Race Day

I was a runner in high school. I ran track freshman and sophomore year and cross country sophomore-Senior year. I really loved it though there was much to not love. People dropped out of the sport right and left. But to me, the people, the accomplishment and the joy of doing something hard always won out and it remains one of my most fond memories of my youth.

Running is all about putting in the work. The day before the race, even the week before the race, our coach would say, the hay is in the barn (ie, you've done the work. Let's see what happens). And it always was as my team worked hard. We knew that if you show up on race day with no preparation, no practices and without your heart in it, you will fail. You can look in shape, wear the right clothes and talk the talk, but when the gun goes off, you will not perform. Your body will not be able to process oxygen quickly enough, side stitches will cripple you, the heat will take over your system and your legs will wear out the first mile. Talent is important but nothing can replace hard work.

Preparing for a show is a really the same thing. I sweat and work and prep and plan to pull a show off- especially the Starving Artist Expo, since I plan and host the event in addition to participating in it. My work starts months in advance of a show. Pottery takes time- more time than one who is experienced in the art form can even fathom when they sit down to work. And after that time consuming piece is formed, it takes more time to dry, fire, cool, be glazed and decorated, and fired/cooled once again.

This is my last week to prepare for the show. I'm already sliding into the "Hay is in the barn" mind frame. All my pieces are formed and the last bisque firing is heating up. This week is all about glazing, firing, getting price tags on the pieces and getting organized. I can't make anything else new. I can't order any more supplies. I can't change my mind. The plans have been laid. I'm just carrying them out this week.

As for the show organization side of things, much of my time will be spent there too. Prepping my house by collecting all my regular decorations and packing them up to clear space for the 12 additional artists showing here this weekend. Planning the shopping trips to have all the drinks, decorations, etc. on hand. Delivering postcards and flyers to those locations that are out or are asking for information.

If my preparations were saved for the day of or the week of, nothing good would be accomplished. And underneath, I would know my heart was not in it. Not in it for the art and not in it for the show. Yet though I have those nagging worries in the back of my head that I should have created a few dozen magnets and some medium sized asian bowls and another couple sets of goblets, I know where my heart has been. It's been with me, in the studio, working, cleaning, shivering, yawning, sighing, and enjoying. My heart is with me in bed at night as I make my lists and check off items on the to-do list for the show. It's with me as I get excited hearing about one of the participating artist's breakthroughs and excitement for the show.

Despite the stereotype, being an artist is all about planning. It's all about timeliness. And developing your talent through hard work.

The Starving Artists' Hay is in the Barn and I hope you will come see it.

Historic Oakdene, 7 Coral Ave., Rome GA