New Work: Desert Seeker

Desert Seeker
18" x 18" Acrylic on canvas

This weekend I was lucky enough to have a new acquaintance ask me about my art. I applaud people who do this, who bother to ask, because for most people the question is fraught with anxiety. Anxiety about what to ask and a little embarrassment because generally, the person feels they don't know much about art or that they don't "get" it somehow. My new friend readily admitted (after some hesitation) that she often doesn't understand art; she feels like she is missing whatever the artist is trying to say. (I assured her that often, I am in the same boat!) I explained that my artwork these days is very simple. It's all about lines, shapes and colors and whatever significance I attach to them. The meaning for me happens when I am working and directly reflects whatever I am thinking about. I assured the person who asked me the question that whatever she saw in my work would be just fine-there was nothing to really "get" in other words-and that if she liked the colors or shapes or whatever and they reminded her of anything, that would be just great. (I also told her what I was doing, what my own purpose as an artist is and what I want for my artwork to be.) And she could tell me and that would be great too. And furthermore, if the art matched her sofa or went well in her bathroom, that would please me too. (In the past, my work has been very big in people's bathrooms!)

So, what exactly then does the above piece mean? A clue could be in the title. I am beginning to really love the desert. Not the nitty gritty I-live-in-the-desert-every-day kind of thing but more the I-want-to go-to-the-desert-and-just-absorb-it kind of thing. When we were in Nevada two weeks ago, I loved the views of the mountains which are both near and far; the endless creosote bushes/sagebrush and seemingly endless sky. There is greenery where you least expect it, blue sky peeking out from a slot canyon, and astonishing rock forms in an unbelievable array of colors. The desert is formidable too-lovely, beautiful and deadly. (I saw more people set out for a walk/hike with no water, clothes coverings, or hats.) If the desert doesn't put the fear of God into a person I don't know what would.

So yes, this is a simple geometric piece that might not scream immediately "desert love" or may not even obviously convey what I was thinking when I made it. No matter. If you like the colors and it matches your sofa, that's a win-win!

Happy Easter to everyone (or Passover or Spring or what have you). Thanks for reading and commenting. 

Libby