Yesterday, I finally saw all of my work framed and hung together in the gallery. I've never seen more than two or three of my pieces together at any one time. To see thirty plus paintings hung together in a beautiful gallery space was breathtaking! I really don't have sufficient words to explain everything I was feeling so I'm just going to leave it there.
Since then, I've been reflecting on the whole experience and though it's been challenging at times, with more than a few bumps in the road, it has truly been a hella exciting ride! Painting is a solitary act, that much is true, but it literally takes a village to have an exhibit. I am so immensely grateful to everyone who has had a hand in making this happen for me. And for this last post in my Reemergence blog series, I would like to extend my heart-felt gratitude to my village.
None of this would have happened if it weren't for the support of my family. They have given me the time to work and in our house, that's not always an easy thing to get. My husband, Ron, has taken on the lion's share of the cooking and household chores for the last few months, and the kids have stepped up and helped him keep the house clean and running smoothly. In addition, the kids have kept the homeschool train moving along with sparse guidance from their mommy-teacher. I'm so proud of them all - and I love them for loving me.
I've said it before but it bares repeating - thank you Jacquie Hollis Martinez! It's been such a pleasure getting to know Jacquie. I'm so grateful to her for giving me this opportunity, for holding my hand when I needed it to be held, and for making this show an exciting and joyful experience. Not to mention that she designed a kick ass invitation, hung my work gorgeously, promoted and did all the things, AND I'm sure she is going to throw a fabulous party on Friday. Jacquie rocks and Assemblage is an amazing gallery! I couldn't ask for a better partner and friend. I also want to give a shout out the the guy who does the lettering in the window at Assemblage. Unfortunately, I don't know his name but I want him to know that he made my day when I walked up to the gallery, and much to my surprise, saw my name in the window. I didn't know it was going up that day and I think I squealed out loud when I saw it. If he would have been there I would have kissed him on the lips!!
Huge thanks to Jennifer Rosa at Cardinal Frame & Art in San Marcos. The framing is simply stunning. The watercolors were impeccably matted and framed, she knew exactly how to frame the artist panels without loosing any of the image, and the framed self portrait is a show stopper. She took the time to wrap the oil paintings in paper and separate every piece with cardboard. AND she carried that huge painting to my van by herself! Which was impressive in retrospect because I couldn't lift it without help. Muscles aside, Jennifer was professional, knowledgable, and her work was pristine. She is now my person and I told her so. Client for life!
And where would I be without Jerry's Artarama in Austin? THE best art supply store in Central Texas! Everyone there is alway so nice and helpful and knowledgable. What didn't get framed at Cardinal Frame I framed myself and all of those supplies came from Jerry's. Not to mention the brushes, canvases, paper, mediums and paints. Thank you Jerry's!
Then there are all of those folks in my life who have been amazingly supportive - Amanda for aways being down for a quick critique or a marathon kvetch texting session. Leslie for always being so open with sharing her knowledge and expertise with me. Tonia and Adrienne for their unwavering support, talking me up all over town, and for being super posters on social media. Rebecca Acosta-Ojeda at Salon One 12 for sprucing up my locks, plus a little extra, for my big night. My sister, Lisa, for sending me flowers and making me feel special. To everyone who took a stack of invitations and helped spread the word about Reemergence. To my amazing artist community for liking, commenting, and being the best darned cheerleading squad a gal could ask for. Thank you to all y'all!!
And this may sound weird but I want to thank myself - for believing in myself and resuscitating a dream. For getting up, showing up, and getting shit done! For all of my hard work and not just in the studio but in my mommy-life too. For gifting myself the time to paint, for taking on the business of my art, for trusting my abilities and talent, for being open to experimenting, and for making this exhibit happen, all while keeping everyone in my house on track, on time, and alive. I'm very proud of myself and what I've accomplished. And I can't wait to share all of it with you!
Nothing left to do now but pARTy!!
This is the final post of a six part series sharing the body of of work I have created over the last two years and my journey leading up to my solo show:
REEMERGENCE
April 8 - 30, 2022
Opening reception April 8, 5-8 pm
Assemblage Contemporary Craftsman Gallery
306 S. Main Street, Suite 106
Buda, Texas