SCOTT DYKEMA
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NEWS FROM THE BUS

2021 and Living With My Own Art

1/27/2022

22 Comments

 
As I sit down at my table every morning, I have a clear view of one of my paintings.  This painting took months to complete and was created during a time of tremendous hardship and discomfort for me and my family.   I do not believe that I will ever part with it.  I have made art for over 20 years, and I never make art with the intention of keeping any.  Making the work and enjoying the creative process is always my primary reward.  Finding a forever home for my paintings and supporting my family with my art has always been my secondary reward.  This painting is my only exception.
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While creating a painting like this, there are so many elements that need consideration.  First of all, I consider the placement of the figure.  I knew I wanted to create a prayerful caretaker, a loving force of some kind, and I knew that I wanted it to be inspired by figures from the Renaissance.  The figure would be front and center with a magnificent halo.  Intuition lead the way while I created her.  Later, after making some progress on this painting, I began a series of eye studies, painted on wood blocks, to stretch myself and my art making skills.  After painting many blocks, I turned my focus back to the painting, and the eyes started going in around the halo.  The vague idea for the theme was that even while praying, there is protection.  I was contemplating the notion that we are always being looked out for, even when we cannot look out for ourselves.
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I haven’t written for a while because 2021 was a pretty rough year for me and my family.  In February, we were hit with a crazy winter storm, one that only comes once in a hundred years here in Texas.  We lost power for several days and had nowhere to go to keep warm, so we lived in our closet on a mattress that we shoved in there to keep ourselves warm with our own body heat while the temperature inside our house was in the 30’s and 40’s for days.  Since we have no gas, we cooked food in our fireplace when we had wood.  After we thawed out, we noticed some water under our kitchen sink which caused us concern.  We had it all inspected by an insurance adjuster with a contractor present.  The contractor ended up being an awful person and, to make a long story short, we lived without a kitchen or bathroom sinks and cabinets on concrete floors for 5 months, not knowing if our insurance company would cover replacing it all.  We were essentially camping in our own house.  It was very stressful, to say the least.  Thanks to a dear friend, we eventually found a great contractor and another four months later our house, and our family, slowly healed.
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When we were finally able to put all the rooms back together, I decided that I would place this painting in a room where we spend a lot of time.  I just wanted to look at it for a bit.  Over time it has become very special to me, an object that I now consider priceless, though I had once wanted to offer it for sale.  This painting serves as a very personal reminder of how my family and I are able overcome hardship.  It reminds me how we came together to support one another and grew even closer to each other.  Most importantly, this painting has taught me about something I had never even considered: What other people experience while living with my art.
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It has been interesting for me to learn the differences in the meanings of the elements in this painting from the creation process, and how much their meanings change once living with them.  Now that I have lived with her for a while, the image of this saintly woman reminds me of the challenges my family and I faced in 2021 and also the challenges I face as an artist, and how I work through things, sometimes for months and years at a time, before I see the solution clearly.  The eyes around the glowing halo remind me that there are people, and if you believe it, sometimes angels, or depending on your spiritual flavor, God is always watching out for us.  I am reminded that I am never alone, and that often times difficulties are but a blip and should be treated as such. 

The past few months of enjoying and experiencing my own art in this way has given me a little more appreciation for what I do and the responsibility I have as an artist:  Make the work that I need to make.  Make the work that the world might need.  Make the art that helps people.  Make the art that can brighten a day or a life time. 
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My intention for this new year is to live more intentionally and to spread that through the work that I make.  I hope that you and yours are happy, healthy and that you have a beautiful 2022!  
22 Comments
Buddenbohn Rebecca
1/27/2022 03:02:19 pm

She is quite beautiful and peaceful Scott, I think you are wise to hold on to that one!
Happy to hear that things are settled and you are inspired to spread your joy!
We absolutely love all of our works of your art…they certainly add much to our home!
Take care!
Becky

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Scott Dykema link
1/29/2022 06:23:56 am

Becky,
Thank you so much for reading this post!! I appreciate you always. You have always been a great friend, neighbor and supporter. I am so glad that you are still enjoying your art!!

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Jessica
1/27/2022 03:04:58 pm

You're amazing and your outlook is authentic and beautiful. I appreciate how honest you are and deeply respect you friend. I pray you and your family have a great 2022.

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Scott Dykema
1/29/2022 06:29:46 am

Thank you so much Jessica! I appreciate you. Thank you for your prayers for a better 2022. I hope that you have a great new year too!! Hugs.

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Sally Hogan
1/27/2022 03:08:05 pm

I loved reading this, Scott. I wondered if you ever became personally connected to any of your pieces. I can see why this one spoke to you, especially at a time when your life was in flux. During stress our need to be comforted and protected is exacerbated. Especially when circumstance forces us to feel as if we’ve lost our grip on keeping our family safe. I’m glad the power you instilled in this painting was able to give it back to you when you needed it most. Blessings, my friend.

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Scott Dykema
1/29/2022 06:36:29 am

Sally,
Whoa! I love what you said here. You are right. That thing you said about putting power into the painting and it giving power back is really an amazing observation. I never looked at it that way. It was a truly difficult time and it seemed to last a good part of the year and there are things connected with it that are ongoing. I may need that power for a while. Thank you so much for reading the post and for your very kind words and incredible observations. Blessings right back at you my friend.

