Two of my paintings for sale on my Etsy Shop.   

The photos are an attempt at creating a scene, or still life setting, for the paintings.  It is hard for me to think of a painting without a setting, whether on a wall or desk.  Paintings become a part of dwellings, environment, or bacground - depending on one's mindset.  Never are paintings a stand alone object.   I don't think anything physically exists that is not a part of something.  If some one purchaces a work by me because the colors match their interior design scheme, I am honored.

Mentally, of course, such independence is conceivable.  

However, the concept does not reflect the physical world.  So, from my point of view, art is a part of something whether we want it to be or not.   

A reflection of the human condition.  

Two visions.

Humans are individuals.  Human is collective.  

But, everyone is blindly looking at the same thing.

So, what are we?  A massive herd trampling everything in its path?  A solitary animal?  A single spirit or a mass of spirits?  Do we have a natural communal mind?  Do we build our communal minds?

Sometimes, I think that was the Great Question of the Twentieth Century; although, to be honest, the question probably first came up in before then.   Calenders are convienient markers of time; but, not as accurate as we believe.   

I have no idea about the Twenty First Century, it is hard to see the forest from the inside.   

 

 Monday July 12, 2021

There are many aspects of art.  One of which is presentation.  Or the answer to the question:  How do I want people to see my art?  Especially, the art I have created; although, to be fair to collectors, this applies to pieces that have been acquired.  Apparently, this is an art form in itself.  Lately, I have been experimenting with photographic still lifes which incorporate pieces I have done.  This is with an eye toward placing my work on the internet.

While this still in the beginning phases, it is promising.  At the very least, I get to work on composition skills more than I have.  

My current habit is to photograph works on the easel that I'm using.  Not bad, but not thought through either.

I keep changing, hopefully growing, as I work on various projects and studies.  There is apparently no end to learning, which is not too surprising.  People have been painting before we started writing.  That's what, 4000 years at least, of techniques, materials, and ideas that have been accumulating in our "collective memories" (written and oral histories); but, since we don't directly connect with our minds, we have to talk and learn as indiviuals.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I have been reading a New York Times article about a slowing trend in global birthrates, and a suggestion that around mid century deaths will outpace births.

Assuming the trend holds.

The article reads dire; however, I do wonder if that was to sell "papers".   

My question is:

If there are more old people than youngsters, will this stupid assumption about old people being useless be replaced by the equally stupid assumption about young people being useless.  

You know what I am talking about if you have ever looked for a job after your 40th birthday.