Almost 30 years ago, my apache Indian friend suggested I choose up to three words that encapsulate my personality. It took days of condensing the possibilities until I was left with just two: A loving and creative man. I was happy with my choice until one day, fifteen years later, it suddenly dawned on me that ‘enthusiastic’ should be added to those two to complete the trio.
More than just fun to discover, the reasons behind finding these three words was to understand my essence. I realised quickly that whatever I did, if it came from this root, I would be doing that task in the purest form for me. For example, if any work I did was done lovingly, creatively and enthusiastically, I would be undertaking it the most effective way for both my life and for those I worked with.
A few days ago, however, when I was linking two people with one another, one of them thanked me by saying I was a ‘great communicator’. And in that moment, I felt that resounding thud of realisation… communication! Of course!
I’ve never considered myself an exceptional gallery owner (I know so little about art), nor songwriter or screenplay/novel writer for that matter. Sure, in all of these I’ve enjoyed a modicum of success, but I now realise that what I truly am is a good communicator. This is the essence of all the work I’ve done to date and the true reason why some success has been forthcoming in them all.
Try finding your ‘three words’ yourself. It’s incredibly rewarding. Avoid using any negative, ‘un’ words (like uncompromising) and really condense down words to find the root of who you are, if you’re so inclined. If I can help, please ask. It is fun and I bet you discover something about yourself.
For me, having had this revelation, I guess the work begins again: am I more creative in my communication, or communicative in my creativity… etc.? Hmmm.
OK, so before I get onto this month’s delights, I wanted to let you know that BritishContemporary.art‘s (& THG’s) sister gallery AmericanContemporary.art launches today at 8am (UK time). It has some phenomenal US artists but as it’s not British based, I won’t automatically give you any updates here. But if you’d like to be kept in touch, just skedaddle over to ACA and use the popup to sign up to their newsletter.
Right, let’s crack on with the newbies and to kick off with, the inimitable Mike Hindle has sent over some stonkers from his new home in France. They’re available unframed (if you ant them cheaper and sharpish) or framed by order.
Angela Uren added some gorgeous new palette-knife works, both still life, like here, or Roseland landscape scenes. Gingerpeachy! And everyone’s favourite, Claire Henley added a couple of beauties – Portloe and Portscatho – so enjoy them here.
The impossibly talented Hester Berry added 5, yes FIVE new works to her page only two days ago and some have sold already so better be quick if you want one for yourself. And talking of popular, our resident watercolourist, John Hopkins added a beaut to his page, too. Most locals and visitors will know this scene.
Our cuddly Robin Mason has been selling like hot cakes and of the three new works that came in, one sold overnight, so check out these fabulous works on his page. And if that weren’t enough for ya, get yer eyeballs around Jill Hudson‘s new works before they all sell. Again, like Robin, one sold overnight so worth getting yer skates on.
We hardly keep Lucy Davies‘ work on the walls for more than a few days at the best of times and she’s selling almost as soon as the paint’s dry, so if you get chance, check out this new collection before they sell. And the lovely Mary Allen replace her sales with a few superb online-only exclusives this week. Talk about power-painting!
And if this newbie of Portscatho porth at dusk by Stephen Higton doesn’t sell in a heartbeat, I’ll be a butchers’ wallop. The Hig always kicks it out the ballpark, but this cracker…
And would you believe it… just as I’m finishing this, I’m bombarded with a bevvy of beauties from the astonishing Jenny Aitken, the impasto king, Ben Taffinder and our queen of Still Life, Penny German. If that cacophony of gorgeousness doesn’t make your toes curl, I dunno what will. Enjoy!
COVID willing, we have dates for this year’s shelter exhibitions filling up, so I’ll let you know about those in next month’s newsletter. Fingers crossed we can execute them all this year!
Stay safe for now,
Mark
Mark David Hatwood FRSA
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January 2021
I know, for many, 2020 is a year to forget, but before we wish this difficult year good riddance, I wanted to reflect on all the unexpected positives it gave many of us.
Because of the distance between family and friends, many I’ve spoken to have felt a deeper yearning for their nearest and dearest. Absence makes the heart grow fonder I guess and with the time to reflect on the people around us, it has made many of us value their existence in our lives more… read more