My last post left some of you breathless.

 New Commission ( cropped)

In admiration of your colourful feedback, I am leaving the narrative to you this week.

“I’ve read this a few times now and I start off the same, a fairly good reading pace, then with each section I start going faster and faster until I’m practically going berserk by the time I finish.  I’m almost out of breath.  If this is how you paint you are a mad woman. :0) “ ( The Runner ) S.T

“Always love your posts, Dawn. Yours always captivate me. I particularly like this statement ~ Some ask why I don’t put people in my paintings. Actually, I do.

I put you there.

Because it is such a common refrain with the Group of Seven—-You are similarly questioned and your answer is brilliant.” J.M

“Your art is beautiful in your paintings and poetic words.”  W.K

 New Sun Cloud 

“Even your name suits the fresh air of your paintings. Just want you to know your charming jewel is now framed and hanging on a narrow wall in our kitchen home office that has been waiting for just this grace. Thank you for this pleasure.” A.K

“Your visuals are so very inspiring! You have the ability to tame the landscape and reduce the complexity and noise into intelligently and beautifully crafted dimensions. I don’t mean to go on and on or to be too verbose, but your art does speak with such clarity and vision! “ C.B

“Your work in our home enriches our lives. Thank you for this.” L.B

“You are blessed with a creative language and may you continue to inspire!”

 New Sun Cloud easel view

“It was lovely to work with you yesterday. You have great energy and a powerful commitment to your art! I’m confident here will be no stopping you. 🙂 ” L.W

“Your work has an almost tangible inner-energy, and a very distinctive sense of mood and atmosphere: in a word, fantastic. I also enjoyed reading your blog. When done well – like yours – it creates an interesting window into what an artist is all about. R.B.

 Mighty Oak

“Dawn if this art thing doesn’t work out for you, you can always start writing….meaning your very talented with words.”  J.

“Autumn Stream is so loose, and yet defiant.  The colours and strokes hammer away and I’m so delighted with this evolvement of your style.  The true beating heart of Dawn is pounding in this one.  Celebrating that passionate rhythm. ”  R.C

New Autumn Rain

“You’ve captured the essence of those skies I’ve seen on so many canoe trips.  There’s an emotional quality for me because often those skies are a storm clearing at sunset. Although we may have been paddling, portaging and setting up camp in the rain, the forest is quickly drying and we now look forward to sleeping out that night, embracing good weather the following day.  As dramatic as the sky is, for me it also offers hope.  Such a great feeling. “R.C

 New Moon

“When I received your email I had to share it with my staff, I hope you don’t mind.  Would you be OK with me sending the letter to our Police newspaper “the Beat”?  As you will read in my note to my staff you and Glen are inspirational and your stories should be shared. “~Dawn is the artist who painted the picture she donated to the Grand River Cancer Center. Glen and Dawn are inspirations to me and the story rightly states “the key to resilience is attitude”. “T.M

“You’ve become a mentor for others in both your art and yourself.” J.P

P.S ~

Thank you for your art patronage, sharing the posts and kind letters. It’s so rewarding to hear how the art enriches your lives.

Pretend you are professional trail runner.

If you detest running, try pro hiker.

Where I write ‘run’ or runner, insert your preferred choice.

I promise I have a point.

Every day you arrive at a new location to begin your trail run. (hike/ portage)

It’s your job. You know how to run, what equipment you need, your nutrition plan and how to pace yourself. Dedicated to training and improving, you are in your element.

Your work day begins at the edge of a beautiful massive mountain forest, which you are viewing for the first time.

Now. Run to the other side.

Oh, and there is no trail.

You have no idea the distance you need to cover and no map.

No clue of what obstacles or challenges await you, like hidden lakes & bogs, boulders or wildlife.

It’s your job, so you will do it regardless of weather, or circumstance.

You may be able to pick up a deer trail at times, clipping along at a great pace, fresh air pumping in your lungs.

You may struggle thru thick bush the next.

You may need to camp out for a day or two to get your bearings, or weather out a storm.

You may run in circles without realizing it and spend valuable time doing so.

You may run to the highest location first, to get a lay of the land. It might help. Then again, it may not.

