MUSE-Day.....The Power of the MASK

Man is least himself when he talks in his own person;
Give him a mask and he will tell you the truth.

Oscar Wilde

Remember when you were a kid and you couldn't wait for Halloween?

Sure, the candy haul was a lot to look forward to, but truthfully, wasn't it the idea of the costume, the mask, of becoming someone else for a few hours, of playing a role, acting out and not being responsible for it because it was someone else?

Certain of my children still does this, at the age of 25 with a real job, and adult responsibilities, and doesn't always wait for Halloween. He revels in the opportunity to allow that other side of his personality, that other persona, loose on an unsuspecting world.

I have often wondered if this is how he stays balanced and in control...
the behaviors of this "dark side" are not considered socially acceptable without the costume and the make-up.

The truth....I myself still delight in opportunities to become someone else for a while, whether through costume and make-up, or a mask. There are parts of my own personality that can only see the light of day when guarded by a mask, whether real or perceived.
Maybe we want to "try on" a different personality; maybe we're just trying to "fake it till we make it", attempting to learn new behavior.

Much of the time, though, our masks are simply a front that we put on for others, either to impress them or to hide what we consider our imperfections or shortcomings, those parts of ourselves that we feel we need to hide from others.

What masks do YOU wear?
Are you wearing them for fun, to attempt a change, or out of fear?
Please share with us! We really want to hear what you think and feel!

Yes, I'm Still Here

Tim, Hannah and Sparky
~the first of our Halloween portraits~

I survived (barely, and with the help of some really great friends!) the week of putting Penumbra together at the gallery and the show opening itself.
And yes, I've been asleep almost continually since the reception Saturday!

I've been editing photos from the reception today so that I can share some of the wonderful Halloween art hanging in the gallery right now. I'll share a little each day...don't want to give away too much!

a few of the decorations from the main gallery

Today I'd really just like to express my gratitude to the friends who helped me out last week.
I was stressed over things not going just right, and as you may know, stress causes lupus symptoms to worsen, which in turn causes me to be susceptible to whatever is floating around.

Of course, I got sick with some sort of flu-like bug. Then my great-aunt died. Almost time for the opening, and I'm falling apart.

a selection of works from Ruth Allen

Enter my friends Nancy and Linda (and Linda's son Nick). They helped us to get everything on the walls and heavy stuff moved. Exhaustion has completely engulfed me by Friday night. My friend Teresa comes along, takes one look at how pitiful the second gallery appears, and drops what she's doing for an upcoming show, creating all manner of wonderful decoration.
Thank you all! I couldn't have done any of this without you!

Artwork by Chris Grant

Off now for more rest---gearing up to man the gallery on Halloween night! There's a parade scheduled in downtown Athens called the Wild Rumpus (is that any indication of what I can expect??) that ends right by the studios. We'll be offering our Halloween portraits through that late hour.
And by the way, the studios/galleries are open afternoons and evenings through Halloween, or by appointment. Call us at 706-540-2712 or 706-540-2727.