The day I fly to Greece approaches. In less than a month I’ll be back in Athens and in a world I am much more comfortable with. For some reason Europe always makes me feel more at home and relaxed than here in the US.
I have begun packing. I am mailing two boxes ahead of my arrival on Paros. One contains sheet film for my 4×5 and b/w paper. It is still cheaper to by European paper here in the US and mail it to Europe. It’s because of the VAT. The other box, which is much bigger, will have my 4×5 and medium format cameras coddled in bubble-wrap as well as some bulkier clothing and books. March and early April can be wet and cool in the Kyklades. This should lighten my carry-on and checked baggage loads a lot.
I have two shows this month: the first I hang on Sunday and it is at the Rhinecliff Hotel and open with an artist’s reception on February 11th. I am sharing the space with three other visual artists and I think the show will be up for a while after I leave. The second show is the CCCA show I have already blogged about. That reception is February 19th from 5-7PM and should be quite the time. The third group show is at a nearby assisted living venue called Noble Horizons. It will be a 14th Colony event and consist of small works. I’ll have a nice b/w silver print for that one ready to go and in the hands of a close friend.
After tomorrow night I’ll be shutting down the dark room until I return in June. I may still develop a roll or two of film, but the printing activity will cease. I’ll discard any chemistry that won’t last and cover the enlarger. Paper will go into the fridge. My sisters will come and go through out the month and I have already delegated tasks to the caregivers for my mother’s well-being. All is as it should be.
JDCM
You always seem so happy when you write of Greece, and you’ve mentioned how at home you feel there. Have you given any thought to moving there?