I used to use think my paintings were about "memory" until I was challenged to really explain what memory meant. I did a shallow dive into theories on memory, and my takeaway was that no one really knows how it works. But if I wanted to make paintings about memory I basically had two choices: to paint the mechanics of remembering a thing (perhaps by formally describing the repetitive hazy/intermittent/hyper-focused recall process that many of us know by experience) or to paint the thing itself the closest I could approach it (imperfect, but real), letting memory work itself out on its own. The latter was far more attractive, so I had to let go of the melancholy "promise" of memory. I like this quote, from Kierkegaard: "Joy is the present tense, with the whole emphasis on the present." Thank you for writing, Allie!
This is such a beautiful anecdote, Ryan! It seems to me as though you find joy-- or whatever emotion it is you seek to convey-- with the full emphasis on the present in your paintings. Imperfect, but real.
I used to use think my paintings were about "memory" until I was challenged to really explain what memory meant. I did a shallow dive into theories on memory, and my takeaway was that no one really knows how it works. But if I wanted to make paintings about memory I basically had two choices: to paint the mechanics of remembering a thing (perhaps by formally describing the repetitive hazy/intermittent/hyper-focused recall process that many of us know by experience) or to paint the thing itself the closest I could approach it (imperfect, but real), letting memory work itself out on its own. The latter was far more attractive, so I had to let go of the melancholy "promise" of memory. I like this quote, from Kierkegaard: "Joy is the present tense, with the whole emphasis on the present." Thank you for writing, Allie!
This is such a beautiful anecdote, Ryan! It seems to me as though you find joy-- or whatever emotion it is you seek to convey-- with the full emphasis on the present in your paintings. Imperfect, but real.
I keep saying this but I think this is your best one yet! I love the idea of the space between highs and lows as being peaceful.
Reading this makes me feel peaceful and happy, so thank you!
Also shoutout to Dublin Viking Splash tours for curing my hangover.
Allie! Wow. Wow! Wow.
I feel so fortunate to have been on one of those between moments with you. What a warm and wonderful visit from start to finish.