Ernestine Street Works (August -December
1988)
Ernestine Street was where Judy and I
started, and holds a great place in my heart as well as my paintings. During
the last half of 1987 (Balance), and through 1988 (Coincidences), we danced as
life unfolded around us. Our view was the best. Great deeds were completed, and
great lies came to roost. These were times
of strength and of change, and they
confused many, who saw what they wanted to see, refusing, really, to look.
Honesty was the basis, and Judy and I smiled in our togetherness, and our
little house smiled right along with us. We grew.
We crashed down the kitchen wall and made
it so we could see each other, from anywhere's downstairs. There was a wooden
chopping block that became a divider, holding cups and treasures. We built a
studio from the attic, with a skylight, and black and white tile on the floor.
It was my special place, my first.
We ripped up the wall to wall so we could
walk on hardwood, listening to the floor breath. I realized
you don't have to go to France to paint,
rather it's more to the point to paint at home.
Cat
Sleeping, Front Porch Ernestine Street (1989) – Black and White
Cat
Sleeping, Front Porch Ernestine Street (1989)
Studio
Plant – Black and White
Backyard
View, without French – Black and White
Doors
Murphy, the Dog, Sleeping – Black and White
Doors
Murphy, the Dog, Sleeping
Judy and I lived at 54 Ernestine Street
from August of 1987 until March of 1989. It was a most happy and productive
time. Balance, which had been in progress, was complete in 1987, and 1988 was
taken up with Coincidences.
Judy was her usual whirlwind and as each
project came up, she threw herself into the chaos, taking command. During t time
I learned more watching her than I ever learned from anyone else. Having her
beside me, rather than pulling me in several directions helped me realize my
search was over. Happiness was something attained, and the smile in the
portrait ending this section is what life is about.
