This post brings the challenge to a conclusion with 44 small paintings, culminating in an exhibit locally at Oxford Community Arts Center September 10-October 2. Although I still technically have 6 panels left of the 50, I've run out of time.
From end of spring through end of July, things were looking up, pandemic-wise. People started getting out. Mask mandates were lifted. Many of us were vaccinated.
There was a 17 year cicada emergence from late May through early July to contend with, marvel at, endure the bumbly noisy hoards, and eventually clean up the broken young branches from egg laying slashes. There was a lovely escape at end of June to Beaver Island, Michigan for a week, on the quiet timeless western shore. Gardens at home flourished. Baby hawks grew, fledged, and launched into the world. Storms rose. But spirits were high...
Until the Delta variant arrived. Clearly, this isn't over. Fall and winter loom. Now we are looking at booster shots to ward off breakthrough infections, schools opening up only to possibly shut back down, and many folks in a state of belligerent denial.
In the midst of all this, I still paint, process, ruminate. We are still in this together. But in these strange and stressful times, we need art. Art awakens us. Deepens us. Encourages us. Carries us forward together. I hope you find it so in all these humble offerings.
From end of spring through end of July, things were looking up, pandemic-wise. People started getting out. Mask mandates were lifted. Many of us were vaccinated.
There was a 17 year cicada emergence from late May through early July to contend with, marvel at, endure the bumbly noisy hoards, and eventually clean up the broken young branches from egg laying slashes. There was a lovely escape at end of June to Beaver Island, Michigan for a week, on the quiet timeless western shore. Gardens at home flourished. Baby hawks grew, fledged, and launched into the world. Storms rose. But spirits were high...
Until the Delta variant arrived. Clearly, this isn't over. Fall and winter loom. Now we are looking at booster shots to ward off breakthrough infections, schools opening up only to possibly shut back down, and many folks in a state of belligerent denial.
In the midst of all this, I still paint, process, ruminate. We are still in this together. But in these strange and stressful times, we need art. Art awakens us. Deepens us. Encourages us. Carries us forward together. I hope you find it so in all these humble offerings.
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