Redtree Times

All the World’s a Stage – At West End Gallery

All the world’s a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances;
And one man in his time plays many parts,
His acts being seven ages.

–William Shakespeare, As You Like It

The tree trunks in the forefront of this new painting remind me of the curtains of a theatre. I get the feeling that in this particular painting the curtains are opening, revealing the Red Tree standing centerstage in the starring role.

But then again, the curtains could be closing and the Red Tree’s time in the limelight may be coming to an end.

I guess it depends on one’s perspective and where they are in relation to either the opening or closing of the curtains of their own stage. I am closer now to the curtains closing so that likely shades my perspective a bit. But I like to think that the curtains will stay open a bit longer and that I will still have a part to play and lines to deliver before I exit the stage as the curtains come together.

I believe the message in this is that we are given little time in the spotlight so, whatever the size of your role, stand tall and belt out your lines so that they can be heard in every corner of the theatre.

Make your performance memorable.

Here’s song in this vein. It’s from about 50 years ago from Three Dog Night. This is The Show Must Go On. It’s more circus than theater but there is no doubt a role to be played for us all, whatever the venue.

All the World’s a Stage is 12″ by 36″ on canvas and is included in Persistent Rhythm, this year’s edition of my annual solo show, now hanging at the West End Gallery in Corning, NY. The show is up until August 29. As noted yesterday, will also be a Gallery Talk that will take place at the gallery on Saturday, August 10, beginning at 11 AM. I will be sharing details on the talk in the coming days.