You witness incredible vistas and beauty, feeling connected to it all. Your body sings with awareness. You are fuelled by passion.

You have moments of such clarity & freedom you are emotionally overcome.

You encounter storms and obstacles so enormous, your aching body drops to your knees in defeat. Distraught visions of quitting swirl in your tired mind.

From this vantage point your field of vision changes. Renewal washes over you as you spot wildflowers bathed in sunlight blooming among vivid moss. You feel the magic.

Finally reaching your destination you may be euphoric, championing your efforts with a mental pat on the back as you stand alone at the edge of the silent forest.

You may drop to the forest floor exhausted.

You may even wonder if you are at your destination. Do you need to travel further up the mountain?

After all, there was no map or guidebook.

You have only instinct to rely on.

It’s been known to serve you well.

Sometimes.

You mull the experience over, wondering how you could have navigated more efficiently.

You may judge your competency & skill, reviewing your efforts as your worst critic. You decide what you may do differently, and savour valuable discoveries. You rejoice in the spark of magic.

You feel a rush of both gladness and sadness, because you will never run this same course again. Ever.

The run make take days, weeks, perhaps months.

Each is unique and you never know how long it will take. After all, you cannot see the finish and aren’t really sure where it is.

After a course is completed, the next day you are dropped off to a new to you location.

You do it all over again.

Such is the life of a professional painter.

~

To my friend who wondered what it is like to paint professionally, and how I approach each new canvas.

There are discoveries, highs & lows of each piece.

I have no template, formal pre studies, or patterns.

I mix all colours on the fly.

I never know how long each painting will take.

Unlike in past careers, if I hit an obstacle, I have no one to call upon.

We artists are lone wolves.

It’s a requirement to be resilient, patient, have clarity and sense purpose.

It’s an absolute joy to experience newness every single day creating something that has never been before.

It’s invigorating to be challenged and find new pathways with every turn.

Hardships make one savour the treasures.

It’s never stagnant or routine.

Evolving the work & continuous learning emerge from the frustrations. That’s when growth happens.

Humour and a good pair of trail running shoes come in handy.

~

This may bring understanding to questions & comments like these:

“You have been doing this for so long, you’re a pro, it’s routine, right?”

“It’s natural for you, so you just sit down and plop paint on.”

“You don’t really think about anything, do you?”

“It’s easy for you”.

“It’s a passion career, so you would starve to paint, right, selling isn’t so important?”

“It’s not like a real job or you have any stress”.

P.S. Artists: brush the shoulder chip off.

It’s difficult to explain how our work & life is.

We may feel misunderstood or not respected.

However, it’s an amazing gift to do what we do. To have incredible vistas surround us and be able to explore this beautiful wilderness we call art. To feel the magic and communicate it to those unable to run, reach or see for themselves.

~My friend Robert Genn wrote:

“Art is a path on which we honour our world. Art may not be the only path, but it is a good path, even though at times a difficult one. As bearers of this honour, we artists do not need to simply render our world as we see it but as we might ourselves redesign it. As artists, one of our privileges is to invent.’) (On our path, design is everywhere and invites the soul. 

From my window, art is a worthwhile cause. Whether we choose to delineate the rare birds that come to our shore, to broadly honour the spirit of the sunset, the deep forest beyond or the tiny foreground mosses, this is our opportunity to connect. In a world that appears now to have more connectivity than ever, and yet also less, this is what art looks like from my window.”

~ All work available for sale. New Georgian Bay 5ft x 4ft & New Wildflowers 6×8 panel. All work is original oil.

Note:  The blue wildflowers were spotted on my run today, inspiring both post & art.

It felt like a big mistake.

This thought kept swirling in my mind as I stumbled thru the crowded Los Angeles airport. Introverted shy girl from the Canadian north emerging in a crowded American airport was culture shock overload.

 New Moon- original 8×10 oil avail for purchase.

A week before my 21^st January birthday I was traveling from the Yukon chasing a dream of youth; an adventure in the Mexican sun exploring Mayan ruins.                                         At the moment, bopping around like a pinball thru massive crowds of LAX, it felt like a mistake, arriving to this noisy swarm from the peaceful north.

original canvas card w/mat

Seeking reprieve from the moving pack I searched desperately for a seat along the corridor teaming with people.                                                                                                      People were everywhere, lounging in chairs, on the floor, spilling out of gateways.

