Inspired by H.M. Trevor's The Fisherman's Mother

Inspired by The Fisherman's Wife Stage One

During the course of the last two years while researching my ancestors, I discovered that farming was the predominant occupation of my paternal ancestors - that is - until they emigrated to Boston, Massachusetts.   There, far from their farming roots, they took on a variety of occupations becoming pipefitters, longshoremen and nurses.     Some of my mother's paternal ancestors were from Canada and made their living in occupations related to the sea, mostly fishermen.  


Inspired by The Fisherman's Wife

I was immediately drawn to a painting at the National Gallery in Dublin and I took a photograph of it, which inspired this painting.    The original painting was done by Irish artist Helen Mabel Trevor in 1892.   She was fascinated by the fishing culture of Brittany and particularly the strength of the women whose husbands and sons faced the dangers of sea.   The rosary beads and cane complete the image of an elderly woman who has experienced a lifetime worry, though tempered with piety, and the years are plainly displayed on her face.

Ode to Hollywood - The Party

What a night!!  Pinch me...I felt like, "what am I doing here?"

The "Ode to Hollywood" Art Exhibition opened in the Jeanie Madsen Gallery on Ocean Ave in Santa Monica last night.   From the time we arrived to the time we left there was a steady stream of people - artists, friends of the artists and collectors enjoying a diverse but cohesive show.

A Hollywood-style red carpet led the way to the gallery from busy Ocean Ave. and a photographer took pictures of artists with gallery owner Jeanie Madsen.   Her sweet, peanut-sized frame belied her powerhouse of energy, enthusiasm and charisma.  She was the thought leader in creating the event and collaborating with international magazine, Blue Canvas.   All that had me a little anxious of what to expect, but we couldn't have felt more welcome, thanks to Jeanie and her staff.



Jeanie Madsen and Maureen Being Photographed on the Red Carpet

Any worries about fitting in or "what to wear" quickly gave way to relaxation and enjoyment as we observed outfits from jeans and tee shirts to formfitting mini skirts to long silky gowns. Anything goes in LA...free expression. We didn't remember to bring our funky hats, but others had their fedoras, flowery headpieces, turbans and leopard top hats.  

All around the gallery the friendly, positive, creative, and can-do messaging for artists and collectors alike.   Jeanie admitted to diving into this event not knowing what to expect.   It started to take on a life of its own and the goodwill generated was more than she ever expected.  At the start of the awards announcement, my own welcome was complete with Jeanie making note of my cross-country trek, stating that I had come the furthest to be there.

The common denominator in the gallery was love of art and all experience levels of artists boldly putting their best work forward. Among the show's collection of artwork was mixed media, photography, sculpture, and digitally altered images. Each piece had a write up describing the inspiration for creating the artwork and its connection to Hollywood.  Here is a link to the gallery.   Photos are forthcoming.

http://www.jeaniemadsengallery.com/index.html



Maureen with Ode to Hollywood Painting

During the course of the night, Jeanie brought people over and introduced us. We met an artist, a young woman from Kingston, MA, who just relocated to LA seeking a gallery position.  Several people came over because they had ties to Massachusetts.  I don't remember all the names, but I remember them expressing genuine interest in my painting too.   It was an energizing shot of adrenaline feeding already my panabsorbing art obsession.

I even chatted with the two men who own and run Blue Canvas magazine.  Thirty-something Justin Yun is the Publisher and CEO of the magazine.  They seemed genuinely interested and happy to hear that I was a regular user of the online features of Blue Canvas,  including art collecting, rating favorites with stars, and maintaining a personal gallery.   They shared that there was an upgrade in the works.  Both made a point to study my painting and were complimentary of it.   We exchanged business cards and they signed my complimentary issue, another nice momento.

I am obviously really glad we came and I promise not to make a habit of shameless self promotion in future blog posts.   But this definitely was an exciting first in my art life and I was ready to just bust....so here it is - dedicated to my best cheering section - you know who you are :)

Ode to Hollywood Exhibit Opening

A couple of days ago, I forwarded the following link to my family members.

http://laartparty.com/

I got a boot out of the fact that in this Entertainment Publication in Los Angeles was touting the "Ode to Hollywood" Exhibit Opening as an LA "pick of the week."   Mentioned in the article was the "MA to LA" connection - that meant me - and further on listed my name among other artists who were selected for the show.

A painter doesn't typically stay wired to email all day so imagine my reaction when I signed on later and read a flurry of emails that amounted to a grassroots family uprising.  They said,  "you're going, right? " ...  "Seriously, you have to"  ... "it doesn't happen every day..."  "I know a guy in LA..."   Even the flight numbers and times were supplied to me.

We took the plunge and booked flights and hotel and within an hour our vacation plans were altered.   The Red Sox tickets were reassigned.   (We aren't in love with them right now anyhow - good riddance Beckett).   Thank you to the family for providing clarity on the situation!

I am looking forward to visiting this very cool and welcoming gallery. I've been so impressed with Jeanie and team from the Jeanie Madsen Gallery.   Look them up on Facebook if you want.  They have been outstanding to work with and the following philosophy seems to be more than just good words.

"A home for "Real Deal" Artists. No fluff. Not searching for fame and fortune, only searching for truth and passion before all. Not doing what society or Mom and Dad tell you to do, but what your inner soul tells you to do. Did I mention, incredibly humble Artists. Or just Real. Real Deal Talent. What can I say, see for yourself."  Not all that is true about me, but I like that they want that in their artists.

I will post on this some more, but for now, I'm boarding.  On to LA!!!