Invitation to Solo Show

Posting on Thinking About Art might be a little light in the next 3-4 weeks as I prepare for my upcoming solo show in Reston, VA. If anyone out there has skills in hand sanding wood and a charitable heart, let me know and I can put you to work!! It's this point in the process when I wish I had a stable of assistants like Damien Hirst to help out. Of course, my role and Hirst's role couldn't be more different. I've done all the heavy lifting already whereas Hirst only puts the final touches on his paintings. I'm not making a value judgment... just saying there's a difference. Regardless, I have hours of sanding ahead of me!!

Here is a copy of the invite I sent out a couple of days ago. I enthusiastically invite all of my readers to the special reception on Friday, May 13th in Reston. I'd love to meet you! And I've purposely shared very few examples of my latest body of work on this site hoping to build the curiosity factor and get you all out to see it in person.

Dear Friends,

It is with great excitement that I share with you news of my upcoming solo art show being held in Reston, Virginia. As many of you already know, this will be my first solo show in the Washington, DC, area (honestly, it's my first solo show period!).

"Studies in Organic Minimalism" will consist of approximately 15 pieces that are emblematic of my most recent body of work. My current pursuits have me exploring the aisles of Home Depot and various lumber yards in search of the most beautiful, painterly woods. Unable to leave well-enough alone, I've incorporated the "artist's hand" by drilling various sized holes through the wood in sometimes geometric, sometimes gestural shapes and patterns. In short, my work is about stimulating questions and dilemmas for the viewer to solve. Among other things, I'd like for you - when you come see the show - to think about: art vs. craft, random vs. determined, loose vs. precise, want vs. need, etc. I am extremely excited about this body of work and my upcoming show, and I am grateful to the League of Reston Artists and the University of Phoenix for affording me this opportunity.

I have so much more to say about my work but I'd prefer to leave the cat in the bag and request your presence at my opening reception on Friday, May 13. Perhaps then we can discuss Organic Minimalism in person!

What
"Studies in Organic Minimalism"

Who
Presented by the League of Reston Artists and the University of Phoenix Northern Virginia Campus

When
May 2 – June 25, 2005
Special Reception for the artist: Friday, May 13, 2005 – 6:00 – 9:00pm

Where
University of Phoenix Northern Virginia Campus
11730 Plaza America Drive, Suite 200
Reston, Virginia
For directions, see the LRA's web site
(yeah, yeah... I know it's across the mighty Potomac, but you can make it Washingtonians... you'll be safe, I promise!)

Viewing
Exhibition is free and open to the public during regular business hours Monday - Thursday 9:00am - 10:00pm, Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm, Saturday 9:00am - 1:00pm

Basin
Maple, Holes, Lacquer
11.5" x 30"
2005

Thank you so much for indulging this long, self-promotional email. I sincerely hope to see each and every one of you on May 13th!!

My best,

J.T. Kirkland
www.jtkirkland.com
http://thinkingaboutart.blogs.com

Comments

[James W. Bailey]

Dear J.T.,

We're all looking forward to this exhibition.

A couple of points:

1. I assured the staff at the University of Phoenix Northern Virginia Campus that your art does NOT in fact entail drilling holes through the wood into their studs and walls as some sort of performance art scenario!

2. Make sure you deploy one of Hirst's best tricks with your exhibit - before the first sale is recorded, annouce to the arts media that your show has sold out prior the opening reception! The art press will not challenge you on this statement, nor will they ask you to verify this claim by providing the names of the buyers and prices paid. The claim will simply be reprinted in the media and a terrific buzz and chatter about your work will begin to hover over Reston and float north to New York where it can be repeated at the Gagosian Gallery!

Seriously, congratulations! I anxiously await your arrival in Reston.

Sincerely,

James