Last weekend was open studios for San Francisco's SOMA district, and Friday night was a terrific opening night for the "Oddists" studio where I was exhibiting. I work out of this studio almost weekly for life drawing sessions and painting and my fellow artists asked if I would show with them. I was honored.
The four piece jazz band kicked off about 7:30pm with a number of standard bossa nova tunes to set a relaxed comfortable mood. The wine and cheeses were laid out, and people began showing up in numbers. The walls were hung thickly with works from eight different artist's exhibiting in the large studio located in the historic Odd Fellow's Building on Market Street and 7th in the heart of San Franciso's downtown.
Many friends and visitors were in attendance and a fun time was had by all. It is truly one of the great moments for an artist to be surrounded by supporters and onlookers who have questions and experiences to share of their own. The art becomes a place to build bridges between people and their lives. Sometimes the art finds it's way into a new home or sometimes just acts as an ice-breaker for a new friendship or an exchange of ideas.
From the creative side you begin to survey the body of work that you've been working your ass off on as it resonates (or not) with audiences. New strategies begin to formulate as you see both your victories and your failures pass with a glance. You begin to see how what was once a small uncertain idea you started with a year or two ago, has now manifested itself throughout your various works and grown beyond where it started. Sometimes it grows into something new, sometimes it doesn't, but open studios isa special place for artist's to see if the work they are producing is reaching it's potential. A chance to directly connect to audiences, outside of the sometimes intimidating gallery.
Artists are truly appreciative to just hear questions, or comments, good or bad about the work they are doing. It is a lonely road for them and every persons' response is valid and collectively adds to a framework or strategy. Sometimes a piece is adored and sold, sometimes it is simply walked past in the blink of an eye, but in the end, every artist has to listen to what their audience is responding to and to find the courage and strength to continue to dig down deep and explore, even if it means accepting failure.
This may not seem like much effort to some, but to the artist it is everything you have, it's part of your genetic calling in life and you spend countless hours pursuing it. It can mean a great deal when someone takes the time to ask about your work or express their feelings in response to your work. It takes dedication and courage to pursue one's dreams and to not give-up. Open studios is a time celebrate that effort and to begin a new.
A special THANKS to my fellow ODDISTS for including me in their exhibition. Please take the time to look them up.
Richard L. Perri
Stephan Crawford
Tom Crawford
Randall John
Paolo Salazar
Aladin C. Stadlin
Kellie Peach NashA SPECIAL THANKS TO:
Wayne Jiang
Patricia Delich
Steven Kendel
Shan Senaratne
for whom without their help, I would have missed this opportunity on account of a gimped-up-knee. They are life savers.
Photos: ©Copyright Trey Gallaher
