OTIS: The Smell of Thyme and the Sound of the Brook
New Paintings and Prints July 24 -August 24, 2010 -- A selection will remain on view into September
Sanford Smith Fine Art 13 Railroad Street, Great Barrington, MA
Opening Reception July 24th 4-7pm
These paintings and drawings are based on my 20 year experience of my husband's family's home in the Berkshire Mountains, in the town of Otis, MA-- the house, the barns, the brook; the smell of thyme, my mother-in-law's kitchen, flowers and books, and my father-in-law's stone walls. I started the series a few years ago, and have returned to the subject now while reading Proust's Remembrance of Things Past and contemplating the paintings of Andrew Wyeth. The passing away of my father-in-law, Dr. Albert Bryt, in April has leant a poignancy for me to this series. He poured much of his sweat and spirit into this place which represented for him, and continues to represent to his wife Bunny and the rest of us, the best of family, nature, and the rewards of physical work. This year also marks the bicentennial of the town of Otis, MA.
(Here is a VIDEO which I made about Otis, my daughter and my mother-in-law.)