My travel agent had warned me about safety. Pickpockets were rampant in LAX at the time. I needed a spot that looked peaceful and felt safe.

Nearly an entire row of unoccupied seats appeared at a break along the passageway. Dressed in sharp black suits with crisp white shirts, two gentlemen sat quietly in the middle of the row. I heaved a sigh of relief.

Normally, I would allow plenty of personal space, but I was overwhelmed and honestly, a little frightened. Walking directly to the pair, (possibly a grandfather and grandson) I greeted the elderly man. Would he be so kind to allow me to sit beside him?                                 He turned, dark glasses reflecting my harried look, offering me a brilliant smile.                 His grandson, rather stoic, giving a barely perceptible nod, looked remarkably like the actor Quinton Aaron.

“Of course” the elderly man said. His voice resonated gravely deep & rich in his slight frame. A scent of fresh clean linen on a spring day drifted around him. His gnarled hands rested gently on his lap.

 New – experiment with colours left on  palette- Sunset Swirl- 8×10 oil on canvas board- influenced by Simona Rosco of Fyreglas.

Relief washed over me the moment I sat down. Have you ever been in a stranger’s presence and felt an immediate kinship & sense of comfort? We discussed the masses of people swarming the airport. His grandson watched the crowds, leaving us to our conversation.

We sat for some time in relaxed silence, enjoying our island of peace in the chaos.              I remember how I felt in his company more than our conversation. This gentle man radiated relaxed confident energy, and pure enthusiastic happiness.

When it was time for my connecting flight I bid them both a good day & farewell. Walking away a young man ran up to me, abruptly grasping my shoulders exclaiming “What did he say to you?!”

“Who?”

“WHO??!! RAY CHARLES!!!” he said loudly.

“Ray Charles?” I said.

His arms dropped to his side while he stared incredulously at me. The elderly man turned in my direction, an illuminating smile lighting his face. I smiled back & walked away, leaving the oogling crowd and Ray’s bodyguard (not grandson) keeping people at bay.

Friends cringe when I share this story.                                                                               “If only you had recognized him! Think of the questions you could have asked!!”

 custom canvas prep/ arrival early Feb.

 Completion & signing March 31.

Mr. Charles and questions artists hear have been circling my mind recently. While completing the large commission last week “Georgia” was one of the last four songs playing in my studio. After,  I ruminated complex questions posed to me recently in Calgary.

“Why this?” an attendee asked me as he waved his hand to my landscape paintings.

A complicated question to answer in limited time.

It stuck me with an idea to share questions I would ask an Artist.

Tip: Artists & Attendees at Exhibits: Please keep in mind other guests may want to engage an artist, be respectfully short. Collect contact information, make a future date for discussion where you may enjoy conversation without interruption.

Short questions suitable for an exhibit setting.

1) What other passions do you have? This gives you insight into the Artist’s personality.

2) Are you a full time Artist? (Do you hope to be?)

3) What other mediums have you worked in?

4) Do you have a website/ business card/ contact info.

~ If time isn’t an issue and other guests aren’t disrupted I may ask:

1) What do you enjoy most about the work?

2) How long have you been working at art?

3) What are your goals with the work? (if not full time)

4) What experiences have led you on this path to art? – This is a fun question. You may be amazed at the inspiring stories.

My response to the guest in Calgary who asked “Why This?” Short Version: “It’s home”.  Whether he realizes it or not, it’s his too. :0)

my brother & I

P.S ~ As for Mr. Ray Charles, I wouldn’t change a thing about our encounter. If I had recognized him, I wouldn’t have boldly asked to sit beside him. I have a wonderful memory of a lovely man offering a young woman reprieve. I felt his magnetic personality and had a rare personal moment experiencing his kindness. Recalling his deep voice, fresh scent, and radiant smile, my heart warms once again.

Immerse yourself in nature. Bask in sunset’s golden light.

