Nearer and Nearer draws the time

During school assembly as a child I thought this hymn had been written especially for me.  I hated my school.  Every time we sung this - and we seemed to sing it often - I changed the words, singing  'Nearer and nearer draws the time that will surely be when I can escape from this horrible place and finally feel free' at the top of my voice. 

The phrase returned to me this morning when I found a post on Facebook from Wimbledon Artists Studios  reminding everyone that there are only days to go until the Open Studios event.  This time the sudden feeling of panic that ensued was not mixed with a violent urge to escape.
  Instead I found myself experiencing a mix of anxiety and sheer excitement. 
For the first time, other than at college, my work is on display to the general public and to exhibition and gallery curators looking for talent.  At last I will get the opportunity to find out whether anyone actually believes that I can cut it as an artist.


I was talking to another artist who is in a similar position the other day.  He was telling me that he has told his friends that he is very happy for them to come and see his work but could they please leave their cheque books at home.  I hope my friends do come - I will be so happy to see a kindly face or two - but I rather agree with this sentiment. 
I need to know whether people who have never met me, and who don't feel they need to do me a favour, feel anything for the ideas that I come up with.  Can they relate to the fragility of my pieces and to the messages which I am trying to convey?  If they cannot then I shall plough on regardless.  But at least I shall know that I am only doing it to please myself.  Perhaps that's not such a bad idea anyway!



The shelves are painted, the work is up and priced - what a dilemma that has been - and the studio is ready to receive everyone.  I shall welcome friends, family and strangers with equal enthusiasm but I hope fervently that someone who has never met me before chooses to strike up a conversation about my work.  That will make my day!