Killing and Murdering

i often use this diction when talking about finishing a painting. i want the painting to die, but this makes no sense. first off, a painting doesn't really exist until it has a viewer. you could argue that i too am a viewer, but i would say i am the one who viewed. secondly, the act of finishing a painting makes it complete and whole, the opposite of death. finally, i am not a violent person.


i would guess it is the grief over the end of the idea that makes me equate finishing with death. when i stop painting, the idea is over and there is only result.
result that i can always find fault with.


so here, blade by blade i am ending this painting. maybe for these reasons i am always hesitant to finish a painting. or rather, anxious. this is the final push, and if i am diligent, will be done in six to eight hours.



and fred! your paintings speak nothing of death (but i needed a segway into the blog). in fact, you paint with more life than most i know, and probably save a good bit for yourself too. congratulations on your opening tonight!

-jb.