Tuesday, June 3, 2008

We Need the Eggs


In 1993 as we were preparing to move from the fog-enveloped hills of San Francisco to the starkly lit, high desert of northern New Mexico, I had an odd dream. I dreamed we were looking at a house in Santa Fe, a house we were thinking about buying. The house contained a beauty shop equipped with styling chairs, an endless row of mirrors, built-in hairdryers, shelves of conditioners, the works. I forgot the dream until ten years later, when a woman walked into our gallery at 219 West San Francisco in Santa Fe and said, "I just had to see what this place looks like now. You know, back in the Seventies, I went to beauty school right here in this space. The chairs were along this wall and the dryers were back there. Looks a little different now!"

So that would explain the water fountains in the hallway behind the exhibition area...
... the separate "institutional" women and men's restrooms, equipped with a total of five stalls, two sinks, and a urinal.
I mean it's nice to be able to spread out a little, but all of this behind-the-scenes plumbing for a mom-and-pop gallery is overkill.

It does seems appropriate, however, in some quirky way, that the current home of Convergence Gallery was once home to an institution that schooled people in the art of beauty. That's part of our job description too, has been since 1985, when we opened our doors in San Francisco, California. Back then our children sometimes accompanied us to work...

They blended right in.


Through the years, they continued to blend. Ours has been a "family" business in the most fundamental sense. Here we are sitting on the steps of our earlier location in Santa Fe...



And here we are again, a few years later, standing in front of that location. We were on Alameda Street at Old Santa Fe Trail, across from the Santa Fe River. We had a lovely view of the cottonwoods lining the river and a sweet little garden area in front where we planted petunias, pansies, and painted pots.

The rent was low and we stayed in the Alameda space for almost nine years. Then one evening we were walking to the Lensic Performing Arts Center on San Francisco Street to see a screening of Nosferatu accompanied by live music by Club Foot Orchestra. Two doors from the Lensic was an empty retail space with large windows. For years we had wanted a space on Santa Fe's main drag, West San Francisco. Next morning we called to inquire and learned that the rent was triple our current nut. Ouch.

Somehow we put together a bearable deal and a couple of months later, we hung our egg-shaped sign in front.


If you happen to be staying at the Eldorado, Santa Fe's largest hotel...

...you need only leave your hotel, walk to your left, cross the street, and we're less than half a block away. Enter the door at 219 West San Francisco, and you will most likely be greeted by a scene like this...


Look to your immediate right, and you will see a small front gallery where someone's paintings will be hanging. In this picture you can see just a part of Albert Scharf's "Captivated," an oil painting measuring 60 inches by 48 inches. We are blessed by twelve-foot high ceilings. Large-format paintings have plenty of room to breathe.

A good thing, as Albert's paintings breathe rather deeply...looks a little like SKY WATCH FRIDAY, except in oils on canvas.

This one's called "Blue Dusk." It's an oil on canvas measuring 30 inches by 40 inches.

Mesmerizing, isn't it?

Walk forward and you will come face to face with one of Bennie's "grandfather" clocks.

It's called "Magician's Birthday."




Continue walking, glance to your left, and you will see our work station, which is graced by a Paul McCobb desk. Various dealers have attempted to buy our desk for a few hundred dollars, with the intention of restoring it to its original blond maple and selling it for a few dollars more. I purchased the desk, when the kids were babies, from a crowded little store called Past Tense, in the Mission district of San Francisco. It already had a sad coat of off-white paint, but the lines were retro and Space Agey and I readily paid the $20 asking price. The desk was assigned to our home office. When we decided to use it at the gallery, Bennie painted it in the turquoise/periwinkle/hot pink scheme.

Funny thing is people seldom notice the other notable piece, the Eames chair which is pretty much in its original condition. And one just like it resides in MOMA, New York. Bennie acquired the Eames chair from his landlord in San Francisco.

That was one of my paintings hanging over the desk, in the harsh spot of the halogen.

And here is "My Forgotten City," which measures 24 inches by 48 inches...

"Inside the Pyramid," a painting of the same dimensions, now resides in the collection of the CEO of a chain of art supply stores. He and his wife visited our gallery and decided they'd like it in their home. And guess what? I'd just bought my last batch of canvas in one of his stores. A Klassic Kase of Kanvas Karma...


And here are still more of my paintings, ranging in size from 24 inches by 30 inches to 48 inches by 36 inches. They are hanging on the left wall, just inside the front door.

In the foreground is yet another view of "Magician's Birthday." The top is actually a lid which lifts off to reveal a secret compartment. We have one. We put love letters and utility bills in ours.

