“The Journey” the story of a painting (art shows and life/art lessons learned)

The Journey ©Morri

(susan morrison “Morri” Sims) SOLD /prints available

acrylic / canvas (click on image to enlarge)

Hello Lovelies, this is a long post…better get yourself a cup of coffee / tea, or pour yourself a glass of wine. :)

I posted about this painting The Journey before. I wrote a couple of short posts about taking it, along with two other pieces, to St Augustine to submit to two different shows. A Black and White show and a Tactile show. Normally, I would not write about an older post, but this painting has taken on a life of it’s own…far beyond my time with it!!

Note: I do seem to have a habit of writing about something and not following up on what happened. Sometimes I just forget, as you all know life moves on and I tend to live in the now (most of the time). Other times, well…I just feel like it is too much talking about me, me. This time though, I am going to follow up on what happened concerning this painting..for it has baffled, intrigued, and humbled me.

I entered this piece in a tactile show which was something I had never done before. The main purpose of the show was not only the 3D aspect…but for the physical aspect to be able to “touch and feel” the art. Why was that important? Well, there is a wonderful state school in St Augustine called Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind (the power of potential), and the faculty and students were involved with this show and were to come to the show.

I hesitated about submitting a painting piece because usually it is pottery, assemblage, sculpture, weavings, etc that make up the show. I wanted to be a part of it so I decided to try to paint something in very thick impasto. Most of my work is very textured but this was to be a lot more!

Note to my non-artist friends: impasto painting is simply very, very thick paint.

When I painted the piece I would let it dry, then close my eyes and touch and feel it. I wanted to experience it as the students would. It was a longer process than normal for me as I usually paint pretty quickly. In fact, the painting and I worked together for a couple of months (paintings can take on a life of their own). I wanted to make sure one could “feel” the road, trees, rocks, clouds, moon’s face, and last but not least…the lone figure.

The time came to take the pieces to submit for the black and white show. I almost did not take The Journey for the Tactile Show, but for some reason I ran back in and grabbed it. Well, it did get juried in the show, and much to my surprise it won an award. I mean it most sincerely when I say, I was surprised because the show had so many beautiful pieces in it…especially some of the sculpture pieces. They called me and asked if I would come to the opening to receive the award. How could I not? Of course, it is always sweet and humbling to receive an award, but I have to share what really “touched” my heart. You know they always have the information card by the pieces. Well, those were there, but this time there were two cards, and one was in braille. The students created one for each piece so all the unsighted guests could read about the piece!!! When I saw that tears started welling up, and I was keeping it under control until a lady walked up to me. She was one of the chairpersons of the show, and she told me what happened when the students came to tour the show. She told me how they were so excited to “feel” a painting…and before she was finished sharing their experiences with me, we were both crying. Of course, wouldn’t you know it they walked up and took pictures of the award winners. So there I was crying (which is only pretty in movies). I am quite sure someone saw the photo (they display them) and thought…good god that woman really takes the awards much too seriously. hee, hee. From what I understand, the school had a private show…I was disappointed they were not there for the official opening.

I received an email in a few days, and someone wanted to buy the painting. I know this will sound strange to you, but I always have mixed feelings about selling pieces (this is why I like prints). Anyway, I asked a few questions and learned that a teacher and her family wanted to buy the piece. She is a teacher at the school that helped with the show…so of course, that made me very happy!! So that is where the piece went. We are supposed to meet in person sometime soon, and I am so looking forward to it.

Now here is where the painting story gets baffling. This piece is googled a lot, and it has visitors everyday on here…usually in double digits. I have followed some of the hits…and it has been fascinating. I have received emails about it, and I have allowed the image to be used all over the US and beyond…..including another school in California. :)

This is where some of you will probably think I am, not only strange, but quite possibly crazy. I think all of this is about the energy of the piece, and the love connected with it…from the cutting of the canvas, to the precious family that took it home, and all the love that “touches” it along the journey.

This painting began with me in it, but it became about all of us. So that is what this long post is about….not about me or shows really, but more about the energy of love, and The Journey that energy can take us on.

Post note about the other Black and White Show. Only one was juried in. Here they are if you care to see them too. Piney Moon was juried in Connections was not. As I have said over and over..it is all subjective about shows. You just never know….but I am already working on a piece for this years tactile show…another painting! :)

Piney Moon Connections

(click on images to enlarge)

Well, I must say, this is more than enough from me today…you poor dears. This may have required two cups of whatever your pleasure was!

May the energy of love surround

you on your journey today

… and always,

~gypsy-he♥rt aka Morri

morriArt.com