When I first painted this I had no idea where it would lead me except that I heard the title in my mind upon first glance. That magical evening in the studio was six weeks ago. We were having so much rain, I guess that was uppermost on my mind. Now we long for more rain. The end result of this piece surprises me, I seldom have such a minimal collage additions compared to other pieces. But it felt perfect to me.
I am happy to be showing this at the Horizon: Contemporary Landscape exhibit, at Community Arts Center, Danville, October 1 through November 14, opening reception 6 to 8 p.m on October 8. From 250 submitted works, 50 were accepted that best fit the contemporary landscape theme of the exhibition.
Curve of the Earth, Birth of Thunder, watercolor collage by Kathleen O’Brien, 22×30″
The earth feels feminine to me. Stepping back from this I noticed a reclining figure in profile, done in one stroke, untouched. In many indigenous traditions water is understood as coming from the west. This is very much a view towards a western horizon.
Horizon: Contemporary Landscape Postcard from Community Arts Center with Curve of the Earth, Birth of Thunder image.