What Art Can Do

 

I take  commissions.  

I don't seek them out because they can come with some strong lip pursing, or worse, teeth grinding. (from me and the client!)  I have a few ground down teeth to show for it.

Exceptions are the projects that carry a purpose beyond matching throw pillows (not that there's anything wrong....). For example, I have happily painted on command for many hospitals,  a school for autistic children.  Or for other healing purposes. For some reason, these come easier

"Greta's Dream" (42" x 48") is one of those exceptions.

Teresa, who heard I had done this kind of thing, asked if I could commemorate her recently deceased, beloved, long-haired German Shepherd, Greta.  Not a portrait.  But a story about Greta's vibrancy, and her often mercurial personality.  It's also about her peculiar love of seeking out and chomping down on bumble bees!

I sketched as she described Greta.  I did color studies. I took notes.

Teresa's an avid gardener and she had just lost her wingman who would always accompany in her garden.  A woods interior seemed the right setting.  

This project, a joy to work on, had me reflect on something I've been contemplating: What can  a painting do in the world?  

Its subject, colors and composition, the most immediate aspects a viewer would respond to, might be pleasing or surprising.  Hopefully, the small chaotic shapes invite repeat viewing and contemplation. That can easily be enough.

But additionally, the painting and the artist give witness to a raw grief. (if you've lost a critter, you know the rawness). It holds up a frosted mirror of the love of a "good girl").  And with time (itself the healer) it can morph into the beautiful memory of a dog, a time and a feeling.  And something of this gal that can live on.

Anyway, as someone who never lands that 'right thing to say,'  in the midst of  someone's grief, I hope I can come close with my brushstrokes. Thankful for this project.