While setting up their booths at weekend outdoor exhibitions, artists engage in conversations ranging from what new work they will present during the show to favorite recipes from family holiday gatherings.
My favorite memory of an exchange was mostly one-sided. It began when a watercolorist friend, Bill Walker, walked into my booth early one Sunday morning and stated, “It happened again!”
“What?” I queried.
His eyes flashed. “This guy looked at my work yesterday and said, “Maybe I could paint like that if I just had your talent!”
I stopped arranging paintings on my display as I knew what barrage was about to assail my ears. I had heard this complaint before and was once more prepared to agree.
“I told him it isn’t a lightning bolt from heaven!” the watercolorist continued, raising his voice while shuffling from one foot to the other for emphasis.
Artists from neighboring booths gathered around us to listen.
“I have taken great care and many years to perfect my craft just to get where I am today. I have worked very hard at my job and I don’t want or need that talent word expressed as if all this” he gestured toward his own display across the aisle, “was handed to me on a silver platter.”
A chorus of “Yeah!” “You’re right” and “That’s telling him!” came from his artist audience each of whom had heard similar statements throughout exhibition years.
“Push that talent button! No Problem! It’s free just for you! Zing! Now you can whip out any painting without a second thought!!” he continued.
The approach of show visitors interrupted my friend’s tirade and he moved across the aisle to his own booth still mumbling about that talent word.
A little advice to show visitors: Be careful when using a simple phrase around artists such as, “If only I had your talent.” Some lectures can last MUCH longer than others.