I have exhausted the lyrics to Andy Warhol already so I haven't used it again for this post ;).

Last night was the opening for my very first group exhibition and it was absolutely wonderful! I had the most fantastic time and I don't know why I was so nervous! I had absolutely no reason to be. But I'll tell you guys about it from the start.

I went to the gallery early to help out the other artists and staff with preparations for the opening (i.e.: food, drinks). A bottle of white wine managed to fall out of the fridge causing a sea of wine on the floor of the small kitchen! We spent most of the time cleaning it up... but at the same time enjoyed the sweet sweet smell of wine everywhere ;).

Then I walked into the gallery to check it out. I haven't seen it yet since the works have been put up and my first impression: it has not been so colourful and diverse EVER. There was this huge installation that spanned from one wall to the centre of the gallery which I thought was fantastic. That was the first thing that caught my attention before my eyes started to dart around looking for my own work. And there it was! At that moment... I couldn't believe my work was actually up there on a gallery wall. For a split second I felt as though I didn't even paint them. It's surreal in a way, y'know? Because these paintings used to just sit at home, tucked away in a corner growing dust, and now suddenly they are up on this smooth white wall with all this wall space around it making it look so professional. The paintings look so much better when they are displayed like that! It was just unbelievable - a dream come true. I am just so grateful to have this kind of opportunity... and at the age of 19. Consequently, I felt rather guilty to a certain extent but I know I shouldn't be.

Then I looked around at the other works - all really great stuff. There was a huge mix of media of piantings to prints to jewelery to that installation... all in one single gallery. All very colourful too. There was no specific theme at all for this exhibition yet all the works seemed to compliment eachother very well.

6pm. The guests started arriving and soon the gallery was really busy. The moment I saw my family and friends walk in, I was just so happy and couldn't believe I was feeling so nervous before. I am so grateful for the people who came to show their support. You know who really cares for you when they take the effort to come. Some travelled as far as Langwarrin (!) to come to this! So, thank you so much to each and everyone of you. It really means so much to me and the night wouldn't have been the same if it you guys weren't there. In a way it is very different from a birthday party. Actually, VERY different and I still need to figure out what it is that makes it so. I think it is the fact that all the people who came knew about my love for art and how much it is my dream to become an artist. Having them there (and actually wanting to be there and being interested in my art) just makes me feel that my strong interest is not a silly thing and I am respected for it. That sense of acceptance is very motivating and inspirational for me and especially coming from the people who mean the most to me. So I guess that is the reason why the night was just so special. Thank you... your presence has done more than you'd ever know.

And for my friends on BowieNet - thank you so much for all your support. You guys are the best. It sucks doesn't it when all of you are scattered around the world and when I would love it for you guys to come to such events, you can't... for obvious reasons. One day... when plane tickets fall to the mere dollar we'll have a big gathering ;)

As inspired as I am to do more art right now, I cannot. I am still piled under a whole lot of university assignments and study. I HAVE to start studying. My exams are coming up in less than 3 weeks and I haven't done anything about it yet. I am really screwed. Yup. I've also got this Engineering project due in 2 weeks that requires a whole lot of design and detailed drawings. And even if I love to draw, this is not what I really enjoy doing. It is highly technical and arggh! Just very technical... :(

I will post some photos from the gallery here later... so please check back for updates! :) I will be trying to update this blog almost everyday now so please do check back often!

Til then...
xx Georgina

PS: For those of you who couldn't make the opening, its still not too late! The exhibition will run for one month from yesterday, so yeah - if you're in the area, feel free to pop in! The gallery is open from Wed-Sat Noon-5pm.

PPS: Although I already have, I just want to say it here in a blog (haha) that I am very grateful for my parents' efforts into helping me get the food, inviting people and especially for their support. I stink up the whole house when I do my painting and they NEVER complain. My easel and canvases take up an entire section of the living room and yet they never tell me to take it away. As much as they want me to finish my Engineering and Commerce degrees, they show a lot of support for my art and I am so grateful.

PPPS: And a special thank you to Dennison - who wore eyeliner... on his own initiative ;)