Creativity and Communion
Image courtesy of Krispin Mayfield (@krispinmayfieldphotography)
Standing in the center of the room, hand over my heart, I took a deep breath and exhaled gratitude.
The 2025 Ekphraestival—a collaboration between Soliloquy Fine Arts, the Writer’s Block, and other Portland arts organizations—was a dream come true. The premise was simple: regional painters would be juried into the show with works that explored the theme: “intertwined.” Paintings, sculptures, and other artifacts that investigated and elucidated the hidden ways we are connected to one another. Works that showed how those connections are strengthened and obscured.
Each artwork would be paired with a poet—someone who would bring forth a new, original composition in response and dialogue with the art. Another local artist, Nancy Larson, told me of the opportunity earlier this year. She said, “I think this might be right up your alley.” And goodness, was she right.
As I stood in the space with the other painters, poets, friends, and family—the theme of the show was palpable. Here we were, intertwined with one another in ways none of us could have predicted. We had all been summoned to the same space and time, bearing witness to our collective humanity. Our shared threads have not been severed.
“Photo Finish” (2024)
For the show, I submitted the work above: Photo Finish (2024), painted in the aftermath of the 2024 presidential election. In my mind and heart, the work is an exploration of the ways we are connected to our political opponents despite our attempts to sever one another. It is an attempt to communicate, in gesture and presence, the heart of the matter when words have so clearly lost their power and meaning.
Close up detail of Photo Finish
Close up detail of Photo Finish
I was paired with the brilliant Dr. Duana Fullwiley—Professor of Anthropology at Stanford University. What a gift to work with her, and to see her words in response to my wordless gesticulation. Over the course of several weeks, she produced a poem in communion with this painting, the text of which I have permission to share below:
“Gesture Print [Read Only File]”
Original poem written by Dr. Duana Fullwiley
Throughout the show, each poet had an opportunity to read their work publicly in the gallery. It was an honor to hear her read these words aloud and to spend time talking about the ways art had brought our paths together. Here we were, two strangers becoming friends, bearing witness to a shared reality. Creating artwork to share with one another and the wider world. Intertwined indeed.
From this show, I carry forward the reminder that honest art brings healing. Wars and rumors of wars still threaten to fray the threads between us. But when we show up with one another with open and generous hearts, we can once again find the stability of love.
Studio Updates
I’ve been weaving between two poles these days. I’ve been making progress on a new commission for a family in Seattle—a process I look forward to sharing more about in the months ahead! I’ve also been exploring works in blacks, whites, and grey. I’ve been enamored with payne’s grey lately, especially when paired with a bright yellow ochre. It’s a meditative moodiness that feels recognizable to me.
Here are a handful of these new works, most of which are available. I’ve reserved a few of these for gallery submissions, so they won’t be for sale until later this year.
Save the date for the 2025 Portland Open Studio tour, where I’ll be inviting guests into my home studio to see my work and share more about my process. I look forward to continuing to meet more artists in my community and nurture our arts ecosystem with so many talented, creative folks.
