Friday, June 20, 2014

"Desolation Row" (Bob Dylan), My Nibblefest Contest Entry for June's "All in a Row" Theme






"Desolation Row", painted in acrylics on a 6 x 8 found, wooden plaque.





Ay Carumba.  It's been quite long time since I last posted here in my poor neglected wee blog.  Not because I haven't had much to talk about, nay -- more like because I guess it's part of my nature to be on the flighty and sporadic side of things.  I do take lengthy breaks from the bloggery from time to time (some breaks longer than others).  Yet I do always seem to find my way back.... eventually. 

This was a year of adjustments -- new job, new art students, a really and truly miserable winter the likes of which I've not seen since my youth (hello, Polar Vortex!), my daughter graduating high school, college visits, my son shuffling around the country in pursuit of his dance aspirations (with us visiting often in order to see him in action), and just busy family life in general.  For months it felt like I was spinning my wheels just trying to keep up with it all.  Happily, despite the ramping up now of Summer, the pace of life is settling down and it feels like I'm finally hitting my stride again, so it's back to what I love.  And that's Art, people...! 

The above is my entry into this month's Nibblefest Art Contest.  The theme for June 2014 is "All in a Row".  I thought long and hard about the theme.   It wasn't so terribly inspiring to me at first.  But then a classic old song by Bob Dylan, called 'Desolation Row', finally came to mind.  And thank goodness for that because I decided to do a tribute to Mr. Dylan and his epic, 11-minute song/poem.  I really do like this song -- especially the harmonica solo at the end.  Makes me want to take it up!  Sadly, I wasn't gifted with much in the way of musical talent, so that isn't likely to happen anytime soon (probably best if I just stick with the painting and sculpting)....

The following is my auction description:

.......

"Desolation Row"

My entry for this month's Nibblefest Art Contest (NFAC),  the theme for June being 'All in a Row', features a portrait of the venerable singer/songwriter Bob Dylan, in his younger days.  Painted in acrylics on an 8" x 6" found wooden plaque, it's my tribute his classic song, "Desolation Row".  This original painting is signed and ready to hang.




When reflecting upon this month's theme, 'All in a Row', the epic song of free-flowing poetry, "Desolation Row", by the songwriter and poet Bob Dylan, came to mind. 
The following excerpt of the song was my inspiration...: 


"....Yes, I received your letter yesterday
About the time the door knob broke.
When you asked me how I was doing,
Was that some kind of joke...?
All these people that you mention,
Yes, I know them, they're quite lame.
I had to rearrange their faces,
And give them all another name.
Right now I can't read too good --
Don't send me no more letters, no.
Not unless you mail them
From Desolation Row....."

~Bob Dylan

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View showing painted sides....