These are the second-string paintings that don’t quite make the cut.
THE FRENCH GOVERNMENT has launched a new program to encourage the population to repair their raggedy clothes and worn out shoes rather than throw them away. The amount of clothing thrown away around the world is colossal. In France 700,000 tons of clothing end up in landfill. In the US it’s 11.3 million. This is crazy. Fast fashion is one of those instant gratification trends that result in massive amounts of useless stuff cluttering up our delicate biosphere.
As an, ahem, older person, I have accumulated a lot of clothes from the past decades. A quick internet search of “minimalist” and “clothing” will garner you many articles and videos on how to get rid of this detritus in a useful way.
As an artist I also have accumulated lots of artwork. I am preparing for a group art show at the end of the month. Although I plan to feature new work, I don’t quite have enough to fill my space. In the process of reviewing my past work to resurrect a couple of older paintings for the show, I came across quite a few familiar pieces from other eras. These days I work in a different way and they would never make it into a current show.
In a thoughtful mood in Place Emile Goudeau. Click to see full size.
Many hours went into these second-string paintings. You need to continuously make work in order to get good at your discipline. They can’t all be masterpieces but your style evolves as well. Perhaps I am holding onto past potential, rather than planning for future success. If you think about these kind of metaphors too much they can get meaninglessly philosophical. The waste basket beckons! Or at least the recycling bin. Gotta save that planet.
What should I do? Still thinking about it. Lmc
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