MORE MYSTERY THAN CERTAINTY

There's Always One  .  8x10" . oil on linen canvas

We truly forget there is indeed more mystery than certainty while traveling through space on this round planet in our universe of stars. This thought was recently spurred on by a friend in Florida via a quote she sent to me by Barry Lopez:

"Mystery is the real condition in which we live, not certainty."

In the beginning it felt "surreal" . . .the word was used over and over as people began to talk of the Covid-19 Pandemic. Yet surreal has been left on the side of the highway as we have traversed weeks of the new reality all around the world.  

Restrictions to keep us safe seemed to steadily drip, drip as schools closed, businesses closed, travel closed all while our state governments came to grips with the inevitable quarantining, lock down, self isolation that is now upon us. Pick your term, they are all the same and I, for one, don't mind a bit.  The thought of contracting the coronavirus and spreading it unknowingly (perhaps causing someone to die!) goes against my love of life and others, so this sacrifice is an easy choice. 

The Barry Lopez quote only brings to the forefront how short our memories are about truly horrible things happening in our bubble world of work, fun, social media and sometimes worry.  The unimaginable does happen - 9/11, the Holocaust, World Wars, any war, the Civil War, epidemics and polio. . .slavery, the Jim Crow era, lynchings, the great depression.  Perhaps the cocoon and seduction of apparent luxury and technological advances falsely gives an illusion of safety. I mean, self-driving cars?? 

It is of little matter at this point.  The pandemic is upon us and we are called upon to cope in a myriad of ways. I have no doubt that we will.  I cannot and will not speculate on what is to come - obviously I am but a grain of sand in the hourglass of time, but I do think it's best that we all stay in the present moment as best we can, foregoing our speculation on the future.  Hope does spring eternal though, and at the very least we can hold onto hope every day. 

Social Distancing  .  6x6" . oil on canvas panel

 Spring is upon us here in North Carolina; my seasonal allergies announced its arrival a couple of weeks ago.  Imagine if we were heading into winter's grey and snow right now?  I've loved how people have been sharing all of their garden adventures and spring photos of a world, left alone, budding in all its glory.  The gardens are capitalizing on the extra attention and I suspect the summer will be lush.  Hence the small little painting above.  I suspect we've all found a quiet place to read, think, look at our phones for connection and experience the freshness of air, flowers and green grass.

Ruth . 10x8" . oil on Arches mounted on panel

A client and friend inspired this painting, the third in my goat series. He has also graciously purchased it.  No matter what your political persuasion, I hope we can all agree that RBG is an admiral woman with wisdom and qualities we can all aspire to.  Perhaps her fortitude and courage, especially in health, is fitting at this moment in time with regards to those who have unexpectedly faced death and recovered. Our collective hearts will mourn for those who have perished in this awful Pandemic, and we will mourn for those left behind to grieve their sudden loss.

There are no words to express gratitude for all the healthcare workers and the support staff standing behind each of them, aiding them as they go through each day with an ache in their hearts, minds and bodies.  It is a chosen calling of sacrifice and we will never forget. Rising to an occasion is not something we think about on a daily basis.  It's so honorable, so inspiring, so courageous that it brings tears to my eyes.

Alas, I am an artist who is not inspired by crisis; I work best when the creative flow comes from peace and order.  It's been a bit of a struggle, but I'm persevering - the still life at the top of this post came about by what was in the fridge and needed to be painted before eaten!  Very few creatives will get monetary relief as we don't fit the mold - but there are creative efforts out there to help during this time and the top-notch artists with thousands of followers will come through. Meanwhile, I wish you all the very best of everything, especially your health, physical and mental.  Hopefully I'll have some more new work to show soon. . .