“Peerless” – Included in the “Traveler ” Show
I am back in the studio this morning after returning from Friday night’s opening of Traveler at the Principle Gallery. There is a sense of relief in the aftermath, a deep exhalation at having mostly completed my obligations for the show. But there is often a letdown as well, a combination of having passed the endpoint you’ve been working towards for months and natural self-doubts about things you might have done differently in this show. Fortunately, this show left me with only the mildest of letdowns. I am already focused on my next projects and as far as doubts, while there may be just a few minor ones, I am sure that I have done all that was in my power for this show and the work in it.
We had a lovely few days in Alexandria, blessed with the best weather we’ve seen in all the years that we have been visiting in early June. In the past, we have often endured 100° temperatures, torrential rains and excruciating humidity on this weekend. But this year it was as perfect as the weather could possibly offer with temps in the high 70’s, blue cloudless skies and low humidity . I am available for other regional weather reports, as well! In short, perfect conditions to wander around the area a bit before the show.
We attended the ceremony at the World War II Memorial honoring the living veterans on the 70th anniversary of the D-Day Invasion. It was a beautiful setting there on the Mall, often moving, and I felt very honored to be able to spend a short time in the near presence of those vets who survived that day of days. We also were able to see the Andrew Wyeth show at the National Gallery that I wrote of earlier in the week. It was wonderful to see so much of his work together, to be able to see the constancy and consistency of his personal vision as well as his ability to capture deep emotion within his scenes.
All in all, it was a great stay. But the highlight was being to see many of the folks that I have met over the years who opted to spend some time at the gallery instead of out in that perfect weather. I know that if I were in their shoes, it would have taken a lot to get me there. But for the many who did turn out and to Michele and her great staff– Clint, Jessica, Pamela and Chris along with guest bartender, Fernando Ascencio– I extend a simple and grateful Thank You. I wouldn’t be here right now writing this if not for you all. And that I will always remember.
Okay, it is Sunday morning and we need to music. I was thinking something calming while I decompress. Here’s a classic Vince Guaraldi composition, Cast Your Fate to the Wind. It has some of those same elements that you might recognize from his iconic work with the Peanuts gang.
Redtree Times 