Story Starters

Whenever I create a painting, I develop thoughts about what’s appearing on the canvas. Sometimes it’s a story. Sometimes a “deep” philosophical thought. Sometimes the work is meant to amuse. Sometimes it is a search for meaning. But, ultimately, as the Rod Stewart song promises, “Every pictures tells a story…”

My wife, Julie, is a teacher who’s spent most of her career working with gifted students. In her teaching she implemented “story starters” – images that were used as a springboard for brainstorming and creative writing exercises. When I stumbled upon sets of one-inch tall human figures (usually used for model railroad layouts), I thought to use them in a series of paintings that would act as story starters.

The finished paintings were made available for viewing at Gallery 42 (and online) and writers were asked to create a story or poem based on the numbered paintings. (I purposely left off my titles so as to not influence the writers.) Presented here are 14 selected stories – most from Gibraltar and Sevastopol High School students, one from my mom (thanks mom), and one of my own.

An exhibit of all 20 paintings along with the stories written in response to each, will be on display from January 15 through February 27 at Gallery 42 in Sturgeon Bay. An opening on Friday, January 15 at 7 pm will feature readings by the authors and is open to anyone else who cares to create written/spoken word based on the images.

Gallery 42 (g42) is located in the Fairfield Building at the corner of Third Avenue and Michigan Street in historic downtown Sturgeon Bay. Winter hours and more information can be found at http://www.GalleryFortyTwo.com or by calling 920.785.1123.