Maureen Solomon is a writer, poet, photographer, potter and painter. She has lived in Monson, MA for 45 years with her husband, Richard. Her sons, Brian and Sean grew up in Monson and are now successfully living their lives. Maureen owned her own graphic design and writing business for many years. Her civic life has been dedicated to the Monson Arts Council, where she has been active in producing the organization’s Spring Art Exhibit for the past 26 years. Since retirement she has been studying and creating in her favorite art forms.
"I create my art mostly for purposes of discovery. How will this oil paint work to help me make an image that is exciting and different? What can I do with clay that is unique and fun? Will this painting show you the mystery in what I see? How can I use my camera to penetrate the ordinary scenes of life?
My inspiration comes from many brilliant artists including Jerry Uelsmann, a photographer of inspired montage, Matisse, whose vivid interiors are so gloriously alive, and Van Gogh, whose fearless creativity I emulate wherever possible.
I owe any skill I possess to the love and kindness of my teachers, who have somehow seemed to understand where I want to go. I thank Juliet Bacchas, sculptor and potter, the late Roberta Wilson, painting teacher extraordinaire, Richard Solomon who has given me the tools to make or photograph any and every image I can ever imagine and Emile Tobenfeld, genius creator and philosopher of spontaneity in art.
Finally, I am grateful to be alive in this century, grateful to have a home, a garden, a studio, paints and brushes, good health, food to eat and, especially grateful for the many many wonderful friends whose support and love I try to return."
Late Summer Zinnia
Oil on Canvas
Maureen Solomon
Cape Sky – June 2019
How do the eternal clouds over the seaside assemble themselves?
There is no thought to it, just unending rising from the water, shaping,
dissolving, returning a perpetual gift as waves come in and go out.
Day after day I re-imagine these clouds.
As sun sets, I hold my breath while deep rose melts into the horizon
turning that line where water meets clouds purple, trees dark,
darker than midnight. A fragrance of seaweed curled among shells drifts.
Today the cloud sprays itself in an arc white and pink, it spews into the
night which is coming. Its violet underbelly tossed beneath skyborn foam.
Ocean wind, its accomplice, playing with bubbles.
You and I are like these clouds, stretching into the world we tremble into
perfection, reaching into darkness, our beauty always changing.
Time our creator, death our inspiration.
The process happens without thought. We rise from our lives like the sea
reaching, shaping and returning in that unceasing passage into being
who we are, no witness, no judge to transform this journey.
The Membership at Quabbin Art Association is comprised of established and emerging artists and art patrons who play an essential role in our mission. Currently in its sixth year, our Membership is an extension of our growing network. We are proud to provide an online gallery of Members artwork.
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