Treffinger Daily: W.I.P. Session 6

Monday, July 27, 2009

W.I.P. Session 6

Well here I am back with more on my large painting's progress. Yesterday was a big step. Realizing being stuck on the wall was holding me up I took it off the wall and hung it upside down and did some work that way. Then I took it off the wall and put it on a tarp on the floor and mixed paint and poured it on the canvas. Some how my brain still does understand the scope of this painting as I had a difficult time making enough paint to pour. Then, much to my excitement I put it on a wall where I am not fighting the glare. The painting is now in an awkward stage but an exciting place because I am back at having something to respond to. The painting was getting to a place I was liking too much too early. I was treating it as something precious and was immobilized.

8 comments:

Blue Sky Dreaming said...: I've gone back and forth looking at the differences! I clicked to enlarge...big changes. Smart to take steps such as turning and putting it on the floor. The deep blue is remarkable...this is wonderful to watch!; July 27, 2009 at 9:33 AM
Jeane Myers said...: ooooo, nice! - I love that you are having to work so hard! that only bodes well, having to struggle a bit! it's really coming along Katherine - I thought of you yesterday as I was struggling with my teeny 11x14 piece - battle gear on again this afternoon! :))); July 27, 2009 at 9:43 AM
RK said...: Love the use of blue here!; July 27, 2009 at 12:55 PM
Uta said...: I do that whole staring thing too. Then when the next idea comes I do it and then its more staring hehehe. I also struggle with it getting too precious and then I have trouble moving forward on it. I struggle to overcome this all the time. Its so nice to hear some one else has the same problem. My computer died so I've been offline. I don't know what's going on with everyone anymore but you sound like you are having a great time.; July 28, 2009 at 1:40 AM
Katherine said...: May Ann we aim to entertain. :>} Now I have to go back and face what I did.; July 28, 2009 at 9:31 AM
Katherine said...: Doesn't matter the size Jeane, the struggle can be the same. I have worked just as hard on a 9x6 inch and felt ridiculous!; July 28, 2009 at 9:36 AM
Katherine said...: Thank you Rachel.; July 28, 2009 at 9:36 AM
Katherine said...: Hi Uta. Nice to hear some one goes through the same process. I am having fun. Just wish it was a little cooler while I did it!; July 28, 2009 at 9:38 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.