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My
paintings in oil or acrylic begin with “why” to paint them, rather than
“what” to paint or “how” to paint it. The “whys” have included
playing with a line, experimenting with perception, relaxing brush strokes or
just because it’s spring. What to paint comes from my environment and
imagination based on the why. How to paint it is just the mechanics of putting
paint on the medium and is dependent on my abilities at the time, the materials,
and the why of the work. Focus is usually on the work's principle object with
little or no effort put in the ground, freeing the figure from any context other
than itself. A
career in engineering and science has prepared me to observe, imagine, design,
and transcribe in physical dimensions. A study of the neural foundations of
cognition has given me insight into the dimensions of personality and
perception. What I was not prepared for was the additional dimension of
presence that appeared in the works and in their tone. They do not agree with my
current self image of a reserved and vaguely pessimistic optimist. At thirty I
had to make a conscious effort to update my internal image of a scrawny and
chronically underweight adolescent to my then no longer scrawny or underweight
self. My art is suggesting that, at fifty three, a new inventory is in order. As
I continue to see what appears on the canvas or board, some parts of my
un-integrated self have moved into the foreground and must be embraced. These
include an intimate relationship with the world, an appreciation for the
transcendent nature of the ordinary, and a
desire for the beauty of simplicity. I’m interested in seeing what will come
out next and hope you enjoy some of what is already here. Bill Standing Standing Applications Laboratory, Inc. 1201 Kirkland Avenue Kirkland, WA 98033 425.828.6459
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