Painting and Writing - Sometimes They Conflict

"Checkered Cloth" MM Sikes

Painting and writing. Sometimes they relate, and sometimes they don't. And sometimes they even conflict with each other.

Next Friday, I'm scheduled to hang a month-long art show of my "Monti Just for Fun" paintings at the Glen Allen Cultural Arts Center in Richmond VA. The show will be displayed on the Slantwall Gallery from July 1 to August 1.

On July 14, during that time, "The Colors of Haiti" will open in the Gumenick Family Gallery at the Center. I love Haitian art and was invited to be a part of the opening reception at the Center from 7 to 9 p.m. on that date. Sadly, I will be unable to participate because of a writing event conflict.

"By the Chair" MM Sikes

The paintings in my show are unusual for me because they are small and painted with very bright colors. Much of the work starts on an orange background which I think relates to much of the Haitian art that I enjoy.

Here is the description from the Cultural Arts Center web site: "This series of light- hearted paintings are a departure from artist Mary Montague Sikes' more intense and powerful art. They explore pattern and design on canvas with a carefree delight and without concern for realism."

"Just for Fun" is just that, but sometimes I long for a return to the serious and the intense. And sometimes I wish there were no conflict between the writing and the painting. Sometimes I wish my writing and my painting would always relate and always fall into separate slots on my calendar.

Conflict is good in novels but not so good in real life.