Art During 2020: Full Color Gratitude

I created a lot of art during 2020. I managed to do some things that I had never done before, and I was able to collaborate and work with artists in ways that were new to me.

One of these ways was putting together a collection for Helios Education Foundation’s new campus in Phoenix. In addition to curating the collection, I collaborated with New Mexico artist Rosemary Lonewolf to create a sculpture on the grounds titledGathering Towers. I’ll show that in an upcoming post.

In addition to this endeavor I did a Facebook Live event which I called Iso-Cuarentena: Covid Inspired Art Sale and Storytelling. Not only was this event a lot of fun, I was able to sell the majority of the work that was offered. This series consisted of twenty-five pieces and was created between mid-March and late June. Thank you to everyone who supported me and my art during that event. And since I wasn’t able to host and participate in any storytelling events at Tempe Center for the Arts, it provided a venue and opportunity to do so by telling a short story about each piece.

Thank you to all of you who tuned in and listened to this event on a blistering hot afternoon in late June.

I had some less than colorful health (non-Covid related) issues that resulted in two surgeries and a six-day hospital stay, which resulted in a few very strange morphine induced sketches. With that being several months behind me, I’m grateful for my return to full health.

Needless to say, exhibitions, receptions and other events were cancelled, but on-line shows and Zoom receptions provided outlet opportunities. I was fortunate to get accepted into a couple of juried exhibits at Scottsdale Public Library, as well as participate in the online receptions. The combination of online and physical show is an interesting opportunity. I’m thankful for having been included along with some fantastic artists.

I managed to stay in contact with most of my artist friends (including those in my Xico family) and have participated in dialogue as well as getting together on a few occasions, including the Annual Camelback Studio Tour in November. Like everything else, this was a different type of event this year. Instead of being in the studios, it was outside. We had a great turnout and support from so many people. It was evident that people wanted to get out, see art, and converse with artists in person.

Thankfully, it was a success with some social distancing and masks.

The piece shown here is titled Corazonada, which translates to an intuitive feeling, or hunch. It’s knowing something in your heart. It is acrylic painted on the back of plexiglass, with a piece of sheet music adhered as well. The sheet music is part of a piano piece by Robert Schumann titled Blumenstück (Flower Piece). The unframed size is 25” x 30”.

Oh yeah, Corazonada is the last piece I’ve completed in 2020. Ending the year in a colorful manner was something I felt I had control of.

Once again, thank you to everyone who supported me and my art during this past year, and especially during the last nine months.

Stay healthy, have fun, be grateful and laugh out loud in full color.

“You never know where inspiration is going to come from.
But inspiration will always come from hope.”