Art Fill-Up

Motherwell, MFA Boston

Shrine, MFA Boston

Ancient ceramics + reflection at MFA Boston

MFA, Boston, the new wing!

Mark Bradford, Yale University Press

Mark Bradford, Yale University Press

I got a much needed art fill-up this weekend in Boston. The first stop was to the ICA to see the Mark Bradford show. It is a large show of large works. I really respond to his work because of the surface quality. He uses caulking on some work to build up a surface, then sands it with an orbital sander, then works more layers of paper and paint over that. He works on canvas sometimes, but I am especially interested in the works that are created by a build-up of layers of found paper, signs, tape, wrapping paper, and who knows what else. The color is subtle and painterly. On Sunday we went to see the new wing at the MFA. Stunning. You can feel the resurgence of energy there because of this new wing. I like the opportunity to spend long periods of time visiting one or two pieces of art. I always go for the contemporary paintings first, but then end up staring at the ancient ceramics and shrines for the longest time. I think it goes back to being a child with a love of history. I remember just being fascinated by the words "spice route" when we studied that! Ever since then I've been drawn to ancient art. We also had large quantities of pan-fried dumplings, which we can't get in Maine.