It's Time to Pay Attention to Life's Energy

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 21:40:14 CST

I remember as a kid wondering how my father grew to be so big. I saw pictures of him as a child but had a hard time imagining the boy in the picture was my father. The passage of time was a concept that I just couldn't understand.

Now at age forty-seven, I understand the passage of time all too well, and after many years of ignoring my creativity I started painting and taking photos in earnest.

The turning point came on a visit to Asheville, NC, to the studio and gallery of Jonas Gerard. I didn't understand abstract painting until I spent some time in his gallery, drinking in the paintings and listing to Jonas' experience in life and painting. Finally, I decided to be present for life, to pay attention (to use a meditative term), and to enjoy the ride a little more. That is how I've chosen to experience this life I've been given, my ride around the sun on this rock we call earth.

For the first time I experienced the artist's energy conveyed through the painting. I walked through Jonas' gallery in awe. Jonas talked about losing fear, not being afraid to make mistakes, about living and loving life. It was a message I needed to hear and I took it to heart.

For me, painting is energy, and I hope it comes through the work on these pages and contributes in some way to help you make your own ride on our rock a happy one.

Frank Rochelle News

It's Time to Pay Attention to Life's Energy