Setting the Stage

Autumn. The first sign was a few leaves that quietly turned red overnight. Then the air woke up a little cooler. It's also roughly six weeks before I deliver twenty new paintings to 14 Bells Fine Art Gallery for my upcoming solo show. The work is complete and ready, and the familiar feeling of excitement and nervous anticipation is already building. I've been through this many times, but it never gets old. 

There's something about seeing my art hanging on gallery walls. It looks different. For months (sometimes years), I've stared at the work as it evolved from a blank white canvas to finished painting, all in the relative safety of my studio. Now the work must stand on its own and face the world. What we create as artists is very personal, not just in what we do, but how we do it, and whether we achieved what we set out to do in the first place. Seeing your paintings in a gallery setting is akin to watching your child walk on stage for the first time to perform in the school play or concert. You know how hard they practiced. Now, there's a moment of holding your breath in anticipation. 

I believe all artists deserve credit for sharing their work with the public at large, in galleries, on-line, wherever.  It takes a certain amount of courage to create something that did not exist before, that you alone imagined and made real, and then to hold it up for all to see. To be open to whatever comes. As long as the artist was honest and sincere in their effort,  I feel they deserve recognition and appreciation.

Many times, I have visited galleries to see the work of other artists. I have been inspired, educated, awed, and moved to tears. I have seen work I didn't understand only to learn more and gain a true appreciation. I've been amazed by the creativity and imagination. I've felt the artist's heart and soul and been honoured to have had the experience. I've admired work by those I consider legends or masters in what they do, and felt sincere joy for the success of artists I call friends.

I also give full credit to gallery owners, curators and staff who care enough to provide the stage, who spend their time and energy working with the artists, encouraging and supporting their efforts. They are also the ones who answer questions and provide background to those who walk through the gallery doors. They often go above and beyond in making it possible for the artist to continue.

The world of the artist can be a precarious place full of uncertainty, but it's also a place of sharing, a coming together of minds. Galleries welcome everyone, and the world is better for it.