Left to My Own Devices

     Remember that self-imposed deadline? Well, my art show is in 18 days and the next 11 days, especially, are going to be a whirlwind of activity at the Chrystie/Kielgass household! I have less than two weeks to finish two 4x8' and one 24x36"-ish paintings, hang and label the work, write blurbs for each, get food and drinks for the opening plus go to work (love teaching those Art Explorers!), collaborate on a draft proposal to organize five murals for the City, attend the Public Arts Commission meeting, AND try and talk enthusiastically about my work on video later today.
     It's this last one that's causing me to lose sleep. First of all, I really don't like photos of me. Ick! Throw some semblance of public speaking into the mix and boy howdy! 
     Good problems to have, right? Exactly.
     I was having coffee with some good friends of mine last Saturday, reflecting on some of my darker times about 23 years ago versus where I am today. It took me a solid 18 years to clear up a whole bunch of gunk so that when I finally went back to painting, the work wasn't a self-centered, in-your-face freak show. 
     My journey back to painting started two and a half years ago and I feel that my work has come a long way. I look forward to seeing where it continues to go.
     In the meantime, I hope you consider joining me at the Maple Valley Creative Arts Center on Saturday, May 19th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.