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September/October 2020 Newsletter

How are you? These are hard times, aren't they. After several challenging months I, like others, have finally found happiness in staying in touch with friends and family, and re-engaging in creativity.

How have you been coping and finding joy in these difficult times?

Since August, I have felt inspired to paint again. I am pleased to share with you four new works grounded in some of our recent, intense experiences, and would be honored to hear from you about them.

So Many Questions

Transitions

New Work -- Reflections

Navigating the the ups and downs of the pandemic, in addition to the fires, the injustices, the hurricanes and more has felt like a series of intense roller coaster rides. Between rides, I have engaged in periods of reflection; while during the rides, I have felt the desire to express intense reactions. Has this also been your experience?

The two large acrylics above, So Many Questions and Transitions, were created during periods of reflection. I felt like exploring in-depth inquiries and movement forward, complex issues and evolutions. For me, the blue and green palates speak of mysteries, hope and growth. These paintings came from places deep inside.

Blade Undone

In the Beginning

New Work -- Reactions (and Quote)

As the fires have raged throughout California, Oregon and Washington, I found myself reacting to the terrible destruction, but also maintaining hope for regeneration. My two paintings above, Blade Undone and In the Beginning, were created during the most intense periods of the fires. These two acrylics reflect both endings and new starts, including paths forward.

While the mountains behind my home have not burned this year (at least yet), they were seared during the last five years by the Thomas and other fires. I hike in them a lot and am amazed by how much regeneration has occurred. It gives me hope through the sadness of loss. Is this something you feel?

And now for my quote of the month. Noted textile and print maker Anni Albers said, "Art is something that makes you breathe with a different kind of happiness." I agree, and with everything else going on, deep and creative breathing has never been more important.

As always, thank you for reading my newsletter and for supporting original contemporary art. I look forward to hearing from you.

Warm regards and healthy wishes,

Andrew
Andrew Roy
www.andrewroyart.com
andrew@andrewroyart.com
Member, Santa Barbara Art Association
Member, Abstract Art Collective