“Now, resist the urge to instagram it.” (author unknown)

During a mountain run in the glow of sunrise last week that quote came to mind. I wasn’t about to post my immediate surroundings on instagram.

Actually, I have never owned a cell phone.

Thou a camera is a great tool for my work, I often explore outdoors without one. Even a camera may be distracting, inhibiting us from fully absorbing experience.

~Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better. Albert Einstein

Being immersed in nature, minus technology, improves our creativity and problem solving skills by 50%. ( From Creativity in the Wild: Improving Creative reasoning through immersion in natural settings)

~The wild places are where we began. When they end, so do we. David Brower

In the work I do, observing with captivated attention is paramount. It’s portraying an intimate human experience akin with nature.

When it comes to being emotionally connected, I wear my heart on my sleeve.

Landscape Impressionism concept is “the impression of”. This style of painting is not illustrative, say, compared to a lengthy detailed essay. Impressionism expresses mood, drama and movement, similar to simplified bullet points ‘conveying the key points’.

“I can breathe in your paintings, and within them. Some artists paint tightly, like they are wound up,” an exhibit attendee observed last week. As an impressionist painter, it’s important to understand what the landscape offers, it’s essence, while weeding out the ‘noise’.

My friend shares a sentiment with her young boys. “We are given a glimpse what is around us all the time when we witness rainbows. Certain elements make them visible, but they are always there.”  It’s similar to what I hope to achieve with art.

~Nature always wears the colors of the spirit. Ralph Waldo Emerson

Gazing at my research for Wild Sage, a client remarked, “That’s a very drab photo, how did you get this painting from it?”

The truth is, I have stood on the hillside both at sunrise and sunset.

The camera may not have captured it’s glory, but my heart did.

P.S ~ Some ask why I don’t put people in my paintings. Actually, I do.

I put you there.

~Special thanks to my nephew & brother for their wonderfully supportive help during the exhibit & my little western tour. All new work available for purchase.

Last evening I settled in to watch an incredible documentary on the late great King of Blues.
It’s riveting watching artists in their element, witnessing
that blend of passion, drive, sweat and sacrifice.

B.B King’s inspiring story of overcoming injustices & racism, while developing his musical style, is incredibly moving.
It took years to create his unique sound, influenced by Blind Lemon Jefferson, T-Bone Walker and others.
“King introduced a sophisticated style of soloing based on fluid string bending and shimmering vibrato that influenced many later electric blues guitarists.”
Listen to B.B speaking with Bono here while rehearsing.
“Gentlemen, I don’t play chords. I do this.” displaying his unique artistry on guitar.
Musicians interviewed on the program (like Johnny Lang, Robert Cray, Eric Clapton) confess they can identify B.B’s playing hearing one note.

One single note.

Artists in all genres who have developed personal style are recognizable in different ways.
Painter’s signature may be a specific colour palette, recognizable brushstroke, lack of brushstroke, composition, size of work, or body of collections.

Artists may explore genres/ mediums and style while seeking one that speaks to the heart the most.
For B.B. it was the blues.
It was there where he developed his legendary sound.
Which, did I mention, took years?
“It seems like I always had to work harder than other people. Those nights when everybody else is asleep, and you sit in your room trying to play scales.” B. B. King

~Studio prep for large canvas commission 8 foot x 6 foot.

Robert Bateman speaks about coming full circle in his career, painting wildlife realism before exploring impressionism and abstraction, returning ‘home’ once again to realism.
Surprisingly, he says each painting is a ‘labour’ and a ‘struggle’.
“Everyone has his/her own muse. That is the fabulous thing about human creativity; each person’s is as unique as fingerprints or zebra stripes. The muse must be cultivated and she will come to you in unexpected ways.”

Landscape painting is my ‘house of blues’.
Art of the natural world is where my heart sings.

For any artist, evolving the work within one genre alone requires a lifetime of learning. *Learn how to play like BB King and other great guitarists, article by Jen Reviews. click link  here or below.

https://beginnerguitarhq.com/famous-guitarists/

“The beautiful thing about learning is nobody can take it away from you.”
~ B. B. King

Bono states in the documentary ~ the commitment to one path brings excellence.
“He is a lesson in grace”.

