It's been awhile since my last newsletter.
Todays newsletter is of a personal nature. Many of my subscribers are friends and family, as well as interested collectors. I debated whether to share this, but here it is.
Aristotle said, "Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom"
All my life I've been an explorer. Twenty-some years ago I spent 4 years exploring this country in an RV full time, before cell phones or the internet. To this day, I require a 4 wheel drive vehicle to explore wild and remote places. My curiosity and lust for life remains strong.
I constantly explore new ways of painting, conducting endless experiments to learn more and grow as an artist. Being an artist my whole life has taught me a lot about who I am, which is always evolving.
Artists are sensitive to their own lives, their environment and the people around them. This can be hard in an increasingly abrasive world. The best we can do is to choose what we focus on, and interact as much as possible with people who value many of the same things in life. I am grateful for my collectors, fellow artists, friends and family.
Each of us grows in one direction or another throughout our lives. Some do it consciously, but for most it just happens as a reaction to stimuli and experience. Whichever the case, the only constant is change.
Sara and I have each changed over the course of our 20 years together. We each have our own vision for what we want and need out of life, and today we find ourselves on diverging paths. This doesn't make either of us wrong or bad, just different people with different needs.
So...we have mutually agreed to set each other free to pursue our own lives as each of us sees fit. Our divorce is an amicable one, and we remain good friends with a deep respect for each other. We sold our house and I have moved into a small mobile home which I have gutted and completely remodeled. Sara is moving to Ohio to be close to her family for the time being.
Our beloved little girl Koya will be going with Sara. It breaks my heart to give her up, but like most children it is often best for them to remain with their loving mother, and I feel Sara and Koya should stay together. I will miss them both deeply.
This is why there will be no more 'Koya Klips' in the newsletter.
Back to business
On a brighter note, I'd like to let everyone know that I had a great showing once again at the Grand Canyon Celebration of Art a couple of weeks ago. My studio piece sold within minutes of the opening, and my quick-draw went for a good price at the auction as well.
I am taking several brand new smaller works up to the Kolb studio next week to replenish my wall, so if you're able to get to the south rim, please stop in and have a look. This show is full of talented artists, and it continues to get better each year. I am honored to be a part of it and a big thank you to the Park and the GCA staff who does a remarkable job of putting on this show. It runs until early January, so you still have time to see it.
Next up, I'll be at the Zion plein air event November 5 - 11. Hope to see you there, and if not, then come see me anytime at my Jerome Studio!
Until next time, take care of yourself.
Cody
