Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Salvaged: Some thoughts on a Still Life by Virginia Fine Artist Cathyann Burgess

Salvaged©2011C.L.Burgess oil on linen 16x12
$650

When I thought of the title, it was so very appropriate. To salvage is to rescue.


We artists, and  most especially former art teachers make good use of things disposed, forgotten, unwanted, worn out, the flotsam and jetsam of life. I used to so admire the artist Louise Nevelson for that. She, taking the tossed out and about; breathing new life into the found object.


Maybe too, the symbolism herein could also be read differently, as we all bring something to the pieces as we look at art objects. What could the spent spider flower mean in this context? And the the weathered wood; was it used to support perhaps a porch roof? Or did the painter put those words there? Why are these objects precious enough to  arrange and paint?


What story do these things hold for you?
Art tells stories. It really doesn't matter what that story is sometimes, once the artist gives it birth. The experience has already been had once. It is generously given now for others to ruminate over, write poems for, remember someone or something or somewhere; giving still, new birth to yet more art, perhaps.
Thank you, Louise.




p.s. I sold "the culprit" at the Mill show. Yay! you can stop holding your breath,:-).

11 comments:

Pam Holnback said...

Great strong lights, and it came out so well being all warms.

Anthony Duce said...

Like the painting and the words. And can find a good story here.

Cathyann said...

Thank you, Pam!

Cathyann said...

Thank you, Tony. You are one of few that can do that crossover to words well. I have enjoyed your posts too, very much.
Best,
Cathyann

Diana Moses Botkin said...

Lovely study here, Cathyann, and your thoughts are especially good to read right now. It's delightful to consider all the stories our work represents.

suzanneberry said...

beautiful painting and post!

Joan Sicignano Artist said...

Beautiful painting Cathyann. Love your play of light on the subject. Really well done.

Cathyann said...

Diana, Suz and Joan, your words lift me up! Thanks so very much.

Carol King said...

first off, congratulations on your sale!

to me there is a bit of melancholy to this painting. I love the strong yellow of the flowers against the wood tones.

Marie Theron said...

Wonderful words by that unique artist! And then she gave her objects cohesion by painting everything blacK! Your transparent vase and flower is perfect, and I love the way the "found" objects take backstage, contributing to the impact of the flowers!

Teresa said...

I like the quietness of this piece. It's sunny, yet quiet too.

Nicely done!