“The Queen’s Fire” almost didn’t make it into the show, but at the last minute it was clear that it had to be there. So many of my paintings fit the theme of this exhibition, more than were included, but this one is really at the top of the list. She is peaceful. She is powerful. She is a queen.
I’m so thankful to all the friends who attended my Opening Reception last Sunday, March 12th, especially since they had to brave the crowds and blocked off roads for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade to get there. It was so lovely to see everyone. I wasn’t sure I’d be up to talking much but managed to do a talk in the beginning for friends who had to leave early (this first talk is on my YouTube channel) and another shorter talk toward the end when I felt my energy was beginning to fade.
Sometimes I wonder why I push myself so hard. There is never a day when I feel well and as I am still recovering from the strokes, it can be challenging to even get up each morning. But for some reason I always have a ton of ideas in my head… some which are bigger than my present abilities to carry them out, and others which are more manageable. And my cat Gracie and the feral kitties I’m feeding outdoors to keep them going over the winter. My feline family. They all keep me going. And my art. If I have an art opening, friends show up and it’s wonderful to see them and to have that support. Otherwise I spend a lot of time on my own, which I don’t mind and really kind of need as I recover and am sensitive to sounds and motion and the world out there which goes so much faster than I do. But occasionally it feels isolating. There is a balance I haven’t been able to achieve yet.
I love this show. Mystic Visions… the title of it just came to me and that helped me choose the works for the show. It will be up until the 28th of this month.
My other solo show, still up at The Gallery @ on Gibson Avenue in Huntington, will be up until the 26th and there will be a Closing Reception this Sunday, March 19th from 2-5pm during which I’ll be presenting a fun cosmic sound and light experience with a dear and talented friend. It should be fun. I can say I hope I’m up to it but in reality, I never am, but as long as I can get there, usually the day, the event, seeing friends and smiles and camaraderie lifts me up and propels me forward. Onward is the only way to go, as long as I have a beating heart and breath in my body, on I go.