Another "Alterpiece" or Alter Altar

My internet was down for a bit. I wish I could say it was a storm or a technical problem, and I suppose it was in a way. Technically, I couldn't pay the bill on time and... poof. But I'm still here - living on my edge of the universe - holding on tight.

Got some good news. Next month I'll be working for the Census again, so if I can just make it through April...

While hustling for work and doing my gigs at the Heritage Center, I finally finished a piece I've been working on for the past month. It's a combination of so many ideas and influences that it defies categorization. Definite folk influence. Architectural references, fiber sculpture and basketry background showing through, too. A landscape painting in the middle, and evidence of my custom finish work on the perimeter.

A Singular Path , 28 x 20 mixed media Sold

A while back I found a photograph of a section of the Appalachian Trail. I was intrigued by the way the path (trail) meandered through the trees as if those who had hiked there had wanted to prolong the journey, and indeed, I'm sure they did and do. After all, the point is not how fast to get there, but the journey - the experience - itself, right?

I decided to paint it in sepia tone, or tone-on-tone and frame it in one of my altar/architectural frames A forlorn but sacred path with all of the twists and turns of a life well spent in experience and observation. The little figure? Can you see it? (Click to enlarge and he/she becomes more obvious.) I debated about the figure. But for once, the landscape seemed a bit forlorn and in need of what? humor? Perhaps just a lightening up. After all, a journey should not be a colorless trail devoid of mystery - nor should it be so dour.