painting & observations of our world by Sheryl Stalnaker

Why are you doing whatever it is you are doing today?  Or tomorrow?  Or next week?  When I start a painting I've learned to ask myself, why am I painting this and what do I want to convey?  Last fall I was in a group show at the Wells Gallery in Charleston called, Metaphoric.  We were asked to paint a painting based on a literary inspiration.  I had to write out my thoughts which were posted beside the painting in the gallery.  A real challenge.  But it made me start thinking even more about the inspiration behind what I do.  If my why is "because I have "x" number of walls to fill for an upcoming exhibit, so I need 3 more paintings, and I ought to paint "y" because they usually sell..."  then this may be reality, but I'm certainly not inspired.  This will show up in lackluster work.  I know most of us already know why we are doing what we do, but maybe we need to pause and remind ourselves.  Sounds simple, but we all get busy and caught up in our routines.  Our "whys" don't have to be profound, but they also shouldn't be something we rationalize or have to talk ourselves into either.  We might just come up with a really good reason which can reinvigorate and motivate for a greater purpose.  If I just can't come up with a good why, maybe it is time to move on.  I have a stack of "reject'' paintings in my studio where I moved on.  The smaller ones are actually in a plastic bin labled "unfinished/rejected".  They didn't have a good why.

Wide Open, 3' x 5' (sold) - painting from the Metaphoric show, along with my literary reference:

"It’s opener there in the wide open air”

        Dr. Seuss, from Oh the Places You’ll Go

Dr. Seuss’ writings, which I’ve rediscovered as an adult with young children, are filled with profound truths.  “It’s opener there in the wide open air” gives me the feeling I get when surrounded by unspoiled marsh.  The broad expanse of marsh and sky helps me to breathe more easily, see more clearly, and feel God’s presence.  It is my hope that you can expand your senses as well, opening your eyes and your hearts - wide open.