Deeper in Love {a stranger's gift}

My first art show is hung.  Stepping back and looking at it is kind of surreal. I have been in shows with others before but never just me on my own.  There is a rawness to being the only artist in the room, nobody to hide behind while you figure out is it is safe to come out.

I hung the show on Wednesday, in a hurry.  Rushed in, arranged, straightened, stepped back, and was outta there. Then yesterday, I returned with the labels.

The little tea shop where I am showing my work has a corner with two blank walls. They call it the artists’ corner because some artist friends and I started hanging out there.  Now we are taking turns showing our art.

An image from my friend Amy’s art opening.

The artists’s corner was empty the first time I went in to hang the show. I was grateful not to be in anyone’s way.  But yesterday, when I went in with the labels, I came through the doors only to find a couple there.  They were quiet. Both had their heads down, involved in a project. The man was facing me. He looked serious and unmovable. I dreaded going into their space. I made myself as invisible as possible. Placed the tape on the backs of each piece of paper while sitting at a table across the room. Laid them out in order so I could swoop in and out before they even noticed.

First label in hand, I approached the painting on the outside edge. I figured I would inch my way in, gently, with as much stealth as I could muster. I reached up.  The tape kissed the wall.  From the corner of my eye, I watched as the man slowly looked up.  I caught myself holding my breath. Then he spoke. That’s some wonderful art. I hung on his words. Looked at him, blank.  I am guessing you had something to do with it. I offered an uncharacteristically, but genuinely, shy smile.  Felt my right shoulder raise up to meet my ear, much like the school aged kids I had worked with to bring out their eager inner artists.  Yes, they are mine.  He smiled, big and confident (confident perhaps in having brought assurance to a timid heart).

That is a role I revel in.  Some kind of magic happens when one person can lift up another by honoring the expression of their creative spirit.  Sitting on either side of that connection is a gift but being the receiver was a gift and a surprise. It blessed my heart and made me fall even deeper in love with this life.

If you find yourself in the area Friday, May 11th from 5-7 pm., come by and join the opening at Tea Anytime, Etc.  They have a large variety of organic tea and lots of other yummies.  I will be there with my art.  I can’t make any promises, but I hear it is…how did he say?  Wonderful.

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