Sunday 7/14/24

July 14, 2024

On Sundays I reflect.

I didn’t drink alcohol this week. It’s been a while since I’ve had a drink and that feels great. I can’t think of a time I was tempted this week. I’ve struggled with alcohol and addiction for as long as I can remember. I think it was about 6-7 years ago that I decided to quit drinking and while I’ve not been fully abstinent it has been a time of growth for me.

Our gallery is opening next Saturday July 20 and we’re having an open house from noon to 6pm. We’ve been working non stop to bring this to life and finally we’re almost ready to share it with you.

Today I’m getting ready for the Vail Market where Stan and Matty B will be blowing glass. It’s amazing to be able to set up a torch in the middle of the village and see the crowds flock when we turn on the flame. It’s very literally like moths to a flame.

After the gallery is complete I’ll be taking some time to spend with my parents. I’m going to try to be present for that time instead of my normal existence being distracted with work.

The art fairs in Aspen are coming up and I’ll be spending some time over there to clear my head as well. It’s been non stop here for months and I can feel my body and mind reaching a point of absolute exhaustion.

I sold the Red Rover this weekend. That car served me for almost a decade and 100,000 miles. We had adventures and mishaps. Stan called it “Tigger” because my rear shocks were toast and the ride was definitely bouncy.

We’ve been teaching classes at the studio and lots of new people have been coming in. Stan is an incredible teacher and everyone who has come for a class has successfully made an ornament or something they’ve been able to keep after the experience.

I’ve been working on my own project on the torch between everything else and in no rush. I have most of the components made for one of the prototypes so hopefully this week I’ll get to tackle assembly. I have some problem solving ahead of me with this one. It’s going to be fun.

Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about sacrifice and delayed gratification. If I hadn’t been willing to make the sacrifices I made earlier in my career I would never have gotten here. Quitting drinking was essential to getting here, and I’ve missed out on social engagements more times than I can count to be at the studio working or at home resting. I had a vision and saw the big picture and decided that I would commit myself entirely to bringing my dream into reality. There have been some distractions along the way, but I’m experiencing a huge sense of relief with the completion of the gallery and the beginning of my artistic exploration.

I’ve spent years focused on everything else that goes into having a studio and space to create my art. During that time my art was happening very slowly in the background. I was intimidated and afraid of failure and I wasn’t pushing myself as an artist. All the while I was developing skills and confidence with the medium. Now I’m finally feeling ready to focus on creating the work that I want to bring into the world.

I find myself thinking about legacy. These objects we create will outlive us as makers. Maybe one day people will care about collecting my art as much as I care about owning work from my favorite artists. This concept has me motivated to bring new visions to life in an attempt to create objects that will carry on the legacy of who I am and what I’ve done with my time as an artist.

Business Ben has been driving this train for at least a decade while Ben the Artist has been along for the ride. It’s not always easy to balance these two identities.

I remember the song “Conspiracy Of One” by The Offspring and the poem “Fire & Ice” by Robert Frost and I think about duality. I was a young child when I found that song and that poem and began my existential crisis.

I rarely find myself asking if the sacrifice was worth it. The choices I’ve made up until now are not going to change. Sometimes the sacrifices shift, but there will always be things we have to give up to achieve what we’re working towards. I’m feeling that shift take place and after a decade plus of work and building I finally feel ready to wrestle with my art and that facet of my legacy.

Bat Country Studios is evolving. We have six artists using the space full time including myself. The vibe at the studio is exciting. The energy is starting to feel electric. All of our hard work is beginning to reveal itself in rewards.

I’d love to write more but I need to get to town to help the team set up our booth at the market.

As always thanks for tuning in and enjoy your Sunday.