It felt like a big mistake.
This thought kept swirling in my mind as I stumbled thru the crowded Los Angeles airport. Introverted shy girl from the Canadian north emerging in a crowded American airport was culture shock overload.
New Moon- original 8×10 oil avail for purchase.
A week before my 21st January birthday I was traveling from the Yukon chasing a dream of youth; an adventure in the Mexican sun exploring Mayan ruins. At the moment, bopping around like a pinball thru massive crowds of LAX, it felt like a mistake, arriving to this noisy swarm from the peaceful north.
original canvas card w/mat
Seeking reprieve from the moving pack I searched desperately for a seat along the corridor teaming with people. People were everywhere, lounging in chairs, on the floor, spilling out of gateways.
My travel agent had warned me about safety. Pickpockets were rampant in LAX at the time. I needed a spot that looked peaceful and felt safe.
Nearly an entire row of unoccupied seats appeared at a break along the passageway. Dressed in sharp black suits with crisp white shirts, two gentlemen sat quietly in the middle of the row. I heaved a sigh of relief.
Normally, I would allow plenty of personal space, but I was overwhelmed and honestly, a little frightened. Walking directly to the pair, (possibly a grandfather and grandson) I greeted the elderly man. Would he be so kind to allow me to sit beside him? He turned, dark glasses reflecting my harried look, offering me a brilliant smile. His grandson, rather stoic, giving a barely perceptible nod, looked remarkably like the actor Quinton Aaron.
“Of course” the elderly man said. His voice resonated gravely deep & rich in his slight frame. A scent of fresh clean linen on a spring day drifted around him. His gnarled hands rested gently on his lap.
New – experiment with colours left on palette- Sunset Swirl- 8×10 oil on canvas board- influenced by Simona Rosco of Fyreglas.
Relief washed over me the moment I sat down. Have you ever been in a stranger’s presence and felt an immediate kinship & sense of comfort? We discussed the masses of people swarming the airport. His grandson watched the crowds, leaving us to our conversation.
We sat for some time in relaxed silence, enjoying our island of peace in the chaos. I remember how I felt in his company more than our conversation. This gentle man radiated relaxed confident energy, and pure enthusiastic happiness.
When it was time for my connecting flight I bid them both a good day & farewell. Walking away a young man ran up to me, abruptly grasping my shoulders exclaiming “What did he say to you?!”
“Who?”
“WHO??!! RAY CHARLES!!!” he said loudly.
“Ray Charles?” I said.
His arms dropped to his side while he stared incredulously at me. The elderly man turned in my direction, an illuminating smile lighting his face. I smiled back & walked away, leaving the oogling crowd and Ray’s bodyguard (not grandson) keeping people at bay.
Friends cringe when I share this story. “If only you had recognized him! Think of the questions you could have asked!!”
custom canvas prep/ arrival early Feb.
Completion & signing March 31.
Mr. Charles and questions artists hear have been circling my mind recently. While completing the large commission last week “Georgia” was one of the last four songs playing in my studio. After, I ruminated complex questions posed to me recently in Calgary.
“Why this?” an attendee asked me as he waved his hand to my landscape paintings.
A complicated question to answer in limited time.
It stuck me with an idea to share questions I would ask an Artist.
Tip: Artists & Attendees at Exhibits: Please keep in mind other guests may want to engage an artist, be respectfully short. Collect contact information, make a future date for discussion where you may enjoy conversation without interruption.
Short questions suitable for an exhibit setting.
1) What other passions do you have? This gives you insight into the Artist’s personality.
2) Are you a full time Artist? (Do you hope to be?)
3) What other mediums have you worked in?
4) Do you have a website/ business card/ contact info.
~ If time isn’t an issue and other guests aren’t disrupted I may ask:
1) What do you enjoy most about the work?
2) How long have you been working at art?
3) What are your goals with the work? (if not full time)
4) What experiences have led you on this path to art? – This is a fun question. You may be amazed at the inspiring stories.
My response to the guest in Calgary who asked “Why This?” Short Version: “It’s home”. Whether he realizes it or not, it’s his too. :0)
my brother & I
P.S ~ As for Mr. Ray Charles, I wouldn’t change a thing about our encounter. If I had recognized him, I wouldn’t have boldly asked to sit beside him. I have a wonderful memory of a lovely man offering a young woman reprieve. I felt his magnetic personality and had a rare personal moment experiencing his kindness. Recalling his deep voice, fresh scent, and radiant smile, my heart warms once again.