A nice weekend off!

I did my last Market for the year on Sunday. I had a good day, the weather was very nice and sunny, although the wind did pick up at times- a beautiful fall day. Just the way I like to round off the season- with rosie cheeks!

I got an interesting email- almost a bit strange, thought I would share:

Hi Thou-artist

Someone recently visiting my family in London, England from upstate NY generously or absentmindedly left behind a postcard advertising the enterprising use of a former church in 'the picturesque village of Groton' (there may be some other explanation but I can't think how else it found its way to the top of our microwave, wedged among inverted coffee-cups). We don't know anyone from Groton but maybe one of our friends passed by.

As purpose-built museums and galleries or their contents are increasingly venerated, it's good to see purpose-built churches returning the compliment by re-branding themselves as art galleries and gift-shops. Long may the trend continue.

The card is as attractive as anything with a blue-yellow-and-purple colour-scheme can be, so it's a pity it describes the gallery as 'The area's most unique source for [etc.]'. Does anyone these days know what 'unique' means?

One of the gift categories mentioned round the outside of the card is 'natural candles'. Well, now, I hate to be pedantic, but surely there's no such thing. A candle may be made of natural materials, surely; but is there anything less natural than a candle, unless it's two candles? When our ancestors scrutinized the landscape seeking food, shelter, or someone to chat with, I bet they didn't say 'Ooh, look at all those cylindrical things with wicks in the middle - I wonder what happens if you light one?'

Finally, I read on the card that Thursday evening opening hours are 4:00-6:00. Crikey Moses! - as an earlier generation of Groton clerics might have blasphemed in an unguarded moment - does the whole of the eastern US have afternoons as ungenerous as yours?

Whoever you are, ceramicist Nance, I realise it might not have been you responsible for these appalling mistakes, so don't mention this to anyone else whose feelings might be hurt. If it WAS you, then I hope you'll forgive my obsessive pedantry: also that you have a sense of humour, vote for Barack Obama next week, and keep up the good work.

Brian

Here was my response:

Interesting letter- I'm not sure what I think, maybe someone has too much time on his hands! I will however respond to a couple of points you felt necessary to bring up:

"Natural candles" refers to soy wax and bayberry wax- both a natural substance. Also these candles are scented with natural essential oils- not synthetic fragrances.

The color scheme of my card is taken from the original 1883 stained glass windows in my gallery. I guess you need to see them to appreciate their beauty and influence in the space. Groton is a very small farming community. Anything out of the ordinary, I consider "unique". My gallery is certainly different (and I want it to be) in respect to other shops in the area. I only sell products that are produced in the local Finger Lakes area- NO CHINA (or ENGLAND)!

And lastly as far as my hours go, I have a 6 year old son, I need meet him at the school bus stop. I am always happy to open for people by appointment, and DO quite often. I don't really understand why you are criticizing my hours when you are in London. It's not like your stopping by anytime soon- you will have plenty of time to make an appointment.

By the way I am NOT a ceramicist, I am a painter. I am also referred to a functional artist (a description I am sure you will want to ponder). I paint pottery, glassware and functional items.

I do not think any of the mentioned items are "appalling mistakes" and I take full responsibility. I am the only owner, web designer, advertising department, display person and sales associate Thou Art Gallery has. I have done this all myself, and if there is something you do not agree with then open your own gallery!

I do agree with you on one subject- Obama is my man.

One more thing- I love London, I went to art school there in the 80's.
Cheers, and "get a life"!
-Nance