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Wednesday, July 8, 2009
On Cleaning out Closets and Stuff
I haven't painted in about 5 years. This is the last painting I did, and it hangs in my bedroom. I really ended up liking it. It's an abstract painting, as you can tell, but it fits well with the room.
I remember painting as a child. My mother was trying to develop the artist in me. She would buy me a canvas and paints to use. I was cleaning out the closet in the room we now refer to as "Jenny's Shrine." I decided that, after cleaning as much as I could out of the room, Jenny needs to come home and clean out her shrine and take her things home, but that's another story.
As I was going through the closet, I found two things from my childhood. I am amazed that they are still with me. I remember the shock of finding them in the "shrine." I honestly didn't remember them being there.
The memories came flowing back into my brain. I actually remember painting both of these paintings. I was about 8 at the time. I know I spent a lot of time alone. There weren't any children my age in the neighborhood, and my mother had to work full time to support us. I think that was another reason she tried to develop the artist in me.
This is "Lonesome." I started to look at the details in the painting, and it told me a lot about my life at the time. What jumps out at me first is the horse's name Lonesome. He's in a horse trailer driven by someone. Who knows who that is? His trailer is painted in my favorite colors--pink and light purple. In spite of the trip, Lonesome is happy. Look at the smile on Lonesome's face.
Lonesome is on one road, but to Lonesome's left is a road that forks. Maybe Lonesome is thinking about taking a road less traveled? If you look up in the sky, you can see the Big Dipper and the North Star. I think Lonesome had some plans in mind for the future. What do you think?
I've always loved the ocean! Even as a child, it was a place where the waves pounded and gave me a rhythm in my life. Look at the beach, it's deserted except for a rock that appears to have the moon shining on part of it. Again, in the sky, there's the Big Dipper and the North Star. I think I might try to paint this painting again. I wonder what it will look like when I'm finished? I wonder if there's a bead in this painting?
It's awesome that clearing a closet can bring you back to something you truly loved and enjoyed. Many happy hours of exploration with painting renewed! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Genie!
ReplyDeleteMallory, you painted Lonesome when you were that young?? You should never have been allowed to quit painting! Oh, you definitely need to get those paints back out :) Your abstract painting has such a soothing feel to it, too. Wow, your mind must be full of a swirl of emotions right now-- cleaning out Jenny's bedroom, rediscovering your childhood paintings, thinking about your mom, thinking about painting.
ReplyDeleteI was a brat, Ang! I wish I hadn't stopped, but now, well, now I am feeling the urge to paint again. I even bought some canvas and paints today. We shall see what happens.
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting post Mallory! It's interesting what you found in your Lonesome painting that seems to be with you in your life today.
ReplyDelete