52 WEEKS::Georgia O'Keeffe - SOLD

I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn't say any other way - things I had no words for.

~ Georgia O'Keeffe

I was first introduced to Georgia O'Keeffe at Red Deer College in 1986 shortly after her passing.  We had an assignment to paint flowers and bones and though I was unsure of it initially, once I saw Georgia's work I was smitten by the simplicity and fluidity of the forms and subject matter as well as the vibrant colours.  I admired the fact that she always knew she wanted to be an artist (as I did) and was always outspoken and direct (unlike me - I was painfully shy as a child).  She was tenacious, driven, and required much time alone, a kindred spirit. 

Years ago I had the great privilege of visiting the Carr, O'Keeffe, Kahlo exhibit in Vancouver in 2002 and was struck once again by the beauty of her work and I watch the documentary I purchased on my visit over and over for inspiration.  I know she wasn't perfect, which is probably why I love her even more, and I love the fact that her paintings were never signed by her because she felt that her work was recognizable as her own and also so that the viewer could hang them however they felt - being connected directly to her work through a collaboration of sorts.  I added a flower to this piece, even though less than a quarter of her paintings were flowers and I prefer the bones, because she is best known for the flowers.