[MD] Painting

[MarshaV]

At 11:42 AM 3/17/2007, DMB wrote:
>Marsha said:
>Greetings DMB, I believe there are in existence sculptures of Parmenides.
>The more interesting question 'what would a modern-day Parmenides look
>like?'
>
>dmb says:
>He'd look like Buddha or maybe like my Orpheus as a rock star, only older?
>
>I guess the idea is that some of the first abstract painters were interested
>in evoking "spiritual" realities rather than rendering objects or otherwise
>representing normal reality. You know, there is something about the
>aesthetics of objectless abstraction that lends itself to mystical
>no-thing-ness. This presents a very difficult problem. I guess painting the
>ineffable isn't any easier than describing it in words. I guess there is no
>solution to this problem among the existing options and so one has to be
>created or invented. I guess sensitivity, skill, luck and just a bit of
>genius woud be required. And as you can see, this is about rendering
>Parmenides' notion of the One rather than a likeness of his person.

Hi,

I could talk about painting forever and ever, and never say anything 
close to the experience.  I use the logos and paint the 
mythos.  Likeness of a person?  I paint my relationship to the 
person(s), or object(s).  I expect a likeness, but receive so much 
more.  I have four paintings hanging in my studio.  The first 
painting is a copy of Fumee D'Ambre Gris, by Sargent.  It sets the 
tone for the studio and painting experience.  Second is a painting of 
an arrogant young  man with antlers.  When I decided that I was going 
into retreat, I decided I needed a studio husband, so I did a 
painting of Sargent from a photo in a book.  On the painting is 
written, "He painted."   Well, I was perfectly happy for a while, but 
then decided I wanted to take a lover.  I painted Velazquez from his 
'Las meninas'.   Do you get the idea?  I'm a nutcase, but I believe 
painting is magic.  The work is representational because that is what 
it has chosen to be.

I am presently working on an extremely difficult painting.  It's way 
beyond my ability.  I don't know where I get the audacity.  There is 
a fluctuation between arrogance and humility, fear and delight.  As 
Joseph Campbell describes it, it is most often bliss.  And, this 
painting has been giving me gifts since I started it.  Life is amazing.

Parmenides, a philosopher/mystic, a man who worshipped the 
Goddess.  What a challenge it should be.

Now that I have exposed my irrationality, I will wish you bliss too.

marsha