I love music. There are songs that for some reason or another go right through me. They can bring me right back to a certain age and what was going on in my life right then…
I am not a musician, I was a very suck-y flute player in high school at best. But there is something about certain songs… and we all have different ones that talk to us. Some songs take me back to being in the backseat of my mom and dads’ car riding to my grandmother’s house. Some take me back to a dance, a sorority function, (read party) or a poignant time in my kids’ lives. I hear it? Yep, I am there again.
One of the strongest songs for me is “Another Auld Lang Syne” by Dan Folgelberg. I rarely hear it outside of this time of year, so when the holidays roll around I am sure to hear it typically right around Christmas since the setting of the song is on Christmas Eve. And it is not necessarily the storyline that speaks to me, but rather the feeling of it all. Lyrics and sound all invoking a perfect storm. It takes me back to high school, to young love and to thoughts of the future and to the decisions we all make. That song is tangible to me. I could bite through it.
That is what I want in my work. A memory. A heartstring pluck.
There are so many times I plan out works (so excited!) and then realize that I am after the wrong thing. A sellable piece. A “pleaser” image. A work that looks like someone else’s work that has become successful. Paintings I create purely for money. Paintings that others will like. But at some point I realize that I don’t like them.
No more.
I have music I need to paint. And I am now in the process of figuring out a new body of work that will create music from me. I know when I look back at these pieces years from now it will remind me of this precise time in my life. So I seek honesty. Honesty in myself and now I have realized that I need to go after the truth in others.
I finally have a resolution for the New Year that I can follow.
So I have music I need to paint. I am sure you do as well. And any feeling or story is legit. Take that music / idea / pain / happiness / beauty / frustration / adventure and put it into words. Then put it into design. Then put it into paint. And please don’t worry about what others will think, feel or be offended by. And please don’t paint for a show. Paint for the music it creates.
My wish for you over these holidays is for you to somehow, someway, create music in 2019.
A huge Thank you to everyone who has supported, encouraged and otherwise gotten me though this very tough year. If you have sent me a note though the blog, thanks!!! I love hearing from you. If you have taken a workshop with me, I hope to work with you again soon. If you are a client, Don’t cha need another Swann????
A Very Happy New Year and I will be back to blogging in mid-January. With new music to share…
– with much love, Christine
Love the thoughts… one question on your Carnegie workshops…. I’m from Florida but visit my home town south of Ligonier , usual once in the summer. Where exactly is it being taught in Carnegie. Is it hard to get to.
It is very close to Pittsburgh. very easy to find. close to the airport too. Email me and I would be happy to help you with arrangements. Best wishes. Christine
as for distance from Ligonier, it is maybe an hour and a half. Yes, easy to get to off of 79…
I enjoyed the thought provoking ideas about life moments and sparks with certain music. For me it’s “I’ll be home for Christmas.” This one too is heard only around this time. It was dad’s favorite piece. When all were ooo-ing and ah-ing over “White Christmas”, he was in a foxhole, over seas, listening to “I’ll be home for Christmas”. It’s like he’s saying hello to me when I hear it. This year for some reason, I’ve heard it a lot. Usually once or twice on the radio, but this year…… Maybe he’s trying to tell me something. Maybe not to be so hard on myself. Maybe he’s trying to tell me to get back to the easel more often. Who knows, but it makes me smile everytime I hear it.
I am hoping that this finds you well, and that you and your family have a blessed Holiday. Merry Christmas Christine.
OH Donna. Thanks for sharing. Yes, I do believe he is reaching out to you. May you be comforted by it. Hugs.
Merry Christmas, Christina! I know it will be a different kind of Christmas (voice of experience) but you will find your way to make it a New Auld Lang Syne. I love that song too. I was newly married with a new baby when it was popular. I love Dan Fogelberg! Hope to get to one of your workshops—maybe this year!
I hope to see you this year as well. Best wishes for 2019 to you.
I am learning so much about painting from you, Christine. Even though my medium is watercolor, so much of what you say relates to how and what I paint. Your thoughts on music reminded me that I often name my paintings after lines from songs, so hopefully, I am on the right track! I am looking forward to lots of trial paintings in 2019! Keep blogging!
Thank you Eileen for both your friendship and support. Be in touch! So happy to be in your neighborhood now.
I like the idea! I look forward to your new music!
Thanks!
This is beautiful commentary. I love your work, but I can’t wait to see what’s next. XxxOoo Denise
thank you so much Denise! Best wishes to you for 2019.
Merry Christmas Christine ,
You will make Beautiful music in 2019.
Love Mary Ellen & Don Brown
Best wishes to you! btw- I will be back in New York next September. I hope to see you both then!
You might consider adding Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram buttons to your blog since I wanted to hit them for this.
What a lovely, lovely sentiment.
(And Merry Christmas / Happy New Year to you and yours!)
and to you!
nice idea about music you need to paint. The song you reference is a touchstone for me too. I immediately picture the Back Bay Area of Boston and the Star Market there is definitely where I picture the encounter. I enjoy your thoughts and your paintings. the first one of yours I saw was at IAPS 2015 (I think) when your son drawing on the glass was the cover of the catalog. It was so original and well conceived as well as beautifully rendered! I became an immediate fan!
Thanks so much Lynn. Please stay in touch!
Christine, you are an inspiration ! Thanks for sharing that last blog piece. Every day I enjoy staring at the strength of the woman in the last painting I have from you. Wishing you Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a better New Year in 2019 !
thanks Diana! I think of you all the time. we must get together in 2019! 🙂