Neglected but Not Lost

This past month has been a hectic one.
Yes, no, yes, no.
Indecision has been a rival.
But finally, things have been decided.

I've decided I should be respected as an artist, even though I'm new to the game.
I've decided obtaining an art show is not always the best choice if other facts aren't as attractive.
I've decided I will always travel to an art show, rather than ship my work.
I'm on my way to deciding whether I want to continue with my carvings or not.

A week ago, I had an art opening in Greensburg, PA at a restaurant/bar called The Headkeeper. By far one of my coolest shows yet. Not to mention that I get along famously with the curator, which I've found is very important.
My opening wasn't what I expected: The restaurant has outdoor seating and an outdoor bar, and to my excitement, it was a gloriously beautiful day. The downfall was that not many people where inside the bar to enjoy my artwork. But I'm not too discouraged. My squares will be hanging for two months at one of the most crowded restaurant/bars in the area.
Even so, the experience was enough to be happy about. Everyone was so welcoming, even though I was an outsider.

As for this month, I am traveling to Europe for two weeks with my wonderful mother. I'm looking forward to my next series, which will probably derive from my experience overseas.

Also, I've booked another show in July, right after I travel back to Greensburg to get my paintings. The curator seems very nice and excited for my work, giving me an open mind on how to display my paintings.
I am so thankful.

I've started some larger squares, double the size. Here's the first finished 4' x 4' er:

Enjoying this weather :)

I Sense That My Senses Are Sensitive

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwZx-udWuxI

I'm interested in my artwork being influenced by other kinds of artwork.
And no I'm not talking about famous painters.
I'm talking about our senses.
Each one so fragile, so sensitive, so easily molded by what is placed in front of us.
A single song can create a painting entirely different than if one was to paint in silence.
The way the carving tool fits in my hand helps me to curve and angle, using different pressures depending on the textures.
The smell of oil paint filling the room, enhancing the mood and concentration.

CocoRosie playing in the background.
A different kind of art.
A different sense.
Yet, we share the same drive to fulfill our passion.

The visual result.


http://www.dianabalderson.com/ -more images to come.

Feel Good

It's interesting how something so unexpected can inspire you.
A pair of balloons, floating together towards the clouds.
The shape of a shadow on the sidewalk.
The mind is a vessel. The mind is complicated, complex, intricate.
Yes, yes, we've heard all that.
But at what point do we believe it?
People say "words have the power to change a nation," but honestly I think it's the minds of the listeners.
We control our minds. We control our actions. We have nothing else to blame that on.

I was inspired today, in several ways.
I aspired to clean my room. I was motivated to decorate my living room with my paintings.
I desired to bake brownies and watch a new movie.
The Giant Mechanical Man it was called.
It was not at all as I expected it to be.
It was relatable, to my current place in life, my current mindset, my current outlook.
It was the constant struggle to live that most people in this lifetime forget about.
To live a full life instead of just to live through it.
There are people out there who desire a meaning. There are others that just know that "ordinary" isn't for them. People may view them as weird, strange, odd.
But I think those are the most interesting people of all.
They have the best conversations, the best ideas, and most often, the best dance moves.

As crappy as this picture quality is, I think the message and the music most accurately sum up the preface of this wonderful movie.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtYV_8FoClE

Right and Wrong

There are times when things seem right.
The crumpled up sheets on a bed, proving their purpose.
The smoky, vertical line on the wall above the mantle, reminiscent of the comfort from the burning candle.

There are other times when things seem all too wrong.
All the lights being on in your house, and no one being home.
Climbing in your car and realizing all of your pre-set radio stations are static.
The one person you want to talk to not making any effort to contact you.

But finishing another painting...
Although your fingers might be sore and your eyes might be strained...
Is definitely something that is right.

I'm ready for April.
The warmth and the rain.
Both things that feel right.

Before and After

The Squares

Exciting, whirling, zipping in and out, up, around, down.
Swerving forward, then backward, criss-crossing, vertical reaching.
Aiming and splashing, dashing, spinning.
Spilling in patterns, splatters, that matters.
Dripping, dropping, spreading, slicing.
Carving drastic, deep to the pink. Cutting away the color, revealing the rawness.
Exposed, simple, delicate.
Rough, messy brush.
Symmetrical.
Appealing.
As if a candle is burning; illuminating, smells sifting.
Emotion.
Vices.
Drive.

Nail on the Head

My show was a hit! I received a very positive response, and had a nicely grouped accompaniment.
Now, I'm not big on descriptive words or bragging, but here's a little commentary.
Colorful.
Joyful.
Surprised.
Impressed.
Proud.

And here's the visual appeal:

What a wonderful event.