Many of you will remember my good friend, Kim Moss. He came to Truchas last winter to take care of Bill and Margaret Franke’s wonderful Hand Artes Gallery while they were in the Midwest (see previous posts 10 Things I Love About Being an Artist, #9 and How to Make the Perfect Country Loaf). We formed a meaningful friendship while he was here and were both sorry when the time came for him to leave (see previous post Leaving as Arrival).
But I have very good news. Kim is back in Truchas! In fact he’s parked his Airstream in my front yard and is living here now. And, as if not skipping a beat, we are taking up where we left off: shared dinners and movies in Cinestream, as he calls it.
But even more important, we are sharing the studio in my house; sharing the artist experience. And I want to tell you that it is wonderful to have someone to talk with about the day-to-day joys and challenges we face in pursuing this artist’s path.
I had a day, the other day, when I found myself, once again, in deep doubts about my validity as an artist. And Kim was here to help talk me through it. Having felt the same thing many times himself, he knew exactly what to say.
And then we spent the day painting together in the studio. I just don’t think it gets any better than that.
Kim is represented by Hand Artes Gallery (as am I) and he is busy painting a show for this summer. His inspiration springs from the canyon that backs up my land, the mountain and the village. In fact we are both painting the same subjects—each in very different ways.
It is fun, at the end of the day, for me to see his expression, and for him to see mine. I’m even arranging to work from the exact same photo he is painting from right now. It will be so interesting to compare and contrast our two interpretations.
Kim told Bill and Margaret the other day that what we have, out on my land, is a “very mini artist’s colony” and that is exactly it—just the two of us in the midst of all this beauty and solitude, painting, writing, considering—shoring each other up when we need it and celebrating our successes when we have them.
Every single day we have the opportunity to inspire the other with our work, our discussions, what we read, what we watch. And I think this is how it’s meant to be.
While I have created for much of the last 16 years on my own, this new shared experience has something marvelous to offer. I am already seeing its impact on my work. And can you tell the Airstream has become something of a new photo subject? I’m even thinking of doing a series of small paintings with it being the main subject. New inspiration where I least expected it. How cool is that?
Sometime soon I will write a post about Kim and his art, so you’ll want to stay tuned for that.
Love to you all,
Jeane
“How cool is that?” VERY COOL:) I am happy you both have each others kindred spirits to share the beauty of the land grant, and the joy of your creative energies:)It always boggles my mind when I realize the writing is done ahead of time so I have a lag in knowing what is going on, LOL.
It’s pretty darned fun I have to say and deeply inspiring. I mean I am among all my other artist friends which is supportive and inspiring too, but to have a good friend right here on the land, creating alongside me is quite stunning. Am just conceiving of a new series as of yesterday and am excited to begin it–soon!
Yes, time goes by. Kim has been here since June 8th but I couldn’t fit this post in until now. But the rainbow happened just last night!
I can feel the collective energy coming through your words – what an amazing experience – to create with one of your best friends! I love the airstream, it looks good in your backyard, and think it’s a great idea to use it as a subject for a painting series. You’ll get a new following of airstream owners. I’m looking forward to seeing your new work. We’ll be back in August.
xxoo,
SE
It really is an amazing experience and totally unexpected. I am truly loving everything about it. Just talked to Bill Franke about Kim and me painting a show together for October for Hand Artes Gallery. I think that could be very special.
I’ll look forward to seeing you in August and will hold good thoughts for you finding your home here in NM.
Thanks for sharing Jeane. I saw your today’s post and then, I came here. Your post is inspiring – how you and Kim share the experience of being artists. My best wishes.
Thank you Laura. It’s wonderful to have a very good friend to do this with. It just makes an inspiring life all the better.
So glad you like the blog Sherry. Thanks for letting me know. Yes. Kim is the perfect friend to have around when I face those “… inevitable, ‘Oh, who am I kidding?’ ” moments.
I love the airstream ! I can definitely imagine great art stemming from the airstream!! I can not every imagine living alone in a quiet place. I need company… I have probably said that before. But we are not an island, right? I love people and family and interactions and conversations.. and I really miss having a classroom of artists to share with. Am starting to think of finding groups to work with as not having a plan and doing it alone doesn’t work so well… I think this is wonderful that you have each other!! 🙂
It works well for me. As you know I require space and solitude. So the idea of groups makes my head spin. But to have ONE person who is also reclusive, right here on the land has become a perfect support in so many ways.