First Show for the Stunt Artist

Been waiting for this trip since February. 

Art student daughter Zoe heard of campus art shows to be awarded via competitive process. Selectees would have the opportunity to display their work in the art building, similar to the way professional artists have displays in museums and galleries. 

Any guesses as to who was the only freshman in a pool of seniors selected? Any guesses as to who was selected for the first solo showing? 

(If you need help with the above two questions, please see me after class).

She found out the dates, and I booked my flights from Boulder, where I’m on a consulting project. I warned her well in advance: at her show, Dad will NOT be quiet! Unfortunately, my vuvuzuela was confiscated by TSA.

Zoe had planned on coming back to Bend for Spring Break. Yeah, no…..wanting to knock this show out of the park, she stayed at school and worked. And worked. Everyone else gone home to sleep late, drink, goof off, wreak havoc…..my kid spent all week and the bookended weekends alone in the art studio, 8-9 hours a day, reducing this project to rubble. Her biggest piece was a 6’ square canvas. 

The tortured artist at work...

At one point during the break, I noticed in a Face Time call that she looked exhausted. Probably 9pm, she had been working 6-7 long days in a row, and could barely keep her eyes open. When I suggested she knock off and head to the dorm, she hesitated. And I instantly saw why….

Through her exhaustion and fatigue, she kept looking at her canvas…and I could see the gears turning while she contemplated some fine-tuning. 

And I smiled. While this was a voluntary endeavor, she was so laser-focused on her project while working herself into a stupor. This kid is going places. 4 years at her first job, 5 raises, promotions, management responsibilities….she can outwork anyone. And to see that work ethic while doing something she loves? 

I….can’t…..even……

My Uber driver from the airport was hungry, and Medford restaurants close early, but we found one...

My hotel room was super cool and comfy. Mere steps from campus, too. 

Ashland is a pretty town! Southern Oregon, almost to California. And once again, I'm the only idiot in the parking lot at sunrise doing lunges and squats. 

Breakfast at Ruby's: great smoothies and burritos. 

Normal workday, then I mosey over to the art museum before the show starts. The woman at the entrance is an older student, possibly a teaching assistant. She tells me a little about the museum (which I've seen before). Cue dumb Campbell. 

NBC: Any special events this weekend? 

TA: As a matter of fact, we have our first student art show tonite. The school selected a number of young artists to display their work. The kids are all seniors who have been working hard on their projects. Each display will be up for several weeks or so. 

NBC: That's really neat. You said they're all seniors? 

TA: No, wait. The first show tonite is a freshman. She's really talented and expressive in her work. 

NBC: A freshman? Wow, that's awesome.

TA: Yes, all the art department professors are very impressed with her work. Her name is Zoe Campbell. 

NBC: Zoe? What a cool name!

My poker face melts as I show the TA a selfie of me and Spanky. The TA laughs and says I must be very proud of her. 

Lady, you have NO idea!!

The second floor of the Marion Ady Art Building. A few shots from the courtyard. 

My kid FEELS....at age 20, she can already dive deep. 

A friend complimented her purse. I bought it in San Miguel de Allende, and it's made entirely of soda can flip tops!

VIP AMD drove from Bend for the show; she has been one of Zoe's skating coaches for years. Such an amazing mentor at a time when Zoe needed one!

Can you see the skating influence here? 😊

I love the colors she uses. This canvas really added a lot of pop to my own living room, and I generously told Zoe that I will take any other painting off her hands for safe keeping. 

Her dress was $8 from the consignment shop where she worked almost 4 years. Kid has some taste. 

Kyle is Zoe's painting professor. He has been extremely supportive and helpful in Zoe's development. Check out his CV; the man has some SERIOUS game! 

Of course, dinner had to include shrimp and grits. Interestingly, no cheese!

The next morning, I'm doing planks, crunches, and running the bleachers on the SOU track. And once again, no one else seemed to get the memo. 

Parents have years of experience and wisdom. It’s a really good day when your kid starts listening to you. 

You know what’s a better day? When you start listening to your kid. 

Mine is starting to roar. Her voice carries.

Well done, Zoe Paige.