Play Ground (2012)

Play Ground (2012) oil on canvas, 18 x 14 inches

Dear Alex

This post is a short tribute to my brother, Alex. He was adopted from Columbia by my father and step-mother and is thirteen years younger than me. Over twenty years have passed since this photo was taken. Since then, I have become a painter and this little boy has become one of my biggest supporters. I am very lucky. Alex is a very empathetic and thoughtful young man. I also recently discovered that he is a gifted writer. I hope he does not mind that I share a portion of his letter. He's only 25 and already so wise. Anyway, this post is for you, Alex, for no particular reason except to say thank you for being a part of my family.

Excerpt of a letter written by me to my brother, Alex:

I am not happy if I am not able to make art. When I started painting, I think I did so instinctively. I wasn’t very happy and I needed an outlet. For a long time, I entertained the idea of being some sort of famous painter, but I know now that was an unrealistic goal. It is hard trying to be a professional artist and making money. However, I still want to exhibit and make new work and share it with others. After years of painting, I have never let go of how it makes me feel to make a piece of art. Being creative gives me peace, relaxation, escape, and joy. So many aspects of life are routine or mundane or stressful. When I am making art, I forget about everything else and I am able to get lost in imagery. It stops me from worrying because I become so focused on the art. In the end, I see a product of self-expression and this is satisfying.

Excerpt from his letter back:

The fact of the matter is that your goals are not absurd … As far as I’m concerned there are people who can sit at a shit job for hours because they value the pay and how it allows them to live a lifestyle at home that they enjoy. For these people this is enough. Then there are others that work jobs they hate because they have to – sadly income is kind of essential to live. We are fortunate to have the means and foundation to pursue education that opens doors into areas we /want/ to work but our journey is kind of vexing as even after the time and effort we put into pursuing our dreams we often find ourselves in fruitless situations. We just happen to have a passion that eclipses any desire of pursuing areas we are not interested in simply because they are easier or pay better. I think it was Confucius who said something to the effect of “the young squander their health to attain wealth and then spend their wealth re-attaining their health and youth.” I guess to me I feel that a career path is a pivotal part of who we are as people. The amount of time and energy spent in a career path has to amount to more than simply income otherwise we are squandering our specific skills and not indulging our interests. Your field may make this difficult, but not impossible. I know you’re probably tired of adversity and pep-talks but to be honest I think there’s something vaguely romantically idealistic and certainly inspiring about your journey.

ColorScrapes Reception tonight!

a wall of "ColorScrapes"

Framed and Ready

Ahhhh. Breathe a sigh of relief. My paintings are framed and ready to hang next Friday. They will be up at Fare Restaurant (2028 Fairmount Avenue, Philly) for the entire month of September. Please drop by if you can and take a look in person ... these babies are meant to be seen live.

Upcoming Art Show!!

Awakening (2012)

Awakening (2012) oil on canvas, 30 x 24 inches

Candyland (2012)

Candyland (2012) oil on canvas, 32 x 20 inches

Finally finished a painting. It depicts a wooded landscape, but it is very much inspired by my love for candy and fairytale places. And I mixed a new color. I call it mint chocolate chip green. If you have ever eaten Turkey Hill's Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream, you know the green I'm talking about.

Studio Progress

Finally had time to paint for two whole days. What a relief. I had missed painting.
I recognize that in my last post I hoped to finish a few pieces and then ... nothing. I have no excuse except to say that I was working, earning money. Painting is no cheap hobby.
I changed the painting from my previous post. I painted out the woman's open, screaming mouth and just left the hand. It's more mysterious this way.

Three works in progress

In the Studio

New paintings are in the works.  I don't usually show my art during this stage.  Things can get pretty ugly before they get pretty.  However, I cannot contain my excitement about this one.  It mixes realism (my old style) with my current abstract palette knife style.  Expect the final results in a few weeks!

Painting in process on February 24th, 2012

Kitties Galore

If you happen to be in Washington DC and need some pet food, check out my friend Anna's awesome pet shop, Metro Mutts (www.metromuttsdc.com). My drawing of Romeo, their resident cat, is now hanging in the front window. If you are interested in commissioning me to draw your furry baby, all you need is a good photo. You can email me your photo. I will make a 8 x 10 inch pencil drawing, frame it, and ship it to you. Turnover time is about a month and the cost is $250, which includes shipping. Send me an email if you have any questions: katecicalese@comcast.net. Metro Mutts is located at 508 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002.

My kitten Miso poses with Romeo's portrait.