Treffinger Daily: Work In Progress

Monday, July 20, 2009

Work In Progress

Photo: Don Gray

The first step for me with painting is simply to get the
canvas covered with paint so I have something to respond
to. Before that, though, I decided to do some graffiti on
the canvas in ink, hoping the ink would come through.
Here I am designing a rocket ship (just kiddin'). Covering
the canvas used a large amount of paint and all my medium
......1 1/2 tubes of galkyd gel. YIKES! However I must say I
am loving working on such a large canvas. It is so powerful!
I am excited about getting back there today and working
with the painting. I measured it yesterday and it is 10 ft. by
4 1/2 ft.

11 comments:

Jeane Myers said...: OMG! 10"? you are painting a whole new world! fabulous! so exciting :); July 20, 2009 at 8:42 AM
Jeane Myers said...: oh not 10", which I'm used to typing - BUT 10' - it was just so unnatural not to type the " sign instead of hitting the less used ' sign :); July 20, 2009 at 8:44 AM
ArtPropelled said...: This is going to be impressive Katherine. The doodley graffiti appeals to me. I hope it shows through.; July 20, 2009 at 10:43 AM
Sharon Barfoot said...: This just makes me shiver with excitement. Oh how I would love to go big. This is looking awesome Katherine.; July 20, 2009 at 10:59 AM
Leslie Avon Miller said...: Fabulous, Fabulous! I know what you mean by needing something to respond to. Me too.; July 20, 2009 at 2:29 PM
dwoolley@charter.net said...: Ditto to all of the FABULOUS comments - looks like so much FUN!; July 20, 2009 at 6:36 PM
Katherine said...: I know Jeane 10 feet, it is hard to fathom. I love it. I don't ever want to go back!; July 21, 2009 at 7:51 AM
Katherine said...: Robyn it does show through and yesterday in some places I brought some back to the surface by painting it back in. I love doing the doodley stuff, I feel like a kid.; July 21, 2009 at 7:53 AM
Katherine said...: Thank you Zappha, it is making me shiver with excitement!!; July 21, 2009 at 7:54 AM
Katherine said...: Leslie there is plenty to respond to with 10 feet, it's keeping me busy. I have to admit I spend half of the time staring at it trying to feel what to do next.; July 21, 2009 at 7:56 AM
Katherine said...: Dianna I feel like I am a very big playroom!; July 21, 2009 at 7:57 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.