Last night was Troy night out and my first ever artist reception (where I was one of the artists).

I am struggling to find adequate words to describe the experience.

I have primarily shown my work through online venues and have had two other showings of my work, which were both in coffee houses. This has left me with little chance to: discuss my work with people when they view it, see and hear their response to it and have complete affirmation that others feel the emotion behind each photograph.

It is truly one of the most sacred gifts I have received as an artist.

In addition, it was the first time I had an attentive and interested audience to share my methods and personal connection to my images with.

I often do not feel at ease communicating through writing and often struggle a bit to express myself fully when doing so. I feel completely the opposite when speaking to people in person. I am a pretty big talker:)

Last night I externally processed what my ttv images symbolize and mean to me and I thought it would be good to write some of it down while the event is still fresh in my mind.

My mother read old childrens books to me when I was young (Grimms Fairy Tales, The little prince and The velveteen rabbit to name a few). The vintage old look and vignette of using the ttv technique reminds me of those old storybooks.

I used to pick small nosegays for my mother when I was young, and after her passing 6 years ago, I gained a whole new level of appreciation for flowers.

Looking through the viewfinder of an older camera, taking photographs of nosegays and flowers my mother loved so much is a meditative way for me to be with the memory and spirit of my mom. Somehow being with flowers allows me to relax and listen to my inner wisdom or imagine messages my mother may have shared with me if she were alive.

Last night was a wonderful chance for me to meet other artists and get validation as a photographer. On the ride home I couldn't help but grin thinking of how thrilled my mom would be for me. I felt her pride in my heart, and that my friends is truly priceless.