Keep walking, look back over your shoulder, and you can see the back of the Eames chair, another of my paintings, and our pink columns. You will also get a fleeting glimpse of the realist paintings of Massachusetts painter Laura Anderson. Several are hanging on the columns, along with some painted, carved bateas, or, "small flat boats."

That's too fleeting actually. Here's a better view of one of Laura's sumptuous paintings--"Two Chairs, Open Window," acrylic on canvas, 12 inches by 11 inches.

And here's Laura's personal take on one of the artists of the Hudson River School of painting. She "pears" it with her personal vision and calls it "Huntington's Late Afternoon Pear." It's acrylic on canvas and measures 9 inches by 10 inches.

A jewel.

Our gallery is blessed by two other extremely talented realists. Carolyn Lamuniere lives here in Santa Fe and paints light-suffused interior spaces that open to other spaces. And when she paints an exterior space, it's from a similar perspective--with a hint of things to come...


Again, that's far too fleeting a glimpse. Here's one up close. "Place of Stillness," oil on canvas, measuring 28 inches by 18 inches.

And "Staircase III," measuring 27 inches by 18 inches.

Talk about a tricky perspective. This makes me dizzy, and in the best of ways.

Fulbright scholar Christopher Terry lives in Utah, where he's a professor of art. Believe it or not, he doesn't consider himself a realist.


Although his technique is highly realistic, he sets up his compositions to evoke the notion of ritual. Here is my personal favorite--"Offering," oil on canvas, measuring 40 inches by 32 inches.

Isn't that floor dazzling?

And later this week, we will be adding the paintings of a fourth realist--Karen Cole, who paints sensual macrocosmic views of flowers. Our gallery is a block and a half from the O'Keeffe Museum and I can already hear people comparing these to Ms. Georgia's. Similar perspective, wildly different technique.


And did you know we enjoy whimsy?

Portland painter Bonnie Taylor-Talbot works in a "naif" style...

and stamps phrases on her acrylic paintings in silver ink...

I had the pleasure of selling one of Bonnie's chicken paintings to actress Connie Stevens. The canvas depicted a chorus line of chickens in exotic headgear. It was called "Party Girls." It suited Connie.

Bonnie's paintings are kindred spirits to Bennie's clocks, all of which have those secret compartments...

(Are those Wild Bill Tick Tocks not some extraordinary time machines?)

...and to Elizabeth McNitt's vibrant painted vessels, which take southwestern design to the next level...


Want to see what's in the back gallery? Well, walk through this door...

...and feast your eyes on the amazing paintings of Iran-born Sussan Afrasiabian. Hers is a Modernist sensibility--there's a bit of a nod to cubism, but even more so, a 21st century, feminine awareness, a grace and fluidity that is simply stunning.


I enjoy the way Sussan's faceless, archetypal women watch over the little Tungsten Table, purchased in the SOMA district of San Francisco, from a designer/artist who came up with a clever line called "The Periodic Tables." The chairs are Sixties era Italian wrought iron dinette chairs from Modernology in Hayes Valley, San Francisco.


In our side gallery are the dramatic, larger-than-life figurative paintings of L.A. artist Sarena Rosenfeld, along with the painted vessels of Elizabeth Mcnitt and the paintings of Christopher Terry, both of which I mentioned earlier.

"Pagliacci" looms beautifully, his inclined head contemplating a whole new slant on things.

And "Baby, Baby, I'm Falling in Love" makes a splashy statement about the largeness of love. It measures 72 inches by 72 inches. Sarena's paintings have been collected by Meg Ryan, Pierce Brosnan, and Dennis Quaid, among other Hollywood notables.

They are show-stoppers, aren't they?

In our main gallery we are featuring the sparse, pared-down-to-luminous-essentials, New Mexico landscapes of Spanish painter Julia Gil.



We recently shipped this 48-inch-square oil painting to a collector in Manhattan. She wanted to reserve the right to gaze regularly at the peaceful "Hills of New Mexico." Lucky city dweller.


Julia's paintings have a storybook quality.

This one's called "The Arrival of Good News" and measures 36 inches square.


...It's a little like stepping into a dream. A very good dream.

Can you see why I look forward to my workday? When I open the door in the morning, I feel a mini reawakening to life. So much joyous energy resides in each artist's work. I walk around, rearranging the pots and clocks, touching the surface of a canvas or two. So many dreams being released into the world. I can hear those dreams, humming underneath the surface. Or is that the hum of the hairdryers from the old beauty school?

I couldn't count the hours we've invested here since 1985. And we keep coming back...



It's like what Woody Allen said about human relationships.

"We need the eggs."

145 comments:

Patty said...

