Diane's CMA Response

Diane’s autobiography in response to Demuth’s, The Circus 

      Yikes! In Seven Wild Adventures, Who Would You Be?, is one of my son’s favorite books.  On each page the book presents an elaborate visual narrative filled with a multitude of characters in an imaginative setting.  One page is set in a steamy jungle and a character is about to be eaten by a tiger just as a thief is stealing treasure from a handsome prince.   And in the corner a snake charmer is playing obliviously. We look at each page and decide which character we will be that night and wait to see what will happen next.   In the book, there is also a story set under the Big Top which reminds me of Demuth’s The Circus. In this one I always seem to settle on Trixie Ryder, bareback on her famous dapple grays as she catches the flying trapeze artist when he misses the net. 
      In Demuth’s delicately rendered painting there are three characters to choose from: the very strong horseback rider catching the delicate and graceful Mariella, and a big eared horse.  I feel quite certain that, during the first half of my life, I would have immediately gravitated towards the graceful free flying Mariella as she so gently and artfully lifts her arms when she is caught.  Like most of my friends I wanted to make my way gracefully through the world: traveling, making art, experiencing everything, suspended and caught in midair.
      Now I am the strong man, although my arms have never been strong;  sometimes I lose my balance, but I have very good reflexes. I see this character as a metaphor for parenting and teaching.  The best teachers are facilitators; always there listening and ready to find those points of contact.  Sometimes catching and sometimes pushing.
      Then finally there is the horse. I love how Demuth painted the horse like she is not only a participant, but shares the wise all knowing perspective of the viewer which is you and me. The horse’s mane flying, rhythmic pacing, paying attention to everything, she is all ears and eye. Could this character be the researcher in my future? 
      Free flying Mirella, the strong man, or big eared horse: tonight I’ll pick all three and see what will happen next.