Who: A band of experiences (some 200 + people)
brought together by Jamie and Megin
What: A wedding celebration and days of community
Where: Bakersfield, on the Rio Bravo Ranch
When: 6th~10th April, 2023
The fascination and inspiration for this collection of new paintings on canvas began as a mad dash after an unprecedented three day snowfall in the mountains followed by a sunny new Thursday morning around 9:00AM.
One shot, 10+ hours of driving and a destination at the banquet table in a rather stylish 1970’s bar and grill in Bakersfield, Ca. Seated were some 35+ friends, family and host of this, the occasion of the wedding of Jamie and Megin. Last to arrive and simply to introduce myself as “Hi, I’m Gregory. I look forward to meeting y’all” and a waitress who took great delight in finding me a place at the table and something to eat as everyone was already on their main course. The introductory conversations made a welcoming I’m unlikely to forget…
The rest was an amazing three day celebration of vows, music, dancing, and culinary delight. There were meetings, conspiracies and shared visions with that host of people. No less, several new friends were made and other relations deepened with respect and embrace as the wedding commenced. Bakersfield has so many hidden beauties. The Rio Bravo among them. I can still recall the sweetened blush of air scented with orange blossoms and dry plateau climate. The orchard flowered terraces, the river on a binge of torrents and cascading uncontrollably thru boulder strewn beds nearly overflowing. Sunsets of dancing colors gracing the day into dusk.
There’s a dirt honest to this place, these people, a family five generations strong at it and the labor that has a process of fulfillment visible to the eye, heart and hands of those who stumble on for a visit. I felt at home here, among these people, a tribe of sorts from all over Megin and Jamie’s travels, brought together for the praise in their becoming wedded, and all that follows. It was a long long ride home, still with the flavors of that long weekend being savored.
Once returned to the familiar and settled into studio routine these divergent pieces took shape. Having recently renewed my affinity for canvas, it seemed the perfect material to express the feelings and sensation experienced at that inspired event. These forms are very distinct from the previous ‘grino series on cardboard. I’ve integrated the pallet knife as the foremost ‘tool’ of paint application. It’s more like the layers of a conversation, gradually getting to the good stuff. Secondary use of the brush, marks and daubs of tinted highlights in contrast add detail. There are washes in the background field, the color choice less primary. Also the format is a bit more ‘conventional’ in squared or rectangled shapes. No ragged edges here, just the transition of 90 degree angles, familiar to the eye.
There’s an enjoyment or freedom in these pieces as well as in the ‘volta faccia’ of using differentiating materials in a distinct style without getting caught up in all the nonsense of interpretation, making meaning or such. They are a visceral response to a most wonderful time, encountering like spirits in a setting which beckons imagination, inspiration and gratitude for the sheer pleasure of being invited to witness love coming together as two into one…
Salute e tutto!
Atelier / gp VI. ’2023