Watery pools reflecting cobalt sky upon their mirror surface dotting the frozen river, greeted me as I ran by.

As ice rinks melt and snow disappears from forested pathways, last season’s grasses lie in shaggy disarray.
Trees stand barren of their frosty blanket, with buds yet to sprout.
We wait anxiously for the first pop of purple crocus and starry bright wild trillium.

Despite having months of winter left in Canada, it’s a time many pine the colour of spring.

Colour is on my mind too, both indoors & out.

Dec morning run -photo Dawn Banning

I have been developing some new hues in the studio.

Thrilled to see these new colours infused in new work, and refreshing existing work.

NEW 22×28 oil on canvas ( Sleeping Giant) commission ~ Sold

For Colour enthusiasts, a few facts:

* The human eye can distinguish up to 10 million different colours.

* Yellow is the first colour the eye sees. It may be used in art to attract interest of the viewer

* Colour affects us psychologically, physically, & emotionally.

* Everyone experiences colour differently, and we SEE colours uniquely.

* People are affected from experiences & memories to colour.
(You may be drawn to a soft pastel reminiscent of a favoured child-hood teddy bear.)

* We react differently to strengths of colour.
We may be overwhelmed similar to experiencing music that’s too loud, or underwhelmed like tasting bland food.

* Psychiatric wards are painted in green to induce calm.
(blue is a close second).

* Cheer up a friend by wearing their favourite colour on your visit or offer a card/ gift wrapped in the hue.

* Some say purple sparks creativity, and use it for studios.

* Attracted to ‘colourless’ spaces in beige, gray, or creamy whites?
Many neutrals have subtle layers of cool or warm shades, from green in gray, to pink in beige and are not colourless at all.

* Try placing your painting on different wall colours & experiment using different light.
The colour will change, as will your experience of the piece.

Painting shown here, in stark daylight, and with an addition of lamp light.
Same room, same time of day.

4ft x 3ft oil on canvas “SKY” infused with new colour, avail for purchase.

In August of 2003 Robert Genn wrote a thoroughly engaging letter on Colour Therapy.
He discusses topics ranging from using colour to treat obesity to the symbolic.

“Colours may calm, excite, arrest, motivate, or even heal. In art they need to be understood and used with both intelligence and intuition.” Robert Genn
~
Studio News~With the new commission and Calgary exhibit paintings just complete I am busy finishing studio paintings, gathering supplies, quoting new projects and preparing new paintings for shipping.
Add in a little furniture design with Marc, & new concepts in the sketchbook, makes it all such an exciting time in the studio!

Thanks so much for your support and interest in the work. Keep the letters coming!

The arts encourage us to reflect, to view things in a new or unique perspective.
The arts offer a celebration of culture, solace, entertainment, beauty, pleasure & peace.
Because the arts inspire, bring ease & beauty to the chaos of our lives, we tend to think of artists lives & how they work as such.
Phrases like natural talent are tossed about like petals in the wind.

Autumn Trail 4ftx3ft avail for purchase

I had the pleasure of seeing Vancouver’s amazing production of Showboat years ago.
A friend’s cousin played a major role in the musical.
Visiting backstage, she spoke of grueling rehearsals, a demanding 6 day work week with several performances daily.
This schedule had been ongoing for months.

I couldn’t help but ask the question.
“What do you do on your day off?”.
“Voice, dance and acting lessons.”
Whaaaaa?
“No staying in pjs all day reading a book??”
She gently laughed with a sincere smile made to light up a stage.
“It’s what most of us do.”
“Landing a part like this is highly competitive. We recognize the privilege and work very hard at our craft.”

She assured me after a show’s duration she celebrated with a well deserved break.
Much of her ‘off time’ was dedicated to researching roles, attending auditions, and honing her skills with lessons.

If you know a working professional artist in any genre, you have a glimpse of the dedication, structure and grueling schedules many live their lives by.

It’s a life many choose gladly, others feel the life has chosen them.
It’s a career with tremendous work- load & challenges often misunderstood.

Watching the sweat drip from an athlete’s brow, performing in front of thousands, we feel their efforts in the most tangible sense.
We witness passion, physical, mental, even emotional tension first hand.
It all enfolds before us.

