There is a salvage yard in Wareham, MA that was the inspiration for this painting. Stacked up in this warehouse are all sorts of old architectural relics with carved elements that are beautiful in their simplicity. Part of the appeal lies in discovering these pieces that are tucked away in the shadows. I tried to convey the feeling of coming across these ordinary objects and yet seeing them in a special way -- with the history of art, architecture and music in the imagination.

The central figure is the muse among the ruins (though these scalloped columns are pink) and the carved organ pedals are in the shape of her lyre -- I especially like the way the light filters across its matte black surface. The quiet touches of light on the brass pedals lie at the edge of this vague shadow. The cork floats and the wooden balls stand in place like miniature stone monuments and the turnings behind the figure are intriguing and mysterious. The wedge-shaped base has the tooled number "333" representing the spiritual aspect of the artisan who balances the aesthetic with the pragmatic. I took great pleasure in painting the raking light as it worked its way across the tassels on the carpet as I considered my own muse: Vermeer.

©2006 DOUG RUGH. Artwork may not be reproduced without permission.