Dianna Cates Dunn » Blog

It will come as no surprise to any of you that my intrepid muse, Tula, has once again led me to explore and express my thoughts on an amazing group of women. These paintings are - and will be - about the women whose exploits helped in the making of the American West....both historically and what it is today. Though often overlooked in mainstream history, women were truly the backbone, the foundation for all the cultures that, over time, have called the West home. Of course,  "the men-folk"  were as important, but they have received their fair share of exposure in books, movies, and yes, even art throughout history. Tula and I are just doing our bit to balance the books.

The three paintings you see above are the first in the series. Below you can read what I say about each of them.

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Tula at the Ranch (20 x 16, mixed media)

Tula greatly admires the often-overlooked women who were often left out of the history of the American West. Whether from the native tribes or those who came later in the 1800's, each had a dream of bettering themselves and lives of those they cared about.

Women of the West - Rodeo 1921 (12 x 12, mixed media)

In the middle of the 19th century, the transformation of the American West by white settlers was well underway. This migration continued well into the 20th century. Many heroic tales are told about the men who made that journey, but far fewer are told about the women who came here to build new lives upon new dreams. This painting salutes the women who chose to blaze new trails in employment and creative expression. This painting was inspired by Ruth Roach, a trick rider and calf roper in major rodeos during the early 20th century. She was one of the earliest inductees into the Women's Rodeo Hall of Fame.

Women of the West - Wild West Show 1890 (12 x 12, mixed media)

Negroes. Women of color. Most recently, Blacks. Whatever nomenclature applied, black women who came west in the 19th and early 20th centuries were primarily ignored by most historical accounts. But that did not stop thousands of them from making the trek West in search of a better life, in search of opportunity. The differences that they made in their own lives and the in the communities in which they eventually settled are a gift to all of us who call the American West home.

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It is my sincerest hope that by reading this blog you gain a bit of insight into my life as an artist and about the paintings themselves. I hope you will leave a comment to let me know your thoughts, reactions or your personal insights. 

It all started with Tula and her big mouth. (Ah, the comfort of 'blame'!)

True.

Yes, I know you can't see her mouth clearly in the paintings she has had me do, but trust me, it's there....and she uses it. She often talks to me the studio - offering hints as she looks over my shoulder along with periodic, unasked for critiques.  And she even slips ideas into my sleeping dreams! Seems I have given voice to one determined character. Who knew?

Now you might be wondering what she has to say beyond offering me advice as I paint. Well, at first, I would have to say she gave me great motivation, cheering me on in a style new to me. You see, she is an optimist who sees life as one adventurous opportunity after another. Very sensitive, yet never down, she provided uplifting comfort to me when I had deep doubts. She pushed and prodded me into 'painting like I had never thought to paint before'. And for that, I am forever grateful.

But now......

Now, she is not only talking to me, but to lots of other people! You see, Tula has a idea/venture/ plan? she pushing me to follow through on and it's all about her. Yup. Tula wants me to write a book about her. (And from the emails I've been getting, so do a lot of other people!)

Talk about getting me out of my comfort zone!!  Long, long, long story short.......................................................... after giving the idea much thought and seeking good counsel, I have decided to try.  (And you have no idea how far out of my comfort this will take me!!)

So, now the task begins.......

It well may be a lengthy process (so the wizened advice I have received tells me). And the journey will be bound to present some real challenges for a novice such as I, but I'll never know what they may be until and commit to it and get started.  Right?  Will it turn out to be my magnum opus? Maybe. But I would just like to think of it as the growing of a new branch on well established tree.......that would be me!

Expect to hear more from me as I begin the adventure. AND PLEASE, I would love to hear back from you whether it be advice, opinion or a good joke! (Tula loves to laugh, don't you know!)

7/16/16  Update:  You can now order a copy of "The Truths of Tula - A Muse and Her Artist" by going to: 

http://www.satiama.com/?s=The+Truths+of+Tula

Some days you fly.

Some days you drive.

Some days you just have to stick your thumb out and hitch a ride.

That's the flow of life.

Some nights you pray.

Some nights you dream.

