Well, tomorrow’s the day of another show at the Principle Gallery in Alexandria, this one called Observers. Opening tomorrow evening ( the opening reception begins at 6:30 PM ) and running through the first week of July, it is, as I’ve noted here a number of times, my fourteenth consecutive annual show at the gallery, dating back to 2000. My first show was called, fittingly, Redtree and featured the premiere of that tree that has long since populated my work. At that point I couldn’t imagine that I’d be fortunate enough to still be having solo shows there all these years later.
But even though this show has become a part of my life and it seems as natural as breathing to be preparing for this show in the first half of every year, I still feel the same nerves as I did with that first show, a distinct mix of anxiety and fear that somehow never fails to show up in the days and hours before a show. But it’s a fear that I expect and even relish at times, knowing that it is this fear that often spurs me on in trying to push the work in new directions. Maybe it’s superstition but if I think that if I were too confident and without this fear the show might be a total disaster.
I can’t tell you how appreciative I am as an artist to have the inspiration that galleries like the Principle and the wonderful people who come to these shows there provide. Michele and her staff have always encouraged me in letting the work expand and grow through the years and the many people I have met over the years have provided me with a reassuring presence in the studio on those days when I am struggling and less than confident. It is often like they are looking over my shoulder, wanting to see what is brewing. I’ve said this before but I feel an obligation to really extend myself for these shows for these people.
I think that this show meets that obligation and is a really strong group of work, one that I am proud of. But I can’t judge it objectively. Hopefully, others will let me know. Hope you can make it to the show and have a few minutes to talk.
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The painting at the top is part of this show and is titled Boundless. It is a 20″ by 60″ canvas.
Redtree Times 