DICKS

DICKS

By Andy Weddington

Tuesday, 03 June 2025

A work of art is the trace of a magnificent struggle.  - Grace Hartigan

Ten months ago came query to help a longtime friend's granddaughter with her high school senior art project. 

In short, long distance mentor. 

She's been painting a few years. 

There's 60+ years trail of canvas and paint and sweat and tears behind me; that matters. 

There's no possible way to pass along all those lessons in less than a year.

So, I answered questions; with sometimes lengthy insight. 

And as often offered answers to not asked questions. 

We never met.

We did not speak. 

Through email only.

Throughout, I was suspect as to how effective only the written word.  As being an experienced teacher of painting the value of showing invaluable. 

That is, a minute or so demonstrating with brush can never be equalled in word. Watching a brush is not reading about handling the brush. 

But in the end she surprised me; the body of work submitted proved she'd taken guidance to heart.

Of course studio time would have been all the better. 

In yesterday's mail arrived thank you note; kind and thoughtful.

The more subtle aspects of painting I wanted to resonate did. 

At 18 she now has perspective that took me decades to develop, and still trying to understand. 

That I was able to help a young person see differently the reward.

Now time to spend decades finding her way with brush - the only way; miles of canvas and gallons of paint and sweat and tears has not bypass. 

During this morning's walk reflecting what occurred to me was acronym - for the arts, for life ...

Discipline: To be perseverant 

Integrity: To be truthful

Courage: To be brave

Knowledge: To be growing

Sanity: To realize through perseverance, truth, bravery, growth - being an original. 

Simple. 

To be - simple. 

As powerful, 'stop viewer in tracks,' painting ought be. 

And as I saw last week.

When standing dumbfounded before stunning works by the late Grace Hartigan [now on exhibit at the North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA, Raleigh, NC) in exhibition (12 April - 10 August) appropriately titled: The Gift of Attention]. 

"Finish" the painting, Faye. 

Get your grandfather to take you to the Hartigan exhibit - both of you, pay attention to Grace; she left us a gift.