Hindsight and Daydreaming

Cari Amici (Dear Friends),

For the last several New Year's Eve postings, I thought I would have a little fun and share something with you in the spirit of the culture of Pompeii (pre-volcanic explosion!):  Namely, some naughty art.  Pompei, Italia (as it is spelled in Italian), is rather famouse for its art.  The entryways of many homes and public spaces sported mosaics and fresco of, for example, a man with a giant phallus.  American tastes often dictate [ahem...] that this is simply... er, too much.

However, people who live closer to the Earth tend to openly celebrate human (and even animal) sexuality and see it as a natural part of living, as they saw spirituality.  So, to be greeted by an exaggerated male member was actually a wish or even a prayer, if you like, for fertile growth and prosperity in all areas of life, even economics. 

In this "down week" between Christmas and New Years' I have tried to remain at home alone (unsuccessfully, I must admit), working on my art and reflecting on all of the things that I might have done differently in 2013.  I wish sometimes that I did not ALWAYS put people ahead of my art.  Or rather, I need a balance, but more importantly, I need to learn how to avoid getting caught up in other people's drama.  And learn how to extricate myself from it sooner than later, once I recognize a negative situation.  [I did send a message to my former landladies wishing them happy holidays in an effort to let them know that I blame them less for my losing my home this spring and was happy to receive a lovely response.]

So, this year, I want to share with you two charcoal drawings that I created from live models.  "Hindsight" and "Daydreaming."  Both activities are worth doing (in moderation) and today, I celebrate them.  So, in 2014, it is my wish that we all keep reflecting, dreaming, and learning how to love and how to live closer to our Earth.  Happy 2014!


P.S.  I have recently updated my Web site and have added a page specifically for "Naughty Art."  That way, if it is just not your thing, you may choose to avoid clicking on those words.