The painting has many different levels to be experienced. The spiritual piece is consistently visable but the experience of the piece changes which is the way of great art. The mind is allowed to let the painting take it where it will." — Sharon Van Gorder

I'm always amazed and delighted to discover how my work is viewed.  Thank you Sharon for that comment about "The Pilgrim".

Below is a recent piece titled "Birth of A Beautiful Blue Light".    We recently saw a painting at the Denver Art Museum by Vance Kirkland and my friend Justin felt it was a highlight in the show.  I think somehow my subconscious tapped into the field of Kirkland because the two paintings are remarkably similar and the Kirkland was new to me.  

After months of carefully exchanging ideas, hopes and technical suggestions, the work of art was finished and presented to a group of friends who were treated to a first class unveiling ceremony.  Every detail was attended to with exquisite good taste,  flare and imagination that pushed it into pure fun.

I enjoyed my hosts company with such unusual delight,  that the experience forged an already excellent working relationship into a bond of genuine friendship that will certainly endure a life time.  How cool is that.

Before the unveiling party, Justin and I happily toured the city's highlights, including a trip the the art museum with superb dining experiences at five star eateries.  

Justin's wife Sandra rose to the occasion and helped whip up a festive event after weeks of entertaining other guests.   Thanks again Sandra and Justin for an unveiling experience that definitely rises to the top of my list when it comes to memorable, awesome and fantastically fun events.  

Besides meeting at least 20 fabulous people,  one of the evenings finest moments was Justin presenting me with an authentic sword, reminiscent of the one depicted in the painting.   It's the kind of thing that raises the bar, stretches the imagination and inspires the spirit to ascend beyond the norm, creating classy events that supercharge our days with an extraordinary glow!

I'm happy to announce "Child's Play", the piece I donated, was purchased by Nobel Prize winner Dr. Edmund Phelps and his wife Viviana.  Dr. Phelps autobiography and information about his work in economics may be found online at Nobelprize.org

http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/economics/laureates/2006/phelps.html

Below is the gracious email and letter received from Bear Givers, Inc.,  and the painting donated to this cause.

"Dear Barry,
 
I hope all is well with you. We mailed a letter to the address on your website but I wanted to attach it here too. “Child’s Play” is now hanging in the home of Nobel Prize winner Dr. Edmund Phelps and his wife Viviana and they love it! Please see the text below that was on our Facebook page.
“A stunning Barry Mack painting created exclusively for the "Visions of Tomorrow" art exhibit and auction in Sandy Hook this weekend has already been sold, and will soon be hanging in the home of Nobel Laureate Dr. Edmund Phelps and his wife  Viviana Phelps in honor of Viviana's birthday. The painting is called "Child's Play" and we are thrilled that such an exquisite painting will be admired in the home of an extraordinary couple with all the proceeds benefiting the children of Sandy Hook. We thank Barry for his thoughtful and generous artwork donation which he hopes will inspire children to always be creative.”
Your generosity is overwhelming, as is your compassion for the kids. We cannot thank you enough for your kindness and support.
 
Warm regards,
Diane"
 
Diane Lempert
Bear Givers Inc.
President
www.beargivers.org

Barry,

Reflecting back on the journey, it was Sunday morning that set things in motion. I sent an inquiry about a commission with no real idea of what type of project I wanted. I always thought I would seek a commission from Barry Mack on an abstract of the great Rocky Mountains. I still have no idea why I sent a picture of a warrior statue. But when a conceptual rendering was unexpectedly returned, I knew there was something special and I had to see this journey to its end. It was a journey of reflection, discovery, and encouragement.

It seems like so long ago that I was compelled to share a very guarded life story with a complete stranger  for the sake of creating a painting to admire. The biggest issue seemed to be finding a title. Then came "Rise!" Everything changed and in those next few weeks, in the conversation and trials that followed, the painting became less a piece of art and more of a symbol – an ideal.

When it reached magnificence, that question remained, "what if."  What if the envelope was pushed and we kept trying to create improvements?   What if the painting was ruined?   What if there was still something that the canvas demanded. The answer came after several tortured days and I knew it was better to leave it all on the table for a moment of greatness, than wonder for the rest of your days, "what if"?

 In the end, the painting was always about something more than the subject, it was an ideal. And through its creation, that ideal was upheld and woven into every final brush stroke.

It has become a story of risk, working to realize the "what if's",  overcoming the many odds, pressing forward, and seeking to become something better. The trojan warrior is skillful, courageous, and ambitious.

I am humbled and grateful to have shared this journey with an amazing human being Barry Mack.
————————

Thanks Justin!

This week I was corresponding with the great art critic Richard Speer, author of artist Matt Lambs biography "The Art of Success".   Lamb was declared the artistic heir to Picasso by the Spanish government and Richard wrote the catalog essay for Lambs induction show at the Picasso Museum.  

A few years ago, Richard traded me one of Matt Lambs best creations for one of mine.  It's the black one on my website home page.   

In our recent email chat, we discussed the elusive nature of fame, fortune and the meaning of life.  

We agreed it's mostly a mystery and that trying to make a difference is the best we can work for.  

This commission has made a difference in my life.  I learned that working together on something you care about,  with someone equally committed, becomes bigger than yourself and creates something I believe is immortal.  

It creates something that becomes the best part of who we are.  And we take that with us forever.  

This is hardly a new discovery or revelation  for the world, but for me it's been a golden,  priceless, invaluable experience that feels larger than life.  

Justin, your vision for something grand and heroic fueled the drive toward excellence and makes me want to keep going forward on this trajectory.  

I will miss working with you!

After the accident, Bikram bought Scott a new home and had it all customized for wheelchair access. You heard right. He bought Scott a new home, built from scratch. An employer bought his employee a new home!   How cool is that.

I was so moved by this amazing act of generosity! When Bikram brought me home, after hanging with Romio, I took him into my studio. He flipped out over a new painting and said it was the coolest abstract art he's ever seen. The piece is 48×60 titled "Into The Mystery". (Posted below)

So……….to honor his gift to Scott, I gave him the painting. He is thrilled with it and will go in his home office with a collection of amazing, authentic Tanka paintings, several hundred years old.  Next time you're down at the Portland Institute for dinner,  give Bikram a high five for me.  He's one of the most genuine, gracious guys you'll ever meet.  Below is todays article featuring Bikram and his wonderful Nepalese cuisine.