Redtree Times

RedTree: Continuum— At West End Gallery

Generosity is nothing else than a craze to possess. All which I abandon, all which I give, I enjoy in a higher manner through the fact that I give it away. To give is to enjoy possessively the object which one gives.

― Jean-Paul Sartre, Being and Nothingness (1943)

Well, the Gallery Talk at the West End Gallery took place yesterday. From my point of view, I thought it went pretty well, all things considered. There were some laughs, plenty of questions, gifts given, and I think most folks had a pretty good time.

I know that I did.

My critique? There were a lot of things I wish I had been able to state in a clearer manner and some that I just didn’t get to. There were some answers that I left incomplete before moving on as well as things said that might have better off left unsaid and things unsaid that probably should have been said. It was a littler scattershot and awkward at times but that is just a fairly accurate reflection of myself.

Self-criticism aside, I thoroughly enjoyed the hour or so I was able to spend with such a wonderful group of folks. I can offer no criticism of yesterday’s group, only praise. They were fun and attentive. Fully engaged and willing to jump in to hold me up when I seemed to be sinking.

My appreciation for those folks who were willing to spend a little time with me at the gallery yesterday is boundless. The boost and inspiration they provide for me in the aftermath of these events is incalculable.

The life of an artist is often a solitary venture Mine certainly is. There are times in this solitariness when one can suffer immense self-doubts about the validity and relevancy of one’s work. Interacting with the group yesterday was like a balm for such ailments.

I tried to explain yesterday about how, even though there are paintings and things given away during these talks, I am the one who really receives the most from the giving that takes place. I don’t know that I did a good job in doing so yesterday. I may never be able to fully explain this, but it remains a fact. I receive so much; their warmth, their kindness, and the inspiration that lingers long after the talk is over.

The joy and the comfort they provide.

And in these days, those are precious commodities.

They may not realize it, but the folks there were the real givers yesterday.

Thank you one and all. I am humbled by your generosity.

And thank you Jesse and Linda Gardner for the ridiculous amount of work you put into these events to make them seem easy and effortless. I can’t thank you enough.

Here’s this week’s Sunday Morning Music. It’s fittingly titled Who Will Comfort Me from jazz singer Melody Gardot.  After suffering traumatic injuries after being hit by an SUV while riding her bike at age 19, Gardot used music as the driving force for her long recovery and is an advocate for music therapy.