D. J. Lafon

Today I received a handwritten note from a friend that said: “Happiness is 2020 in a rearview mirror.” While that may not be entirely true, I think most of us certainly breathed a sigh of relief as we welcomed 2021 with gratitude for our individual survival. It was indeed a rough year with the Pandemic toppling our world like dominoes. First to fall, loss of business and jobs, which in turn resulted in a turbulent economy, setbacks in education, followed by volatility in the economic and political climate at all levels. The physical, economic and political turbulence was deepened by the loss of daily routine with the comforting rewards of the familiar; with attendant setbacks in emotional development and stability. These cumulative losses will affect all of us for years to come. It was in 2020, almost exactly a year ago, that I wrote my first Blog. These narratives or “musings” as many of you have called them, have become an ongoing weekly series organized with an overarching theme of “Living With Art.” My first Blog was about Nan Sheets and The Elms Gallery; the second one was titled “Art as an Emotional Investment.” It chronicled my interest and passion for collecting art. The third Blog, “The Artist’s Legacy,” was my tribute to the life and work of D.J. Lafon.

Initially, the Blog was my way of answering frequently asked questions about the Gallery. Galleries aren’t very common enterprises, at least in Oklahoma, and people are always curious about our building and how we got started. Gradually the Blog became more than a way to share information. It became a vehicle for me to share my thoughts and opinions as they relate to my life and to art. For example, a Blog that I enjoyed writing and received a lot of response was titled, “The First Man I Ever Loved.” In that narrative I shared my thoughts and feelings about my relationship with my father and my late husband, John Belt. Many of you texted or called to tell me you liked “The Art of Resilience, Parts I and II” which was about the development of the Paseo Arts District. The final Blog in 2020, which also received a lot of comments, “Art is Life” was number 46. It was written on December 17, 2020 and talked about my being diagnosed with COVID and the art of staying alive. It’s been a rough month, but I was fortunate to be accepted in a clinical trial which consisted of being infused with artificial antibodies.

So far in the past 30-day period I have survived COVID, Strep Throat, and a Sinus and Ear Infection. Although I tire easily, most days I feel a little better than I did the day before. Consequently, I relish the thought of continuing to write “Living With Art” for at least another year. I am also re-energized about the Gallery. My co-workers and I decided the 2021 January-February Gallery Exhibit would be entitled: “Past, Present, and Future.” We have selected art from artists that we have shown since we first opened, artists we are currently showing, and selected a few artists that we are just beginning to exhibit and have created an interesting dialogue between them. That’s a great way for our Gallery to start the New Year. If you want to receive the Blog, please go to our website: www.jrbartgallery.com, hit the “Contact” button and register your email. Happy New Year!

Images:

Michi Susan, "Wild Flowers," 1991, Print, 22 1/2 x 27 in., $75

D.J. Lafon, "Striped Tie," Acrylic on Canvas, 32 x 24 in., $4,400

Kathy Rodgers, "Inspiration of Matise #1," Acrylic on Board, 18 x 24 in., $600