Distinctly Montana Magazine
Issue link: https://digital.distinctlymontana.com/i/1257713
w w w . d i s t i n c t l y m o n t a n a . c o m 27 WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON NOW, AND WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF GOING WITH YOUR ART OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS? I am working on exploring some new mediums, in addition to complet- ing a large commission and focusing on bodies of work for upcoming show commitments. Life has slowed a bit with the "shelter in place" challenges we all face with this "new normal" due to the pandemic, yet my list of what I want to accomplish in the days that I hope to have con- tinues to grow longer than I know I have time to do them all. THE WORLD HAS CHANGED A GREAT DEAL IN THE LAST SEVERAL WEEKS. WHAT IS IT LIKE TO BE AN ARTIST AND MAKE A LIVING AT THIS POINT IN TIME? I am grateful for the opportunity to make my living as an artist. As this pandemic has unfolded, it has been a time of great uncertainty, sadness, grief, loss...and also gratitude, and hope. I have felt life slow to an ebb and flow as I try to absorb all of this, and I am thankful for the people who are giving so much of themselves, and risking their and their families' health, to help us all. I am eternally grateful to these people, and the list is so long, from the doctors and medical staff in the hospitals to the first responders, to the people stocking grocery store shelves and putting letters in our mailboxes. To them, I say Thank You. If what it is that I do can provide anyone at all with a brief moment of comfort, or happiness, or peace, or even a time of rest to take them from somewhere else when they look at my artwork, then I am grateful for the opportunity to in some way contribute to their moment, through my art. To me, that is an honor. Making a living as an artist has changed so quickly in the past de- cade, and again in the past several weeks. We are all in this together, I believe, as we all emerge to find our way of making a living once again. And I believe that we will. Art, in whatever form, is the very thing that creates captivating, engaging thoughts, memories, and emotions. It has a beautiful voice that will continue on, and provide comfort and healing, as we embrace the new days ahead. Missed A Spot 18" x 26" Oil on Yupo Starry, Starry Night 36" x 50" Oil on Canvas The Usual Suspects 32" x 40" Oil and Cold Wax on Glass I have loved horses FOR AS FAR BACK AS I CAN REMEMBER. THEY ARE A CONSTANT SOURCE OF INSPIRATION, AND COMFORT, FOR ME.