Treffinger Daily: The Witness

Friday, March 12, 2010

The Witness

"The Witness', Oil on canvas, 40x30, $1500
If you are interested in purchasing this painting please
email me at katherine@katherinetreffinger.com

For now I am calling this painting finished. It
has felt like a process of birthing. It is, in the end,
a dark painting. It does not surprise me as I
emerge from the darkness of the past 6 months
that my first real effort would turn out so dark.
My friend says it is not dark but rich and I would
describe this time I have been through as rich also.

6 comments:

Blue Sky Dreaming said...: Dark and rich is a good description of a transition time...the light over the head and beak speaks of such dawning...!; March 12, 2010 at 8:45 AM
Sunrise Sister said...: Katherine - So happy that you are painting again and taking a little time for blog action. I look forward to your Willow show in WW:)

xo; March 12, 2010 at 12:10 PM
Unknown said...: Katherine, "rich" is good. I like this stage the best.; March 12, 2010 at 10:20 PM
Katherine said...: Thank you Mary Ann for the observation about the light. I saw the emerging of light but the placement is even better. It reminds me of an incident years ago when I showed a curator my friends work for possible display. I thought the painting lovely but the curator said "what is she up to? She has the light coming out the ass?" LOL!!; March 13, 2010 at 9:01 AM
Katherine said...: Thank you Dianna. It is nice to be back. So nice to hear from you.; March 13, 2010 at 9:02 AM
Katherine said...: Thank you Dan. Yes rich is good. I think it is done what do you think?; March 13, 2010 at 9:03 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.