The wait is over at Gallery 114

Aaand we’re back from our break. Still holding your breath to see what’s up at Gallery 114?

“With Bated Breath” is up and open to the public. You might remember “Safe/ Not Safe (PDX)” from the collage series. That piece was selected for this exhibit, in which the gallery means to show ‘work that captures the sensation of breathing shallowly in response to heightened anticipation.’ You can see it in person, until February 1st.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to make the trip down to Portland for the opening reception. But if you were in the Pearl District and snapped a photo or ten, let’s see them! Point me toward your Facebook/Instagram/other social feed so the rest of us can live vicariously through you.

Why see a show that leaves you hanging?

Let’s face it: the holidays involve a lot of waiting: for a flight or train, for a specific day, for gifts. Some people embrace the agony/ecstasy of that moment, like the artists in my upcoming show.

Safe/ Not Safe (PDX)” will be shown as part of a group exhibit in Portland, “With Bated Breath.” Gallery 114 intends to present ‘work that captures the sensation of breathing shallowly in response to heightened anticipation.’ What says “anxiety” more clearly than the sight of a child perched on the edge of a tower?

But there’s more than anxiety in this show; there’s also hope. The real potential of this exhibit is in a shared and intense experience: just like going with a group to see a scary movie — or a romantic comedy. Join us on the precipice: the show opens on January 2nd.

New work: but is it "safe"?

I don't remember any water towers near the place where I grew up.

There was a river sort of nearby, but we lived in a desert. The riverbed was usually so dry it was used mostly to shoot videos and movies.

Movie still from "Grease." Credit: William Anthony/ Wikipedia

So when I finally saw a water tower in real life, it looked almost like a cinematic prop. It would make a great dramatic refuge for the hero to escape from bullies and other bad guys.

Now I live in what used to be a temperate rainforest, so I see water towers all the time.  And I realize the bad guys could climb the same ladder you used to get away from them. They could attack one of the tower legs; the reservoir (and you) could come crashing down. It looks like a safe space... but it wouldn't be for long. How defensible is any "safe" space, really?

This weekend, you can see and decide for yourself. My collage series of five water towers debuts at the Centennial Center Gallery, along with other new and existing artworks. And hey -- let me know if you stop by to visit the gallery; take a photo and tag me on Facebook or Instagram.