The patterns of choice

This is a detail of a piece that will be in an upcoming exhibition at the Cafritz Foundation Art Center.

A video on the history of the Barter Theatre

After I graduated college (with a degree in Art and minor in Philosophy) I really had little idea of what I would do. But I could build things, I had a lot of energy, I was in great shape, and i thought it would be cool to learn how to build sets.  I managed to get a job as a carpenter at the Barter Theatre in Abingdon, Virginia. I loved working there. Tons of amazing people, fun projects to work on, great parties. At one point I switched from being a carpenter to being a Scenic Artist.  I learned so many skills there and had a blast ( despite working about 100 hours a week and not making any money!) Eventually I left Abingdon for a job at at The Shakespeare Theatre in Washington, DC.

I still have such a fondness for the Barter and the handful of years I worked there.
I hope you enjoy this history of a unique theatre, and one that is close to my heart.
It's where i learned about GHOST LIGHTS.

detail

this is a detail of a piece i'm working on for an upcoming show.

Grace.

A few weeks ago, when I was at Wheaton Arts for GlassWeekend, I met an artist whose work I had admired. Simply beautiful well conceived and created glass sculpture. Then while there, I learned that she had other facets of her work that I had know about but had no idea who had created them. one project in particular is one of my favorite art/glass/culinary projects I know about.

I gushed a little bit about that to her. Now, this artist is much more well known than I am, much more connected, much further along in her career, and (seemingly ) life in general. I'm just a bumbling hack complimenting a far better artist. I've complimented many artists, as I really want to express my gratitude for people putting wonder and beauty into the world.( especially as i can't compliment them by purchasing it)  i've gotten mixed reactions to this, especially from popular artists. sometimes, i've even been brushed aside. 

With such humility and appreciation, she paused and responded, "Thank you for noticing what I do".

the response has kinda haunted me. not in a bad way, in fact in a most touching way.
People that accept the smallest of gifts with grace make me admire them even more than their gratitude over big things.


anyway, go buy her work and support her. i wish i could.