Redtree Times

Eye in the Sky— Title Painting from the West End Gallery show

People parted, years passed, they met again- and the meeting proved no reunion, offered no warm memories, only the acid knowledge that time had passed and things weren’t as bright or attractive as they had been.

–Jacqueline Susann, Valley of the Dolls

I was looking for a short passage or quote to kick off this post about the upcoming Gallery Talk at the West End Gallery two weeks from today. I’ve been looking forward to this Talk for a long time since the last in-person was four years ago, in pre-pandemic 2019. If memory doesn’t fail me, it was a very good and fun talk. Lots of folks and lots of laughs with some art talk thrown in for good measure. I believe the term “a good time was had by all” could apply to that talk.

Why wouldn’t I look forward to doing that again?

Then I came across the short paragraph above from Valley of the Dolls this morning.

My enthusiasm has turned to terror.

It is four years later and, as Jackie points, things aren’t as bright or attractive as they had been. I certainly am not. Some days, I think I am the next Wild Man of Borneo.

And those turbulent four years have not been easy for any of us. The world is different in so many ways and we, in turn, are different as well. I have the desire to rekindle that feeling of fun and unity from four years back. But will it remain just a warm memory?

That passage made me imagine scenes with me standing up there and having my less bright and less attractive mind go absolutely blank. Or just start yammering nonsense, speaking in art tongues. I can’t tell which is worse.

I was feeling just fine about it until these words from that crappy book freaked me out. Now, who knows what’s going to come out of my mouth when finally faced with a group of folks? I don’t know on the best of days.

Maybe I will freak out? Who knows?

Let’s use that as just another reason to come back for the Gallery Talk at the West End Gallery on Saturday, August 19. In addition to the potential for a public freakout, there will definitely be prizes and a drawing for an original painting.

One of mine. They don’t like it when I give away other artists’ paintings.

Please take note that the Gallery Talk will start at 11 AM and finish up sometime around Noon.

Seating may be limited so if you plan on attending, please contact the West End Gallery via their Contact link to reserve your seats.

Freakout talk aside, I am looking forward to seeing you all in two weeks. Might not be as bright or attractive but the effort will be there. Guaranteed.

Hope you’ll come back again.

And right on cue, here’s a song called Come Back Again. I first heard a great version of this song from Long John Baldry who I have played here a number of times. But it turns out the original is from 1971 from an Australian band called Daddy Cool. I am partial to the Baldry version but the original is fun.

Here are both.