Thursday Art Challenge

"Conversations" - mixed media on gallery wrapped canvas, 18" x 24".  Ready for hanging.

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The second painting for week two of the March challenge.  This is a paint over piece.  You won't likely see any of the original painting peeking through this one, which has many layers to create the textures.  Just in case you're curious, the underpainting is one of the moon series pieces. 

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Showing art involves attending many opening night receptions and awards ceremonies.  There are many wonderful aspects to these events, but for an introvert, the mere anticipation of such an event can cause enormous stress.  Casual conversation with strangers or with new acquaintances feels exhausting.  We don't always get the subtleties of social conversing.  For example, we crave meaningful connection and depth in social interactions.  Which means more than three minutes.  So we find ourselves overstaying the three minute limit and wondering why others are moving away from us and desperately grabbing the arms of passersby to rescue them.  Introverts can be conversationally clingy.  Either that or we remain aloof, wondering how quickly we can exit the room.

Recently I attended a reception for a really gorgeous art show.  This time I set an intention before I entered the room - easy conversation, connection and freedom from anxiety.  And guess what?  I was able to be a swashbuckling introvert (putting on my best daring pirate) and to find a few amazing take-aways from the show.  Being truly present to the event and out of my own head was delightful.  

This piece emerged from the series of conversations that evening.  Individual connections weaving a tapestry of creative souls, richly textured, overlapping enough to bring us all together, albeit briefly, on a metaphorical canvas.