Recently I visited with a new client in Manhattan—a marvelous jazz musician who I’m painting for a club in the city. As we were getting to know each other better, we chatted in my studio about our lives as artists before and after the worst days of the pandemic.
Alexandra Tyng, Pandemic Surfer, oil, 24 x 32" (60 x 81 cm)
Going at a hundred miles an hour 18 months ago in an economy that was booming, life was good, and suddenly in an instant, everything came to a halt. Unable to travel freely or spend time with others, most of us began seeking a deeper understanding of our work and our lives.
Diane Firth, Jo Fusniak, pencil, 83⁄10 x 58⁄10" (21 x 14 cm)
As artists, once we adjusted to the sudden stop and assessed the challenges we faced, we turned to our work for both solace and revelation. Many of us also stretched ourselves creatively, choosing less familiar subject matter, picking up a personal project that had long been shelved, or revisited works that needed more time and deeper exploration. Of course, we all cleaned out our closets too!
As a result, my new client and I agreed that through this tragedy we’d grown as artists and as human beings. Most of us now accept that life can change seemingly in an instant, that we have to appreciate the day we have to do the best we can, but that in the chaos around us we can and must find comfort in our work. Making things focuses the mind and soothes the soul.
Diane Firth, Michael Boyle, pencil, 83⁄10 x 58⁄10" (21 x 14 cm)
During the pandemic Alexandra Tyng found herself struggling to start a new figurative painting since she couldn’t travel or visit with people. To her surprise, several friends and relatives spontaneously started sending her photographs with permission to paint from them. One such new subject was her brother Nathaniel, shown here in the painting Pandemic Surfer.
Finding inspiration close to home, James Tennison’s recent work features paintings of the natural beauty he sees on his daily walks with his wife. This new collection depicts the forest, seashore and wildlife of Whidbey Island, Washington, and is on exhibit at his hometown gallery. The show is called A Walk Around Langley and features his detailed observations of the world within one mile of his home.
James Tennison, Village Church, oil, 24 x 18" (60 x 45 cm)
James Tennison, Sharp Shinned Hawk, oil, 16 x 12" (40 x 30 cm)
During the international health crisis, Julia Maddalina was inspired to create portraits that tell the stories of frontline healthcare workers of the pandemic. She painted 100 portraits of these dedicated and brave people. She also partnered with a non-profit called Worldbuilders that is helping her art reach a wider audience and benefit the charitable organization. Through this project, Maddalina hopes that her art can inspire others to donate their talents and help make good things happen in our world.
Julia Maddalina in front of her 100 Portraits of the Frontline.
Julia Maddalina, Anna Maria, oil on paper, 7 x 4" (17 x 10 cm)
Diane Firth is in the middle of the Captain Tom Challenge, which was formed to call on people to do something 100 times that will bring joy and attention to selected charities. She chose to draw 100 portraits in 100 days of past and present members of the UK armed forces. In two of her portraits of service men Michael Boyle and Josef Fusniak, Firth brings attention to these fine men who serve and have served their country with honor and distinction.
These artists, along with many of you, have found ways to express themselves during these trying times. Despite the difficulties and tragedies around us, we’ve turned to our art to lift our spirits and that of others as well. Art strengthens us, informs us and sustains us in times both good and bad. Possibly we’ve never understood that more clearly than now.
Sincerely,
Michael Shane Neal
Chairman