I recently took on a part-time gig as Program Manager of Petaluma Arts Center. It's turning out to be even more fun than I imagined. Today, I went to a lowrider car show to promote our next exhibit, which I'm co-curating, titled "Xicano Community Narratives." We're having our own lowrider festival as part of the exhibit.
Another task is to gather local artists to paint empty wine barrels for an upcoming fundraiser. Over the last few days, I maneuvered and lifted over 25 of these giant things. Each one at least 100 lbs. I was surprised to see how many artists showed up. Each of them was willing to donate their time and materials for the arts center, yes, but I could tell that what really got them going was the creative challenge.
I can relate, because I'm painting one, too. And I'm super excited! A new project!
Some of the empty wine barrels in the arts center classroom
I've painted art on plenty of odd things. Wall murals, furniture, kitchen cupboards, even a ukulele for a Tiki-themed Disney event. But never a wine barrel--which is ironic, considering I haven't had a drink in 33 years.
A Mickey and Minnie ukulele I painted for a Disney signing event in 2008.
I'm going to cover the whole barrel with gesso and treat it as a canvas. I plan to explore this new theme of butterflies that's taken root in my psyche. Knowing me, though, I'll somehow make pretty butterfly patterns disturbing and complex. We'll see. What I'm most looking forward to is seeing what everyone else creates on their barrels, all in one room again, bursting with color and joy.
I never cease to be amazed at how many twists and turns appear on a creative path. When I decided to be an artist at twenty, not just for fun but for a living, I had no idea where it would lead me. All I knew is that I had to do it.
Now in my late 50s, I still have no other choice but to pursue this path. The current chapter seems to be about collaboration and sharing. And I couldn't be more thrilled.
Art Heals
A friend sent me an article about Rose B. Simpson, an artist who is making a splash on the art scene. I found her work deeply moving. She calls her sculptures "tools" to heal damages she's experienced. As she says, "The intention of these tools is to cure, therefore, my hope is that they become hard-working utilitarian concepts." I can see both the damage and the hard work of healing embodied in this sculpture. It's titled "Two Selves."
Here's how the article quoted her description of the child tied to her chest: That being “is the little me,” said Simpson. “It’s like the heart, the vulnerable part that I haven’t let speak, that I don’t often allow to guide me. And that’s the one that’s saying, ‘This way.’”
