An Artist Statement

Aspen Stream First Light Acrylic on Panel 18x18

As an artist, it has become convention to write out an "artist statement" as a way of helping others understand what you are doing, kind of like the "mission statement" in modern corporations.  That is fine and it does help people see the thought you put into your work and the hoped for impact.  It also helps galleries to sell your work when you are not around to explain it. 

But part of me thinks one's work is "the statement" and leaving it for unguided exploration enables others to enter the art journey with a spirit of curiosity and adventure.  What is God's artist statement?  I like the dawn as one example.  Every morning I see and explore the mystery of creation in new ways as things come to light and we creatures wake up.  On my website (www.tommcgeeart.com), where the artist statement usually resides, I posted this poem for some reflection.

An Artist Statement

warm, cool, the dawn glows
over the Sangres this morning
-a lone raven flies

no photographs taken
just the stillness of peace
-awaiting sunrise

embracing essence
in myself and creation
-the artist spirit

my friends, the birds, are
already looking for food
-I take in the dawn

hello brother sun
the saint would say to you
-as the winter fades

mister flicker plays drums
on the fireplace vent hood
-what is he saying?

perhaps the same thing

perhaps his art is banging on a vent,
glad to be alive