08.13.08
Another Satified Customer
The greatest joy there is is when something you create with your own hands is given as a gift.
Sara, a longtime friend and fan of my work, got married last year - and as a wedding present, I gave her a painting that she had always liked. She was so taken with it that she had it framed and proudly displayed in her home, prompting an email (with photos) saying how everyone really likes it, from guests to the mailman - even the guy who had framed it.
So it was a real pleasure when I got a phone call from her new husband, earlier in the year, asking if I could be commissioned for a piece for their One Year Anniversary. And since tradition dictated that first anniversaries gift is paper - a watercolor painting would fit the bill.
The toughest part was figuring out what to paint. Since this was a sign of her life as it is, and of the coming years, I wanted something to tie in with her past - and since we met when I was living with her brother - it seemed fitting that I paint a landmark that she would identify with and have a connection to. Obviously, some tourist spot or historical landmark was out of the question. What could I do in my style? After much deliberation - it hit me. During her visits - where was the one place we’d always end up? Where would we get supplies when the gang went out on the town? Where would we go after the night out for late night snacks? Our local deli.
Anyone that has lived in the city will instantly recognize the importance of the local deli and a good one will not only have coffee and the paper, but bandaids, phonecards, candles to put on birthday cakes and WD40. Stuff people need. Ran by people with the barest grasp of the English language, but still greet you with a smile because in their hearts they know: you buying their overpriced stuff is paying for their kids education.
So it was a real delight when I got this missive in my mailbox:
I just received my anniversary painting and I am blown away!
You couldn’t have chosen a more fitting subject, I LOVE IT!!!!
they always did have the best chicken parms at 4 in the morning!
And now I can breathe a sigh of relief - because I also had 2 or 3 other paintings that I had in reserve (in case this one was a bust) that I couldn’t post, in fear that she’d see them. Look for these in the coming days…