San...what an incredibly beautiful gallery you have. So many talented artists....no wonder you love your work. Bennie's clocks are adorable. I'd love to have one! I'd have a difficult time deciding which one though as they are all quite lovely. Thank you for giving us a glimpse into your world. To borrow a phrase from one of Bonnie Taylor-Talbot's paintings....you certainly can tell that....'Love Lives Here'.
~Patty

Lee said...

OMG!! I've been scrolling and scrolling. This is great! I haven't even finished reading the details. Gotta go back and do that. Love the huge flower whimsy thingy. Can't wait to go back and savor the details. I'll be rereading this over and over again! I LOVE THIS!!!

Hugs!!!!!!!!!!!!

Daryl said...

I am so lusting over those skies ... I could sit and look at them all day long ... Bennie's clocks .. I want them ALL ... I am so a whimsy lover ... Husband calls it 'PeeWee's Playhouse' .. and those realists are the reason I dont paint ... I cannot 'get' on canvas what I see .. so the camera serves my needs to express.

I now must come there in person ... and I promise not to drool on the artwork

:-Daryl

Lee said...

Ok San, the details are read and it got even better. I'm really looking forward to the new artist's page on your site. That flower close up is awesome!

No wonder you have a sense of calm about you despite a very busy schedule. There is a place in your gallery for every kind of mood and the spirit of the whole place just feeds you, body and soul.

I like your painting behind the desk. The colors go well together. Those jugs and wooden dishes are better in the settings I've seen them in the past few days than they are on the gallery artists page.

What ever happened to those cute funky statues of cowboy clowns that Oakley is standing next to? Those look like fun!

Hugs!!!

Daphne Enns said...

I will have to read this one over a few times to take it all in. Your gallery doesn't seem small to me. Everyones art works so well together.

I can certainly see in what direction your tastes run. Your work and Bennie's and everyone else's reinforce each other incredibly well.

Karen Jacobs said...

Terrific walk through your gallery... would love to do it in person some day! KJ

Sandi McBride said...

My god San, I'm dizzy. I've not seen so much color outside my back yard garden in so long...I'll have to come back and tell you how wonderful everything was...it 'pears the pear is my favorite tho, I do know that...or the chairs ... no the pear...I'll be back
hugs
Sandi

Akelamalu said...

Oh I just loved my tour of your gallery! All the paintings and the clocks are fabulous and I'm intrigued that you dreamt about your gallery in so much detail before you actually found it!

andrea said...

What a fun tour! I'll be returning just for the eye candy. From this tour I can see a difference between what you do and what a lot of "safe" galleries do. To put it a nutshell: you have vision and galleries with vision succeed. BTW your blog will be a fantastic record for your kids one day. (And I love stories of synchronicity.)

PS Annie Hsall is one of those few movies that I can practically quote from start to finish. :)

Tess Kincaid said...

Enjoyed all this fabulous art! Can I pop over this afternoon? Sigh...if only I could.

Fun photos of your family!

Woody Allen is the best.

p said...

love the colors, love the clocks...love seeing what your gallery looks like!

San said...

Patty, I believe you've said it all, with a tip from Bonnie. Love DOES live here. And that goes for blogland too.

Thanks much!

San said...

Lee, scroll to your heart's delight. It's the next best thing to an in-person visit.

HUG.

San said...

Daryl, "Peewee's Playhouse"--we've heard that before. And "Alice in Wonderland." The clocks put me in the mind of all of those talking home furnishings in Disney's "Beauty and the Beast."

When you visit, we'll be sure to take down the "YOU DROOL, YOU BUY" sign. You will be allowed to drool all over the place.

:-D

San said...

Lee, those hand-built sculptures were all the rage in our San Francisco gallery for a few years in the Eighties. YUP. They did look like cowboys (from outer space.) The artist lived in LA and she made dozens of them. They went for $2500 apiece. She does very different work now, but we fondly remember the dudes.

San said...

Daphne, I'm so glad you see a cohesion despite the diversity of styles. I respect your eye. Thank you.

San said...

Well, Karen, you'll have to do just that. We'd love it!

San said...

Hugs to you Sandi. I understand your dilemma. Chairs or pears? An approach-approach conflict.

San said...

I know what you mean, Akelamalu. The dream was pretty special.

San said...

Andrea, thank you much for your positive words. That means a lot to me.

I agree. Annie Hall is highly quotable. I need to watch it again. Soon.

San said...

Willow, I wish you could pop over too. For now, this will have to suffice.

Thank you.

San said...

Paula, thank you for your virtual visit. Here's hoping for a real-live one!

Edward said...

That is one ocean-going, 24 carat luxury liner of a gallery. If I wasn't the wrong side of the Atlantic I'd be there in a flash. And beautifully presented on your blog too. Congratulations.

Celebration of Life said...

