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Posted on 7/25/2024 3:03:46 PM
By Micaiah Hardison
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'STORY TELLER' 18X24. OIL ON LINEN
I've stood on my own without asking for much support from friends or family, simply because I didn't how to ask for or accept it. When friends have reached out with genuine concern, I typically responded that I'm doing "fine", "good" or "great!", not showing weakness. Growing up there was no room for vulnerability, mistakes, or trust. So I was determined early to carve a self reliant path. Eventually though, I let my guard down enough to enjoy a trusting and dependable relationship for many years, at least to the best of my abilities at the time. However, my confidence was eviscerated when that fell apart.
I knew I was experiencing something within the commonality of man. Having enjoyed long conversations on the deck of the yacht club with an older friend named George, I had come to know his stories of both heart breaks and triumphs. I trusted him to understand my situation so I reached out to him to talk. He felt the pain with me, as he was reminded of his own experiences and offered what comfort he could. Over time I dusted myself off and adjusted my itinerary, with a valuable lesson added to my resume.
'COMFORT' 18X24". OIL ON LINEN
After recently painting a couple memorial paintings of local sailors that had passed away, I decided to paint more of my local boat friends who are thriving now. I selected George as a model along with another younger sailor named Brett. A few different visual stories were composed; 'Comfort' is a reflection of the story aforementioned, 'Mentor' depicts a sharing of knowledge within the boater community, and 'Story Teller' shows one generation inspiring the next with tales of a full life of bravery and adventure.
'MENTOR' 18X24". OIL ON LINEN
I have created two short videos with George and Brett discussing our camaraderie. You can view those videos HERE>>
These paintings, along with a larger collection of new paintings from Oceanside Harbor, Baja and Catalina will be on display at my waterfront studio gallery in Oceanside Harbor on July 27th, 2024 from 5-8pm at 1850 Harbor Drive North, Oceanside CA 92054
I hope to see you there!
Posted on 7/2/2024 11:21:04 AM
By Micaiah Hardison
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It took me nearly a year just to get some wind back in my sails after an unexpected and painful life change. I spent a winter in reflection, dragging my feet slowly as I gathered the pieces back together. I decided to force joy back into my life with a few trips out to Catalina during the summer and by autumn I was preparing to spend much of the next 6 months in Baja-committed to not trudging through another winter in sadness.
I upgraded the van's solar-electric system to run a full time fridge freezer as well as induction cooking. I loaded it up with all the gear I would need through the winter; cooking and camping equipment, painting supplies, surfing gear, and some things for my three girls who would join me for parts of the trip. Along the peninsula I painted some of my favorite areas; Bahia de Los Angeles, Turtle Bay, Bahia Concepcion, La Paz, Los Frailes, Todos Santos and Pescadero. These little 9x12 paintings taste of dust, tequila and driftwood bonfires. I look forward to sharing these pieces in person at my next art show on July 27th along with a collection of new studio pieces that I am working on now.
Just before the turnoff to the Calexico border crossing I saw a BestBuy and made the impulse decision to buy a GoPro camera to take little videos on my trip. This little black cube became my amigo as it accompanied me on my adventures, watched me paint and listened to my nervous narrations. It opened a peephole into my life as I have been sharing edited videos on YouTube each week. Some are very intentional; tours of my sailboat, the Baja van or the trailer in Baja, and timelapse videos of paintings being created along with narration. My favorites gather together scattered video clips into stories that remind me that I am living a truly wonderful life, though waves of anxiety create a static interrupting the intermittent clarity. I am grateful for the privilege and freedom to be able to direct my life in such a way that keeps captivating my interest as I curiously participate in the unfolding stories.
For those in Southern California, I hope to see you at the gallery on the water here in Oceanside Harbor for an exhibit of new works and live music.
July 27th, 5-8pm
Mare Amicus Art Gallery: 1850 Harbor Drive N. Oceanside CA 92054
760-707-8263
Keep an eye on the website and YouTube channel for new work and stories.
