Soothing my Distraction

I have been distracted by the Murdaugh trial.

Alex Murdaugh had been incarcerated 2 miles from my Columbia studio for past year or so. Dick Harpootlian’s office is about 2 miles away also, in a different direction. He is my state Senator, and I have admired him most of my adult life. He warned us we wouldn’t like him much at the end of this trial.

I truly tried to stay objective as to guilt. We are innocent until proven guilty.

With civility and decorum we heard the indictments and the defense. If you want to see a closing argument as an art form, check out John Meadors’ closing rebuttal on Youtube right here. It’s real.

So many of us have followed this trial closely. Shocking facts were followed by more shocking facts. The sadness, heartache, and disbelief has rippled across our state.

We all listened and watched together – people from all over our State and beyond – as witness after witness spoke of the web of lies and deception that led to the murders of Maggie and Paul.

So many new visitors to Walterboro, SC; hope they liked the Southern Hospitality. Go and tell the world that SC gave him a fair trial, and he was found guilty.

So, now for a little love and comfort.

A sketchbook and a few supplies have been my companions as I watched the trial. While being riveted to the trial, I drew and painted my cats – past and present. It was a touchstone to pure, fresh, and beautiful love while listening to the gruesome and spellbinding evidence. My cats have been a source of great love and comfort.

So, this is the story from my studio this week. This is how I, as an artist, coped with and reflected the times in which I am living. This clip of Nina Simone is appropriate to post again this week. Please take a moment to hear her speak on the duties of an artist. I admire it so very much.