GC Myers- Collected Memories
Tonight marks the opening of my annual show at the West End Gallery, this year titled In Rhythm. There is an opening reception tonight running from 5-7:30 which is a pretty casual affair, open to everyone. So if you’re in the Corning area, please stop in and see this year’s show which hangs until August 31.
I’ve written here many times about the feelings that arise around the times of show openings. The anxiety and fears of failure. But, as I’ve also pointed out, this is my 33rd or 34th solo show and the anxiety has evolved over the years. It used to be a pure sense of failure, of not creating work that was both compelling and sellable. But experience has taught me that if the work satisfies and excites me personally, it will in most cases do the same for others. The anxiety now comes from the weeks before the show when I am still forming the body of the show and am not quite sure how it will come together as a whole. Not sure if it will indeed satisfy and excite me, the threat of failure still hangs in the air.
But once I have a grip on the show, can see that I’ve done everything in my power to make each piece special and alive in some way, the anxiety eases. At that point, I know that I’ve done all that I can as far as those aspects that I can control. I am content and the work is now ready to go out into the world on its own.
And that’s where I am with this show. I am very happy with this group of work and feel that there’s a real sense of strength and completeness in it, each piece seeming to relate in some way to the others while still standing out individually. One of my goals for my work.
So, anxiety is alleviated, the show is hung and my only job now is to answer any questions that are asked at tonight’s reception. If you happen to be in Corning tonight, stop in, sip a little wine while you’re looking things over and say hello.
Redtree Times 