KJ - One Hundred Objects

1998, Shadow Play, 48x48

It's easy to get out of the blogging habit when routine is disturbed. A four day, three city tour around five southern states qualifies. And each day had a new focus which really tested the endurance of one who is accustomed to a much slower pace. Will try to recall...

The Memphis party for artists was held in the beautifully restored Craftsman home of one of the gallery owners. An opportunity to meet other artists over good food and ambiance, but a disadvantage to a newbie like me as most knew each other and had been coming to these gatherings for the previous seven years. This was my first such affair... at any gallery, for that matter. Other than the regularly scheduled openings of those within reach, I've not experienced any other gallery making such an effort. A promised discussion of 'what can we do better' didn't get off the ground, but there were still good conversations. The big drawback (for me) is not being able to put names with work... or remember names to begin with!

Once home again, we returned to chores at the lake house, deposited the sailboat on the lower deck to be worked on over the winter, and finished up work with the good ole boys getting the lot somewhat cleared and cleaned. Still much to be done but with the big stuff out of the way, the rest will be less demanding and strenuous... it's been awhile since I worked that hard, and my joints were more flexible back then! Man, if I worked like that four days a week year-round, I'd either be in super good shape or dead! All priming of paneling is done and most of the grasscloth is primed. One big wall is over a stairwell to the lower level and will require some fancy maneuvering to reach it. I love a challenge but this is ridiculous!

The reality of scheduling two shows for early next year is beginning to gnaw at me... what the hey! am I trying to prove? Oh, I'll get it done, but long gone are the days when I could work all day, all week in the studio... too many other commitments and I flat don't enjoy that kind of work load. Routine... a good part of every day (that I'm here at home) must be spent in the studio, doing something... anything. To further complicate matters, all other galleries are wanting new work as well....sighhhhhh....