Love and dread? Yes.

This is the time of year I dread and love at the same time.  I love making things without the constraint of having shows every weekend.  I dread the art show applications (and inevitable rejection letters) along with the happy "you've been accepted' letters that also require a $500 payment to secure my space to exhibit.  I don't think most people realize that artists truly do gamble our lives each day.  We present new work to the jurors each year, and they collectively determine our potential for income.  It is a crapshoot, and I am happy to play.  So far I've been accepted to four shows with no true rejections, but I know those rejection letters are going to come.  It is hard to plan.  We never know what juries want to see, and hardly ever get feedback that helps. It's horrible to get those letters that say "We're really sorry" I'm really happy with the work I've been producing this month, and for now, that is what matters to me the most.

Want to help make a stranger's day?

"The Phoenix", Oil on Gessobord,   6"x 6"

Participate in this auction in my Daily Paintworks Gallery!

A friend and I went to this cafe for breakfast when I was teaching a glass class out of town.  A man came in while I was there, he was apparently mentally challenged and he looked cold and hungry.   I asked him if he was hungry and he said no but I could tell that he was.  He wanted a small cup of water.  

We secretly bought him a coffee and bagel and left without him knowing.

I think about this man often, wondering if he is cold and hungry a lot.

I want all of the proceeds from the auction sale of my painting to go to this coffee shop in Benton Harbor, Michigan, to start a sort of "kindness fund" in honor of that man. 

 It would be a great way to offer any random person the opportunity to have a free cup of coffee,  be warm, and feel cared about for awhile.  

Please, please share this story, and put in a bid if you're inclined.  You can do so by clicking the link under the photo.  You could get the painting and help a lot of people in the process! 

 It's going to be so great to surprise them...