Infusion

Infusion   watercolor/gouache   19 x 27

is the process I feel when I dip my feet into the ocean...an exchange between my body's chemistry and the salt water of the great mighty.  Having just returned from a wonderful vacation at the shore with nuclear and extended family, I was reminded of this painting done many years previously of my friend Jo.  Between us, we raised 6 wonderful and energetic sons.  We had more to do than time allowed.  The annual trips to the seashore provided such a great relief from the worries, the cares and the work load.  The ocean is a healing balm. 

play...

Crux   watercolor   21.5 x 28

and the importance thereof........anyone who is seriously creative understands the true value of play.  Too often we approach our work as warriors.....with the express purpose of the conquering, the control.  Now that summer is here, just the feeling of cold splashing water recalls the years we spent at the shore with our friends the McGarveys.  We had 6 boys altogether.  Evenings after dinner were spent at the beach, of course, with each boy given a turn at playing in the surf in a kayak.  The response of the kayaker is a yin response....the ocean leads.  To stay afloat is like a dance...instantaneous decisions, not well thought out at all, are a matter of responding to a rhythm and a force outside of the rider's control.  YAHOO.  Sometimes the boat inverts.  Sometimes the rider is able to right it again using a move called the Eskimo Roll.  Sometimes not.  Sometimes the rider emerges from the ocean sopping wet with the boat in tow.  Play.  Out-or-control control.These are the moves that help one to respond to all kinds of kayaking scenarios when faced with white-water and rocks.  Staying on the edge.  Facing a crux.  Continually.  What a rush.  Like painting. YAHOO.

Crux in on display at Akron-Canton airport.