Rodin has a tiny plaster cast of a tiger . . .
In his studio in the rue de l’Université, Rodin has a tiny plaster cast of a tiger (antique) which he values very highly: “C’est beau, c’est tout,” [It’s beautiful, it’s everything], he says of it. And from this little plaster copy I have seen what he means, what antiquity is and what links him to it. There is in this animal the same kind of aliveness in the modeling; on this little thing (it is no higher than my hand is wide, and no longer than my hand is) there are a hundred thousand places, as if it were something really huge — a hundred thousand places that are all alive, active, and different. All this just in plaster! And the representation of the prowling stride is intensified to the highest degree, the powerful downward tread of the broad paws, and simultaneously that caution in which all strength is wrapped, that noiselessness.
- Rainer Maria Rilke, in a letter to Clara Rilke (September 27, 1902). (Rilke was Rodin’s secretary for a while, until Rodin fired him over a letter Rilke sent a patron of Rodin’s, which Rodin interpreted as Rilke’s attempt to steal the limelight).
What Rilke names in that tiger — a hundred thousand alive places on a thing no bigger than a hand — is the same quality a painter chases without ever quite being able to name it. Not likeness. Not accuracy. Something closer to presence.
I think most artists keep a collection of little works of art that they turn to for inspiration and guidance. I have half a dozen of these. The watercolor sketch on the left is my favorite of these. It isn’t even particularly realistic or representative of the appearance of a heron, but it does capture something of their nature. And I executed it in a minute or two and then left it alone, which I often fail to do.
I’ve tried to take that sketch and create out of it a larger painting. In general, my efforts have failed, but there is one attempt that I like, pictured on the right.
I’m reorganizing the Heron Dance gallery around new semi-abstract work. When enough new paintings are ready, I’ll take all my former work and put it in a separate room in the gallery at 50% off. That should take 3-4 weeks. In the meantime, I want to offer this discount to you who have supported Heron Dance and made it possible.
This discount is for all framed, unframed originals and framed prints. Also almost all unframed prints (those not included would have to be specially ordered — and not the new originals in New Original Art). If you’d like an unframed print, order it. If we have it in stock, we’ll sell it at the discount. If we have to special order it, the discount won’t apply and we’ll refund your purchase. If you’d rather check first, email Rod (rod@herondance.org). The discount doesn’t apply to books. In a couple of weeks, this discount will also be open to nonmembers including visitors to the gallery.
Member discount code: Member50. Enter this at checkout.
All are signed and numbered. All prices include including taxes and shipping.
Although there are a lot of different originals and prints, there are only one of most.
Scroll down for examples.
Members also get free access PDFs to all recent Heron Dance Art Studio books here.
You can order print editions of recent Heron Dance books, here.
Everything Heron Dance does and offers summarized here.
Projects and Random Thoughts: What’s happening behind the scenes at Heron Dance.
If you are not already Member, you can become one here.
Heron Dance Books
Front cover, The Pausing For Beauty Poetry Diary. PDF and Softcover (Lay Flat, wire-o binding) versions available. Visit here.
Two interior pages, The Pausing For Beauty Poetry Diary. PDF and Softcover (Lay Flat, wire-o binding) versions available. Visit here.
The Tao Te Ching Journal: A Path To Inner Quiet
Zen Mountain Journal blends Taoist hermit poetry, contemplative art, and reflections drawn from a lifetime shaped by wilderness, solitude, and decades doing creative work on the outer boundaries of our culture. These journals are companions for seekers — guides in the reconnection with inner quiet, beauty, and the “soundless music” of a life lived with simplicity and meaning.
• Size: 9.25 × 8.5 inches — convenient size for desk or lap.
• Hardcover — the book can be written in without a table or desk.
• Double wire-o bound to lay flat.
• Printed on Mohawk Superfine, a premium uncoated paper for a beautiful writing surface.
• 160 pages.
