Treffinger Daily: Pow Wow

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Pow Wow

Yesterday I went to a Pow Wow here in La Grande,
Oregon. As an artist I am a great believer in going
out to places where I feel my image bank in my
being will get restocked. I was not disappointed at
this event for it was not only a visual feast, the
drumming and chanting fed my soul on a very primal
level. I wish I was a better photographer, but here
is a taste of what I saw. Click on the pictures for
larger image, the people and their outfits were quite
beautiful.

4 comments:

M.A. Wakeley said...: Wow, great images, Katherine. I imagine an event such as this would inspire one on a whole new level. It would for me.; May 9, 2010 at 6:32 PM
Katherine said...: Thanks Mary Ann. This was my first Pow Wow ever. I felt so fed by it. We'll see if my art is affected. That would be nice. Love your new work.; May 9, 2010 at 6:39 PM
Aleks said...: But this is wonderful,what a beautiful photographs,how great you captured the moments,brilliant Pow Wow,I wish I was there! :O) Greetings from Holland and from me!
Aleksandra; May 11, 2010 at 4:00 AM
Katherine said...: Thank you Aleksandra. I actually posted this for people who are from other places in the world than the USA. I love cultural and artistic traditions from other countries.; May 11, 2010 at 10:06 AM

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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.