BALINOFSKI

A REMEMBRANCE

Many of you who regularly check out Harley’s articles here are getting to know me and my peculiarities. Mostly through my art and the stories behind what I do. You now see a portrait I did of my first love, who was with me in my early years. Here she sat in my studio with her head and eyes turned dramatically to her left. Her features were of utmost importance. You can see my academic handling around her face. Yet her inner spirit motivated me to push those surrounding abstract shapes. You now know some of my influence. Looking at this portrait brings back such memories. We parted in our late twenties. I do miss her when I reflect upon our fun and innocent times. My obsession was art, spending most of my hours at the easel. She did put up with this life for a while, but finally, one day...she was gone. I never heard from her again but in my heart, she is still this young, beautiful lady who tolerated so much. I’m not sure whether she followed my career. I do hope she’s at a place where others know her connection with me. I would want them to tell her that she’s part of me today. With this portrait, I have her next to me always in my studio. And yes, I do see a longing in her eyes.