Gallery Twist: Flights of Fancy

         Today I was able to get to Gallery Twist in Lexington and see their new show, back after a hiatus of three quarters of a year.  The show is called “Flights of Fancy,” which is a theme into which I could fit just about every piece I’ve ever done!  Not surprisingly, I particularly love this show, with its extra helpings of birds and other flying things, as well as lots of skies, and touches of light, bright colors.

        So yes, this post is to some extent an excuse for me to show off a few of my pieces on display there, and to advertise to those who may be in the general area of eastern Massachusetts that they should come see the show while it’s up (until October 16).  Also, however, I do want to share a few thoughts that this show is bringing to mind.

        1. Everyone should have art in their home.  Whether that’s the posters in the dorm room, the finger paintings by the preschooler, or framed art by “real” artists, art should not be too highbrow, too expensive, too pretentious, or too precious for anyone.  Or rather, while some art is certainly highbrow, and some is certainly expensive, don’t let that fool you into thinking that it all is.  Art, like nature, is something we may not think we truly need, and yet without it we just don’t thrive.  One of the things I like about Gallery Twist is that it is a home.  Yeah, it’s a dang fancy, beautiful home, and goodness knows we don’t all get to live in houses like that!  But nevertheless, the art is displayed in a way that reminds you you’re not in a museum; this is art that you can consider living with.

        2. Art should bring you joy.  Well, perhaps that’s obvious, especially given point 1, yet all those people who buy art as an investment, or as a status symbol, or who let the decorator buy some random fashionable thing that matches the carpet - they’re all missing the point.  Everyone should have art in their home, but it shouldn’t be just any art.  It should be art that makes them happy.  Another thing I like about Gallery Twist is how clearly the owners love the art they sell.  You can tell by the care, humor, and creativity with which the pieces are displayed that Gillian and John have enjoyed hanging each and every one.

        3. You can fall in love with individual pieces of art, but the magic can be magnified when there are more.  What are the common themes that draw little clusters and collections together: colors, subjects, memories, associations?  It’s always fun to see all the wonderfully diverse artwork at Gallery Twist, but what makes it even more fun is the arrangements.  What neighbors have my own pieces been given, and what elements get highlighted depending on how they’re rubbing shoulders?  Two different black and white astronauts; two people with their heads tipped ahead in the same posture; horses with wings, and funny birds, and shades of blue and green; swirls and doodles and touches of red…  It's a delightful chorus of art!

        If you want to know more about any of the pieces here, especially the work by other artists, you can find it all on the Gallery Twist web site.  What subjects, colors, mediums, or other themes are you especially drawn to?  What art do you most enjoy?

[Pictures: Between the Clouds, rubber block print by AEGN, 2010;

It Takes a Flock, rubber block print by AEGN, 2021;

One Giant Leap, rubber block print by AEGN, 2019;

Night Flight, rubber block print by AEGN, 2022;

Pandora Dreaming, wood block print with watercolor by AEGN, 2005, plus work by other artists in each view (Photos by AEGN, 2022 at Gallery Twist).]