Play to keep playing rather than to win
Reflecting at the beginning of a new year, the first that begins with me able, both materially and otherwise, to focus wholly on a full time studio practice, I am gobsmacked and grateful. Looking back at this past July, when I navigated the transition from my decades in federal contracting and IT consulting services to doing this, it feels like I successfully faked my own death. In a good way.
If my dream had been something along the faster, higher, stronger lines, I might be spending more time looking backward than forward at this point. But painting isn’t like that, or it doesn’t have to be. Distinct from athletes and dancers, many of the visual artists I most respect did their best work on the back half, along the down slope. I am likewise doing my best work now, and am on the edge of my seat (metaphorically — I only ever paint standing) waiting to see where this practice will take me next. It is a great way to feel. I highly recommend it.