Treffinger Daily: Clearing, Making Way

Monday, February 1, 2010

Clearing, Making Way

Copernicus, Oil on canvas, 24x36, SOLD

Solstice, Oil on canvas, 20x26, SOLD

Lahaina, Oil on canvas, 40x30, SOLD

Pecos, Oil on canvas, 14x11, SOLD

Since I haven't been able to find my way back into
the studio I am doing what I do when I know
the alchemical cauldron is busy cooking up the new.
I am clearing out the old. These paintings are the
way I used to work, very textural and atmospheric.
I decided to send pictures to my list of collectors,
many of them owners of this sort of work and offer them
for 1/2 the price I had them listed at. To my surprise and
joy they all sold within 12 hours. Today I will be packing
them up. It feels wonderful to send them on there way.
I will only have one piece left from that period, my favorite,
one I don't care if I ever sell.

Zao's Garden, 48x36, Oil on canvas, $2200

I have gone through my house getting rid of things
that I don't need or are no longer precious (not
including these paintings). I am feeling lighter
all the time. I have always loved this process,
clearing and making way for the new.

Happy February all!

3 comments:

Blue Sky Dreaming said...: Clearing your path...such a good way to begin in a new place! Happy February to you too!; February 1, 2010 at 11:25 AM
Katherine said...: Thanks Mary Ann. Hope all is well in your world.; February 2, 2010 at 8:53 AM
Unknown said...: Clearing up can be so beautiful ! wow this is awesome...Thomas; February 20, 2010 at 7:35 PM

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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.