Captain Nebraska

Perhaps it is inevitable that along this journey I would encounter the writer Roger Welsch. Curling up with "My Nebraska" over the weekend was thoroughly enjoyable, if also a bit daunting.

Again and again the issue of scale comes into play. Though I have an understanding of the West that most here do not, when I am reminded of the vastness of it I find myself a bit overwhelmed. It is increasingly clear that, while residencies in Omaha and/or Lincoln would certainly be beneficial, they are a long, long way from the parts of the state I really want to see and largely impractical as bases for operation during short visits.

I knew from conception that these trips would involve a lot of driving. I don't mind that. The extent and distances are nonetheless surprising.

I think the good news is that the paintings should be big, so in that way I am going in with an honest attempt to present what I see with integrity. The adventure is only beginning.

This week is about more research. I plan to devote most of the nights this week to grant searches and other sources of funding. A little here, a little there.