Thank you so much for the virtual tour, San! I must visit! I love the staircase painting and would love to have it hanging in my livingroom but want one of your paintings also! My very favorite piece is the clock where you keep your "love letters and utility bills"! (laughing) Your tour has stirred my creative juices.
Jo

aims said...

Wow!! I didn't realize how much beauty you surround yourself with daily.

Would you mind looking at my brother's website of his pottery and then give me - or him - your opinion?


www.otterpottery.com

Sparkling Red said...

My spirit guide(s) really like everything in your gallery. He/she/it/they touch my head for encouragement, and h/s/i/t was all over me for the entirety of that post. (We are not so well acquainted that I have a name and gender or even number, but I can understand the general direction of the communications.)

Oh, yes, and I enjoyed it too! :-)

San said...

Edward, how nice to meet you! Thank you for visiting and voicing such sparkling compliments. Now I'm aglow.

San said...

Jo, I am looking forward to your in-person visit. Our clock is very similar to the one on the blog. Each is hand-built and painted, so each is unique, but that one you see provides a very good idea of ours. We went clockless for years. Like the cobbler's family without shoes. And now that we have one, it's one of my favorite pieces!

Yes, that staircase painting is incredible. Even better in person.

San said...

AIMS, I'll check out the otter pots. Thanks for visiting.

San said...

Red, I'm glad you can't shake those spirit guides, especially in the gallery. They must be most wise.

Your visits are always so much fun!

lime said...

oh, you have fed my soul again today and i can't thank you enough. so much beauty to be surrounded by at "work." there's really something there for anyone's taste too.

San said...

Hi, Lime. Art, it is a soul feast, isn't it? I appreciate your words. Always do.

RiverPoet said...

I feel as though I have just toured your gallery and spent a week in vacation. Gorgeous, gorgeous artwork. Julia's paintings are very rich with color and do have a storybook feel, but that first Afrasiabian painting? The one with the blue woman? I would dearly love to have that.

Peace - D

San said...

Doris, Sussan's paintings are so amazing. I wish you could see them in person--they are powerful indeed.

I'm so glad you enjoyed the tour and are refreshed.

david mcmahon said...

Can I be president of your fan club? Great paintings - and Blue Dusk is so similar to a series of shots I took last year.

I'd love to visit your gallery and meet your family, San.

Unknown said...

San! Thank you!! Thank you!!! Thank you!!!!

From the story of your dream to the reality of Convergence Gallery, I have been enthralled by your narrative. And, being the lover of art that I am, I have been mesmerized by the photographs. I have clicked each seeking a larger and enhanced view and been rewarded with incomparable beauty. I could spend hours—no, days—entranced within the walls of Convergence Gallery! And, to work in such a place, could never be termed “work.” For one such as me, it would be more like being in paradise.

Why, O why, did I not find you back in 2003 when I was last in Santa Fe? I spent most of my time there going through galleries! If I am ever blessed to be able to resume my vagabond trekking through the Western U.S., I shall not miss you again.

Jennifer S said...

I can't even tell how many times I said "wow" or "beautiful" while I read/gaped at this. There are so many pieces that I loved.

Thank you so much for this tour. I've already jumped over to your gallery's website.

San said...

David, it's a tough job, but somebody's gotta do it. You're elected, man!

I thought the sky paintings might look familiar to you.

San said...

Nick, I'm glad you enlarged the images. That makes such a difference, and your enthusiasm is much appreciated. Thank you!

I can't believe we missed each other back in 2003. Here's hoping you'll make another western trek soon--I'd love to meet you.

San said...

Jennifer, since you're next door in Arizona, you'll just have to head east and see things in person. But I am glad you're checking out the site too.

murat11 said...

This was wealth beyond bliss. I'm not going to even try to go too far out on a limb. There must be some character limit on comments. What a wonderful celebration of the nuclear and extended Convergence families. I kept wanting to tell myself that I had indeed wandered into the space when in SF last summer, but I think it's more that I've come to know the gallery and its visions through your eyes and words and photo'd images. It was nice to get the long lingering walk through the space this afternoon.

Looks like Miami Vice survived fairly intact, no?

Peace/out. Beautiful post.

San said...

Paschal, I felt so RICH as I put this post together and your comment deepens my riches. Then again, your comments tend to do that.

Regarding Vice: Flan came home a while back and I had it turned disrespectly on its end, partially concealed, in her bedroom/my studio. I brought it out of hiding, rotated it 90 degrees to its proper position and she said, "Well, I would certainly find wall space for a piece like that. Mom, I love it!" That did it for me.

Paz, cuddin.

highlander1463 said...

San,

What beautiful artwork. I love the Laura Anderson paintings. And the work by Carolyn Lamuniere is very thought provoking. It must be great to be able to experience all of that art everyday.

