DOUBLE BASS
Welcome, once again, to my blog. I'm so very delighted that you are here reading this. My main hope is that whatever you read here will enhance the moment you are in and will inspire you in your own personal artistic journey of life.
This month I'm sharing with you a painting that was inspired by the kindness of someone and by the intensity I felt in a moment by the beauty and dedication of others and the passion for music expressed by the musician you find in the painting.
To set the tone for this blog, I've given you the link above to the beautiful music of YouTube star Caitlin Tarver playing Summertime Sadness. I love her music and the obvious passion she brings to her performance.
About a year ago, I screwed up my courage and contacted the name of a lady who has opened some ponderous doors for me. I was looking for a cello teacher. Music has always been therapeutic for me, and I was looking to find a new musical experience and a new passion. We all have items on our own personal bucket lists, and learning a new stringed instrument was on mine.
Much to my surprise and delight, Marcia Sloane agreed to become my cello teacher. I simply cannot express enough gratitude to her for giving me the opportunity to learn this fabulous instrument. She is an amazing teacher. I highly recommend her to anyone who might be interested in learning this instrument.
This is a selfie we took after a lesson. You can tell from the expression on Marcia's face what a gentle, passionate soul lurks within.
Marcia Sloane, however, is much, much more than just my delightful music teacher. Marcia is one of the most talented people you will ever meet. If you look her up on Google, you'll find out many interesting things about her. On one write-up about her it says that Marcia "received a BA in India Studies from Sonoma State University, and has had a wide-ranging career in the US and Canada playing orchestral and chamber music, improvising and composing for dance and theatre, arranging and playing for recordings, and collaborating with visual artists and storytellers. She has made several CDs of her music as well as Cello Drones for Tuning and Improvisation, a CD used by musicians throughout the world."
All this raving about my music teacher leads to the fact that she is currently the president of the Symphony of the Redwoods. The symphony started as a college class, and Marcia, a founding member, was one of two conductors in their first year performing together, 1983.
“Music brings a warm glow to my vision, thawing mind and muscle from their endless wintering”
Well, long story short, Marcia Sloane invited me to attend the Symphony of the Redwoods. In both of the amazing times that I've attended, I was absolutely thrilled with their performance. It was such a treat to find that our small community was the host to the breathtaking talent gathered together in one place from not only Mendocino County, but places as far away as Sacramento, San Francisco, Humboldt County, and Sonoma.
The first night I was there I was drawn artistically to the man playing the double bass. I think a lot of it had to do with the fact that he was standing throughout the entire performance. He also seemed to be bathed in light and was positioned on the first row in the corner. I was struck by the concentration and passion he exuded.
The last performance I attended, there he was again. I was lucky enough to be seated by my very talented sister-in-law, Bonnie Anderson, who took this photo of him for me. And from it, I was compelled to make this painting.
I particularly want to draw your attention to his raised hand. To me it is just such a powerful symbol of dedication, intensity, passion, and concentration. This man is experiencing this music with his whole being, fully encompassed by the music.
Well, I feel like words are eluding me today. I don't feel like I am adequately expressing the dynamism I felt in the moments I sat there watching the musicians and this man in particular, but I can certainly say that I was moved. I guess that's why I give you this painting this month to give voice to what I cannot say.
This is going to be a two-quote month. Here is a quote by Maya Angelou that expresses music and its importance in my life. She paints with words in ways I can only dream of.
“Music was my refuge. I could crawl into the space between the notes and curl my back to loneliness.”
This brings me back to you. My greatest wish is to inspire you. You may not be moved by my painting or even particularly like it. That doesn't even matter to me. Of course it would be lovely if you enjoyed it, but the real reason I am here sharing it with you is to inspire you.
I hope that you gain from these thoughts shared this month that life is worth living. Creativity is important. To express your own personal creativity will bring you relaxation, joy, fulfillment, and purpose. It does for me. Please let me know how I can help you accomplish creativity in your own life.
