The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak. (20th century abstract expressionist painter Hans Hoffman)
Getting ready to move is an exercise in getting organized, and I need it badly! People often look at the volunteer activities, teaching, parenting and art that I do and assume that I am organized. I assure them that I am not. I just work hard. Really. I’m not joking. I-am-not-organized. My house assumes the illusion of being organized, but beneath the surface there is a jumble. Everything in its place? nope. Everything is someplace though, and I do mean everything. It is amazing what a house can hold in its dim dark recesses.
Yesterday I woke up, took a peek at the comments on my blog, and suddenly realized…. horror of horrors…. I had framed and sent the wrong painting for the NWWS show! As I was framing the painting in a rush on Monday, I thought to myself that it didn’t seem as good as I remembered it. The figure’s arm and hand looked wonky… the background was too simple…. it didn’t stand a chance to win an award.
As I glanced through the blog yesterday morning after already delivering the painting it hit me… I had framed the first version of “Explorer” not the second, much finer version. I ran upstairs and quickly shuffled through the paintings in the flat file…. no Explorer. Where was it?
Oh no, did I accidentally sell it? No, I wouldn’t have done that… I knew it was a competition worthy painting. Did I take it to the gallery? No, I hadn’t framed it yet. Did I accidentally leave it at critique? No, someone would have called me. Did my private student accidentally pack it home in her portfolio? I called her… nope! Panic was setting in now. I started saying the rosary passionately. I dug out the St. Anthony (patron saint of missing items) key chain. I called the woman who is transporting the paintings to Seattle, explaining my dilemma. She said I had until late evening to find the painting and switch it.
OK… it must be here somewhere. I tore apart the flat files and moved them to see if it had fallen behind the huge pieces of furniture. Nope. As I was doing that, I meticulously sorted through each drawer, looking for that darned painting on each side of paper, beneath mat board, collage papers, sketches from life drawing…. etc. I searched both portfolio cases, behind the paintings I had done in that same month that were already matted & shrink-wrapped, thinking maybe I had done it on the back of one of those. My friend arrived to paint the utility room. We moved the dryer and found the masking tape & paint roller. I wondered if I was losing my mind.
I contemplated fabricating a story about how someone had broken into my house and stolen just that piece of artwork as I explained why my painting could not be exhibited. I reminded myself of the plans I had just made to attend the opening with my friend Mary from Montana. I imagined greeting the juror and explaining why my painting didn’t arrive at the show, and the look of derision on his face.
Finally the only place left to look was the back of the image I had already framed. I wouldn’t have been so stupid as to miss framing the correct painting just because I had the wrong side of the paper would I? I called my friend. She opened the frame. There was the elusive “Explorer”. I had framed it wrong side up. I guess that will teach me to try to be thrifty by painting on the other side of my rejects. I’m just so thankful that I realized my mistake before the painting actually travelled to Seattle!
Organizing is what you do before you do something, so that when you do it, it’s not all mixed up. (A.A. Milne, English author and creator of Winnie-the-Pooh)
Wow, Ruth,
What a great story! How amazing you sorted out that one–but it all worked out. Whew!
Ruth, your story is worth telling and could happen to anyone! With all the hoops we have to jump through in order to get into a show, it’s a wonder any of us BOTHER to submit, eh? But tenacity is key, and despite all the other stuff you have going on, you GOT it done! I have a good feeling about your (correct) painting—I think it might just win an award. Now it stands a VERY good chance of doing so!
Thanks Liz, and thanks for all your help with getting it done! You were so patient 🙂
Oh my goodness! As I read your post, I felt the panic rising in ME!! I’ve searched high and low for something I thought I had lost and I know how helpless and hopeless it feels. I’m so happy you figured out and solved the mystery just in time.
I just keep saying “Oh no, Oh no, Oh no…” This is Mary commenting–I’m the friend who is meeting Ruth in Washington for the NWWS show. Ruth’s description took me through an emotional tour of full blown panic, dismay, anxiety, frustration, etc. I could literally feel all those emotions and worries (both real and imagined). Thank God for the happy ending to this tale–I don’t know that I would have thought of the solution though!
I know it is a scary story! Thanks for commenting Mary & Dayna 🙂
Oh Ruth! My goodness what a horrible experience to go through. Moving is a nightmare in itself. What you went through sounds more like hell. I am so glad you figured out where the painting was. I do know the feeling of having “mis-placed” something and the trauma you go through before discovering just where it has hidden. I wish you good luck and blue ribbons and gold stars and of course $$$$$. I will be telling your story.
Jill
Oh, my! I would have been panicked too! I haven’t decided the best way to keep works on paper organized. If you develop a system will you let me know Ruth? Good detective work to figure out where it was!
Oh goodness! What a story. So glad you found the painting. After all that, I think winning karma is in that painting.
Ruth: What is your “regular” email address? I LOVE your new home. The fireplace and columns are out of this world. When can I come see?
And, what process did we talk about with the transfer last time you were in my studio. Must have for project I am attempting today.
Will call at appropriate time too.
Hugs
Bonnie
Oh, and by the way…you will probably experience the “lost” painting syndrome much more often when you have more space in your studio…something to look forward too.
You rock!
Bonnie
you are just too busy right now– rightly so — you will be able to glue your head back on when you are finally in your big beautiful new home.
phew — so glad it all worked out in the end:)
Wow! Too much excitement; I’m glad you figured out where you put your painting! Now it’s almost time to pick it up. I hope things are going well with your upcoming move!