I enjoy seeing how much range I can get from just a few colors.
I set the series at twilight. The end of the day and time of tranquility and quiet reflection. When the work is done and the world goes soft and quiet. For many of these old barns, it is their twilight hour, or beyond. The moment of their final repose. Their monumental beauty remains, in the bones of their being.
Angle of Repose
Treasure Map
(For Collette)
We did something wonderful once
and long ago. When we were young
and brave and beautiful.
We were gifted a map
with the general coordinates of our being
revealed along the journey’s way.
Life’s treasures found
in small blessings.
We packed light and traveled far
Inhabiting places
until we had memorized the contours.
The magic and the beauty.
If only for a day. If only in a dream.
Look at us now. Unraveling
in our care-worn bodies, frayed
upon our edges.
Aren’t we lucky to grow this old
To be so loved,
And grateful.
So much has changed, so fast.
A pandemic. Borders Closed. People gone
crazy and mean. The world spinning madly.
Now you are so sick and I am afraid,
taking solace in our shared stories
and our memories.
The gentlest turn of a moment,
the warmth of the light, the scent
of the sea. The sound of your beloved’s
voice and his astonished delight
at some small discovery
he wants so much to share
with you
Those moments, held forever
in a picture, a sketch, a memento.
Some small found object
worn out with fondling over many years.
We close our eyes and drift into a deep longing
as we remember
That perfect day
in that magical place. The food, the wine.
The laughter of friends. the play
of light and shadow as the sun
moves across the day,
transforming ancient architecture
and ruin.
Our journey now is of the heart, the mind.
We look in those deep places, close to home
For ritual and meaning and love
Our hearts filled with gratitude.
Our minds still mapping
this magical journey.
,
We have lived fully and well.
We have born witness to beauty
and a thousand sunsets, all over the world
We will witness still more in the days that remain.
Each of them uniquely
Perfect.
