Starting from an image of shadows and waterlilies on a pond’s surface, shapes dissolved and reformed into this. I find it curiously freeing to oil paint on paper …like I am giving myself more freedom to play.
image (C) 2021 Hilary Farmer
I painted this one for a specific local show which isn’t until January but I wanted to make sure it would be dry in lots of time for varnishing. All the paintings in the show will be the same format (12″ x 12″) and the same price but all different styles and subjects. I really hope mine appeals to someone …who doesn’t like waterlilies, right?!
Tom wrote a poem for this one about the power of illusions.
Some days I think that I could walk across
the mirror-surface of this lily-pond
stepping on the stones of green and gloss
all my weight supported by the fronds
of floating pads. Their vines are columns, stone
could not provide as much support or strength
as their living sinews, summer-grown
from roots and stems, prodigious in length.
Could I not walk on water, dance on air?
Could I not just this once defy the laws?
Could I not touch the face of one so fair?
Could I not have effect without a cause?
Some days there are illusions that have power
But none so great as one strong lily’s flower.
image (c) 2020 Hilary Farmer
poem (c) 2020 TJ Radcliffe
Based on a view from the ferry between Vancouver and Victoria. At that time in the evening, the islands you pass look dark and mysterious. The strait was smooth, reflecting the dying light as it leaked through the clouds …a moment of transition in space and time.
Tom’s extremely quirky poem …well just read it!
The sea lies calm between the rocky shores
capturing the sun’s last golden rays:
bright Day is ending, “Leave them wanting more”
she whispers as she slips away, off stage
to take off makeup, rest and smoke a fag,
while gossiping with Dawn and watching Dusk
who entertains the punters in her rags
of scattered cloud and twilight ’til she’s thrust
into the wings by Night’s commanding step
onto the boards, her retinue of stars
all keeping time until the moon has crept
up through the trap to shine, so high and far.
Day stubs her smoke and goes off to her bed
To dream of Dawn and inhibitions shed.
image (c) 2018 Hilary Farmer
poem (c) 2018 TJ Radcliffe
The look of my blog will be changing soon! I am updating it in preparation for coordinating with my NEW WEBSITE! I am super excited that it’s almost ready to launch. There will be a post soon with a link.
I decided to pursue the theme a bit further. This time I used somewhat more “painterly” techniques – if that’s the right word when you’re doing computer art.
We’re getting some snow today – those big fluffy snow flakes that I seem to remember from childhood…
image (cc) 2010 Hilary Farmer
I was on the bus going over “the mountain” yesterday and was inspired to create this image. It’s kind of an impression of the reality. I may try another later… As of today, things look pretty different since it’s been raining since last night. Not exactly seasonal for around here!
image (cc) 2010 Hilary Farmer
Green Tea Doodles 