"Out and Back" Solo Show

Back in October, I began the #socceringreenland challenge where I would do a painting a day until I reached 100. I gave myself the challenge because I wanted to see if I could fund a trip to Greenland by creating art that was based on my love of travel. The response has been encouraging and lovely, and I've been thrilled to be able to send so many pieces out to art lovers around the country.

But the true nature of the challenge has been a catharsis. The accountability to myself and this selfish pursuit has been like climbing a mountain. Each day I paint, I square up to my easel and place oil on canvas, every brush stroke like a step taken on a rocky path up a steep slope. No one told me to climb. Only my pride draws me towards the summit. 

As I write this, I've completed 86 paintings, and I'm struck by what a privilege it has been to be able to collect and record all of these moments, but also panicked by how many I have neglected to finish. I'm overwhelmed. When I hike, I am not good at pausing for longer than it takes to snap a photo. I'm so focused on the destination, and not tripping, that I miss out on being present. Completing these paintings is like reconnecting with a life I've forgotten I lived.

So, on February 28th, at 6 PM in the Bedford Gallery of the Art Barn at Fountain Valley School*, I'm giving myself permission to be finished. I invite you all to come and experience images from the past decade with me.

Hope to see you there!

-A

*The Opening will go from 6-8 pm on Friday, February 28th, and the show can be viewed in the Bedford Gallery through March.


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