The Closing Reception Opened New Exhibition Possiblilities

Visitors at the Westbesuch 2014 in front Westwerk- Plagwitz, Leipzig

The "Meta-Triptychs" closing reception was a great success.  Hundreds of people poured into the Webervogel from 11 AM to 9 PM.  They made their way back to Catherine Chalk's newly opened weaving factory during their stroll through the Westbesuch event or were purposefully seeking out the lady who is bringing the textile industry back to Leipzig's cultural centre- Plagwitz.  Having my paintings exhibited there during this event was perfect.  So many people came and saw the work.  It was wonderful to talk to them and hear their reactions to the work.  Some shared their interpretations, opinions and even memories that the images conjured up.

 It was amazing how the flow of people followed a constant pattern.  It seemed there would be five walking in and then they would be followed by 20 or 30 rushing behind.  This went on all day.  After 6 PM the reception started and many that I invited came to celebrate with me. 

 The best part was speaking with people about exhibition possibilities later this year.  One in a language school, one in a soon to be opening arts centre outside Leipzig, and one in an art gallery in Plagwitz, Leipzig.  I was excited with the first, by the third I just wanted to jump for joy!  It has been a long time working without showing.  This has been such a great year so far.

The success of this show, the reaction to my work, and three exhibition proposals make my trip home to America so much more exciting.  I have already been planning ideas for new paintings and trying to figure out all the studies I would like to do while back in the States.  Now there is a new surge of energy making me want to take full advantage of my stay.  What stories can I tell, which locations and people can I include, what small details can I hide around the corners or behind the trees.  The beaches and shore spots are on my list.  Philadelphia, Jersey City or Hoboken, a trip to Rutgers in New Brunswick, a ride around my home town of Dividing Creek, I can not wait to get out, sketch and record places that I can use in the paintings.  I want to get in touch with my former art teachers to go out sketching and talk to them about my new work and plans for the next pieces.

I need to do more research on Edward Hopper.  Several people have mentioned his work while looking at mine.  The Whitney Museum of American Art in NYC has the largest collection of his paintings and drawings.  I want to go study his painted surfaces and the brush techniques that are not apparent in reproductions or online.  I want to note his use of light and dark and the soft edges of the forms.  I read that he had his first break at the age of 42, so perhaps this shows it is not too late for me.  It has been quite intense over the

 (Many thanks go out to a dear friend for the photos & videos.)