Fire Creek

This is the piece that feels like it started the series, even though it’s actually about the seventh piece. It was the first one I created after starting a full-time job. This piece and the remaining six were all completed either after work or on weekends. That creates a particular kind of strain—one I’m very familiar with. It’s also a reminder that being in good shape and having the energy to do all this extra work won’t be with me forever.

In all honesty, I don’t know if I even like this piece—which probably isn’t something I should say in case someone else likes it. A better way to describe it may be that this piece became a catalyst for others that are now among my favorites. If I had more work available, I might have considered not showing this piece in the upcoming Arts Alive exhibition in La Conner. I’m also being very hard on myself, which is what I normally do. These pieces are created under stress because that’s the state I’m constantly in.

I think this piece is an example of struggle. It’s obvious to me, and perhaps to others. Quite honestly, if my goal is for my work to improve and change, then creating pieces I don’t like—and have to fight with—is an important part of the process. To me, it feels more like failure, but I think that’s the wrong way to look at it. There are parts of the piece I really enjoy, and perhaps it just needed a little extra work, but its value to me may lie in its current state. Ironically, I’ve also sold many pieces that I didn’t like at all.