One of my favorite songs. "Everybody Knows" is by Leonard Cohen. What does everybody know? There's a list. It always seems like there is something that someone knows that we don't have to talk about because "everybody knows". In fact, not everybody knows. Maybe presume is better, or suppose, or wonder. Though, "Everybody Supposes" lacks that pithy quality. Or, "Nobody Knows" is just cynical. I wrote a series of articles around the subject of stuff that is good to know, "Art as a Common Good." They aren't perfect, I'm sure, but I'd invite you to check them out. www.dickshook.com/Dialog.php

By the way, this picture is me. Every once in a while I look different.

I mentioned that this painting is about a dream. A woman falls asleep at her hairdresser's. The two women represent dresses. It's sort of the opposite of her choosing the dress, as the dress has chosen her. Her partner is on the right. If you know me, this progress image in no way represents the final product, (neither does the title) something that I don't know either. I just keep going, expecting that clarity will follow. If you think it's strange that everyone is (or will be) naked, you are right. That may seem odd.

This whole thing is about the "Woman on a Pedestal," the centerpiece of my exhibit. I can only show you a few pictures.

Sometimes it wears me out just thinking about it. I'm Thor wielding his hammer, Mjoinir, but instead of lightning, I'm getting these tiny little sparks.

I think I've said this is a complicated process. Things have to be able to come apart. The statue from the pedestal, and so on. The flowers and vines have to be removable and reconnectable.

Right now, I'm testing for shorts in the circuits. I've invented simple connectors for both the LEDs in the flowers and their power feeds through the pedestal and 3d printed those. I did the same for the PIR detectors. And still, many more leaves are to be made.

Every day, just a little bit further along. Probably a good life lesson for anyone undertaking a journey.

I still take time to paint a portrait, and while I may sign a painting that doesn't mean it's done. I feel like I'm getting closer, but signing it just gets rid of some of the anxiety.

Next time I write, it'll be finished.

I hope you'll be well!

Dick