On Saturday morning February 5th I woke to find this sight of buildings burning directly adjacent to our bookstore and gallery. Just twelve hours earlier I had delivered all of my original works to the Old Forge Art Center for my first one person exhibit. I took a small bit of solace in this fact. The bookstore was a dream and labor of love of my wife Shay and mine. The smoke and water damage has rendered our dream moot.
This original was the only significant one I lost that day. There were a few other unframed works that didn't make the ride to Old Forge.It was a large drawing measuring 42" wide. To me it was strong enough to seriously consider creating it again. My imagination was not lost with that dream.
Now with no day job to fill my time perhaps I'll use this "opportunity" to take my shot at becoming a real full time artist. I mean, what do I have to lose at this point? Every step I've taken to support myself while I developed my career has washed out with soot and water.
I see large pieces of charcoal on the sidewalk where patrons once entered the store. As I pondered this burnt wood I couldn't help but think of new drawings that are already in my thoughts. Now I actually might have the proper time to create them instead of only drawing in my mind. This picture shows the building debris next to our front door and Wildroot sign.
New possibilities present themselves in strange disguises. Fortune presents gifts contrary to expectations. I intend to accept this oddly silver lined wrapped gift with open arms and make the absolute best of this new reality.
5 comments:
Dean, I extend my sympathies to you and your family, but in a way they seem somehow redundant; sounds like you've already squared your shoulders, dusted yourself off and have resolved to turn misfortune into opportunity. You deserve my admiration.
Dean, of course I'm sorry the store is a loss. Fate had you move the labors of your love off-site. Now, as you say, you have a clean slate to do, perhaps, what you were meant to do...what everything was leading up to. Draw on my friend. "Do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life." I don't know who said that but I know they were right! :)
Hello Peter and Bev,
Some time has passed since then, enough to have the emotional loss wear off. Now it seems more like a fresh new beginning. There is really no other option than to have peaceful attitude about it all. Life is full of changes and each one offers a new view of the world and how it can be. I see sunshine and open vistas full of possibility. That is where I choose to dwell... in possibilities. Thank you both.
Namaste,
Dean
Often when disasters happen to us, it is really the Universe giving us a wonderful opportunity for a new beginning. You may never know the reason, but I have no doubt that you have a wonderful life and career ahead of you
Carolyn Malkin
Thanks for your kind words of encouragement Carolyn. A new dawn will rise with us and bring new opportunities with it!
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