Treffinger Daily: Walkin' Bear

"Walkin' Bear", Oil on canvas, 24x18,
Collection of Artist.

I have been working outside today and my ankle
wants a rest so I thought I would sit down and do
tomorrow's post today. Saturday I went to the
studio and finished reworking The Grotto, I think.
Never know with me. Then I picked up a painting
that was no where near being a painting and started
putting tinted whites on it, not really thinking about
what I was doing. I just kept at it. By the time I was
done I had easily created a piece that I was excited
about, an abstract/figurative piece. The angel was
definitely with me. I have worked for as long as I
have been an artist to create this kind of piece and
it just flowed out of me. Dare I think it could happen
again?

If any of you are interested about the metaphysical
work I dowith people you could visit Teri Mahl's
Working The Earth and see what she has to say
about her session with me. While you are there you
might want to peruse her wonderful blog.

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.

Treffinger Daily

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Walkin' Bear

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