Well, today’s my annual Gallery Talk at the West End Gallery in Corning in conjunction with my show, Dispatches, which is hanging there until the end of August. I’ve done quite a few of these talks over the years, probably 11 or 12, so I know what to expect. But there’s always a little anxiety anytime you have to speak in front of any group of people.
My gallery talks are always pretty much off the top of my head which, when it works and the audience is receptive and interacting, is good. When it doesn’t work, it’s pretty ugly. A lot of blank stares and awkward silences. Luckily, that’s only happened once or twice.
The first talk I did at the West End was back in 1997 and I had put everything I wanted to get across into a short speech that I wrote out and memorized. Well, the talk began and I reeled off my little speech. It was pretty good until I came to the end of it and glimpsed the clock. It had lasted about 4 minutes and my mind was a totally blank slate.
Tom Gardner, then co-owner of the gallery and a well known painter, had told me a little trick before the talk. He told me to always have a glass of water and when I came to a spot where I was stuck with nothing to say to simply walk back and forth in front of the audience and take a very slow sip of the water. Look thoughtful. I thought it was pretty good advice until I realized I would be pacing back and forth, sipping water, for 56 minutes.
Luckily, Tom rescued me with a question and from there it snowballed with the rest of the crowd asking questions, one subject leading to another. Phew! Over the years I’ve gotten more comfortable with the whole thing and have an assortment of anecdotes to fall back on when things start to falter.
Another reason I don’t go in with a prepared speech is that each group of people is different. Some groups are more interested in talking technique, wanting to know how each piece is painted. What type of paint I use and how I achieve certain aspects in the paintings. That kind of thing. But others are not so interested in the how but in the why. They prefer to hear what the stories are behind the paintings. So, there’s a moment at the beginning of each talk when I have to gauge what approach suits this particular group best. I really try to stay away from the technical side for the most part because sometimes, when I’m droning on about such things, I can see the non-painters’ eyes glazing over. I try to get off the subject as soon as possible when I spot this and try to engage their interest.
It usually goes pretty well and we all have a few laughs. I’m hoping today is no different. If you’re in the area today, the talk takes place at noon at the West End Gallery in Corning, NY.
Redtree Times 
Thank you for your gallery talk, today. I was the one in the back with my very inspired friend who has just started on her much awaited journey into art. She was so encouraged by your story. (I was supposed to give you greetings from Craig Spencer, today. His daughter is in our youth group. )
Keep up the wonderful work! I love it!!
Rebecca
Thanks, Rebecca- I really appreciate your coming to the talk today. It was a very receptive group which made it easy for me. I hope your friend continues down her new road and ma glad she could gather a bit of encouragement from my story.
Ah, Craig! Very good man. I’ve known him for close to 25 years, since a previous incarnation where I ran a swimming pool company. Kathy and Craig are great people.
All me best, Rebecca, with your own work. Take care—–Gary
I was there today… and apologize for coming in late.
I had read the time wrong– thought i’d be early.
Anyway, I enjoyed your talk very much. Being a sometimes painter, I wish I could have heard more about the tecnical stuff… I am sure I missed that so didn’t ask any questions about it.
I really enjoy your work and have for many years… I save all the post cards from your West End shows.
I have been working on developing a style of my own for a long time. I don’t see it happening. I enjoy all kinds of media and am right now doing oils. Any advice for finding myself and a style that fits?
Ginny Deneka
Keuka Lake, NY
Thanks, Ginny, for the kind words. As far as advice, the best I can offer is to keep trying different mediums and materials until you can find one that meshes with the way your mind works. The more you know about the materials you use and how they react under different situations, the sooner you will have your own creative breakthrough. When I first started painting I spent a lot of time learning how different paints worked with other paints, how different gessoes had different finishes and absorbed the paint at different rates. It doesn’t sound too exciting but it was invaluable in putting me on the road to expressing what I wanted to say with color and texture.
I hope that helps in some small way, Ginny.
All my best—Gary
Hi Gary,
I am the very inspired friend that attended your gallery talk today with Becky.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I was so encouraged today. I could really relate to the forged iron story – That was a aha! moment for me.
I will continue to follow my new found passion and your work will always be a reminder of “my FIRST gallery talk”
Thank you again for the inspiring moments.
Judy George
Horseheads NY
I’m glad I could help, Judy. Just keep at it and good things can happen. Try to get to a point where all the marks you make, with your pencil or brush, are strong and confident. But mainly, just please yourself first. If you can do that on a consistent basis, somebody else will surely appreciate it.
I look forward to see your progress.
Keep at it—-Gary