Darrell Bell Gallery
main gallery, Canada Building
© Nicki Ault, 2017
It has been a whirlwind of emotions over the last week. Extraordinarily happy times with all that has been happening in my little pocket of the art world, and extraordinarily sad times with the loss of a dear friend. This juxtaposition of conflicting emotions has put me in a unique mindset with the over-riding feelings and thoughts all seeming to lead to a deep sense of gratitude.
main gallery, Canada Building
© Nicki Ault, 2017
I am extremely grateful that Darrell Bell took a chance on me in late 2012 and put my little 8x8 landscapes in his beautiful new Lifestyles store. I am so grateful that he has supported me as I continue to grow, learn and evolve with my art and grateful that he then took another chance by inviting me to be in his big show, "Painting The Landscape". I am grateful to Laura, Moira and Maja who work at the gallery and talk about my art with their clients, and who are as excited for me as I am when something goes well!
street level gallery, Canada Building
© Nicki Ault, 2017
I am exceedingly grateful to my family and my friends who know the work I have put in over the years and who came to Friday's opening reception to support me, hug me and give a little cheer. My Mom and Dad were literally the first people through the doors. My high school art teacher actually came! I saw friends from the art community, neighbors, best friends, newly made friends, my doctor, parents from the schools my kids attend, friends from workshops and classes I have taken, my lovely studio mate, and the entire staff from Hues Art Supply! It was overwhelming to see so many familiar faces with genuine, happy energy to share with me. It was also wonderful to receive lovely supportive messages from those who couldn't attend. My sisters couldn't be there, but I felt their presence, and my husband and kids went to my son's big fundraising steak night for the trip to Nationals (soccer) next month, but I got lots of hugs as I headed out the door.
street level gallery, Canada Building
© Nicki Ault, 2017
I am so grateful to have met Paddy O'Rourke who I know with certainty would have been there if he could have been. My heart always lifted when I saw him at my open studios or art shows, and I thought of him that night. I am so grateful that I experienced his passion for the arts; that I knew his giant heart.
street level gallery, Canada Building
© Nicki Ault, 2017
I am grateful that another beautiful and professional gallery, the Assiniboia Gallery in Regina, is taking a chance on me.
I love painting. Love it. It is hard, emotional, challenging, exhausting, thrilling, rewarding, intense and joyous. I will never get to the end of all that I have to learn, but I am grateful that I get to try.
And finally, I am filled with gratitude for those who care to stop by and check in on me along the way.
Thank you
moi heading to the
opening reception at Darrell Bell Gallery
© Nicki Ault, 2017
