The last two assignments from Gut Art Class were tough ones. We visited the work of artists whose work I could not identify with. But after studying them more, I found elements I liked.
A painting in the work of one of the artists we were visiting triggered a fond memory. It reminded me of the day I was surprised to see a flock of Monarch butterflies in migration. It happened very early in the morning, in fact, it was one of those times when I felt God just woke me up. I was visiting Mama at the time, so I went outside to sit on the front porch to meditate and pray. Suddenly, I was arrested by the sight of her huge elm tree alive with activity. It was covered in Monarch butterflies just waking up to the morning sun. I'll never forget it, both for the sight itself, and for the special time it was between God and me. This little abstract painting is named Monarch Morning after the memory.
The next place we visited in class showed the work of Native American women who are potters, applying avante garde design to traditional art. I loved their work, even though I am not a potter. But how to apply what I saw to my own art? Here is how it turned out:
I wanted the face to show the avante garde quality.
What seemed impossible at first became a milestone for me. In these pieces I was able to attain that place of painting just for me and not worrying about how the pieces would be received by anyone who might view them.
Stretching is hard, but you do feel good afterwards.