Here are a few progress photos:
These were inspired by the views from several campsites along the Copper River. It is a compilation of these views and the way the river looks as I hike along, equal parts imaginary and real.
Posting these is a significant evolution for me.... I am more typically the "type" of artist who bars anyone but my husband from viewing works in progress; my husband can see them on the grounds that he offers no commentary, either positive or negative, and keeps his face absolutely smooth (to his credit, he readily agreed to these terms when we were dating, and has kept to them ever since with no remarks on how obscenely limiting they are!). After this year's round of visits to Alaska, however, I began to realize that sharing what I see, and how I see it, is infinitely more important than sheltering my work.... especially when life gets so busy it sometimes dictates months-long breaks.
I also trust myself more these days. I barred others from viewing my work not due to insecurity or fear of criticism, but because it is vitally important to maintain my own point of view, with no hint of any others', throughout the production process. Now, I know that I am strong, committed, and creative enough to continue to look through my own filter, no matter what a viewer's reaction. Why not share the process?
So, I have no idea how long this particular piece will take, but I will continue to post photos here as I chip away at it, one color at a time.
