diversion
{a diversion. moment of levity}
Yesterday, while reading an article about a friend of mine, I stumbled across this quoteof his:
"I don't do a lot of paintings, because [a painting] is only one of a kind. So when I do a painting, it's usually for my wife's birthday or a gift."
In an artist's statement, Montoya explains why he steers away from using his art for self-aggrandizement: "I attempt to communicate, reach out and touch others, especially...that silent and often ignored populace of Chicano, Mexican, and Central American working class, along with other disenfranchised people of the world."
~ Malaquias Montoya
It reminds me of Nino Ricardo, one of the great flamenco guitarists, who said that his wife was the only one who ever truly heard him play. The above painting, for my wife. {And others, you will never see.} I love his statement about art. That it should be accessible and available to everyone. It is beautiful to me. Beautiful. I could spend hours on his site.
Posted by jeff pitcher at November 20, 2004 01:31 PM
....................................
What is the link to your friend's website?
Posted by: Jen at November 20, 2004 02:33 PM
click on the name "malaquias montoya." voila.
Posted by: jefferson pitcher at November 20, 2004 03:24 PM
Jeff-
Such a beautiful painting. I love the way your bodies are falling into each other. But was completely taken aback to read the "quieres ser libre" at the bottom....free from what I ask....
Posted by: cindy at November 21, 2004 08:39 AM
this is simply beautiful... thanks for sharing the painting with us.
Posted by: jennir at November 21, 2004 05:44 PM
"quiero ser libre" indeed means "i want to be free." were i to explain that, i would have to now go into a rather long winded explanation of how i work as an artist, which i'd rather not do at the moment. perhaps never, as some things in art should always remain a mystery. i will say, that it has little {if anything} to do with the fact that i gave the painting to my wife. i will add though, that i believe we find our truest freedom of spirit and soul, inside of love.
thank you for the compliments. it has felt great to be painting again with much time off.
Posted by: jefferson pitcher at November 22, 2004 06:03 AM
jeff,
great link. i too can spend hours on your friends site. i love it.
i also love this painting and feel honored you shared it with us.
jenn
Posted by: jenn at November 23, 2004 10:11 AM
I love that you've started to post paintings on your site, and I must say, your daily practice is paying off; there is more depth and resonance to your work now than there was when you started posting, and you're more confident with composition. that's my opinion anyway. I love your work, and your writing. thanks!
Posted by: Annie at November 24, 2004 02:32 PM
