Saturday, March 12, 2011

Dreaming in grey

 The rain has come
Acrylic on canvas
8 x 8 inches
Barbara Muir © 2011

It's been a good day here, if wet.  In fact it's been raining
for so long I don't remember when it wasn't raining.
It rained all last weekend and has been raining and
snowing all week.  I am a fairly cheerful person
(some people think ridiculously cheerful), but the
sorrows of the world do get to me.  Yesterday
we watched the news about Japan on the big screen
at school.  To watch that wave come up and destroy
everything in its path was devastating.  There was no
escape.  And people all over the world are fighting with
their lives for their freedom.  I dreamt this picture when
I went to sleep last night.  Years ago I used to paint in
red and green, but I saw it against a grey background.
Then I wanted rain because rain is a fact here.  Rain
and more rain.  The girl in my picture is resolute.  She
will come through the rain and into the light.  I wish
the same for the parts of the world affected by sorrowful
events and war. 

Have a taking-care-of-your-family-and-neighbours day.
at

8 comments:

  1. NickiMarch 13, 2011 at 10:56 AM

    The news is a bit overwhelming these days. The best thing an artist can do when feeling strong emotions is put them down on the canvas. And you have done that here. I hope you felt better after doing so.

    XO Nicki

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  2. Kim RempelMarch 13, 2011 at 1:54 PM

    Yes Barbara, with the earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear plants over heating, it feels like we're watching a disaster movie. But it's real life : ( I like this piece. An interesting juxtaposition between colours, shapes...love the grey drips.

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  3. Linny D. VineMarch 13, 2011 at 7:02 PM

    This is exciting,emotion provoking work, Barbara!

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  4. Barbara MuirMarch 13, 2011 at 9:03 PM

    Hi Nicki,

    The news about Japan, on top of the news about Australia, New Zealand, Libya, even back to Egypt is hard, hard news. I was just trying to articulate a dream image. This isn't exactly it, but that's how it is when you move from dream to real life.

    I was not feeling sad at all for myself, so today I move back to concentrating on my physical present, which is good, although rushed forward.

    I just felt sad for the people in Japan. The brutality of that earthquake and tsunami.

    XOBarbara

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  5. Barbara MuirMarch 13, 2011 at 9:05 PM

    Hi Kim,

    It was so sad to watch, and there is worse news today with the nuclear explosion. Thanks for your kind comment. It's somewhat off my normal, but then so is everything else. I will get back to joy now. I think part of the respect for other people's suffering is to acknowledge the bounty and joy of your own life. No one who is suffering wants the rest of the world to stop. They want help. Love your work.

    XOBarbara

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  6. Barbara MuirMarch 13, 2011 at 9:08 PM

    Hi Linny,

    Thanks so much. This will be it for this mood.I feel it is my mission in life to create joyful work -- not as a shallow, careless response to the world, but because I care passionately about the world, my family and friends, like you. So I can't stay in despair even artistically, because it just doesn't help.

    XO Barbara

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  7. SKIZOMarch 14, 2011 at 1:33 PM

    Wonderful
    work
    good creations

    ReplyDelete
  8. Barbara MuirMarch 14, 2011 at 8:55 PM

    Hi Skizo,

    Thanks very much. I'm glad you like it.

    Take care,

    Barbara

    ReplyDelete

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