The days before an opening reception at the EAA are full and logistically dense, requiring time and attention to detail, and a bunch of paperwork. I always enjoy making things happen to their fullest potential. As I had mentioned in my previous entry, “Heaven and Hell”, there is an inevitable pendulum swing in shows and life. And I’m starting to understand that the counterbalance is needed to stay motivated yet humble, optimistic yet cautious, critical yet kind.
We started receiving entries on Sunday and Monday, while others were picking up from previous shows as well. I realized at that time that the artwork was more fitting of the theme in contrast with the other entries than most of the artistry itself. I don't envy the juror for making difficult show award choices from such a stunning array of art.
I got confirmation late last week that I would be doing an interview showcasing EAA. On Tuesday I headed to Westbrook for the studio in-between getting things done to hang the show. I'm much more comfortable being behind the lens, but also reinforced the philosophy to check my ego at the door and do what's best for the organization. We did not have a script or formulated questions, so everything was purely reactionary. She made me feel at ease and enjoyed our dialogue. She had a wonderful flow in her questioning.
If you would like to check out the interview, please follow this link:
While all of this was happening, I received a call from our VCA vet regarding Sparky. There are major concerns regarding his hyperthyroidism and kidney health. The highs can’t get too high when the lows are dragging down the lows fervently.
I received a rejection from a juried show in Maine, yet I am preparing my accepted work for two shows tomorrow. It may sound strange, but I did have a conversation about the fact that it is good to be rejected from shows. Doesn’t that sound odd? Well, it is good in a number of ways, most of all that it keeps you humble. Also, realize that your artwork is not accepted or celebrated in certain venues, and it is better to be in places where you are cherished. Here is a gentle reminder that you should “Surround yourself with people whose eyes light up when they see you coming”.
I will be submitting my art entries to three shows over the weekend. As I mentioned in my previous entry, I got accepted into the CT Women Artists, Inc. show, the Gallery 53 show, as well as the Shoreline Arts Alliance IMAGES show. My photo, “Fiona & the Stormy Skies” got accepted into all three. “Sea Smoke” and “Star” were also accepted into the IMAGES show. I am also entering “Great Blue Heron and the Sherbet Sky” into the Gallery 53 show.
A random fact is that I always wanted to enter the floral show for the Chester Fair. I made that a reality yesterday when I entered a clipping of our limelight hydrangea for consideration and jurying. The last time I entered the Chester Fair was 10 years ago but in the photography exhibit for the first time. It was a big catalyst and a confidence booster to help me do photography full-time!
August 25th is also a very important day in my life. Gary & I got married 16 years ago today, surprising almost everyone at a family BBQ! It was a hot and humid day and kept it simple and sweet. We loved our JP, and wanted to share some of his words from our wedding day:
“As you marry on this your wedding day the angels smile upon you for a single heart now beats where once there had been two. The Lord has guided you along the way through all of life's confusions to come full circle to this day and bless this wedded union. May your days be filled with laughter and your nights be filled with peace. As you grow old together sharing all with ease, for a man shall be a woman's heart, and a woman be a man's, until the oceans cease to flow, and deserts lose their sands.”
I wouldn’t say we are opposites, but rather that we are different and complementary. We needed to have our marriage be rock solid to get through the rocky seas, the turbulent times, and the inexplicable losses we have encountered especially over the past six years. To note: the Chester Fair is where we went on our “honeymoon” since we had the kids, and the cats, and didn’t want to go into debt to go away. It wasn’t funny at the time, but looking back it, was kind of funny that our toilet overflowed and upstairs and Gary had to get a plunger. It wasn’t exactly a romantic moment on our first day of marital bliss but more of a reality slap. LOL!!!
That’s all for now. I have to get my artwork wired so I can drop it off and also work on some EAA Gallery reference information in anticipation of tonight’s opening reception. I look forward to the next time when I can continue to share the incredible progress in my journey.