Some nights you count all the cracks you think you see on the ceiling.

Morning always comes anyway.

Some days are the big beginning.

Some days just never end.

Some days you cross your fingers and just quietly leap

Praying for an upcurrent .

Tomorrow is just out of my line of sight.

Yesterday is wrapped, stamped and sent.

And today?

Well, think I'll just go with the flow, pray for that upcurrent and

Hang on for the ride.

But!

(Act I, Scene I)

*

Scene: Small, cluttered artist studio. Loads of nice finished paintings hang on all the walls. A large easel sits in a corner opposite a high, small, north facing window on the opposite wall. Two work surfaces- again small- are filled with various tools, canvas and paints. A mid height, doored,cabinet sits to one side and and has lots of beautiful hand-made pots on top each filled with artists brushes, rulers, rollers, scrapers, markers, scissors, etc. A small, but quality, stereo system is wedged amongst all the pots. One wicker chair and one tall stool provide seating. Lighting is provided by multiple, adjustable small spot lights that are mounted on tracks attached to the ceiling.

Curtain rises on the fully lit studio.

Muse (is already seated on the wicker chair. She is dressed in an ankle length skirt and a white full sleeved blouse with sleeves rolled up to the elbow and a clean, bibbed and cheerful print apron. She is seated in the chair relaxed and stretched out and with her hand folded on her lap, looking carefully at the now empty easel. Classical music is playing softly on the stereo

Artist (enters stage right to the back of Muse. She is dressed in jeans, a bulky sweater and carrying a large mug of coffee.)

Artist:  (leaning against the door frame) My, don't you look comfy.

Muse:  Well, yes.  I am, now that you mention it.

Artist:  (smiling) Glad to know the chair fits you so well.

Muse:  Yes, it does.  Probably would be better if it didn't.

Artist: What?

Muse: Well, if I weren't so comfy- as you put it-  I might be a better at my job. 

Artist: (putting on her paint covered work apron) Didn't know you really had a job. Remember, you are really just a part of my                              imagination. Oh, now, don't take offense! You are a very active part of my imagination and both Walter Mitty and I appreciate you being here!

Muse:  Walter, who?

Artist:  Never mind...just a guy I use to know...sort of.....  Anyway, you really shouldn't have to worry about what you do or don't do.

Muse:  But I do. Even if you confuse me a lot of the time, I do know I have a job to do! It's just that sometimes I think I know I am  suppose to do, and other times I am at a total loss.  Remember, you have a life outside this room.......me, well, not so much.

Artist:  (Muse and Artist put up large, blank canvas on easel and prep to start work)  Uh-oh. Do I hear a bit of whine there? No? Well, to me you're with me all the time. Heck, I even hear you talking when I am grocery shopping!

Muse:  Yes, but you don't see me there, do you?

Artist:  Well, no. But I still feel like you are with me. Hey, remember, I even talk about you with lots of people.....My gosh, I even blog   about you so you now have and existence in the Ethernet. I am not sure what else I can do to make you feel more, well, needed?

Muse:  (softly chuckling) Oh, I KNOW I am needed. Without me here you get much too serious and literal when you work. You forget to enjoy and have fun.  Come on, admit it, I'm great company, I make you lighten up and I give you insightful critiques. Heavens,  when you are working, I know I am indispensable! But......

Artist:   (sitting on the chair) But, what?  

Muse:  (sitting on stool)This may seem obvious when I say it but, I think you need to spend more time here....with me.... painting. Now,  don't give me that 'shocked'  look.Really, my dear, I know that YOU know-deep down- that you get distracted easily by so many  other, rather petty things. Just think of the time you spend watching all those British home shows! Why, just giving up one of them and coming to the studio could make a world of difference in so many ways! Oh, and don't get me started on all the time you spend with that vacuum! And don't think I am trying to verbally beat on you. Truly, I just want what you really want and what I really need.

Artist:  You are so, so right. I do KNOW what you say is true. BUT..........................

Muse:  Ah, But, but, but, but! The best excuse in the world!

Lights dim on Muse and Artist as they seemingly stare through each other.