A blurryish shot of Sean's work hanging in the gallery
I’m still working under the theory that creativity — even (or especially) a different type of creativity than you normally mine — begets more creativity. Maybe that’s my excuse for playing the guitar when I’m clearly not getting any better. Maybe that’s my excuse for even trying to cook.
Anyway, this week I decided to improve my writing by painting. I had the perfect excuse: Sean Greene, a friend from my days in Boston, was in Arlington for a show called Skateboarding Side Effects at the new Artisphere. Curated by Cynthia Connolly, the exhibit features Sean and other artists who are influenced by skateboarding and incorporate it into their work.
As you can see above, some of Sean’s work is quite complex. But he also developed a way to paint using skateboards and motion that works for the masses. It’s his contribution to the field of action painting (think Jackson Pollack doing an ollie) and he offered a class in how to do it. I signed up right away.
Unfortunately I didn’t have a whole lot of moves, the 180 of my youth being reduced to the 90 of middle age. My work, therefore, had fewer bends and curves than that of an avid skateboarder, but I’m still pleased with the result:
Pink on Yellow by Me
My daughter used a scooter instead of a skateboard and got smaller lines. Note the curves.
My daughter's action painting
My son was a little more aggressive in his attack on the paper, thus darker colors and lots more paint.
A little action from my son.
Sean returns On October 21st and 22nd for two more workshops. Visit eventbrite to sign up.
Skateboarding Side Effects runs through Nov. 28th at the Artisphere, which is where the Newseum used to be — an incredible space. I’m still determined to start a day on the web where we all trade muses. Meanwhile, I’m taking my old one back now and spending the rest of the week on the computer, revising.
For a day, anyway, at least for me. Still hope for my kids. One of the people at the workshop mentioned that Picasso quote: All children are born artists… the problem is to remain an artist once he grows up.”
Madelyn, thanks for pointing out Sean’s beautiful work at Artisphere. And everyone in your family is an artist, as well! Bravo.
I love these, Madelyn, especially the way everyone uses yellow so the canvases have something in common (besides the way they were made, which is awesome). You can really see everyone’s gestures, too! I hope you hang them somewhere–maybe near your writing space??