For artists, the effort is oft behind closed doors.
We see the fruits of their labour, not the action.
Soaring tempos, lyrical words, a seemingly effortless dance, beauty in clay, glass, canvas.
The bulk of creation is internal, then develops within studio solitude. A pen or brush in hand, a lone guitar.
No less taxing than the athlete we applaud.

A deeper level of exhaustion strikes me after a painting marathon than running one.
Absorbed in artwork I may be more drained emotionally & mentally than in a full Ironman.
Artwork asks all of me on every level.

Like the young actress, I am grateful for the priviledge. It’s work I gladly do.

A friend’s advice came decades ago while I was working a ‘regular job’ painting in spare time.
I just wanted a normal, quiet, even dull life, I said.
I enjoyed creating, but the demands of painting for others, and selling the work I discovered, terribly stressful.
It wasn’t’ a life for me.

“You are an artist at heart. You will never have a normal dull life. Once you accept this you will be able to move forward. Understanding of course, the very difficult challenging road ahead, but it’s the only life for you.”

His chosen career? Reverend.
~
As always, I welcome your feedback on the new work & post.
Please note new pricing is now in effect.
Thanks most graciously for the support of the work and making my path to art a welcome & honourable one.

Mediation is well recognized for positive emotional health.
New scientific studies proclaim surprising benefits, including a form of mental training for the brain.
“Building a Better Brain” by Sharon Begley (Newsweek) suggests meditation can ‘increase the thickness of regions that control attention and process sensory signals from the outside world”.

What does this mean exactly?
It’s a form of fitness training for your brain.
Better than crossword puzzles, it transfers to changing your brain at molecular level, helping to preserve the aging brain.

Having problems sticking to those New Year’s Resolutions? Meditation may assist your success.
NEUROSCIENTISTS have also found that, after just 11 HOURS of meditation, practitioners had structural changes in the part of the brain involved in monitoring our FOCUS and SELF CONTROL.
That’s good news for artists.

Meditation’s obvious benefits are easing anxiety issues, chronic pain, stress, and depression.
It fuels our happiness and energy, improves our sleep, develops our intuition.
Science states meditation can influence behavior, assist with weight loss, have a positive effect on relationships, and help us stay on task.

It’s also been proven to increase our <ahref=”http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health-and-fitness/health-advisor/meditate-on-this-to-jumpstart-your-immune-system/article21702573/”>immunity.
In one study, after only 8 weeks of meditating participants had increased antibodies on their system. Our immunity is directly linked to our thoughts, positive and negative.

How does the world’s oldest female bodybuilder, 79 year old Ernestine Shepherd begin her day?
That’s right, she meditates. Ernestine’s discovery of fitness late in life is remarkably inspiring.

People are able to lower their blood pressure and resting heart rate by practicing meditation.
Even during times of crisis.

Under local anesthetic a friend’s minor surgery took a dangerous turn.
A nurse, she understood the Dr’s coded language stating her body began to hemorrhage.
With a genetic pre-disposition to high blood pressure, she knew it was a deadly combination. A lifelong meditation practitioner, she immediately began TM.
The Dr’s were baffled when her blood pressure and resting HR began to stabilize without their intervention.

New York Times writer Eric Barker’s popular article “Improve your Life- the 10 things you should do every day.” lists meditation in the top 5. ( Note: getting out in Nature is #1)

Thou meditation is recognized as an essential tool for health, some find it difficult to incorporate into their daily living.
In a ’stillness’ challenged society, walking meditation may be a solution.

Meditation can influence creativity.
Research has found meditation to promote ‘DIVERGENT THINKING’ a type of thinking that allows many new ideas to be generated.
Creative coach & author Mark McGuiness quotes insight & clarity among the benefits for creatives who practice meditation.
He states if you depend on your creativity for your means of living, your most valuable piece of equipment isn’t your computer, it’s your brain.

I have long believed in the power of meditation, thou admit, a little biased.
The friend who transformed her situation in surgery?
My Mom.
~
tip: having trouble with distraction while meditating?
Never underestimate the power of a sleep mask & ear plugs.
Of course, not to be applied during walking meditation.

