An older piece from a few years back. This one has that elusive magic that drives me forward. Making a living as an artist is a difficult task. More than simply earning enough to pay the bills. For me it is a calling and the core of this one and only life. I know most people don’t really understand that, even close friends.
I was so shocked to hear that a friend of mine passed away. He always reached out and made the effort that friendship requires. We commiserated over the death of Mark Lanegan (one of my favorite musicians) earlier this year. He so generously “liked” so many of my Facebook art posts that he was awarded a “top fan” badge… he said it made him feel like Kathy Bates from the movie “Misery”, I told him I appreciated it. He messaged me in May to wish me a happy birthday. I did not know that would be the last time I would talk to him.
Today I learned from one of my buddies that Jason Briggs had died. I went to his FB account and was horrified to learn he passed away on June 13th. It is painfully obvious that he was a much better friend to me than I ever was to him. So many people posted about his kindness and generosity on his FB page. I am glad so many people cared about him, I hope he felt that love in his life.
An older painting that was purchased a couple years ago by some close friends. They took a long vacation to North Idaho to visit. This marks the last day of their stay.
To be back home. One more summer day. The cool breeze and bold light. You reveled in the simple pleasures. I can not bear it, I will forever miss you.
I have always been obsessed with clouds. One of my friends is still irritated that he got pulled over on I-90 because I was trying to get him to look at some clouds and distracted him. If I remember right, the clouds were spectacular.
The week has suddenly taken a bad turn. For the first time in a long while I won’t be working in the studio. This older image painting seems appropriate.
It is difficult, I am difficult. Thinking back to past relationships I see my faults. I see my wrongs in the darkest manner. Thinking forward as a person of growth I see the changes needed. I want to evolve, I want to be better. Here I am.
I took a road trip to Winthrop, Washington just about a month ago. It is an annual fishing trek with a couple great friends, different destinations.
Driving home on the back roads to Idaho gave me a chance to soak up the landscape. Explosive sunlight and massive clouds drifting across newly green fields. I love traveling through big desolate spaces especially if the roads are also empty. Nature always better sans people.
This painting is now in Jackson Hole, Wyoming at Horizon Fine Art Gallery. It is a strange feeling spending so much time on a collection of paintings, pouring yourself into them. Box them up and they are out of your life forever. The same can be said for people that come and go from a life though mostly without the boxing (inevitable there too).
The sun is breaking free of the clouds now. Happy Tuesday, I am onto other projects!
This weekend I took the big road trip to pack up my Bainbridge Island solo show. On my return I took the ferry across to Edmonds, Wa and dropped this painting off at its new home. This is Ryan holding the painting, one of my very best friends. He talked me into putting my art online, I was resistant for years! He also told me about WordPress and I started my Instagram account shortly there after (@bsostrom) on his recommendation. Thanks Ryan!
brian sostrom 