I took this painting out of storage because it had stripes. That’s what I’m working on now. Every day I try to get the lines cleaner and sharper. Early paintings in my Stripes Forever series are now being reworked to achieve clarity and boldness. I’m not tolerating good; I want it great. It’s a competition with my former self.
Every day I’m coming out of storage and have a change to go beyond good. I think that’s the message I keep coming back to with this pandemic and now the protests/riots/voice/breath.
Time to take my beliefs out of storage too. Hold them up to a new reality being crafted right now. Just like this big painting:
What’s going on?
Being an avid reader it’s prime time to dig into the work of James Baldwin. He has been on my list for a long time and as the tune goes, now is the time. Or, Giant Steps for you jazz fans.
I started by reading this article from the Paris Review- James Baldwin, The Art of Fiction No. 78. Hefty powerful words. I’m hooked. One of my favorite lines:
Talent is insignificant. I know a lot of talented ruins. Beyond talent lie all the usual words: discipline, love, luck, but, most of all, endurance.
I’m seeing many reading lists being shared around the internet. Extraordinary words to be read. I’m reading with beginner’s mind and for now I want to dig deep into one voice.
James Baldwin will keep me busy for the summer.
XOXO,
Francesca