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Landra Pulliam
1/27/2022 03:57:09 pm

Good to hear from you Scott. We did not lose power with that storm but our daughter did so they came to stay with us. Wish I had known your circumstances as we had another bedroom upstairs you could have used! That storm lasted way too long, and Im sorry for all you went through.

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Scott Dykema
1/29/2022 06:39:40 am

Landra,

I am glad you were able to help your daughter out! It was a rough time. It would have been fun to pack the family up to come stay with you but I would have had a hard time saying yes to that. Its a big ask. Could have been fun to hang out with you and Scott watching tennis learning all about who is good and why!!
Thanks for taking the time to read the post and for your kindness!! Always good to hear from you!

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Jenny Kerr
1/27/2022 04:19:54 pm

The pieces you've made for me are in two different rooms in my house and they each make me smile every time I see them. The first because it's so unique and works perfectly in our house. The second because you gave new life to one of my grandmother's paintings. I hope you and your family have a wonderful 2022!

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Scott Dykema
1/29/2022 06:52:42 am

Hey Jenny!

I am so happy to hear that you love your paintings! Your Grandmother's painting was a trip to restore. I wanted to match her work to the best of my ability. I wanted to keep the original marks but that part got harder when it came time to repaint all the snowfall!!
Thank you so much for your support and for reading the post! Happy 2022 to you and your family!

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Glenda Thompson
1/27/2022 04:24:40 pm

You are one of a kind Scott, so so special. I consider it a privilege to know you. My only wish would be to be in your presence more. Love you dearly ..

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Scott Dykema
1/29/2022 06:57:42 am

Glenda,

You are amazing! I don't even know what to say. I do not know that I deserve this but I will take it. Love you dearly too!! Big hugs to you my very sweet friend. Please say hello and give hugs to Truman.

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Susan Belske
1/27/2022 04:34:15 pm

So sorry your 2021 was not the best. You are such a positive person. I hope your 2022 brings you happiness and good health.

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Scott Dykema
1/29/2022 07:08:09 am

Hi!!!
So good to hear from you!
Thank you for reading the post.
Thank you for the blessings.
I hope that you have a wonderful 2022!

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Tom Detmer
1/27/2022 05:47:57 pm

Very moving Buddy! God bless you and your wonderful family and here's to a fabulous and prosperous new life!

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Scott Dykema
1/29/2022 07:12:00 am

Tom,

Thank you so much for reading the post! Thank you for the blessing as well.
Hope that you have a great new year!

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Jill Jordan
1/28/2022 06:01:57 am

Scott, that is a beautiful painting with a beautiful message to go with it. I love how art can invoke such passion and comfort, whether by creating it, experiencing it, and/or just sitting with it.
Thanks for sharing both your thoughts and your art! 🌟

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Scott Dykema
1/29/2022 07:23:06 am

Jill,
Thanks so much for your kind words. You are right. Art does things that I am just now realizing. I hope to some day get a chance to hang out with you and Larry for some creative time. Thank you so much for reading the post and for sharing this response with me.

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Roy G. Varn
1/28/2022 08:21:27 pm

Scott,

I have known many, many artists. Most struggle to find their voice.

You, sir, speak loud and clear to me. Your journey thus far has been a joy to witness. Your art touches my heart, mind and soul. You are genuine and it shows in your art, how you talk about it and the passion you live your life with.

You have a beautiful family who adores you. The strength and balance that gives a man should never denied. You are a good man Scott, and an exceptionally unique artist.

Much love my friend

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Scott Dykema
1/29/2022 07:34:34 am

Roy!!!
Hey man. I do not know how to respond to that. You are truly one of the very best people I have ever met and to hear this from you is a big deal. You were the first person who really took me into your home/ your family/ your life and made me feel like I was a part of it all. I remember many nights staying at your place for dinner and fun times with you and your family. When commenting on good people you are the realest of them all. The best. Thank you so much for reading the post and for your very kind comments my dear friend. Much love to you.

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Bonnie Viner
2/25/2022 05:40:12 pm

Scott, you are truly in sync with what is going on-Your craft is your blessing from God to lift us in these trying times. We need more than ever support from the Angels- you are indeed in alignment !!!

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Laurakipphut
6/8/2022 01:35:16 pm

While visiting Jen, I was delighted to see your painting of the chimp with the baseball cap and gold chain around his neck. It is magnificent in every way from the thick globs of gold paint of the chains to the airbrushed graffiti style of the background. Jen and I did not discuss the painting or why she bought it, but what drew me to it when I saw it on your Facebook post was it reminded me of Chris, always a good reminder. Chris wore a Notre Dame baseball cap all during his childhood years. He traded it for various other sports teams, grunge bands and whatever else he found “cool.” He also loved skateboarding as a teenager, and I am sure the chimp is a skater as well. I am so glad Jen bought this painting, and I am glad I get to enjoy her eclectic taste in art and a beautiful personal reminder of Chris while I am visiting. Thank you for Scott ❤️

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    Scott Dykema is a fine artist, muralist and illustrator based in Texas. His highly energetic and jubilant works range from the abstract to studies of such diverse subjects as animals, Native Americans, geishas and angels.

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