Should not the giver be thankful that the receiver received? Is not giving a need? Is not receiving, mercy?
–Friedrich Nietzsche
One more day until tomorrow’s Gallery Talk at the West End Gallery. It begins at 11 AM or thereabouts and lasts about 14 hours so you might want to bring a cushion for your seat. That, of course, is a lie. It lasts about an hour and maybe a tiny bit more. So you won’t need a cushion.
Unless you really want to bring one. Your call on that.
I am pretty much ready though I still am undecided on how to start and what we’ll talk about initially. The beginning is always the most difficult part as it sets the tone and rhythm for the talk. I always figure that if I can get past the first ten minutes without my brain seizing up or flop sweat drenching my shirt or my head simply exploding, we’ll be okay. Usually after the start of the talk, the folks that are there take over and set the rhythm with their questions and observations. That allows me to react. I am much better at that than standing up there pontificating and droning on.
Of course, the highlight comes near the end when a drawing is held for the painting that I am giving away. For this talk, it is the piece shown at the top, on the bottom left. It is a pretty good-sized painting, 24″ by 20″ on canvas, that is titled Far Above It All. I wrote earlier this week about gratitude being my rationale for giving away such a relatively expensive painting. I could attach Nietzsche’s words above, that giving is a need, to that as well. And there are also the words of Kahlil Gibran:
All you have shall some day be given. Therefore, give now, that the season of giving may be yours and not your inheritors.
Someday, I won’t be around anymore and not knowing when that may be, it is my pleasure to give it to someone who might show me the mercy of accepting it now. I get to see and enjoy this moment rather than wondering what my remaining works fate will be after I am gone.
So, if you’re willing to accept a gift such as this, please feel free to come to the Gallery Talk tomorrow. It is free and open to all. I have said there is something in it for everyone and that is my promise.
As a bonus and in the spirit of the Olympic Games and of my grandfather, Shank Myers, who was champion pro wrestler in the early days of the 20th century, I will also wrestle one member of the audience.
If they can pin me, everyone in attendance gets a painting! Everyone!
DISCLAIMER: That, of course, is untrue. I am known to be an occasional liar. Please, for the love of god, don’t believe everything I say.
That being said, hope to see you at the West End Gallery tomrrow.
Redtree Times 