Twins

I’ve decided on a title for the current series I have been producing: “Everyday Birthday.” I began working on these pieces this summer after I lost my job.  When the news broke; I decided it was reason to celebrate.  A time in my life was over, and it was time for a new chapter to begin.  It doesn’t mean I wasn’t frustrated or upset, being unemployed is a VERY frustrating experience.  It’s emotional.  While I am now on temporary employment, it’s still employment; it is a start.  In a way, it’s a birthday.

For those of you who have followed my work since Arcadia; me painting food is anything but a new subject.  It’s somehow what I always come back to.  It’s an obvious outlet for me.  Maybe it’s my vanity issues, maybe I just look to Wayne Teibaud too much.  His influence of painting out of nostalgia, whether it be cakes, pies, or carnival prizes from childhood stay with me.  They make me reflect within, and do as he said “Paint what you love.”  I found I loved painting candles, and cakes.

Maybe it’s the layer of sweets, and a simple contrast with colors.  Small bursts of color a candle has before its burned.  To keep optimistic whether you are happy with where you are in life, or miserable.  To keep the rouse that you are o.k.  You will not be affected by what a year has given you.  You will hold on,  and you will celebrate; because it’s only the beginning.

The simple decision to make everyday a “birthday.”

I have a slight obsession on self reflection and that is why I focus on self portraits at times.  I enjoy a photo and while it may come off as vain or that I am narcissistic, I am just trying to see where I am within myself at times.

The works selected were a time of bold color, abstract forms, thicker paint and portraiture. This time in Meg Coonelly’s artistic stride was one of experimentation and a new influence of Frank Auerbach. The portraits range from figures to food in an attempt to capture life through the movement of paint in that which lives as well as inanimate objects. Those years would be a vital time in the style of work the artist had accomplished and would continue to shape and influence the work produced today. While the bold colors have become more minimal in the sense of “less is more,” the artist continues to create bold compositions and establish relationships through a style of portraiture.

Photos to come!

Birthday Candles - Almost Wish Time

Oil and latex on twin 8×10 canvases – $150.00

just having fun with limited bright color and white.

When: September 11 & 12

Time: 12-7 (both days)

Come by, hang out, I’ll reminisce on my pieces of art.

I started the TBD Artists this year and am onto unveiling our third show tonight.  It’s a show I am very proud of.  I’m proud and inspired by the artists involved, and those who continue to want to contribute.  I think that’s why I continue to take on most of the directing of the shows myself.  That way if I heard it’s a “flop” I know I can just blame it on myself and maybe “lack of vision.”  Not that I’ve heard anything negative yet.  Which I am also happy about.  When putting together a show I always look for a certain “flow” that appears within the work, connecting them together either by color, application of materials, style, or in a way “emotion.”  While that focus happens, I usually look dumbfounded.  By the end though, I feel as through the whole room tells a story and keeps your eye moving.  I hope to have transformed the space.  With “MELT,” our new show, I believe I have done that with the James Oliver Gallery.