You never know

You never know who you are destined to meet in your lifetime. I seem too be amazed at each turn of fate in my life, who God decides it is time for me to meet. At that exact moment at that exact time, it is exactly what I need to take in or to give out.

This weekend was the 1st Annual Dallas Art Slam, hosted by DMagazine at the F.I.G building downtown between the Dallas Art Museum and the Fairmont Hotel off Akard and Ross. I didn't realize what an honor it was to be a participant, I heard that over 600 artists applied, I think there were only about 150 that showed. In this mix of talented displays of work there as much of a montage of people. People from all walks of life. In my immediate area there was two photographers, a french portrait painter, an abstract artist that never uses a brush and a man who's paintings literally captivated the attention of most everyone that attended the show.

My table buddy, Charles William, was the center of attention in our area. His dramatic flair for pieces reminiscent of Monteese and Picasso, the lines and backgrounds that draw you in to take a second look. Charles is a homeless man that paints and lives at a nonprofit organization downtown Dallas, the Stewpot. He and another artist showed at the Slam. His first piece selling on opening night and second with minutes to spare at the close this evening. Over the course of the last few days, I studied all the paintings he brought, but the most interesting part was getting to know him and his story. He was a cake decorator for eight years living independently and due to the horrible advice of others, went down a road of life's challenges and experiences that now has him at the point of being ready to become independent again. The most important part of our weekend was the exchange that I received with him, he had as much words of encouragement for me as I did for him. He challenged me to step out from my comfort zone and just do it! It was refreshing and much needed.

The cutest prodigy of the show was 10 year old Simon Waranch. This kid was awesome...and had a lot to offer artistically, but the thing that captivated me was his personality. Not many 10 year olds can hold an articulate conversation with an adult, talking about his art. He taught me a lot about presentation and not taking things so seriously.

The french woman, Celine, was too cute. Her strong french accent was the icing on the top. It wasn't until her daughter, Estelle, took over her table as she went to another show Saturday afternoon, that we learned the true beauty behind the two large black and white paintings that stared at us over the course of the weekend. Ballroom scenes from the fifties France that whirled us back in time and the story that swept us off our feet about how Estelle's father swept Celine off her feet doing the waltz. A story that made you sigh with belief that true romance is still possible.

Although I didn't sell anything, I received lots of compliments on my work, mostly today. Today's crowd was much different that the past few days. Younger families coming out for a nice afternoon. I realize that my work attracts younger artists, whereas Charles' work attracts older more distinguished taste. Pricing will be adjusted as a result of this find, and the type of shows I choose to do in the future. I will definitely return next year it they will have me, but in the mean time, do more, get out more, show more.