Preparing for a solo exhibit is dramatically similar to Ironman training.

It can take years of preparation, fitting the work in among other career projects & life. Building a body of work is like building a foundation of physical & mental strength for racing. The work needs to be quality, consistent and confident. Doubts may flare along with logistical planning nightmares and large financial investments. The long journey to race day(opening day) can bring forth a whole gamut of emotion and reflection.

While living in Kelowna, BC, aside from day job, I volunteered often. For Ironman Canada held in nearby Penticton, my position of choice was the massage tent located at the finish line.

Sundance 
At the time I was a seasoned marathoner, wildly curious about the training involved in the mammoth endurance event of a 3.86k swim, 180.2k bicycle, & a 42.2 run. Massage volunteer was an opportunity to spend uninterrupted one- on -one time with athletes and hear their adventures first hand.

Cloudy sky

It was an unforgettable experience, being in the midst of celebration and tender vulnerablity witnessing their accomplishments. The depth of emotion wasn’t something I was totally prepared for. “They didn’t cover this in training.” I thought, as a large muscled man tipped his head to my shoulder and wept. “I will never ever do that again.” he whispered. In contrast, a lively woman gripped my shoulders while in a happy dance. “My husband worried I wouldn’t finish, and here I am, with him still out on the course. It was AWESOME!.”

Sunset shore

Exhibiting one’s original art also has emotional peaks and valleys, with the physical & creative demands of marathon painting for months on end. The impact after years of work requires time to recover & restore before reflecting on the fruition of a dream.

The differences participating Ironman and a solo art show, in Ironman all the hard work & training come down to one day where your work blooms to fruition. You are in the drivers seat for the most part, on how the day plays out, whether success is achieved. In an art career, whether the show is deemed successful, my friends, is totally up to you.

As they say in the art world, that part is out of my hands.

rugged shore

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new NEWS news–

Exhibit at the Shurniak Gallery is on until Dec. 2, please visit if you are in the area, all work is for sale, inquires please contact me. Peruse Mr. Shurniak’s astounding diverse collection while you are there, and have lunch in the adjoining cafe. Special thanks to my Papa, family & those who braved the storm to attend the opening.

Papa

~ Thanks to Gene Hauta of the Hudson Bay Review for his lovely article!

~ Before leaving Saskatchewan I had an important stop to make at the Elgar Peterson Arena, personally delivering the entire proceeds from the sale of ‘Bronco’ (sold at the opening of the Shurniak exhibit) to the Humbolt Bronco team. To the collector who purchased this unique original, please know they are grateful.

~ New work sold nearly immediately after arriving at the Hambleton Gallery in Kelowna!

SoldSold

Congratulations to visitors from Toronto, new collectors who purchased two new paintings! Thanks to Joshua and all the lovely folk at Hambleton Galleries. Group Winter show opens late Nov.

~ I am back in the studio this week with new paintings in the works above! Rugged Shore 22×28 also in progress ( nearly done!)

Cloudy Sky 18×24 oil $1100.00 on exhibit Shurniak Gallery
Sunset Shore 18×24 oil $1100.00 on exhibit Shurniak Gallery

Sundance 5ftx3.3ft is now complete $5300.00 & in the studio.
Email me to stop by the studio, recent work available for viewing & purchase. Looking forward to seeing you!

~ P.S, Participating in two full Ironman events, in some ways, I found easier than exhibiting. Thou both require an individual to control all elements we can, like quality work, execution of training, etc. ( in art, also marketing, business acumen, etc.) In art, my life’s work depends on people embracing & collecting it. An art career can be the ultimate wonderful lesson in letting go of control.