Portland Waldorf School Annual Shield Benefit

Every year the Portland Waldorf School auctions off a collection of wooden shields that have been decorated by various artists. This year I am back in Portland, so I am lucky enough to participate! 

Discovery (2013) Acrylic, metal, yarn, glue on wood.

I was super excited when I received my little wooden shield, and I didn't want to mess it up. I thought, "why not make a couple of sketches so that I can settle on my favorite idea and continue from there?" Bad idea. I just wanted more shields after that. I ditched my sketches-- actually I hid them from myself so that I wouldn't be influenced by my own designs while painting. I wanted the image to emerge organically without involving too much conscious analytical thinking... however, I rediscovered these "forgotten" sketches soon after I started painting because, like a genius, I'd hidden them in one of my several paint stashes. This particular stash also housed my paint brushes so I guess I wasn't trying very hard. 

In any case, I proceeded to ignore my sketches (by placing them face-down) as I painted and re-painted my shield. I plucked the silver leaves off of an old sculpture of mine. What else do you do with art after it is made and everyone has looked at it? Besides, the old sculpture-- a large foam arm and hand that extended from the floor, was painted purple with hints of gold, and sported silver leaves-- was partially destroyed by wear and tear and my cat's jaws and claws.

The benefit takes place at the Portland Waldorf School this Friday from 6-8pm. You can RSVP at http://portlandwaldorf.eventbrite.com if you feel so inclined.