Sunday, April 3, 2011

in kansas

i visited my father for almost two weeks recently.  he lives in kansas city, the place in which i grew up.  i seldom visit any longer-there never seems to be enough time, and, furthermore, it is expensive to get to from the east coast.  however, since my father was ill, i made the time.  it was good.  since i was without my children i was given the gift of being able to view the places of my childhood in a way that i had been unable to before.  certain landmarks that had been taken for granted by me earlier in my life took on mythical qualities.  in particular, i became transfixed by a group of factories by the missouri river, with bright candy cane striped smokestacks.  they seemed so surreal and slightly absurd against the grey days and the muddy, murky river. i am sure i had seem them many times before, but, i never noticed them. i was really struck by the notion of how much i ignored because it was familiar.  i probably missed a lot.  now that i am back at home, i hope to notice more here.  visual magic is everywhere.

7 comments:

  1. wonderful to hear what is behind your works.
    this is etheral, beautiful.
    j

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  2. Thank you for sharing this lovely note about the painting. I'm sure you formed a new impression of these familiar places and I love seeing how those details emerge in your work.

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  3. thanks, julie and holly. i really feel as though i was given an opportunity i probably will not have again. and i appreciate this very much. xo

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  4. Hey!!
    There she is swinging that brush... good to see!
    The mid-west is a gray zone during the winter and early spring, living here can really be a challenge for those needing the sun light....

    Hope things are good... The painting is no doubt a homage to K.C. and your father, well done

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  5. Oh this is lovely- both the painting and this space here- filled with visual and verbal poetry! Beauty everywhere!

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  6. thank you so much, jb. your words of encouragement gave me the push i needed...:)

    most grateful, dear anna maria! i am really loving what your are doing in your studio. inspiring!

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  7. I like the way you explore/employ the various shades of white/grey in this. Sort of an allegory for viewing the familiar in new and different ways.

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