I haven’t blogged in ages, so ‘why blog’ might be the question and not ‘why paint?’
In six months time I am exhibiting in Edinburgh and right now have no idea what the exhibition will look like! That is no great surprise really. I never know what my paintings are going to look like, let alone a complete show, which in some ways answers the question ‘why paint.’
Not knowing is exciting, challenging, surprising and scary in a good way. Art, a portal to the Great Mystery! Show up in front of a canvas – tune in, tune up, be open, breathe, listen, allow, respond, be… make marks on paper or canvas. Be discerning but not judgmental!
I’ve been awake since 3.30am mulling how to approach the next six months, wondering what is going to emerge and where to start. It came to me at about 5am that blogging is going to be a necessary part of the process – a way of tracking – both the tracker and the track….
Painting, at its best, a wild creature instinctively moving through and creating paths in the Great Forest.
Right now, insecurities!
I am the timid rabbit hiding in long grasses, unseen, watching, trembling, yet also the wild goose returned for winter to soar high above the Lanarkshire landscape to feed on the rich wetland pastures.
I will enjoy the long cold dark Scottish winter warmed by the heat of creativity and allow what will emerge to emerge. My job is to show up – so today I start my show!
I guess we paint because it is a leap of faith.
In a changing world we need to put our faith in something. Art has always played that role from cave painting to the present day. Long live art – actual art made by human beings!
Much love
Kirsten
Date for your diary – The Dundas Street Gallery, Edinburgh, 14 – 18th May 2025 ,11- 6pm