sete pecados sociais/seven social sins: part III

The fun of one’s name in vinyl.

I was surprised I slept as well as I did the night before my opening.  I know I spent at least an hour awake, attempting to find a comfortable position as my mind raced with anticipation and apprehension.  I felt like a child too excited and nervous to sleep before the first day of the new school year.  I had been waiting for this day for months—the gradual enthusiasm building each week as my beautifully patient friends and family kindly listened to my repeated declarations of excitement and my irrational fears of  utter failure. (Thank you, friends, for being nice to me.)

My face is far more nerdy-excitement, than impressive nonchalance. (But this is my first art billboard advert.)

I would love to seem nonchalant and enigmatic; as if I always know exactly what I am doing and the entire artistic profession is well within my comfort zone.  I wish my calm exterior alluded to my confident expertise and I was completely above the swelling giddiness that fills my heart, and the waves of figurative butterflies that fill my stomach—but I am not.  In essence, I am totally not that cool.

The day before my exhibition opened, I was asked if I would give a brief guided tour of the show to explain the concepts, technique, etc behind several of my works.  I gladly agreed, however, in the back of my mind I was terrified.  I love making art and I am genuinely proud of this body of work—however, I am always exceedingly nervous to speak publicly about my imagery.  I make art because I struggle to properly articulate my evolving assessment of cultural ideals, sociological reactions, or conceptual imagery.  I have a tendency to over-explain myself to the point I sound idiotic.  I find myself in awkwardly long pauses, and repeatedly relay on vocal fillers.  I almost feel split in two—with one of me embarrassing herself as she tries to sound coherent and respectable in front of a crowd, while the other objectively looks on in horror—as she hears every flawed analogy and painful pause.

Me talking about art. (Photo/copyright by: Paulo Lopes Lobão/Angra Museum 2013)

Me talking still about art. (Photo/copyright by: Paulo Lopes Lobão/Angra Museum 2013)

Nice people listening to me talk about art. (Photo/copyright by: Paulo Lopes Lobão/Angra Museum 2013)

Socializing in the museum courtyard.

In reality, I think I my brief talk went fairly well.  I found my comfort zone, and simply tried to be as me as possible.  I wasn’t flawless by any means, but flaws make humans relatable and approachable—therefore, I was content with my speech, and very grateful to all those who attended my opening.  The weather cooperated and people were able to enjoy their cocktails and cookies in the stunning museum courtyard as well as throughout the gallery.  I had the joy of speaking individually with many of those who were kind enough to attend, which allowed me to meet other interesting creatives, and receive a glimpse into their unique interpretations of my work.

Several of my friends enjoying drinks and refreshments.

I just think this is a sweet image. (Photo/copyright by: Paulo Lopes Lobão/Angra Museum 2013)

Dale, Trishell and me, relaxing in the gallery as the exhibition was winding down.

As an artist, I have found exhibition openings tend to have an allure similar to that of Christmas morning—the exciting moment one spends weeks looking forward to, waiting patiently for the day to finally arrive.  While the event itself is fantastic, the excitement eventually dissipates and life returns to its familiar routine.  I did feel a sense of relaxation flood over me as the opening successfully concluded, but I didn’t feel any sadness.  I still have several upcoming events, in conjunction with this exhibition that I am looking forward to.  Since I still have several artistic projects in the works throughout the year, the usual melancholy that accompanies the end of an opening hasn’t phased me.  It doesn’t feel like an end, but a fantastic beginning to a wonderful new year.

More images from the opening can be found here.