June 29, 2007

The Linear Aspect

The lake house got a real workout with four pubescent soccer girls signed on for a four day camp at the University. We had them for the overnights... amazing that they had as much energy at night as they did in the mornings. Wish I could say the same for us.

We didn't want to deal with big messy projects while they were coming and going so I busied myself with some of the fun aspects of pulling together this second home... something we feel very privileged, and certainly never expected, to have. It continues to challenge us and, in many ways, keeps us alert and functioning with purpose at a much younger level than we might otherwise.

The clearing that we've done has included removal of a great deal of wisteria and wild grapevine that tends to cripple tree growth. A side benefit is finding beautifully twisted vines to incorporate into arrangements in the house. Sometimes just propping them around, over the cabinets or hanging in a corner. Adding a randomly curving line to a simple object can transform from ordinary to special, reminding of the many qualities that it can offer.

Line, in my work, has for many years been ruled... hard, straight and determined. I'm thinking that might change. I'm enamored of the serenity and natural flow that these lines inspire. Perhaps there's something taking root here... that might be a good thing...


9 comments:

Walker said...

I love it when you take off in a new direction. Can't wait to see what comes out of your studio next!. I have that book, BTW, bought it in Santa Fe!

Steven LaRose said...

Oh priestess of this thing we are in.. . .
Thanks.

(for those of you who are new to the secret society of Kjac, please. . . start simply and move your soap dish to the other side of the sink (just for a few days), and have someone bring your sandwiches to you while you sit on a ladder in the back yard.)

Karen Jacobs said...

(whadhesay?) Ummm... yeah, that would work...

Steven LaRose said...

It is good to change your routine, in "Life" and in "Painting".

Karen Jacobs said...

Not so easy. Just spent an hour in the studio and works in progress aren't accepting the gesture (whoa, lady, whatcha think yer doin'?) Guess it's best to start from scratch with clear mind and clean media.

Robin... don't hold your breath... this might take awhile.

Karen Jacobs said...

Oh, Steven! I thought you meant you were going to bring ME sandwiches... silly! No... don't watch! Geeze, I'll freeze!

CMC said...

Ahhh. I love the organic line with simple geometric shapes....or is it geometric simple shapes (simplicity) with the organic line to off-set them. Always have. Will be watching to see.

Steven LaRose said...

Oh.
I guess I was getting all excited about disrupting ones routine as a healthy exercise, but now that I re-read your post I also remember that what you are implying is that it is also vital to pay attention and establish day to day routines. We can't break'em if we don't make'em! We need the balance of "pulling together" our homes before we can take chances with our painting.

I am often amazed how, when I am fixing the gutter, or changing a lightbulb, that the vantage point from on top of the ladder is a simple point of view shift that makes me see the yard or the room from a different perspective, obviously, and profoundly. It is like a poor man's out-of-body experience. Looking back in on my life. I find peace and re-love my life sometimes on top of a ladder. Outside looking in. Leaving briefly the order that I have surrounded myself with.

Lunch brake on a ladder is wonderful.

Karen Jacobs said...

Balance... yes, it's all about balance. Routines? You got it... made to be broken. New views, different perspectives... vital!

I see (once I opened my eyes) that this vine-line has made a regular appearance in much of my work since the beginning of time. How novel that it is rediscovered as if new and different when it's been there all along, just not in 3-D. I do intend to play with it in 2-D as a primary element rather than just a passing fancy.