-P

Anonymous said...

Oooooooooh! I didn't want your post to end. A wonderful selection of styles. Bennies' clocks are beautifully whimsical! On Newbury Street in Boston I did NOT come across any gallery which even begins to compare to yours.

Celebration of Life said...

You really do have a beautiful gallery; much more than I ever imagined!

Katiejane said...

OH MY GOSH, San. I sooooo
love your gallery! I am so envious. This is something I've always wanted to do, own an art gallery. I would love for mine to be like the "Art on Symmes" gallery I posted back in March on my blog. But yours is spectacular and I can see a lot of love here. Thank you for the tour. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Carol said...

Well, THAT was fun! Whew! I WAS going to tell you that a certain painting was my favorite, but then I found a new favorite, and then another and another...

What a colorful, smiley job you have! And you have made that gallery itself a work of art!

Thanks so much for the story and the tour.

Velvet Ginger said...

Absolutely beautiful...everything. What a lovely gallery...and story.
Those Sky pictures of Albert really grabbed me.
thank you for sharing your colorful life with us.

Andrea and Kim said...

I have spent so much time savoring this beautiful post. I have never been a person who is good with going out to work, but I can sure see where this gallery would sure get me up and out each day. Aside from your paintings (which you know I adore), and Bennie's clocks (which are fantabulous), the artists you have chosen to represent are breathtaking.

This gallery space is so much fun and the blending of the timeless pieces with the timeless art feels so comfortable. If I had to guess, all of the "Merediths" are very happy you found the space on San Francisco Street even if it did make the heart pound a bit harder at first.

San, it is such an honor to be given this glimpse into your day world. I haven't been to Santa Fe in several years, but I am going to be pushing to visit sooner rather than later, now.

I will be back to visit this post a lot! For now, I am going to read the comments...

Thank You

Paula In Pinetop said...

Oh San, how lucky you are to get to look at this beautiful art every single day !!!

The beauty of this post just rolls on and on and on !!!

AND to have a gallery wall right there to hang your art !!!!!! Wow, I would love that.

I love that I'm just 40 minutes away and will stop in again soon. My friend Colleen has just moved back to Santa Fe from El Rito so I have more excuse to be in Santa Fe. I was in town for the farmers market last Saturday and it was too early to stop by. Maybe next time I'll come with some chocolate !!!

Love, love, love the photos and details, great post.

d smith kaich jones said...

Oh, I think my heart stopped a few times when reading & viewing this. Wow! How incredible!

Debi

Mima said...

Oh San, I couldn't have asked for more, a tour of your beloved gallery, something I would love to be able to do, and will never have the chance to. Not surprised that you love it, it is just fantastic, and the colour is just wonderful.

And I do have my favs, I loved Forgotten City Skyline, and the Karen Cole painting was right up my street, when I was able to do my photography, the ones I loved to take most were macros, and especially of flowers!

I have just googled the gallery and been for a bit of a nosy - I will have to head back when Karen's pictures go up!

Quick question for you that has only just occurred to me, how do you get jpgs of the pictures, do you have a massive scanner?

Anyway enough babble now, thank you again for the wonderful tour!

Unknown said...

San,

thank you for a tour of your gallery! I feel like you've just given us a personal invitation to visit someday!

Rhea said...

I love the tour! I think you have a great gallery filled with awesome art. So much of it was incredible and wonderful to look at, but what really caught my eye the most were Bennie's clocks. I want one!!

Meg Wolff said...

San,
Your posts are so great. That beauty school story was the best.

I enjoyed the tour of your beautiful gallery, but wanted to see your work better. Hmm ... maybe an upcoming post?

Thought the staircase painting should be yours ... could he paint you into it in your stilettos?

Love Benny's clocks!!

And most of all the photo of you, Bennie and the kids is so perfect.

You have an eye for beauty and I think it rubs off on people around you. You are enchanting San!

San said...

Highlander, thank you for visiting and leaving such a nice comment. I will check out your place...

San said...

Dar, I've heard about the Newbury Street galleries, so I am thrilled by your compliment. Thanks! Someday we'll make it to Boston..

San said...

Jo, I can't wait for you to visit!

San said...

Katie Jane, may your wish of gallery ownership come true--channel your passion in that direction.

San said...

Carol, now I'm smiling because of your comment. Thanks.

San said...

Kim, I'm honored that you like the gallery so much. One of these days you too will have to visit in person.

As always, I thank you for your tremendously supportive commentary.

San said...

Paula, I'm wondering if you made it to Todos Santos. You would be in chocolate heaven there.

See you...

San said...

Debi, I'm glad your heart started again. It's a warm one.

San said...

