May News from Maine
Finding my footing in Maine and upcoming en plein air painting in Philadelphia
Joseph Campbell once said, “If you can see your path laid out in front of you step by step, you know it's not your path. Your own path you make with every step you take. That's why it's your path.”
In the hustle and bustle that often consumes me, I frequently lose sight of what truly matters. But here in Maine, far removed from the daily grind of Philadelphia, amidst the rhythm of Maine's tasks, I find my footing once more.
Encountering a friend in the village and hearing about her journey to Maine sparked a revelation. Her story resonated with mine—making significant life changes when needed, rather than waiting for the perfect moment later on. Here, conveniences are scarce compared to Philadelphia. There's a palpable sense of survival. The roof must be fixed before winter, wood must be cut and stacked, and the garden must be fenced to keep out the deer. It's a refreshing change from city life.
Last week, burdened by the trials of my day job, I carried my worries during the long drive north. It took days to shake them off. Yet, conversations with friends and my sister, who is staying with me, coupled with hikes and painting sessions, allowed me to push those concerns to the back of my mind, at least for now. There's a time to address them, but not today, not while the ocean beckons to be painted.
Receiving a press release from Thom for the plein air painting event to coincide with the Waterworks show was an affirmation. Being listed as a Landscape Painter, rather than being overshadowed by my job title, felt liberating. It reminded me of the importance of embracing my identity as a painter.
At Reach Road Beach, surrounded by the chorus of birds and peepers, I spent the afternoon painting while my sister looked for fossils. Initially rusty from a winter spent indoors in the studio, I grappled with composition and colors. When I felt stuck, I paused and listened to the sounds of the water and animals. Two geese calling and responding from across the cove, and the sounds of the peepers in the grass. If I had been in the studio, I would have attempted household chores while trying to free my thoughts. Painting outdoors isn’t about perfection; it's about being present. Winter's confinement to the studio, painting static scenes, had left me unprepared for the fluidity of outdoor painting. But like any muscle, it's one that requires exercise. This painting serves as a stretch before a run, a warm-up before lifting—it's a means to reconnect with my calling.
In the end, it's not about the quality of the painting—it's about the journey it represents, the reaffirmation of my identity as an artist.
May 18 and June 1 at the Fairmount Waterworks
I will be doing en plein air (En plein air is a French expression meaning “in the open air”, and refers to the act of painting outdoors with the artist's subject in full view.) painting demonstrations at the Fairmount Waterworks on May 18 and June 1 starting at 9 AM then followed by a gallery tour at 11 AM.
On June 1, I will be joined by artist Daniel Flinchbaugh, a Philadelphia artist.
Feel free to stop by, bring your own paints if you want, and come see the show in the Waterworks.
WANDERING: Observations of Our Watershed is a fine art exhibition curated by Thom Duffy to encourage exploration and discussion of the delicate balance of an ecosystem in an urban setting. The exhibition is sponsored in part by the Fund for the Water Works and the Edward F. Grusheski Water Literacy Foundation.
VISITOR HOURS: Wednesday - Saturday (10:00 am – 5:00 pm)
ADMISSION: Free to all.
INFO: fairmountwaterworks.org
WANDERING demonstrations and tours coming up. Please mark your calendar!
Registration: Tour Registration is recommended but not required.
Please feel free to WANDER in the FWWIC anytime during visitor hours: Wednesday/Saturday, 10am-5pm.