inspiration, part 5 (open mind)

Sweet Seat II – 8×10 – oil on wrapped canvas – $80

My friend Lisa inspires me with her hard work, determination, and encouraging helpful criticism. We met the first semester of our freshman year at Redwood High School in an art class. She has been teaching junior high art for a number of years, and is now working on her master of fine arts degree in an online course. This adds about 30 hours to her work week, a killer schedule.

Lisa is an abstract painter, and has opened my eyes and mind to this style of art. Most abstract “art” leaves me scratching my head with wonder and amazement not only at the mess on the canvas, but at how it passes for art, enters a gallery and gets sold! I used to think it was nothing but an emotional outburst in a 2-dimensional form, but watching Lisa plan and create her work has changed my mind. Good abstract art does exist, and it is a result of hard work without the usual benefit of a scene, object or photo to guide the artist.

So now my mind is a bit more open, but I exercise caution in this area, lest my brains leak out.