Mima, I have the gallery in my list of Sitings. We hung Karen's paintings today and they are like a big breath of fresh air! Check back at the site in a few days--we'll be putting them on there.

In answer to your question about the jpegs, we take pictures of the art with a regular digital camera and save images in both high-resolution and web-friendly formats. The ones you view on the blog are low-resolution. The older family pictures were scanned in a small personal scanner. I hope that answers your question.

San said...

Doc, you've got that right!

San said...

Rhea, we'll be happy to fix you up with a clock. Any time.

:-D

San said...

Meg, we wouldn't want to ruin a perfectly beautiful painting by including me tripping on my high heels, now would we? (Actually, I love the idea!)

And I love being called enchanting. That enchants me. You are am amazing, positive human being.

San said...

Rubye Jean, I could have sworn I posted a reply to your comment, but Blogger seems to be up to its dastardly tricks, sending my typed words down a black hole in cyberspace.

What I was trying to say is: THANK YOU.

Jeanne said...

OMG what a beautiful place. The light the airyness..is that a word? I love the works in the photo with your young one as well as many other pieces. What a look at your world. And the dream...wow

Meg Wolff said...

San,
You are enchanting and so much more. Rare talent found on the Web.Your blog is like a good book that I keep looking forward to reading. It is my absolute favorite.

I still think you are a famous writer and your alias is San. Though your other life is pretty impressive too ... the gallery and your paintings are equally amazing ... what did you think about a future Cyber show of your work? Hope I'm not embarassing you, but I bet everyone (all your fans, yes, fans) would LOVE it.

And, I think David's idea of a fan club is a good one. If he is President, then I will be V.P. Or ... maybe for your fan club we should do something more appropriate like have a king & a queen.:-)

katydidnot said...

really fabulous gallery, especially with the kids in there.

whimsical brainpan said...

Thank you so much for the tour of your gallery. It is beautiful (as is your family) and full of exquisite works!

Bridgette Guerzon Mills said...

this post was like a visual feast! thank you.

San said...

Jeanne, yes, I believe airiness is a word, and yes, it fits here. And in this thin high desert air, we appreciate the ability to breathe in. And breathe out. Thank you.

Celebration of Life said...

Good morning San!
I had to take a look at that staircase painting again. I have had dreams about a staircase very similar. Have a good day!
Jo

San said...

Meg, a PROCLAMATION this day shall be broadcast throughout the land:

MEG is hereby declared royalty:

QUEEN of ENCOURAGEMENT, RADIANCE, and BEAUTY.

I bow to you, your HIGHNESS. I am at your service.

Now let's come up with a secret handshake for our club.

San said...

Katy, I guess I'm a little biased, but those kids are my favorite works of art.

San said...

Whim, yours is an exquisite spirit.

San said...

Bridgette, thanks to you for taking the tour.

San said...

Jo, a staircase dream? Now that sounds intriguing. And powerful.

Thanks for coming by for coffee. Have a marvelous day, friend!

Bruno LoGreco said...

Incredible San! I'm definitely coming to claim the Magician's Birthday - stunning piece of art - I have fallen in love two times over. I think a trip south is definitely in order.

Thank you!!

San said...

Bruno, your enthusiasm is fabulous! I hope you will make that trip south. Soon.

SandyCarlson said...

Your gallery is gorgeous. The narrative made me smile all over. Yours is fine art in every sense of the word. It's wonderful to experience it without the haughty pretension that is available by the cartload in the galleries around here. Your soul shines through, San. Albert's sky paintings took my breath away. This is a feast for the eyes. God bless.

San said...

Sandy, I've experienced that haughtiness too, and it's so at odds with the impulse that inspires people to make art in the first place.

Thank you for visiting and expressing your enjoyment.

Merlin's Wizard said...

I love the look of your gallery and will feffinately visit should icome over in the future. what captivating clocks- I could look at them all day!

Good luck with the gallery and I hope it stays as strong as it is now.

Take care
Merlins wizard
xx

San said...

Wizard, you are welcome any time!

xx

A.Bananna said...

wow! beautiful!! I love your gallery! I would never leave that place! LOL...well...if you 86ed me I would. anyways...I just LOVE those clocks! they are so so so cool! if I ever go to Santa Fe I will stop by and see you! maybe never leave you...lol.

Hope you have a great day!!!

Phyllis Hunt McGowan said...

Wow, this art is beautiful- I too was dizzy at the staircase. Magical how people can do that.
You've the most wonderful way of blending words and pictures without superfluous amounts of either. The skies, and the clocks, and a fine insight into your work and life. Thank you.

Leau said...

How lovely, can't wait to stop by next time I am in the city different!

San said...

86, Anna Bananna? No way! No how!