Studio News
I have included photos of work available for immediate purchase, including the newest Rocks & Snow, posted last week.
For complete list of available work click here.
I’d love to hear from you. (Note: 2014/15 pricing is still in effect.)

New work in various stages of completion for the private exhibit, will be available for purchase after the event in Calgary.
I am also in the midst of working on private commissions in the west & east.
So grateful to meet new clients, have a full plate of work, and an actual waiting list.

Clarence Bucaro didn’t intend to write his first album while hiking the entire Appalachian Trail, but that’s exactly what happened.


8 original diverse albums later, the Brooklyn based singer songwriter is showing no signs of slowing down.

Introduced to Clarence’s music at The Ark‘Michigan’s non profit home for folk & roots music,’
we were captivated by his compelling voice, soulful melodies & meaningful lyrics.
So taken by his live performance we found ourselves inviting the NY musician to play for our inaugural house concert.
In fact, he inspired the idea on twitter.

Exuding gracious warmth, this world traveler and accomplished musician entertained with the ease of a veteran performer.
In an unassuming powerful way, he draws people in with his beautiful music.
He mesmerized our guests and left us all pining for more.

It’s interesting to know this passionate songwriter was almost an environmental lawyer.
In a 2012 interview with Nancy Dunham of No Depression “Bucaro fantasized “over and over and over again” about being an artist, he was torn with a desire to become an environmental lawyer. He made the decision to become a musician when he hit something of a professional crossroads. At that time, he was offered a job on a natural resources defense council and a record deal”

Clarence has always felt deeply and naturally connected to music, writing songs since he was a boy of 8.
Dedicated and passionate, he has played up to 300 shows in one year.
He dreams of one day playing the Royal Albert Hall in London and Red Rocks in Colorado.

We communicated about similarities in the creation of art & music, influences, inspiration, and industry challenges.
I wondered about myths in his profession.
“People mistakenly think it’s easy and it simply isn’t. The territories and boundaries in each aspect of the craft and career are endless and take perpetual time and work and patience.”

Clarence’s music plays daily in my studio.
“ Can’t Rush the Road” poetic lyrics are insightful.
“Sometimes the shortcut’s the longer way if you really want to get where you are going”
“ … you can’t rush the road, you can’t push destiny before it unfolds.”
You can’t rush the tide.
You can’t rush the wind that crosses your sky.”
It’s a relevant message today in our multitasking instant gratification era. Taking time to respect the journey.
I love the nature referrals.
Surprisingly, Clarence wrote this song as a personal reminder to continue to be patient amidst frustration.
“My career has not been one graced with lucky breaks etc. I have had to work hard for every gig along the way. Sometimes disappointments can overwhelm the journey. This song funnily enough is rather cathartic for me.”

During an interview on Art & Soul, Sirius XM’s coffee house, he mentions going back to old folk & blues. Caroline Jones refers to gospel and diverse influences.
Yet his unique style resonates.

Is originality of sound difficult to achieve in the music industry?
“We all start emulating our heroes and hopefully if you are following your own voice, it comes naturally, without you truly noticing it.”
He challenged himself to remain inspired and fresh in his newest album “Like the 1st Time”, by “staying focused. I dug in and didn’t take any easy way outs. I explored new keys and worked vigorously on my voice everyday.”

A friend said “Mother’s Word” is the best song ever written about a mother.
I agree wholeheartedly. Has your family been influential in your career?
“It’s no secret to people who know me, I am a family oriented person. My family has always been right next to me in all aspects of my journey.”

What other passions do you have?
Chess, basketball and reading. I have a book club with my mother (membership=2) We read the classics each year. This year we have read 51 already including “War and Peace” and “Moby Dick.”

I was curious about his creative experience immersed in nature on the Appalachian Trail. I found it fascinating he embarked on the adventure while in the midst of trying to secure a record deal.
Clarence Bucaro photo- Appalachian Trail

What special connection with nature appeals to you in aspects to your work/ writing?
“Nature has always given me clarity and mental health for writing. Hiking or running on a trail is a great breeding ground for memories and ideas for me that I bring to my songs.”

