THE VALUE OF CONNECTING IN THE ARTS/AN AMERICAN JOURNEY

AN ARTIST JOURNEY

Martin and Barbara Stynes arrive in the USA.  The excitement of the adventure shows on their faces.  Martin is a British Abstract landscape artist and his wife Barbara is an artist as well.  Martin and I met on line as a result of the Rabbit's Moon Studio blog. 

Martin Stynes, British Landscape Artist

 We became friends on line and chatted for a couple of years.  We talked about art, making art, artist blocks, and idea in depth.  We began to become good friends who talked weekly.  I began to know Martin's family and friends through his posts.  It was evident he was an exceptional person and artist.  The idea began to germinate that bringing his work to America would be beneficial for him and us.  So he began to enter his work in exhibitions in Florida.  Then the idea began to form of bringing Martin to the USA.  The more we talked the more exciting it became and the more possible it seemed.  After many conversations and initial plans one plan emerged and with Kathie O'Leary's help we figured out a way to host Martin and Barbara state side.  I would pick Martin up in Orlando, he would rest a few days at my house, the we would have an art party at Lyman and Marks, they would then spend a week with Kathie and her husband Bill on the beach, I would then pick them up and off the Charleston to stay at my brother and sister in law's for a couple of days and then on to Asheville for another week.  For British who are not used to driving long distances they did very well.  Martin was able to network with artist and galleries in each area.  He was also able to see the art scene in each area and its differences.  We met other artists in each area and had wonderful discussions.  I will ask Martin to write a few post of his experiences and thoughts about his trip to put here for you to read.  

In many respects this was a risk for Martin and me, we had never met except on line, but we felt we knew each other pretty well and a level of trust had built up over the years.  And after meeting Martin in person I can tell you he is exactly the same sweet, kind, honest, thoughtful, creative person I thought he was.  

The value of reaching out to other artists, to other cultures, to exchange ideas is a highly valuable one, that is beneficial to all involved.  Consider the building of understanding, the sharing of common ideas as a creative person, the ability to see through another persons cultural lens, and to build bridges between countries and cultures.  I think the arts are the single most important way to accomplish understanding and peace in this world that is so torn with conflict and misunderstanding.  I urge you to build bridges, reach out as Martin and I have.  Let this be the beginning of a movement that creates a pathway of artists sharing and creating.  Join the movement, invite and artist to your country, host them, introduce them to other artists and galleries, put on joint shows, invite other artists, and above all build tolerance, understanding and good will!

British Abstract Landscape Artist Martin Stynes and his artist wife Barbara arrive in America.

Martin and Barbara explore the tropical

The Hosting Partners meet at the Columbia Restaurant in Ybor to plan
Martin and Barbara's American stay:starting on the right, Martin, Ann, Bill,
Kathie, Barbara, and me.

AN ART PARTY!  Lyman Zobel and Mark Phillips hosted an art party with myself and Ann for Martin and Barbara at their lovely artsy home.  Present were some of the finest artist and gallery owners in our area.  From right to left: Barbara Stynes, myself, Michelle Teugle, Leslie Neuman, Rose Marie Prins, and Betsy Lester.

Martin sharing ideas

Martin and Barbara in the foreground and James Michaels
painting in the background.  Lyman and Mark are avid collectors
of Michaels' work.

Barbara on Bellair Beach in Florida enjoying the sound of the surf.

Martin in Charleston discussing the news with April Gordon,
Charleston, S.C. host and my sister -in-law

MARTIN 

IN DEEP AND THOUGHTFUL 

DISCUSSION   

Helping to host an Asheville Deck Party

Martin and Barbara reading and relaxing in Asheville

Ann on the left, Martin, and myself eating at the Stoney Knob
Cafe, a funky artsy dinner.  Great food and fun.

The Blue Ridge Mountain air brings deep relaxation

Martin tasting a bit of mountain spirits, the real stuff, Moonshine.

Martin and Barbara in the mountains of the Blue Ridge

Martin and Barbara sitting in the Wild Berry Bed and Breakfast 

Dumont Cooke and Judy Baker host Martin and Barbara for cocktails at their
modern industrial style mountain house with a million dollar view.

Martin and Barbara enjoying meeting new friends

Barbara trying to capture that million dollar view

If you can't be a cowboy in America where can you be!?

Martin meets Botanical illustrator and artist in Asheville gallery

Leonardo Da Vinci was Barbara's constant companion,
better known as Vinci

Martin with a special liquid glow of enjoyment

Barbara finding Souther American handicrafts to take back to England

Barbara, the artist, with camera in hand

IT IS MY HOPE THIS IS THE BEGINNING OF VISITS AND SHARING, THAT MUCH GOOD WILL COME FROM THIS.  ANN AND I PLAN TO VISIT MARTIN AND BARBARA IN MANCHESTER, ENGLAND.  WE HOPE TO MEET OTHER ARTIST, VISIT GALLERIES, SHARE OUR WORK, AND CREATE. I SEE THIS AS THE FOUNDATION OF A BRIDGE THAT WE ARE BUILDING THAT MANY MAY TRAVEL BACK AND FORTH ON. 

 IF YOU WANT MORE IDEAS ON INVITING AND HOSTING ARTISTS IN YOUR AREA, CONTACT ME AT RABBITS5@AOL.COM. I PROMISE YOU THIS IS AN EXPERIENCE YOU WILL CHERISH AS I DO!