Friday, July 30, 2010

Anticipation

Above from left: Carving by my grandfather VH Ranney Sr., my beautiful and supportive wife, me prepping for tomorrow

The phrase "but you didn't" is hanging in my head tonight like humid summer air. When I was young I heard a story about my parents and my grandfather during a family visit. They all have visual arts backgrounds like me; graphic design, painting, sculpting, photography, etc. The story goes like this..My mother, father and grandfather were in an art museum looking at art. My father, while looking at a piece of art, says dismissively "I could've done that." My grandfather, without hesitation, quickly responds with a gentle yet firm "but you didn't."

One thing that I've always felt I could have done, but didn't, was to show and sell my artwork. Showing work on the internet is easy, because there is a layer of anonymity. Having my paintings, myself exposed and in the flesh is quite different. Tomorrow's art show is one of many big steps in a journey I've hesitated to start for years, because of family, work, disorganization, and just plain fear. Armed with the support of my wife, this story about my grandfather, the recent reminder that life is very short and almost a full year of hard work and planning I no longer have to think "I could've done that."

If you're in the area, come visit!

July 31, 2010
9 AM - 5 PM
18 North Broad Street
Lititz, PA 17543
Booth # B165

1 comment:

Anna Lear said...

Hi, Jarrod-
I've got my fingers crossed for you to have a great show. I know what you mean about putting yourself out there... it's unnerving, but your work is beautiful and I know a lot of people will appreciate it. Huge kudos for jumping into this with both feet; you ARE doing it.
Cheers,
Anna