particular patterns and paintings

"We should remember that a picture - before being a war horse, a nude woman, or telling some other story - is essentially a flat surface covered with colours arranged in a particular pattern." -Maurice Denis, Definition of Neotraditionism.

It turns out that it was a timely move to quit being my own Muse. If I hadn't quit and welcomed back The Muse, I might not have noticed the painting that lead to the other painting that seems to be saving me from a shabby plot- in general and in a story for another time.

If The Non Muse were still around, I would be telling him all about it: Insert story about large painting bearing themes of nature and technology. Then I would get to the part about how the hand of a man is placed against a straight black line and it creates a discomfort in painting that I find to be brilliant. Brilliant! And what's more, it reminds me of: Insert story. And: Insert rambling story. And: Insert half-story where I trail off into another story and forget the first story.

The Non-Muse would interrupt me, "Story!" he would say, "Another story!"

Story alert.

I would stop talking and listen to the Non-Muse tell stories. They typically lead to ex-wife stories. I figured that he wasn't quite over it and listened- but if I had known that he would turn out to be the man who threw away my art, I would counted his number of stories told, out loud.

Story Alert.

The large painting caused me to think about this story and more. The painting is not mine. It has nothing to do with me, but there are so many stories of my own in it. When the Non-Muse is not around, I tell less stories out loud, yet they are there, roaming around in my head and landing on my papers, canvases and computer screens. Pieces. The stories are pieces. They are part of the process of creation that a Non-Muse has not yet realized, or perhaps he is afraid of what the whole story might be. He is in a process, much like a painter- at all times.

"We should remember that a person- painting a picture, or telling some other story - is essentially arranging a particular pattern." -Rachel Kice



photo: "Story For Another Time," myself and the bagpipe players I met at the NASCAR track, 2006

art win

"It would mean more if I called you and said that I think someone's art work is excellent," said the Church Owl to The Artist, "You like everything."

No, Church Owl. I don't like everything. I just don't say what I don't like very often because I like it so much that anyone is attempting to create anything- I don't want to destroy it before it happens. When someone is attempting to create something, that someone is one step closer to welcoming home The Muse. The Muse is what matters.

"When is the last time I told you that I liked someone's art work?" I asked the Church Owl.

"Christmas," she answered.

Yes, Church Owl. You made a hell of a Gingerbread Science Center at Christmas. You win.



photo: art sketches

Lookin Good- Rkice paints with Phil Vassar

Phil Vassar wins: Most Gracious Dude With Whom To Share A Stage

a time to forgive

There is a specific condition associated with being me and it is called, "batshit kooky." The only cure for this condition is to give in to the symptoms, do what I do, and beg forgiveness upon the realization that it is necessary.

Please accept my apology by way of this blog if I have offended you.

According to my text and call records, the phone is my main weapon. The general rule of being "batshit kooky" is that there is no cure. It strikes steadily and it's all my fault that I a/ didn't return your message or b/ asked you to call me in two weeks or c/responded with a fortune cookie type message or random web link.

I have been struck with batshit kooky to the point that I have embraced it and meditate upon it. Please do expect me to show up at meetings, performances, airports, motorcycle repair shops and even Coinstar kiosks, but do not expect me to recover.



photo: painting in performance at Loser's to benefit: Buds N Suds, a Crohns and Colitis Foundation of America event

anxiety cure

It is as important to follow Ashton Kutcher (@aplusk) on Twitter as it is to follow the Dalai Lama (@dalailama).

Says the Dalai Lama (in an Aug 24, 2010 Twitter post): "One of the most effective ways to overcome anxiety is to try to shift the focus of attention away from self and toward others."

Seriously. Just try it:

1. Follow @aplusk and @dalailama on Twitter

2. Turn on mobile phone alerts only from @aplusk and @dalailama

3. Take the tweets of @dalailama to heart and watch @aplusk do the work.


You will calm right down when you notice that, due to circumstances beyond your control, @aplusk got a flight- and some ice cream- and a new toy!



photo: scene from the beach

muse world

Dear World!

If you want to break up with me, please just do it now and get it over with! Art is human. The Muse is not who you think. I'm not being greedy, I'm just busy. Take advantage of this. Schedule it, if you like.

Love,

Rach




photo: "You Must Imagine," by rkice

the look

This is what a piece of art looks like when it does not see itself. When a piece of art looks at you in this way, it is difficult to forget. Most of my pieces do this, but some of them are better at it than others.


photo: by Gavin Peters