two hundred ninety-two

Every Colour In Me, Detail

 "That is VERY good art," said the wee one, grasping his mother's hand and standing barely taller than the artwork propped up against the market table leg.  From behind the table upon the low stool perch with akin vantage of the tyke's I remember his eyes better than his comment.  They just looked right through with such fierce honesty.  Like they hadn't ever been blinded by inappropriate incandescent bulbs burning into our experience all things illuminated as life happens.

 The piece he commented on is called "Every Colour In Me" and was one of several original paintings seeing their first light of public display.  True to its namesake the painting is a patchwork of life layers seen as impressionistic ag fields surrounding a weathered, sweatered, slightly bent gent who smiles tall.  The booth was colorful too.  Right smart with a backdrop blanket gifted from Guatemala; recycled ETHEREAL stars glowing in the tent dapple; and of course multiple moments of mirth curated to showcase all things Les III with the Metal Mavens as part of their inaugural FUSE Makers Market onsite at the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art (SECCA) in Winston-Salem.

Mark!

It was a full day.  Full of smiles in sunlight; curious folks asking to learn more about art they behold; and those familiar with the creative sayers and slayers who remain quiet.  Some stalkishly quiet.  People from my past; folks in my present; new fans making introductions and acquisitions.  It takes all kinds to make a successful market.  When the art is on display for public consideration it is the public that has their say.  The connections made are real -- folks asking about black walnut ink and folks who lean in to hear about the roadkill spirit animals on recycled bottles.  Others inspired, reach out.  They say hello and tell me what they see as do the students learning more about tools of the trade and self expression as a career.  Thank you caffeine gods.  Thank you Krispy-Kreme.  Thank you Metal Mavens.  Thank you SECCA.  Thank you life partner.  And thank you, Mark -- lending support as a husband of one of the organizers.  And he along with other support folks walk around this event helping with heavy loads; giving the makers needed breaks; and keeping the morale high -- he earned a star in my book.

Among the swirl and rush and dusting of pollen the moment arrives.  The youth sees my art and stops to perceive all the life colour.  After his comment, the next beat is my question "What do you see?"  The little fella replies, "he has hearts in his eyes."

"That's because all he sees is love."