It’s Probably Just Gas….
Art is fundamentally subjective , its value is primarily determined by the perception of the buyer, its price ultimately hinges on what someone is willing to pay for it…ART IS WORTH WHATEVER SOMEONE IS WILLINGLY TO PAY FOR IT!
May I never forget the time I thought I was having a heart attack…..but it was probably just gas.
Back to November 8 , 2024
I’m happy as can be. In Atlanta at the High Museum enjoying the GIANTS Art Collection. Curated by Swiss Beats & Alicia Keys. Ugh, So many feelings! Being at this exhibit is a pleasant surprise within itself. Art has always been huge part of my life art. I’’ve spent lots of time creating art , refer to myself as an artist , frequently visit my local arts council & consider myself a work of art. Both my parents are creatives. My father used to draw on handkerchiefs while in prison and send them to me. Words can’t capture how incredible they were. Absolutely unbelievable. I would sleep with them across my pillow.
Unfortunately my engagement with art hasn’t gone much further. Ive never pursued deeper experiences or sought to elevate my connection. Why is that? Maybe I didn’t believe in its value. Was I too familiar or unappreciative? Maybe I wasn’t willing to pay for it. How could I’ve been surrounded by art my entire life yet never take it seriously?
Anywho, Im enjoying the gallery - laughing , shaking my head, reading, squinting , frowning. I’m into it.Im really into it. Sparing no detail , I sit to watch an interview of the collectors. Alicia was sitting a-little funny. I imagined how I would sit if I was being interviewed for my passion project. I pulled out my phone to note some of their initiatives. Really good stuff!
At this point I’m only halfway through the exhibit and have less than thirty minutes to take it all in. As I stand up I begin to feel the lowest part of my sternum tighten from the front to the back. (The Xiphoid Process) Initially , I try to breathe through this feeling but it expands. I begin to sweat. I really don’t have time for this. I need to see the art. I try to move on. I’ve had two children naturally, this is nothing. But wait. This is something . This is different.
Is it a heart attack? I think I should sit down.
I take off my jacket. “Jesus.” I breathe.
Before you know it security is holding me up & helping me remove my shoes. I don’t know what my shoes had to do with anything but “GET THEM OFF! “ …”Oh my goodness my toes aren’t done! Lord, Heavenly Father what’s is going on! Im healthy! “
Security: “Ma’am Im just going to place my hand on your back because you’re swaying back & forth.” Assertively she tells annother officer. “Call downstairs. She looks like she about to pass out.”
“Wait. I look like I’m going to pass out?!” Says the voice in my head
The sweet security guard begin to question me. “Ma’am we called EMS. JUST BREATHE. Would you like some water? Could you be pregnant? “
I know my eyes said “Stop playing” Another supervisor was watching me closely. That’s when I realized everyone was watching me. So embarrassing but I can’t breathe. Something is squeezing my chest.
“Holy Spirit, release me from this in the name of Jesus. Jehovah Rapha” I repeat with my eyes closed.
Immediately the feeling begin to release. I tried to explain. CAN YOU IMAGINE!
Me: ‘“Whew! “Than you lord God. It’s gone. It went away.” …”wwwwhhhheeeewwww”
Them: “Ma’am tell us again what were you feeling? Has this ever happened?”
Me: “NEVER. My chest was tightening. I couldn’t breathe. It was taking up space in my chest.”…”wwwhhheeewwww”
Them: “What are you feeling now?”
Me: “I feel fine. I can’t explain but the pressure dissipated. I called on the Holy Spirit.” (Giggles a-little)
Them:” Alright ma’am here’s some water. Please take a moment. It was probably just gas but we recommend you go with EMS . Its totally up to you.”
Me: “What?” “Gas does that?” SMH “ That’s insane! I mean I really appreciate you guys & all of your help. But I’ve gotta see this art.”
TRUE STORY
Finally, I have a new favorite artist—actually, she's my 1st favorite artist. Kennedy Yanko, a true powerhouse. Born in the autumn of 1988, this naturally stunning artist creates abstract sculptures using paint skins and scrap metals. The thick paint skins she crafts, draped over the metals, evoke the beauty of ocean waves. The elegant pervading of the paint skins beautifully complements the heavy ruggedness of the metal , creating a captivating romance. All the feels!