My Wing Sailing

My Wing Sailing

Early in the morning on a chilly May day, a painter, a sculptor and a poet set out to create an artwork. They scanned the beach for inspiration. It was a moody, grey place that filled it's visitors with a quiet, melancholy peace. Each of these artists differed in their medium of expertise and had something unique to offer. They also had something that they shared. It was the way in which all three had learned to explore and share and feel and try to understand through symbols, and more importantly, their desire and passion to do so.

On rain soaked Cannon Beach they found the skeletal remains of a bird. That is where it began. This object had many symbolic associations. A bird is often a symbol of connecting with a higher spirit. Seagulls in particular were believed to carry the souls of dead sailors and were considered an unlucky omen. So if this bird has long since passed, is that omen reversed?

In the process of creating this work the wings were separated, one being sailed into the ocean and one to remain. Was it a plea? Was it about a journey? Was it two parts of a whole? Did it represent the quest for immortality or triumph over death?

We invite you to watch our video and participate in this journey.

My Wing Sailing

The process of creating this artwork was unforgettable. Sometimes when working together, one can make personal discoveries. Thank you Kate Horowitz and Laura Mayer for being people with so much to offer, and so good at sharing it too.

I neglected to include in the credits that Stella, who took time out from her morning stroll on the beach to participate and contribute. Thank you Stella.

A synopsis of the show, She Dreamed in Verse and Rhyme

Pondering Persephone was the painting I'd struggled over the most. It's a little different than the others in the way it had layer upon layer of glaze. The glazing gives it a rich surface. I like Persephone's pomegranate ring and her pondering gesture. It was worth the struggle.

Coming soon, Survivor Art Girls, Episode 2, Cannon Beach.

This episode has a different flavor than the first one. It's really beautiful. Sculptor Laura Mayer, writer Kate Horowitz and painter Cassandra Barney- a good combo.

It's funny because when I'm with my sister Emily, I really want want to entertain her and make her laugh. I was much more serious with Kate and Lala. Well, kind of serious...ish.

Laura is another amazing person. She's living the dream with her Art Garden in Ephrada Washington. She teaches and creates artwork in her own little shop. I'm proud of my friend.

Together They Could Do So Much

Show Information:
She Dreamed in Verse and Rhyme

May 2...I should be in the gallery most of the day.

There will be an unveiling for Rod Fredrick at 6:00 p.m. that night then a big Luau.

Rod is really funny so it should be quite a party.
Saturday, May 3, I will unveil my paintings and talk about them at 2:00 p.m.
I'm going to give away my drawing Thistle at the show...I just decided.

They usually do a drawing for a print as well.

Then, of course, there will be an other party in the gallery with lots of dessert.

Collectors Gallery
224 N HemlockSuite 1
Cannon Beach, OR
800-289-1819

It's nearly show time. All of the paintings have been titled, framed, photographed and shipped...except one. It remains to be seen if it will be dry in time. I also want to put together one more movie about the collaboration and maybe another about the opening. I'm really excited because Kate Horowitz and her writings will be at the show. So come and meet her as well.
Cheers and I'm excited!
Cassandra

Pomegranate Seeds

I've been reading about Persephone. The gist of the story goes...

Hades falls in love with Persephone and steals her. Zeus orders Hades to give her back but she ate these pomegranate seeds which tie her to the underworld. They work out a deal where Persephone can spend half her time in the under world and half her time in the world above.

Early summer last year I wrote about how it felt, the sun, putting the red back into my blood. How summer brings rest from different things, but not a rest from feeling. I thought about how in the dead months of winter, my body is buried under sweaters and blankets. My blood moves thick and slow and what I feel is muffled. I think I'm glad for that rest season, that rest from myself, that rest from feeling. I'm as unsure as the weather in the Spring, back and forth, not quite sure if I'm ready. I'm hesitant.

My last painting to finish, the one I'm going to unveil a the show is inspired by a poem that Kate Horowitz wrote.

"Before you go," he said, "Eat these."

His palm was rough, black with soot,

and three rubies glittered there, perfect drops

of blood.

He would not meet my round eyes.

I assumed grief and accepted his gift; the hot winds

of deceit had never known my petaled face.

The earth opened above us,

and a golden arm came through

to draw me up.

I closed my mouth, bit down

and felt all my convictions

running down my throat.

I swallowed.

In my painting, I'm interested in the space of time after all of that interaction took place. Maybe Persephone loved Hades, maybe she found rest in the dark underworld. Maybe sometimes she was hesitant to go back to the beautiful world above.