“The Center Holds”

 The Center Holds” refers to a phrase used in a poem “The Second Coming” by William Butler Yeats. In the poem the line says “ the center cannot hold” to express a sense of societal breakdown and chaos. The poem is known for its pessimistic tone. In contrast, “the center holds” is a hopeful phrase that suggests that despite the challenges of societal unrest, there is a core of stability and unity that remains intact.  Three stages in development of the 24” x 24”, oil on canvas painting.

The Calling by Andy Scott in St. Paul, Minnesota

 

Opening Reception

The opening reception was fun.  My nicely framed paintings are $400 - $500.  The show is up until 9/27 at St. Paul Academy.  

ARTIST BIO After graduating from SPA in 1968, Richard Stryker anxiously enrolled in a summer school class at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. After completing his first art class, with some pretense, he identified himself as an artist. He continued studying Art and Art History at Colorado College (Tim Saska), the University of Minnesota (David Feinberg), and MCAD (James Burpee). He also enjoyed learning about plein air painting techniques from Brian Stewart in Grand Marais, Minnesota. Painting became a lifelong hobby for Richard. Time spent at the easel always felt like a healthy vacation from work. He enjoyed employment with the Minnesota Historical Society for over thirty-two years doing building and grounds maintenance. And, in retirement, he finds joy in extra time for painting. Recently Richard has been working on a “practice painting people project”. He has completed and gifted over 140 14” x 11” portraits of interesting people he has met. He continues to enjoy the challenge and excitement of starting a new portrait, hoping to make improvements ALUMNI/AE ART SHOW Sept. 6 - 27, 2024 Gallery Hours 8am - 6pm 1712 Randolph Ave., St. Paul "City Seagull", 24" x 20", oil on canvas, $500

A Z Gallery has changed it's name to Burl Gallery in Lowertown St. Paul. Its first show is "Rejected". 70 artists who were not accepted into the annual Minnesota State Fair Fine Arts Exhibit. My contrbution is "Out of the Blue" (24" x 18", oil on canvas, $500).

A new painting (16" x 20", oil on canvas).

Thaddeus received a yellow ribbon for his needlepoint pillow at the Minnesota State Fair.

"Lost My Bearings", 30" x 30", oil on canvas.

An abstract painting can be about how it looks and how it makes you feel. I started the painting with horizontal and vertical tracks. It felt like it could represent a woven textile or city road grid. The spheres added a feeling of motion. I felt the spheres could represent train wheels. I thought of the phase “going off the rails.” I finished the painting feeling it had gone from orderly to chaotic.

Van Gogh and the Olive Groves at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts.

Wild Turkey

We have been seeing wild turkeys in the neighborhood for several years, but this is the first time we"ve seen them in our yard.

Practice Painting People Project Continues

Practice Painting People Project Continues

The Fighter of the Spirit

At the 24th st. entrance of the Minneapolis Institute of Arts are a pair of 18th century style Chinese lions and this 18 foot tall bronze sculpture by Ernst Barlach. This is one of two copies of the 1928 untitled sculpture by Barlach, who said, "that it shows the external representation of an internal process." It has been titled "Der Geistkampfer" (The Ghostfighter) or "The Fighter of the Spirit". The winged man holding a sword is standing on the back of a wolf/lioness/beast and may symbolize the victory of the spirit of goodness over evil.

Sonnet for the Sparrows

Sonnet for the Sparrows

I watch the sparrows scatter seeds
Into deep snow where once were weeds.
I take my bucket, footsteps slow.
To fill their feeder, fill their needs.

They watch me from the elm.  I know.
And hear the last seeds as they flow.
They wait until I reach my door;
By then they're peeking in a row.

These pale skies chill us to the core.
Bright spring is what we're longing for.
Then, under the feeder and warm rays.
Sunflower sprouts begin to soar.

Soon taller than I, they'll bow a ways
Toward scattered seeds of winter days.

                                     -Robin Stryker