June 29, 2010: Earthly Connections

On Thursday I gave a gallery talk for "Coffee and Conversations" at the Columbus Cultural Arts Center.  http://culturalartscenteronline.org/linda_wesner  A lively group had gathered, as they do every month, to eat their bag lunches and ask questions of visiting artists. It was my turn to chat and listen to their observations about my current colored pencil solo show "Ohio Landscapes" in the main gallery.   The group asked practical questions, such as  "Do you pull over to the side of the road when taking reference shots? Do landowners ever chase you away?" I responded that the easiest method is akin to a "drive by photo shooting" from the passenger seat while someone else is driving the car. Over the years I have become pretty expert at this. (It helps to be on a smooth road!) The trick is to have your camera at the ready on trips - both short and long - so you don't miss that one unforgettable image.   The group also made thoughtful observations as we moved from one work to the next. I mentioned that my work is calm, but group members added, "Yet there is so much movement in the grasses and sky." I said my work was realistic, but many pointed to abstract qualities. As you can gather, I was on a learning curve, and a positive one, because these observations are the ones I aim to achieve in my work.   We ended up by "Field Trinity," which hangs by the front door to the Cultural Arts Center. I told them the panoramic fields of Ohio inspire me with their unique atmosphere.  I was reminded that my yoga instructor, Kit Spahr, once said in class that the breath is the door between body and mind, and I felt that the three burly trees are the bridge between field and sky.   The hour was up, and so we parted. I hope they felt inspired to create more art. I know I did.