Tuesday, July 26, 2011
The Carnival of Summer
Ahhhhhh, a picture of bliss, quiet and wonder. Here, my puppy Ginzee is absorbed in Alaska's summer beauty. The early morning sun gleams over the soaring mountains and warms our camp. The earth smells so good and the birds are chattering about. In this moment I love summer.
Did you just raise an eyebrow? Doesn't everyone love summer? Well, I happen to be the salmon swimming against the current.
Don't get me wrong, this photo is the ideal of what summer in Alaska is all about. But this photo doesn't show the chaos, the maniac, frenetic energy going on at sea level. Campers clog the roads. Drivers become drugged with sun and warmth and direct their cars as if they are singly on the road. Parking spots don't exist. Getting into your favorite breakfast, cafe and pizza joint is an impossibility. And the noise! This makes summer fall off my list of favorites.
It really becomes like a crazy carnival. People-watching becomes a 'train wreck' kind of experience. You watch people try to stuff their car into spaces that don't exist. The sidewalks are filled with hat-and-glove-bundled visitors while you stroll about in shorts. You see people carry trinkets that you didn't think anyone could POSSIBLY buy.
As an artist, summer is essential to my survival. I don't curse tourists or roll my eyes at their silly Alaska life questions. I know they support my livelihood. I remember being one myself a decade or so ago. I can smile and nod and laugh with them. Why? Soon the cold will descend, the flakes of frozen water will lilt down from the sky. The streets will clear, the cafes will offer my favorite tables, the noise will slowly dissipate. The pace slows, people invite you over for cozy dinners. Winter brings bliss, quiet and wonder.
THAT, is my favorite season.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Estimated Time of Arrival
I picked mom up at the airport last night. The pure silver jewelry (sampled above) made it safely as did some of her stained glass boxes and bowls. The postcards are printed, the e-invites have been sent and we are ready for the show on Friday
Okay, I have a confession to make. You never really feel ready for a show. Your mind reels every night when you go to bed thinking about things you should have added, said, created, planned. It's an exhausting way to sleep.
I have showed up 30 minutes before the show opens and walk around looking at the display. Even when everything is said and done you STILL feel something HUGE will manifest itself. It usually doesn't, the benefits of the sleepless nights I guess but you still can't help feeling like you've forgotten something.
So please come and see our show. Help distract me from my anxiety. The show is Friday, July 8th at 608 W. 4th Avenue. Right next to the 4th avenue theatre at Sevigny Gallery. The time of arrival is here! Hope to see you there!
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