26 January 2008

Smudgebunnies

Smudgebunnies, by Mary Stebbins Taitt.

A new digital painting (or, a revised one, actually). I did a much different version of this, about a year ago, and I probably am still not finished with it.

(Click image to view larger.)

I am exploring using Photoshop as an artistic tool. I am exploring the meaning of art. That is, what is art and why do we do it? Who am I talking to when I do art? First, I am talking to myself, exploring the interplay between the medium and the subject and its resonance for me. Then, I often want to share my experience with another person.

Doing art--and poetry--involves awareness and small epiphanies. During the process, I move closer to the essence of things, or at least I feel as if I do. I have to look closely and experience deeply, and that changes the nature of my heart and mind. Sharing a taste of this experience feels like a form of love.

I saw two bunnies near each other. They seemed to be carrying on a conversation, if one were anthropomorphic about it. What were they saying to each other and why should I care?

I've always wanted to be like St. Francis and talk to the animals--and understand what they say in return. Or eavesdrop on a conversation.

Meanwhile, I am using earthtones and "duller colors" because my normal preference is for bright saturated colors. I need to widen my horizons!

4 comments:

Michael Serafin-St. John said...

I think your "bunnies" are absolutely precious, and the plum color you touched them with (or is it purple?) made my tired eyes glad after being up all night! What a wonderful thing to wake up to. No, "stay up" to... anyway, your comments about your art are eloquent and beautiful to read!

Michael Serafin-St. John said...

Mary, don't fiddle with this one too much more... it's great the way it is! Unless, of course, you want to give them funny hats. Rabbits love those funny hats at Easter! Plus broccoli. They wiped out my brother Bob's patch, and jumped over a "rabbit fence" to do so without a bat of a bunny tail!

Mary Stebbins Taitt said...

I sometimes have a hard time to STOP fiddling at the right point.

Michael Serafin-St. John said...

Cancha hit "undo--delete?" All kidding aside, I wrecked several neat effects just tonight when I passed the point of no return with them. That's a bummer, but I've got so much to work on, I just grab something else and go at that when I flub up.