CAVALA

Most of us have corners that we occupy, a seat we frequent, even in a foreign setting – a body stance that we take when deep in conversation or contemplation. The In Situ series investigates how we each create a seamless physical and psychological integration with our surroundings. This series of paintings explores the idea of in situ; people and the relics of people, that are in places or positions that are natural or original to them. Places where they are most themselves, undisturbed. Resonant moments.

All of my paintings witness a solitary, contemplative scene, the subjects engaged in an internal dialogue, sometimes in the company of other people, sometimes only in dialogue with their setting. The surroundings are also the subject, expressing a presence and an attitude of individuals no longer on scene. Some of the settings are formal and the dialogue literal, some more discreet. The paintings are intended to be quiet. They are intended to open a window to authentic private moments of contemplation, the moment between moments. 

In early 2019, I had two portraits in progress and was looking for “quick study” subjects to keep my hand loose and mind on face and figure.

Rummaging through boxes of objects collected over the years, I discovered a small box of 19th Century dolls. When I first found the dolls in my basement more than three decades ago, I had carefully wrapped each one in archival tissue. Unwrapping them was a surprisingly solemn experience. Each doll was animate – wear-evidenced of having been loved by some long-ago child.

I selected six of the dolls and began ten paintings. Over the next month I moved forward making slow progress–not stopping until I realized that each doll was as demanding of my attention as any other formal portrait.

I set the not-so-still life paintings aside and completed my portrait commitments.

My return to the dolls was concurrent with COVID-19. Once again, finding myself without access to live models, I returned to my not-so-still life subjects. They have become a reflection of my life in isolation.