Spend the night if you'd like. Spend the week.

San said...

The Elementary, you've made me feel really good. Thanks.

San said...

Leau, a visit from you would be fun.

Anonymous said...

I am absolutely spell-bound. So glad I came here today, I feel as though I have been on a journey through a beautiful landscape, full of peace and traquility. It's amazing. Simply breath-taking.

Crystal xx

Preity Angel... said...

San, those are really beautiful pictures...I must say you have so many talents..I lvoe the clocks alott as well.

Well Done!!!

San said...

Crystal, thank you for accompanying me on the journey.

xx

San said...

Angel, thanks much for your compliments.

Lynette said...

Oooh I love all the photos of the beautiful artwork and I would love to see your gallery in person, what a dream! I also enjoyed seeing the wonderful photos of your family, great post!!

Unknown said...

Thank you SO much for the gallery walk through! What a wonderful collection of artists you have. It has been far to long since I have been to Santa Fe. A part of me will always belong to New Mexico,It is indeed an enchanted place.

Lori said...

Wow...there is so much to say here. What a beautiful place! Do you need any photographs from the prairies of Kansas?!

Your little desk and chair would fit right in at the school where I work...we have several of those little chairs scattered about.

Everything is so lovely. What a wonderful job to have!

indicaspecies said...

San,

Wow, what an incredibly artistic post. Such interesting paintings and yes, each piece is a dream. Thank you for sharing these and those adorable family pictures too. I can well understand why you look forward to a workday.

This post makes me dizzy, and in the best of ways.:)

x said...

San: Thank your for the glimpse into all that stunning artwork and that quirky dream. You are so gifted, surrounded by so many gifted people in such a beautiful spot on the planet.

~Babs said...

What a fabulous post, thanks San!
I'm sure I've been in your Gallery, as I didn't miss a one,,,any time I've been there. And, of course I love the fact that it used to be a Beauty School!
#:-)
Love all the art,,,and the clocks,,wow!
Super Gallery,,any artist would be proud to hang there!
Thanks again for the amazing tour!

The Moody Minstrel said...

There is SO much to appreciate about that gallery, especially the variety! It seems like there's something to appeal to every facet of one's psyche!

San said...

Lynette, I hope you'll get to Santa Fe one of these days. I'd love to meet you!

San said...

Karen, thank you! Yes, they do have reason to call this place The Land of Enchantment.

San said...

Hi, Lori. Check the school's chairs to see if they come from Herman Miller. There should be a label. If so, they must be authentic.

Photos from the prairies of Kansas--that sounds beautiful. Then again, we're not a photography gallery. There are a few in Santa Fe though, two of them on our street.

San said...

Celine, I knew you would appreciate the art. Thank you for your glowing comments.

And your playful attitude. :-D

San said...

Writer, I love what you say about "being surrounded by so many gifted people in such a beautiful spot on the planet." You make me feel lucky. Lucky to read comments such as yours.

San said...

Well, Babs, the next time you're in town, you'll have to call and let me know you're coming, so that we can get together. I would love that.

San said...

"Something to appeal to every aspect of one's psyche." Moody, you've just come up with our new advertising slogan. How much do I owe you?

Unknown said...

San, what a wonderful place, a wonderful gallery and wonderful people bringing this magic into reality.

I guess I have to come back many times in order to appreciate this post fully. Thanks so much for sharing your place, your art with us, and the pictures of your family who looks so sunny!

love
Andrea
PS have a wonderful week!

rebecca said...

oh, but what a wonderful glimpse into your very creative and colorful world. you have a beautiful gallery with so many talented artists -- i could very well spend a good afternoon there...

Calamity Jane said...

What a beautiful workplace you have San. I'm chartreuse with envy (see I had to throw in a little artiness so you can relate, giggle). I particularly like the macroscopic flower. Oh and Bennie's clocks ... I want one!

Shrinky said...

Oh San, what an idylic setting you have sculpted.. it radiates peace and serenity. The Huntington Pear (I forget the full title) is lucious, I so want to reach out and touch it. Thank you for this marvellous tour of your gallery, My minds eye watches you reading this, seated behind your Paul McCobb desk, and perched on that elegant Eames chair. A lovely picture.

John-Michael said...

“My Forgotten City” has a wistful melancholy that begs for redemption of what the city was. A memory of beauty and dynamics that are becoming blurred with the theft of definition … but refuse to be lost. I want to revisit this piece often.

I could easily become addicted to the bateas. I would easily have them all around.

The magic spell of the floor in “Offering” had my captivated. Then when I read your comment on it I smiled in appreciation of our shared attraction to it. Wonderful!

And Karen Cole’s work has me wanting to dim the lights, put on some specific music, and give my core senses freedom to wander.

