February 17th. The beginning of a new year in some traditions, partial solar eclipse in Aquarius, and the reminder for me as this new piece releases, that synchronicity is everywhere. This release was set months and months ago – – – and yet, I did not realize just how much an ode to roots would be needed.
While exploring the National Gallery in Edinburgh, I walked in to a large painting that took me by surprise. As I listened to the museum commentary, tears began to flow. There was something about the bold colors, the shapes, the way standing there was something and everything and nothing simultaneously.
William Johnstone was “supposed” to be a farmer, and yet, he became a painter. The colors, emotion, and everything in-between was somatically enlivening. In the descriptive words of Christina Jansen, Managing Director of the Scottish Gallery:
It’s an internal landscape. It’s of the soul. Of him coming to terms with his life to date… going through this period of time. There are many ways of reading this gigantic picture. It’s best not to stand at it front on… stand at it side on. Just sit with it. Just look at it… absorb it. Let it wash over you. Don’t think, ‘I have to understand this painting…‘ It is a moment in time. It’s from a specific period in that century, and it’s from a deep place of connection and understanding and it’s totally abstract…. and yet it is so real and human at the same time.
I realized in that moment just how much her words were needed that day. The reminder that sitting with may be the most impactful thing and that sometimes, it is the art that does just that for us; holds space and brings reminders that are needed, beautiful, and impactful. Moments that are moving and lasting.
Upon return from travels to Scotland, I sat at the piano, recording whatever came through. It was clear hearing this piece back from that improvisation session, that this was an ode to roots. Standing in front of the painting. Feeling the emotion and connection to what I couldn’t describe with words.
An ode to roots in the way I was raised and yet grew away from.
The way that finding my own authentic path has meant leaving. And in the notes of this piece, I hear Nebraska. Small towns. A peace and yet restlessness that bursts forth, a mustang sprinting freely through a wild field.
Eternally grateful for the way this piece of art impacted me and fueled the music that flows.
