Redtree Times

Eye to the Future— Shows Ends This Thursday, Aug 24, at West End Gallery

Gratitude changes the pangs of memory into a tranquil joy.

–Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Letters and Papers from Prison

Many, many Thank You’s to all who came out to the Gallery Talk yesterday at the West End Gallery. Outside of an online Zoom talk during the pandemic year of 2020, this was the first in-person Talk since 2019. 

There was a full house with many familiar faces and almost as many that were new to me. They came from near and far. One family, a longtime friend and collector, came from Toronto, which was a most pleasant surprise. 

I was rusty, as was to be expected, especially at the beginning when I stumbled through the story of how I came to be a painter. I was surprised at how nervous I was in telling that story as it is one that I have told hundreds of times in the past. I figured it would be a good jumping off point for a crowd with so many new faces, but nerves got the better of me and I didn’t tell it as fully as it should have been told.

It was that kind of talk. In fact, I didn’t get around to talking about much of what I had hoped to discuss. But that was of little matter thanks to the friendly and forgiving embrace this audience provided. Once we got into some Q & A, the talk became more fluid and graceful. So many good questions that it made time fly by. We could have easily went another hour but Gallery owner Jesse, serving as the official timekeeper for the event, gave me the high sign when we were near an hour and we proceeded to the drawing for the original painting. 

I am not going to go into details of what took place or what was given away. We keep that a secret among those who were there and myself. There may or may not have been a secret ceremony but I can’t divulge any more at this time.

I may have said too much already.

I have written here before about the gratitude I have for the collectors and those folks who make their way to the openings and Gallery Talks. These Talks give me a chance to air thoughts about what I do and get feedback in real time. I do get feedback online– and that is very important– but seeing and hearing the other person in front of you is invaluable. You might be surprised how little I talk about my work with friends and family so to get to air some of these thoughts is most welcome.

It felt good to be that warm and welcoming place again. And for that, I am most grateful. Thank you to all who were in attendance yesterday and a big and loving Thank You to Jesse and Lin for giving me this and so many other opportunities over the years. I could not be more grateful.

In that spirit, here’s song of thanks from the late 60’s, though I think this performance is mid 70’s. It’s the classic Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin) from the great Sly and the Family Stone. A little funk to kick off your Sunday morning.