Both of these improvisations were inspired by the Metolius River. Neither look remotely like what I saw. I made my own 'nature'.
I`ve lived my whole adult life near beautiful landscapes and expressing my affection and respect is pretty much what I`ve done with my 60 years. Yet ultimately I`m just moving color around a flat surface. That I want to do this so exclusively and passionately seems very odd and very lucky. No indecision.
Through Pinterest I`ve learned more about a New England painter I was vaguely familiar with, Jon Imber. He died recently of ALS. This is one of his glorious paintings;
Here is a video of him after his diagnosis. Look what he did to keep working. This deep impulse to create is a profound gift.
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5 comments:
I spent the first 45 years of my life in Massachusetts but had never heard of this artist. Love his colors. That drive in us to create is certainly strong. I painted all through chemo when I couldn't do anything else. It was a necessity as much as food or water.
Still dancing with Yupo, step by step!
Hi Randall,
Wow! What an inspiring video of a life well-lived.
I may have to stop whining now! Thanks for introducing us to this wonderful, joyful gentleman.
We are indeed fortunate to be able to do what we do. May we remain lucky enough to continue for years to come.
Have a great day tomorrow, Randall.
Sincerely,
Gary.
As usual, I always get much more from your postings than just enjoyment of your work. (That second piece really attracts me a lot.)
I hadn't heard of Jon Imber but I am really taken with what I saw on his site. His figure paintings in particular are very compelling. Such a shame that he is gone. I had some difficulty with the video but will keep trying to view it.
Thanks again!
I hadn't heard of him either but what an inspiring video! Didn't he have a great sense of humor? I've shared this with my critique group. Thanks Randall!
Thank you for sharing this, Randall. How strong-willed he was. He had the flame inside him to create, and keep creating (and he had such wonderful helpmates along the way). Makes me want to get off my behind and paint something with yellow because "it's such a joyous color." May we all continue for years to come, to create, to feed the flames of whatever it is that burns brightly inside us when we paint, sketch, sculpt or write.
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