It’s almost here! My first show in the Portland area opens Friday, March 2 with a reception beginning at 6 p.m. I am so excited to finally be showing my works in my hometown. See the official Suspended press release.

The reception was held at the Norm Dicks Government Center. It’s a really nice facility, though the layout of the catering left a lot to be desired. There weren’t enough seats in the meeting chamber so a lot of folks were left standing wherever they could fit. My husband and I snagged chairs in the very first row as they appeared unclaimed. Only after the presentation was underway did we realize we had taken the chairs of the various dignataries who were in attendance. Oh well.

Kathleen Moles from MoNA presented a terrific summary on her experience of jurying the show and the challenges she encountered as a result of doing so all online. I remember specifically including a description of my work, and my husband is convinced it clinched the selection of my work in the show. Ms. Moles specifically mentioned the value provided by the addition of these comments as she reviewed the submissions. (I guess I have my work cut out for me as I prepare for my upcoming show at LaunchPad Gallery!) Later I was fortunate to speak with her about my piece specifically.

After the presentations (I didn’t win), we walked back to the gallery. I did not realize that the gallery covers two floors at the time I dropped off my work. It was nicely laid out, though I prefer a bit more room between works. It was crowded, as to be expected on opening night. I sought Ms. Moles for more dialog about my piece, and she graciously engaged me in a brief conversation about the inspiration for the painting. I wish I had had more time to talk, but we wanted to make the 8 p.m. boat back to Seattle. Which we did, but only just – I sprinted the entire way back in 3″ heels. I don’t recommend such activity.

We finished our evening with a leisurely late dinner at RN74 where the bartenders kept us suitably liquored.

When I returned to work the following week, I was greeted by a very gracious comment left on this site by a member of the gallery. His comments and observations are greatly appreciated.

As promised, here’s a link to the recently published piece where my upcoming event is mentioned. If you are a subscriber to the Walla Walla Union Bulletin, the article was published in the Etc. section. Enjoy!

I did get two nibbles and will post links to those results soon.

I’ve just returned from Shape PDX in Portland with a renewed desire to get a show of my own on the books somewhere there in town. Maybe this will be one of the featured works?

Life has a funny way of making its demands come due all at the same time. It’s been several weeks since I was last in the studio.

How apt then is the title I just came up with for this painting. It has felt as though I’ve been stuck in a cave for the recent weeks. Well now it’s time to come back into the light of the studio and get to it!

An interpretation of shipping containers after the tsunami March 2011

This is my artistic response to those images that embedded themselves in my brain. It is the underpainting, but its a start. Just like the recovery efforts in Japan.