In an instant—everything changed.
 

I had no idea, in one moment, the world would shift forever. Nor just how huge a challenge we would face. It's all a blur to me. And my emotional spectrum? Like herding cats. There are days I'm able to peel back those roots I've known forever and feel a sense of liberation. Others, I sit paralyzed, entirely out of touch with who I am. I imagine you may have felt similar things, too.

I've struggled writing these words. And then wondered whether to send them. Yet the very doing of it clarifies the two threads woven throughout my own personal journey...love and creating. The creative process is not an option for me. It's a calling. One that has always opened doors and transcended language barriers. And that's where the love kicks in, for art illuminates countless facets of the human heart in unexpected ways. So...knowing that neither creating, nor love survive well within a vacuum, I'm glad to be back. : ) And I've missed you...

The studio is my 'go to' in difficult times. It grounds me, and I find solace there. And painting can have the feel of an intimate psychological dig, of which "Navigating You" is a prime example. Time and again I am prompted by a cognitive and intuitive approach, and draw a great deal of inspiration from nature, organic form, and all those lost and disintegrating fragments from everyday life. Intrigued by the interaction of spacial relationships within the collective stream of consciousness,  I feel driven to visually explore this conversation in the confines of a given context. Hence, the shoreline. This is my way of sifting through the chaos of an uncertain and fragile world...applying an odd sense of order, and revealing the often subtle beauty that lies beneath the surface.

So I'm both excited and grateful to have this piece included in an impressive current online exhibition at the Woodstock School of Art through May 4th. Thank you, entire staff of WSA, for inspiring and keeping us all connected and our creativity flowing. I look forward to your doors opening once again, to welcome us in. 

POETS RESPOND TO ART / ARTS MID-HUDSON

Completed in 2018, "Life in Pieces" is a mixed media painting from an ongoing "glove series". Intimate, delicate, frail, my image embodies a woman's longing for a lost and unrequited love. What's interesting is this particular piece was chosen as one to respond to by poet T.A. Young back in February of this year. 

On YOUTUBE, listen to Todd read his poem, "And By Extension", while exploring details of the artwork. Or enjoy the book format and POK / Enjoy synopsis by Linda Marston-Reid. See links below.

Many thanks to AMH for being the backbone you are, offering continued support and encouragement of the creative arts through this challenging time...we lean on you as we grow, expand and move forward.

Register today to join contributing artists and poets celebrate their first online AMH Sunday Brunch by clicking below. See you there!

Artwork / Photography © Roxie Johnson 2020. All rights reserved.