A look at the show

Yesterday I had a couple interviews at the Gallery about my exhibition. I will be sure to post both interviews when I see them. One was with the Chronicle Herald newspaper and the other was with CTV. In the meantime, to the left under "In the News" is a blog post about my opening by journalist Nicole Trask for Halifax Magazine.

While there I took the opportunity to document my show and thought I would share what a wonderful job they did displaying my work. I love being represented by Argyle Fine Art.

Interview by Arts Reporter Elissa Barnard. Photo by Adriana Afford.

Opening night and other ramblings.

Panoramic photo by Crystal Ross

It's a few days after the opening reception of my show and I have the all so familiar feelings I get after all the excitement is over.  I am someone who always needs a project so after months and months of working towards making this exhibition happen I am now kind of projectless; for now. I get a bit of a post opening blues but don't get me wrong, it's nothing serious. It's almost like when an adrenaline-inducing roller coaster slowly comes to an end. Or like raising children and then sending them off into the world to see what happens. (ok, not actually, but I think you get the gist of the metaphor) It is both exciting and makes one vulnerable. I wouldn't trade any of this roller coaster though and will most definitely be doing it as long as I'm able.

The reception was wonderful and I am so fortunate to have support and interest in what I'm doing. I saw lots of familiar faces and had the opportunity to meet some new people who are very involved in the arts here. Sometimes a simple conversation can bring about some new ideas and I will be working on some new things very soon. The most important being revisiting the Barter Van concept and gearing it towards trading with artists of all genres instead of the general public who need to pay their bills and aren't necessarily interested in art. As much of a loner as I am I'm beginning to understand how important it is to have people to bounce ideas off of and I think interacting with creative people will make my next venture out all that much more inspiring. But more on that later.

One of my favorite things about my travels and this show is the stories other people tell me of their own past adventures or future plans. My choice to give up my belongings and comforts have inspired people to follow their own dreams. This, in particular, is a wonderful feeling since I have been inspired by so many myself. Sometimes I have to pinch myself. I'm still floored when someone likes what I've made enough to purchase it and have it in their lives. I don't think I will ever get used to that. It's surprising and flattering every time. There's nothing quite like actually living out your biggest dream. It can be done.

Next up in my plans is to put this hide-a-way house back to it's cozy self. I have to start packing up all my materials and load the van back up for this coming weekend when I will be moving in with some friends for a while. I'll be starting work with my sister's moving company and in my spare time revamping the barter van concept. I would love to get back on the road for June but I think that's quite optimistic. Even so, it's important for me to set a date and work towards it. Someone asked me at the reception if I'm panicked or worried about my future. The answer is no. You would think being homeless with an empty bank account would cause some panic but it doesn't. My answer is that I'm lucky enough to have the support of my friends and family and no matter what happens I won't end up on the street. That's all I need to know to have the confidence to keep pushing forward. Plus, I'm just getting started!!

Two weeks till show time.

It's been quite a while since I've popped by my blog. As you can imagine I've been spending all my time putting together my exhibition, which I titled Roadside America. Working away today, I had the realization this is the first time I've had the luxury of preparing a show without having to work a day job. No wonder my stress level has been low. Well, relatively low. There's always numerous silly little technical difficulties that happen to make you slightly panicky but to be able to deal with each issue immediately is a gift.

Along with working on the exhibition pieces I've put together a map showing my route across America and back. I photographed the actual maps I used and pieced them together in Photoshop, lining up the highlighted drive. While traveling I encountered many people who were shocked that I didn't have a GPS. They couldn't believe I wasn't getting lost but the truth was I did get lost, quite a bit, but it often lead to me seeing something cool or talking to someone interesting. So, I became much better at reading maps and knowing my north from my south and east from west. A handy thing to know.

I thought it would be interesting to use the compiled maps to indicate where I took the original photographs used in the final pieces. (In the map above the images are blurred. A good friend of mine has been doing her best not to see any of the images beforehand.  I wouldn't want to ruin the surprise for her now would I?) The map will be on display during the length of the show to highlight my route and to lend context to the work. Looking at the map now all I see are the places I haven't been yet; so much left to explore. Soon. Fingers crossed..

I hope people have the time to come say hi to me during the opening reception of American Roadside. It will be at Argyle Fine Art, 1559 Barrington Street Halifax, Nova Scotia from 7-9pm on Friday, March 22nd. 

Signs

Here is a little sneak peak  of some of the signs I've seen along the way. I really do have to get the gallery page of my blog going. More to come as I head west on Route 66.

Exploring caverns in New York State

In the early days of roadside attractions businesses would compete for the motorist's attention. Repeating signs (like the famous Burma Shave ads) were used to peak your curiosity with each one claiming more fantastic sights to be seen. On my drive through northern NY state I came across this one for the "Secret Caverns" and was immediately hooked.

By the time I saw the third sign I knew I wanted to visit. Funny enough, I ended up at a different spot called Howe's Caverns, which turned out to have pretty boring billboards mind you.  I hadn't realized I was at a different place until just after I paid so I reluctantly joined the next tour.

We descend 150 feet below the surface and walk out into a beautiful sight. I have always wanted to see the formations in underground caves and although the tour guide kept saying it's all natural I wasn't convinced. I will say most of what I saw was naturally occurring but when your view of the place is interrupted by electrical cords it kind of takes away from the charm. At one point I actually saw an electrical socket in the rocks.

Guided tours are not my preferred way of seeing things but sometimes it's the only way to gain access and you do learn a lot from the guides. It was an hour and a half tour which included a boat ride and some amazing sights.

In the end I was really happy I stopped, even if it wasn't the place I thought I was going to. Although the photos don't do it justice I hope you can see it was an awe inspiring place and I certainly understand why it's been in business since 1843.