Detail of “Moving On”
36”h x 32”w, $3400
Contact PJ to see full image and more info

I always chuckle when I hear about reading lists for those “lazy days” of summer. For me, summer activity seems to ramp up more than ever in the studio, my personal life and in the garden. Who has time to read?!

That said, I am finding time to open one book I keep handy throughout the year titled “Originals, American Women Artists” by Eleanor Munro. It’s a collection of stories and interviews of female artists who lived primarily in the early to late 20th century, and includes several Abstract Expressionists, a group of whom I am so fond. In reading quotes from these women, it’s interesting to note that they had concerns from their time about the government and the political direction the country was taking — just as we do today. Many of the artists were vocal about their concerns and it showed in the artwork they created. It leads me to the questions I have been asking myself lately, namely:

What happens when we find events occurring in the world around us to be quite disturbing? What can we do when we feel they are out of our immediate control?

One answer is to immerse ourselves in an activity in order to maintain a level of calm and uplift the spirit. As mentioned in previous posts, being in the studio is where I find that equanimity for myself. From reading the book mentioned above, I can see that a lot of those women artists felt the same way.

I started a new artwork recording my thoughts with color and texture. The artwork, recently finished, is titled “Moving On.” The message here is to let go of the negative thoughts brought up by the daily news while continuing to be a positive voice in my community. I want to be a prism that can help renew society by turning my thoughts into actions.

The famous quote from Mahatma Gandhi — “Be the change you wish to see in the world” — is tacked up on one of my boards by my work desk. I see it every day. It continues to be an inspiration, especially now. I may not be able to change the world, but through the artwork I create I strive to take small bites.

Are there any books that you turn to when you find yourself anxious or uncertain? I am happy to share your suggestions.