Cold Open

Just now ran into something I wrote 7 years ago. Just wondering if I still believe it. I was introducing an exhibit of my oil paintings entitled “Cold Open.”

“Cold Open is a technique of opening up a story in a dramatic moment without introduction or credits rolling. I am among the artists who believe that a piece of art can affect a viewer with incredible force without revealing the intention of the artist or the background of an art piece.”

In my studio at Liberty Station, I am often asked “What was your inspiration? What’s the title? What does it mean?” and sometimes I will ask them what they see, but most times I do try to explain what I was thinking as I painted. Maybe that’s a mistake.

“Although that information might be of interest when reviewing the body of an artist’s work, the gut level impact of a piece of art does not require it. I have seen my art offer to certain viewers what it is that they require at that moment. And for me, this is an unspeakable reward.”

Oh yeah, it is good sometimes to review what you wrote 7 years ago.