On Finishing Artwork

A tear secretion suit
must be worn
because a powerful beam of light
one day will just drop out of the sky
to tear down your world.
A protective shroud covering
pure-white pinions
that could carry us into the sky universe
helps to defy gravity
helps us all to defy gravity.
We must set about the real task
because death is just a slap on the wrist
after wearing your palms so thin.

Someone asked me recently "How do you know when an artwork is finished?"  I answered, "When it is sold."  On deeper examination of this seemingly sarcastic comment I want you to look at my process.  Painting for me is not about making paintings.  The paintings are by products of my learning about painting.  The painting above for example.  I thought I finished this painting in 2011.  I showed it a bunch of times and each time I took it home and changed something.  The last time I showed this painting it got damaged.  This spawned another change.  If it is in the studio it is fair game.  Every painting can be painted on more.  Even if it is perfect, especially if it is perfect.