Cold Moon December 2018
Brooke, Pregnant
A few couples and families came into the gallery all at once after Thanksgiving dinner. There were several kids, and they were running around, looking at the books, picking up things. Making noise. Some people were looking at the photographs and others at the T-shirts, so I am a bit in salesman mode. All the activity made me anxious. There was boy 8 or 9, I guess, and as he was thumbing through the book and every time he saw a nude photograph he would cover it with his hands. When he saw an image of my pregnant friend, he said he thought it was inappropriate for him to see it. My gut response was defensive, and I said, you don't have to look at it. I also said, it wont feel inappropriate in about 10 years, to which his mother said, probably less than that. Afterward, when I was on my bike ride I realized that I had an opportunity to teach something and I failed miserably. I should have said, all you see is a naked woman coated in mud, but it is so much more than that. Most everyone on the planet was in a womb. Your mom, my mom, everyone you will ever know, and meet, or see, including you. This image is a celebration of that. A celebration of woman. A celebration of lifegiving. Woman are the best thing on the planet, and every one of us literally owe our lives to them. The caked on mud on her round belly represents the Earth, and as it started to dry on her body it looks like continents. So I would ask you when you look at an image or a painting, or read a poem, if you think it is inappropriate, or funny, or offensive, or whatever. That's fine, but then put that feeling aside, and ask yourself what is the artist trying to say? This well help you become more tolerant, more open minded, and possibly teach you more about the world. Then, I thought, I too should have looked beyond the noise, and running around, and thumbing through the book, and had been more open minded, for these beautiful children are the end result of my photographic celebration.
Jeanne Norsworthy
Jeanne was a painter who lived at Fresno Ranch. She painted, surreal, sensual landscapes and has a book of her work called "Healing Landscapes" published by Texas A&M Press. I highly recommend purchasing it. It was published after her death. I think of it because she had an understanding of this place that is rare. I used to sell her paintings in the gallery when I first opened, but they were a little pricey at that time, and I too didn't have enough money to buy one, which I regret very much now. Jeanne developed cancer and eventually it took her in to the next world. I made this portrait of her right before she started chemo treatments. Her hair was still long and beautiful, and her thoughts distant.
December 28, marks my 30th anniversary of living in Marathon. I am letting it pass quietly, It's been wonderful for me to be a part of Big Bend. Big Bend is not for everybody. There are lots of down sides, but looking at mountains every day, waving to every driver on the way to Alpine, the sense of oneness of community, and yet remaining individual, feels right for me. I have lived an undisciplined life. Totally following my heart, and emotions. I am hoping I have lots of life left to finish the projects that are in progress. If I can do it, I'll have four books to complete. It's ambitious, but I feel healthy and my legs and eyes still work well. Now, my brain, it's always messing with me. Makes me laugh. Merry Christmas and Happy full moon.