Treffinger Daily: Uta Mooney- Art and Meaning

Monday, April 27, 2009

Uta Mooney- Art and Meaning

'Little Miss Series: Quirky'

'Little Miss Series: Coy'

'Little Miss Series: Prim'

"Little Miss Series: Proper'
Each painting mixed media on canvas 36"x24"

What is the meaning of doing art for you?

My name is Uta Mooney and I live in Adelaide, South
Australia. I found your question very interesting and
thought about it for quite a few days. Why do I show
up in the studio day after day? The answer is very
simple. I need to show up in the studio day after day
the same way as I need to breathe. Without it I would
cease to exist. It's a way I reach my deep self. Turning
up at the easel transports me to a place where I can
truly be me...no, it's more than that. It's where I can
simply be.

Uta’s blog address is: http://uta-mooney.blogspot.com/

Another link: http://www.redbubble.com/people/utam

8 comments:

Blue Sky Dreaming said...: Well said Uta! Lovely paintings...leg language!; April 27, 2009 at 11:04 AM
Jeane Myers said...: Katherine & Uta - these are just wonderful and I agree with Mary Ann - well said, Uta....; April 27, 2009 at 4:33 PM
Kayce aka lucy said...: these are so delightful and whimsical. thank you for introducing us to uta!!; April 27, 2009 at 10:35 PM
Katherine said...: Thank you Mary Ann, Jeane and Lucy for visiting and commenting. It is wonderful getting the support for this project. I loved receiving Uta's words! Don't you love these legs that say so much!; April 28, 2009 at 9:49 AM
Uta said...: Thanks everyone for your encouraging comments. I have an exhibition coming up soon with my daughter and granddaughter (owner of the legs) and your support helps a lot.; April 28, 2009 at 2:50 PM
Katherine said...: It is an absolute pleasure to have you as a part of the project. May your show be a smashing success. I love these paintings!; April 29, 2009 at 11:31 AM
ArtPropelled said...: Charming! Uta, your exhibition is bound to be a success.; May 1, 2009 at 10:09 PM
Katherine said...: Thanks Robyn for visiting and commenting on Uta's work.; May 4, 2009 at 8:57 AM

The Art And Meaning Project

The Art and meaning Project is a series of responses from various artists to the question: "What meaning does doing art have for you? In other words why do you show up in your studio, or wherever, and pick up your tools day after day?"

This is something I have thought of doing for a while as
a book, but now I have the blog and, who knows, maybe
it could become a book. I am very excited about this. I love hearing the answers. Showing up for their creations is
often an irresistible pull for artists. Many of us at any given
time ask ourselves why we are doing it. All the answers have a different response. Most of us can relate to at least some part of every response.

I want to hear the artists' answers. If you are an artist
and would like to contribute please email me. I will not guarantee that I will post everyone's answer, I need to
see what you have to say first and if it contributes more to the project.

THE ART OF KATHERINE TREFFINGER

ABOUT THE ARTIST
www.katherinetreffinger.com

I spent my childhood in Sausalito, California in the 50’s. It was a magical place, teeming with artists and creative expression. Across the street from our house was one of the coffeehouses where the “bohemians” came to listen to music, and writers such as Allen Ginsberg, Gary Snyder and Jack Kerouac read from their work.

It was a time when San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley and Sausalito were home to the abstract expressionist and Bay Area Figurative movements. My missing toys were found in the neighbor’s sculptures. I was often on tiptoes, peering into the windows of nearby studios and coffeehouses. I thrived in the wondrous mystery of this world.

Later, as an adult I had the good fortune to befriend Joseph Raffael and spend time in his studio. This was before I realized I wanted to be an artist myself. I was greatly influenced by his enthusiasm, dedication, and his ability to create beauty.

In hindsight, there was nothing else I really wanted to be than an artist. I paint and draw because I love to … and because I have to. I am primarily self taught.

When I stand before an empty canvas or piece of paper, I am lost, unaware of what to do. In fact, my most satisfying work comes from staying ‘lost’. Navigational confidence is seldom productive for me. Each piece becomes the recording of a unique introspective exploration.