You wrote your first album, “Sweet Corn” on the Appalachian Trail. Was that the intention?
“It wasn’t necessarily my intention. I had a couple songs written but had not attempted my first album yet. I brought a small Martin backpacker guitar and the songs came pretty naturally. The record label couldn’t believe I planned to disappear for 4 months at a time in which we were close to clinching it, but when I came back with the new songs inspired by the trail, it sealed the deal.”

How did the hike affect/ influence your work & life?
“It filled me with the sense of everything being a journey. I have looked at everything since in that way.”

New “Trail” 18×14 original oil- avail for purchase- inspired by Clarence Bucaro’s journey.

We talked about what a treasure that is, having that amount of uninterrupted time to create.
He mentioned the appeal of another trek in the distant future. It’s an impressive list, including the John Muir Trail, Pacific Crest, the Camino de Santiago and climb Mnt Kilimanjaro.

The paragraph below from your online bio is reminiscent to me of painting. Do you think there is a similarity between visual art & songwriting?
“I love paintings and see colors when writing.”

“When I started making music, it was all instinctive—I emulated what I discovered and wrote down what I felt,” Bucaro observes. “And as you grow and learn, you become filled with form, structure and craft. My last three albums have been me attempting to find a marriage of those two approaches. That’s another reason why I called this one Like the 1st Time: because it feels like it’s rooted in the old, but also moving in a completely new direction.”

“Rooted in the past, moving in a new direction”.
Words steeped in wisdom for us all, my friend. Thank you.

The entrepreneur proved beyond successful.
News spread about the amazing product, it’s applications, and the company’s consistent quality service.
It had been years in development.
new Larch trees- 8×10 oil study

Product creations were born from passion.

The entrepreneur had established relationships with vendors, sourcing quality supplies and scouted perfect locations.
The entrepreneur visited similar businesses thru the community and when traveling, painstakingly taking notes of what features did or did not work in these locales.
Marketing was developed strategically. Demographics were studied.
The entrepreneur engaged and invested in the community, supported charitable events, diversified projects for larger scaled clients, expanding the brand.

Community’s far & wide embraced the product applauding the entrepreneur’s efforts.
New Farm 11×14 oil

Now, please reread the story, switching the word entrepreneur with artist.

Artists are rarely viewed in this light, even the artists themselves may not.
Why?

Some artists say it’s how we are portrayed in society “we have been dealt our role” powerless to change perception of art as a credible business creating a uniquely beneficial ‘product’.

Overwhelming scientific evidence continues to promote benefits of art in our spaces. If anything, this should be the time art is flourishing.
What else could be so unique that it benefits business, health, relationships, nourishes spirit, promotes healing, preserves & celebrates culture?

Artists complain success is driven by dealers, “we are their puppets”, they write.
Others complain a saturated market prohibits success, those reputable dealers have no space in their roster for new artists.
Without representation, they are prohibited from having a successful career, they say.

I believe we aren’t powerless any less than we are accountable to contributing to our success.
How?

First, look at your work. As they say ‘the buck stops here’.
Be your own worst critic. Consult pro’s opinions. Request honesty. Dedicate yourself to continually evolving your work.
Spend as much time on the business side of your art, as creating.
(like in the beginning of this post).
Build relationships.
If you are represented by a gallery, continue to spend a portion of your week on the business side. Communicate with your dealer, become a collaborator.

I have never felt like a puppet. I have great collectors/ dealers who believe in the art and work very hard to promote art in their communities.
They, in turn, know I will show up for openings, meet deadlines, help with advertising, work with specific client needs, direct clients to their venue, volunteer at exhibits and even on occasion, make fudge.
~
Note: When we are creatively fluid, science proves the more logical part of our brain shuts off when creating. A little valve closes up, freeing up space for imagination, for, according to Scientific American “genius”.
It’s the magic component to creating, but not so helpful for business.
Balance is key.
Maintain a schedule for creating, another for business. Keep your office separate from studio.
Be creator, agent, PR & demographic specialist, shipping & logistics handler, marketing & accounts department, etc.
Learning to wear so many hats isn’t always fun, but it trumps the feeling of powerlessness every day.
~
Robert Genn to an artist “You are an entrepreneur, you figure it out.”