Bonnie Taylor-Talbot’s chickens I would welcome as a daily joy. But the printed work on them steals away my freedom in applying the fresh interpretations that my Spirit would want to insert with each viewing.

The “Convergence,” in this space, of the Karma that is You, with the residing Karma of yesterday’s inhabitants is lovely to contemplate.

This has been an exceptional interlude and Holiday for my Senses. I am so happy that You invited me to share in the sacredness and joys of your expressions of Life in its finest arrays of beauty. I do love You so, Dearest San.

virtualjourney said...

Lovely post, San; the place has the feel of being in the clouds, and the colour harmony is magic.

San said...

Andrea, you're so kind. It's not as though you're not surrounded by a little art yourself. Last time I checked, Paris wasn't exactly lacking in the art quotient.

:-D

San said...

Rebecca, you're welcome to spend an afternoon here. Any time. We'd love that.

San said...

Jane, you are so funny. Always. You and the clocks would get along SO well.

San said...

Shrinky, I agree. That pear is most toothsome. One of these days, as I perch on the chair, I'm going to fall into the computer and be lost in cyberspace. Send out a search party.

San said...

John-Michael, you have so many interesting and thoughtful comments about the various art pieces. Thank you for looking so carefully.

In particular I thank you MUCH for what you have to say about "My Forgotten City." My sentiments exactly.

Love to you...

San said...

Julie, in such a poetic way you've put that. Thank you!

Gone Back South said...

Amazing photos, and I love the idea of a real family business. Super inspiring post!

DILLY said...

Dilly think awl paintins be mayzin!!

A.Bananna said...

I wish I could paint like that. all of them are AMAZING! I had to come and stare again! LOL. hope all is well!

jafabrit said...

wow, that is something else, your dream and what the gallery was, cool! Your gallery and it's work is just wonderful. I hope I can come visit Santa Fe one day soon because I would LOVE to see your gallery and say hello. Beautiful gallery and work.

sukipoet said...

An amazing post, San. Just a wonderful gallery, with a great variety of work. I must have just missed you, as my last visit to Santa Fe was 1994. Anyway, you make me want to visit again. I'll come back and look again, so much to take in. Blessings, Suki

John-Michael said...

San, I have a token of my esteem for you on my blog.

I love You.

Jameil said...

ok the karen cole? NEED! def. reminds me of georgia o'keefe whom i fell in love with in 4th grade! i love her flowers! love!!

david mcmahon said...

One day, I'll visit your gallery ...

San said...

Gone Back South, thanks. And what an intriguing new profile image you have!

San said...

San KNOW Dilly be mayzin'!

xx

San said...

Anna, thanks so much for stopping by again. All is well, yes. I've been busy painting this week. One really nice something completed. Another iffy one in the works.

San said...

Jafabrit, I would love to meet you. I hope you make it to Santa Fe and to the gallery.

San said...

Suki, in 1994 we were in business here, but our first location was completely hidden. It was actually in a basement. Somehow a few people found us anyway and made purchases, but we didn't sign a real lease, just a month-to-month agreement, so when we found the space on Alameda, we moved. You weren't the only one who didn't know where to look for us back then. :-D

San said...

John-Michael, you are most kind. I came and I claimed. I will post it proudly. Thank you.

San said...

Jameil, your passion for life is beautiful indeed!

San said...

I know you will, David, and that will be a fun day. For all of us.

Maggie May said...

Its wonderful.......... like an Aladin's cave! I could lose myself there! Thanks for giving us a taste of your gallery! What a lot of photos you took! I thought I was being clever putting three in my post this week!

Sandi McBride said...

I came in to see if you had posted anew, but it doesn't matter because I see something new in the pictures you've posted everytime I walk in...love the work, San! Just delightful
hugs
Sandi

Heather said...

Ummmm, Wow doesn't even cover it. I would love to walk through your space someday. Thanks for showing us around! When I get gallery representation, I hope and pray that it will be with someone as wonderful and loving as you are with your artists.

Cath said...

Do you know, I read this a while back and just glanced through the comments now - I can't believe that I haven't commented!

So now I will - it's fantastic. So there! :0P xoxoxoxox

Raven said...

What a beautiful gallery. I wish I had money and lived in New Mexico... but it's lovely to be able to visit via cyber space. Wow. Wonderful.

Anonymous said...

Wow! These are amazing. Thank you for sharing so many pics. My first time here, and I have going over a lot of your previous posts. Will be back!

Cris, Artist in Oregon said...

wow.. what a lovely gallery you have. so much to take in here.
I love the painting that Connie Stevens bought.
I liked seeing all the rooms of art works and outside too.
I too can see why you love it so there.