Working in encaustic, and out of Montana, Shawna Moore has continued to be a wonderful inspiration for our gallery collectors and staff since she first brought work to us six years ago. I am grateful to say that a friendship has blossomed, and we always look forward to seeing Moore each time she delivers work or is able to make a visit to Park City.

We are exhibiting a new body of work from Moore this summer, and in the meantime have a beautiful selection of paintings that you can see on our website, here, or in the gallery. Below, is a blog post that she recently shared with her readers. I found it inspiring, and wanted to help her “share the love” from her studio in Montana…

Oh I get by with a little help from my friends
Mm going to try with a little help from my friends
Oh I get high with a little help from my friends
Yes I get by with a little help from my friends
With a little help from my friends — John Lennon

Last spring I was on a blogging roll!  I had begun “Creative Conversations,” which consisted of answering questions from students and musing about art and life and the business of art.  The practice of weekly writing and then receiving feedback was interesting and rewarding.  And then, I stopped.  I felt too busy.  I sent a post titled “Out of Office Reply,” and never really returned.  So as I drag myself back to partial engagement with my computer and the act of writing, how do a get started?

I don’t consider myself much of a writer and I often catch myself misspelling things, making snippy replies on Facebook (which were not meant to be snippy) or staring at a blank page on the computer screen without anything to say.  I do consider myself an artist and if I were in my studio what would I do?  I would start somewhere, and not necessarily relying on the mythical creative spark that is supposed to ignite at moments of creative need.  I am more of a grab and go kind of girl.  So today, I am grabbing a few of my favorite friends and starting.  It will be interesting to see where this walk takes us, what we see and where we end up.  Remember it’s the journey, Right?

During the last 20 years of making art, I have met so many great people along the way.  Matt Flint is one of those artists who produces beautiful work and inspires fellow artists and his many collectors to see nature and animals in a new way.  He is a family man, a university teacher and generous with his knowledge and connections.  We recently exchanged emails about gallery representation, trying to keep our art alive and engaged and the general state of western art markets.  Matt is currently preparing for a show at Gallery MAR in Park City, where we both show with other friends Michael Kessler and Bridgette Meinhold.

 

 

 

 

 

 

At Gallery MAR the wacky collection of artists (the art is sublime, the artists are wacky) is held together by the smart and beautiful Maren Bargreen-Mullin.  She took me into her artist stable as she first emerged as a force of art in the Park City scene.  Through several incarnations of her gallery, and the addition of her stylishly dressed daughter Jane, Maren guides this unique gallery with finesse and friendship.  I think I can say we have both enjoyed watching each other grow as art lovers and mothers.  You need friends like that in the art world.

 

Finally, I’d like to thank my friend and web gal, JJ Walburn of Fly Girls Media who inspired the “going for a walk,” metaphor in this rambling post. We grabbed her dog MO yesterday and hit the newly melted sidewalks of Whitefish, jabbering and reconnecting after both of us had busy work days.  In an older blog post on my website, a student asked me what sustains me.  Here is my list:

 

 

 

• Physical Health (diet and exercise)
• Mental clarity (yoga and meditation)
• Friends and Family
• Engagement with Nature
• Deep Creative Practice (my art and constant experimentation)
• Travel and exploration
• Rest and Relaxation (a good massage)
•  Hope and Amazement
• Financial Stability and Planning
• Participating in the Larger World of the Arts

So in my walk with JJ, I knocked out a few of these in one go.  Same with Matt and Maren, they keep me connected to art and supported in the work I do.  My suggestion today, whether you are on a roll or stuck, is to remember a few people who have supported and encouraged you.  Reach out to a friend who might need the same in return.  Take your dog for a walk.  At the very least hum along with a John Lennon tune!

 

 

 

Tags: art inspiration, encaustic art, Shawna Moore, wax painting
Posted in Gallery Insights