Artists' Talk - Food for the Body, Food for the Soul

Well, the talk is over and done with.  I had prepared a short paragraph describing what my art is all about but was, instead, asked to talk about my interpretation of the show's theme.  My painting, "Repose" (see image in my previous post) is about seeking balance in one's life.  We nourish our bodies with food and drink, but we also need relaxation and some quiet time to re-energize our mind and bodies.

Someone asked if "Repose" was a self-portrait, perhaps, because of the subject's Asian features, but it wasn't really.  I did not have a model for the painting so I created the image of a woman trying to achieve a moment of tranquility in her busy life.

   

Artist Talk

I recently attended an artist talk in a local gallery.  Three artists spoke about their processes, inspiration, significance of their work, etc.  It was quite interesting to hear what each had to say.  I left asking myself what I would say if asked to give an art talk.

I have given brief speeches during a couple of solo exhibitions before.  The direct questions from the audience helped me explain why I painted a certain piece or what stories lie behind some paintings.  Most of the time, though, it is difficult to articulate why I painted this or that.  Inspiration seldom visits and can be elusive.  Committing something to canvas is hard work.  For me, talking about it is even harder.