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Beth Ridenour-Artful Path
by Beth Ridenour on 2/7/2009 12:53:56 PM
Supper Line (C) Beth Ridenour, Artful Path
Last night was the opening of the Great American West show at the Buttonwood Art Space in KC, MO. Earlier that day Jamie Lavin, director-extraordinaire of the art space, sent an email reminding artists to mingle with our guests--personal attention can foster great relationships and ultimately boost sales.
As I was driving in I was thinking how I would do this. I am an introvert, preferring small gatherings to the hundreds of folks who attend these openings. It is likely that I will have nothing in common with these patrons and it's not an event to fall back upon the safe subject of the weather. Then I had my aha moment; I am a photographer and every one of my photos has a story--I need to share the stories about my art.
This photo was fun to share. Cotton, the white horse, is a retired thoroughbred race horse. His papers go back to Man of War, but somewhere in the genetic history he lost the speedy gene so he had a short racing career and is now enjoying a pleasureable lifestyle with good friends of mine. I've ridden Cotton, he's fun, but he spooks easily, thinking a bobcat is lurking behind every tree or bush. Don't you agree that walking on open land would be quite a change from running around in big circles as fast as you can?
The three horses in the background are Kiger Mustangs. Two of them were adopted through the wild horse and burro program of the BLM (Bureau of Land Management). The middle, darker one, is Shimmer. Shimmer was born on this farm. He is two and one-half years and is developing quite a personality. In every horse herd there is a pecking order, and horses will test each other for the top spot. When supper time comes, Cotton is always first in line through the gate to the stalls, no question--I've seen him back up the rest of the herd with his rear end (11 horses, and a burro who could care less). Well youngster Shimmer thinks differently and will challenge Cotton. This usually plays out by Cotton bucking at Shimmer to put him in his place. I didn't aim my camera in time to capture the skirmish, but I laughed at the result, the smaller but determined Kigers lined up for supper for one more day behind Cotton. Who knows what will happen tomorrow.
Last night there was a lot of beautiful art to see. I am happy to find my way in interacting with the public, by telling my story in addition to sharing my art. Some photos prompt me to share in detail, like this one, but there are others about which I say very little, wanting you to engage your imagination to create a story of your own.
Happy trails,
Beth
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1 Response to Tell A Story
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I like your new website. Glad you are having fun with it. Padgett was my coach, too. She is super!!!
The Great American West Show was awesome. Congratulations on being a part of it.
See you soon,
Teddy