Let the waters settle
you will see stars and moon
mirrored in your Being.
~ Rumi
Field 1, oil on canvas, 16 x 16 inches, © 2012 Diane McGregor
Field 2, oil on canvas, 16 x 16 inches, © 2012 Diane McGregor
In their quiet way, these grid paintings honor the mathematical perfection of the square. Squares within squares. Being obviously hand-made, however, they also honor nature. Human efforts to divide nature into perfect grids -- orchards, farms, cities, maps -- is an attempt to balance imperfection with perfection. It's a conversation we have always had with nature. For me, using the grid brings me comfort and peace -- the practice of painting grids, however imperfectly, gives me a sense of balance and serenity, as I honor my own desires for perfection while recognizing the beauty of imperfection. The purity of the square, in particular, inspires me to simply be calm and methodical, to keep adding, one by one, each solemn square. These paintings emerge with a hushed, silent grace. I allow them just to be: simple, frank, humble, and welcoming contemplation.
