ABSTRACT EXPRESSIONISM (2)
BLAKE MCARTHUR: PART 2: Blake says: “I’m from Winnipeg, Manitoba. I’ve lived here my whole life, and every year when it starts getting cold (like it did last week), I question my sanity :-). ” Well Blake, that makes two of us! His blog for which you’ll find the link at the end of this article, has some amazing works which are well worth the time to investigate!
So Blake, let’s continue, here is part two (2) of the interview. Enjoy it everyone!
4) Do you think visual art, music and health are related and if so, please elaborate?
I definitely feel that they are all related. As I mentioned earlier, I always listen to music while I’m painting, and allow myself to get carried away by the music, so that I am really creating with my sub-conscious mind. I have also noticed that the “style” of my work depends on the music that I listen to while I’m creating it. I have fairly diverse musical tastes, however I tend to listen to a small subset of my favourite music while I paint, since I find some music more conducive to painting than others.
In terms of the relationship between music/visual art and health, I feel that there is a definite relationship. I believe that our mental and emotional state has some bearing on our physical health, and both music and visual art can have a huge impact on our emotional well being. I have heard it said that art nourishes the soul, which is a sentiment that I agree with whole heartedly.
5) When you are creating, painting, how do you feel?
A lot depends on how well things are turning out. On most days, painting makes me feel relaxed and contented, and serves as a refuge from the stress of everyday life. There are times, however, when nothing is turning out the way I’m planning, and on those occasions it can actually be quite frustrating. Whenever I find that painting is not bringing me the joy it normally does, I put away the paints and do something else for a while.
6) Do you identify with your subject and if so, on what level?
My work doesn’t really have a subject, so there is really nothing to relate to directly. Although my art would be considered abstract expressionism, I generally don’t attempt to paint an abstraction of anything in particular, so it would probably be better described as “non representational”. In any event, and “subject” exists only in my imagination.
7) When do you do your best work (environment)?
I always listen to music while I paint. I can almost always get “into” the music, however there are some days where the music consumes me, and I find myself getting totally lost within it. Those are the days that usually result in my most pleasing works.
8) Does your art help you connect with your “higher self” whatever that is for you?
I believe so. For me it’s not only a connection that I feel while I’m actually painting, but also one I feel when sharing my work with others. My art certainly helps me in terms of defining my own sense of who I am.
The link to my FaceBook Fan page :
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Blake-McArthur-Abstract-Art/128974308232
And to the blog that I recently started:
http://blakemcarthur.blogspot.com
Blake, doing this article with you has been most enjoyable and I look forward to working with you again. Thank you so much and God bless!
TO THE READER :
Your comments would really be appreciated. We ask for your e-mail address in order to keep you informed of any changes that may occur in the future.
Here’s a question for you:
What helps you connect with your “Higher Self”?
Mail this post
Comments
Re: question 7. I think music helps one get out of one’s way mentally!
I love your work Blake! it would be great if one day you could paint and I could play at the same time. It would be great to see a visual representation of what you hear in my music.
Keep up the great work!
Thanks for the kind words Patrick. I probably won’t have a chance to paint again until after my daughters wedding in 2 weeks, but when I do, I’ll be listening to your music from your MySpace page. I’ll post the results on my blog at http://blakemcarthur.blogspot.com/
Hope you let me know via email when you do this! Have fun!
I find your work very exciting and vibrant Blake. It’s interesting that you live in Winnipeg, which I associate with cold temperatures, yet the palette you use is very warm. I can see how the music really informs your brush strokes.
Leave a Comment