Sunday Morning
Sunday Morning 36x48 Oil 2006
I believe a self-portrait should tell you something about the artist. This one was done about fourteen years ago. It was done at a time in my life where I felt at ease with who I’d grown up to be. I spent Sunday mornings in church most of my life but I found that often times I was not there for myself but for love ones in my life. I felt that I wasn’t growing and did not need to be preached at. I greatly appreciate the worship and cultural experience and what the church has done for our community but it did not always feed my soul. I considered seeking another church home but before I knew it, time slipped by and it had been years without regular attendance. During that time, I learned to appreciate the introvert that I am and spent many Sunday mornings alone in contemplation, meditation and self-reflection. I love the quietness of Sunday morning and would often seek the peace and quietness of my garden for reading and general mindfulness.
My quiet time now is often the early morning hours when I wake up to paint, write or just meditate. It is the most peaceful and productive time for me. You see I am easily distracted. The early morning is when my mind and body are fresh and I have the ability to face the challenges of the painting process. Yes I can reach these moments of zen at any time but we must realize when we are at our strongest and take advantage of those moments. I often partner my production time with music that inspires. I don’t know what I’d do without music. It breathes life into everything I do. What helps you make it through the day? Where do you find your zen?
A friend of mine tried to get me to remember her favorite painting and described it as “the one where you were fishing.” She was actually referring to Sunday Morning. I was flattered by that because fishing elicits the same peacefulness and solitude as my Sunday morning reading. Today, newspaper print is almost obsolete but I hope this painting takes you to a place of peace, quietness and reflection. During the COVID pandemic, many of us are struggling with social distancing and having to retrain from our normal support systems. No matter if it is fellowshipping with friends, worshipping, dining out, attending a sports event, etc., solitude is a tremendous adjustment for all of us. Life is such a short journey. We must all do what we can to adjust to this new normal. Don’t hesitate to reach out to someone, if you are having difficulties adjusting.
Finally, I have done about three paintings thus far with African American males reading. The librarian in me wants to illustrate to our youth that they should never be ashamed of reading and gaining knowledge; reading is fundamental, reading can take you places you never imagined, reading is sexy. Knowledge is power and reading was not even lawful for African Americans in our storied history. I hope you find time to read. God bless and thanks for reading about Sunday Morning.
