Squishy

Squishy is the funniest cat. During the day he is completely uninterested in being pet or loved. At night, on the other hand, he purrs, loves to be cuddled and likes sweet nothings whispered into his ear. I guess this would definitely be his day time look. He gets so irritated...it makes me want to give him a big hug whether he likes it or not. He'll let me and he won't struggle but he most definitely won't enjoy it. I love this cat.

Bottom Dwellers

When I was a little kid I was always afraid to swim in lakes, not one lake in particular but ALL lakes in general. I'd be swimming along and for the most part it was consistently cold and then all of a sudden there would be this frigid cold spot, a little further on a warm spot. Now I can handle this, that is not my problem. The real reason lakes are creepy is the creepy water guy that lives down in the bottom. It's the things in the bottom of the lake, the things that tickle my toes or wrap around my ankle. The hands that grab me and threaten to pull me under. It's also the nasty mud between my toes: what makes it feel so nasty if it's just dirt?

Fight the Fear

I find that being a dedicated oil painter can be a dangerously reclusive game. It's so easy to get caught up in the smell of oil and the many colors, brushes, textures, preparation and then just painting. This is good, dedication, but I think all great painters need to live and find inspiration. Being connected is one of the greatest benefits. Every time I hang a painting I am exposing myself, "openings" are scary, always looking to see if I measure up (although we as painters are not supposed to compare because we are all unique) I must say that it is human nature to compare and no matter how much we say we don't... we do. I guess the solution must be damage control: to stop myself before I start. Are all painters afraid of rejection or ridicule? Maybe not, maybe so, but for me, I think that I need to have more faith in myself, be more confident. I would say that most people are kind, I have decided to get out and "do" more. To streak through the proverbial streets of creation exposing my paintings as much as possible, all of my nooks and cranny's.

My Odd Pallet

Brad says I'm far to shy about showing off my achievements, so here's one. When Brad and I were in Norway staying with Odd Nerdrum for a couple of months, Odd came into the student kitchen. I had my little water color pallet sitting on the table. He looked at it and asked whose it was. I told him it was mine. He says " This is so wonderful,I will trade you one of my signed pallets for your signed pallet". My pallet hangs on his studio wall, and the one he gave to me hangs on mine. One of the greatest experiences of my life. Odd is truly one of the kindest people I have ever met. I'm a better person for having become friends with him.