Final Version Bound Together

The painting was finished on Thursday night, with no time to spare. As usual, I could have gone on tweaking it and fixing the lettering, but there came a point in the day when it was just too late to make any more changes.

From top to bottom: the final stretched canvas in the venue on 387 S. Main in Memphis for the Visible Film Festival.

Detail of Martin Luther King Jr.

Detail of the lyrics that were added last

Detail of the people

This was a large project which took 3 years to complete. In all that time, I have continued to be convicted by the words in the James Taylor song, and still see the images of darkness and mist when I listen to it. Many other projects developed as a result of reading King's sermons, researching his life, and of course, living in Memphis, which is still struggling (publicly)with the issue of racism. I finally chose the title "Bound Together" because of all the people in the painting, and the idea that "we cannot walk alone."

One small voice, one unknown artist, in a tribute to the legacy of a great man.

This painting has been waiting to be finished since its inception in St. Louis in 2004. As time has passed, it has become so huge in my mind that I will never be skilled enough to complete it. So daunting! But now it must be finished by next week for a big show opening in Memphis. I have waited so long for this opportunity, and now that it's here I am so nervous. Procrastination is my companion ---- I need more paint, I need better reference photos, what style should I use for the final bit of lettering, on and on. More avoidance-- writing this blog, creating a new piece for an old friend, trying out for the design team of The Stamping Studio, designing more stamps for them...on and on. So now, after whining, and procrastinating, I am going to paint! I will put up the pictures when it is done!

Mini Collages 1.5" X 1.5"

Recent Art Fall 2006

Bookbinding workshop with Joyce Sievers

What an amazing weekend! Joyce brought so many papers -- we were trying not to salivate on them! The class was well organized and she kept the pace moving.

We did five book structures, and each person's taste and style came through in their book. I have always wanted to make books, and each time I work on them I feel more confident. These were perfect for my own level of experience!