Robustness

Robustness

"Robustness" - a  Diptych. Acrylic on cradled wood panel,  Ready to hang (Sides are painted; no need to frame.  Hanging wire is attached)  24 x 12 x .75  For a limited time, exclusively available at Get the Gallery.



​“Robustness and vulnerability belong together.  To be robust is to show a willingness to take collateral damage, to put up with temporary pain, noise, chaos or our systems being temporarily undone…Robustness is not an option in most human lives, to choose its opposite is to become invisible.”
from “Robustness” - David Whyte, Consolations

Nearly annual wildfires raging through the gorge leave burn scars on the trees, which become a beautiful testament to the tenacity and strength of these silent sentinels in the fall.  The leafy canopy gone, what appear to be the bare bones and skeletons of scorched trees remind us of the resilience and robustness of life.

As I pass by these beauties, I pause and touch them with my hands.  They, like me, bear the scars of living in the world - events beyond their control, sometimes the carelessness of others, sometimes just being in the wrong place at the wrong time.  Yet they stand, they bloom, they shelter, they grow. And so can I.  And so I do, out here amongst the trees.

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About the art: Beginning with a mess of paint on unprimed wood panel, keeping it wet and carving through the paint with palette knife and scraper.  Allowing re-exposed bare wood to become the texture of trees.  Slowly adding layers.  Using spray bottle, paper towel and rubber wedge to add texture.  Allowing strong diagonals to connect the two pieces.  Resisting the temptation to overly detail while pursuing some color intensity.