I have just finished a painting for a show in Naracoorte. It is an abstract piece based on the view of paddocks and fences from the air.
Understandably, the piece is fairly ‘blocky’ – rectangles and lines, mostly right angles and confined areas. I like many aspects of it; it is layered with colours and neutrals, some scratched back to reveal the underneath; the composition is balanced and pleasing and it has worked out as I envisaged which is not always the case.
It lacks something, though. Not enough to prevent me submitting it but enough for me not to completely love it. It lacks movement. It lacks a random element. It lacks surprise and unpredictability.
Independently of all of that, I am planning a road trip into NSW, similar to one that I undertook two years ago. Some of you may remember. I have carefully arranged it, contacted my friends and family with whom I’ll stay, booked motels for any in-between nights, mapped the route and calculated travelling times. I’m very much looking forward to heading off.
It lacks something though. It lacks movement (apart from the 3,000 km). It lacks a random element (let’s not hope for anything too random). It lacks surprise and unpredictability (I know, as far as possible, what I’m in for).
But it also lacks the unknown. It is respectful to those who know exactly when I’m coming but, therefore, lacks surprise. It is comfortable but perhaps lacks a sense of euphoria?
Perhaps my painting is like that too. Comforting rather than exhilarating. Stress-free, not challenging. True-ish to its subject, not completely abstract.
While I’m definitely happy with the way I travel, I’m not at all convinced those are good alternatives for my art. Perhaps my painting goal this week is to be wild and adventurous, to not know where I’m finishing, to have no idea of the back roads I may take and to land somewhere totally unexpectedly. Therein, perhaps, lies the triumph.
Until later,
Kirsten
Everyday Thoughts of an Artist 
Hi Kirsten,
It was interesting to read this post and to reflect on my own changes in attitude.
Since my teen years I have been quite a rebel and a go-getter. On the look-out for excitement, my life was crammed full of some extraordinary adventures, misadventures and career twists and turns.
Somewhere along the way, it must have been a good 12 years ago, I began to relish the comfort of surety. I still don’t like ‘rules’. But there is a great sense of peace to be gained from the lack of surprise.
I wonder if this means that I am becoming what I once detested; an old crabby crone. Maybe. But being able to settle back and read an old favourite novel, to use the old china, and have things in order about the house does provide an oasis from the hurley burley of 2021. And that inevitably leads to me getting my old rebel joy back; blasting the music loud, riding my horse fast and having a ball. And wearing jeans and high heels at my age.
It is all balance. Now, I let my moods, slow or fast, come and go without resistance. I look forward to seeing that blocky painting!
Best wishes,
Terri
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I like the phrase ‘without resistance’! We are changing beings, and accepting and relishing those changes makes for a less complicated life, for sure! Sounds like you have experienced a full range of personal styles – and still are. What fun!
Kirsten
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Surely adding a puppy to your road trip will add an element of chaos? Bright notes? and possibly some brown notes as well. 😁
Is this a road trip to ‘Hamilton’, or a different trip?
XX
Tania Jacobs The Tourism Ninja tania@thetourismninja.com.au Mob 0457 803 982
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