Pork Chop Mustard Sauce Laurie Fox Pessemier Acrylic/canvas 14 x 7" 35 x 17cm 400.00
I have been a hambone* all my life, telling funny stories, and making sure everyone is entertained. Suddenly, I am in front of a camera. I can’t really see, hear or smell anyone.
We had our ZOOM opening with the SOZO Gallery this week. It went well, although I was a nervous wreck beforehand, despite telling myself “this is easier than a ‘real’ opening”. And in some ways it was. It had a clear beginning and end. I could zone out and relax during brief films and question sessions. What I didn’t count on was that I was so remote. *hambone: a ham; an eager or inferior performer
Geraniums Red Red Blair Pessemier Acrylic/canvas 10.5 x 16" 26 x 40 cm 400.00
Although I wouldn’t describe myself as a salesperson, I always was. I sold architecture and design services, furniture, products from the USA, artwork – and I would sell them face-to-face.
I used to tell Blair that sometimes I felt guilty, leading people down the merry path of sales. I could tell when we “clicked” and I could sell my customer whatever I wanted. It was a natural thing – it wasn’t like I hypnotized them or anything; no incentive was offered. It was the building of trust between us, and then we would work together, successfully. Some of my best friends are former clients.
6 AM in front of via d'Azeglio Laurie Fox Pessemier Acrylic/canvas 16 x 18" 40 x 45 cm 450.00
My mother was the world’s greatest salesperson. She would win prizes at the telephone company for selling the most colored telephones – and we lived in one of the smaller markets in Connecticut. She was a phenomenon.
Observing hand, eye, body signals when talking to someone lets me know how things are going. I like the smell of people, even on the Paris subway. When I see your wonderful face break into a smile, I know we are connecting. With the computer (think time delay) I absolutely can't relate to a single person! I feel like a newly blind girl at a big party. It is tough.
Roses in a Pickle Vase Laurie Fox Pessemier Acrylic/canvas 12 x 12" 30 x 30cm 400.00
I am not altogether discouraged by all this. It’s an excuse to get smarter, better. In July, we will be teaching art at a camp for young people, and teaching English conversation online. When I can figure out the best way to offer painting workshops online, I will. Have selfie-stick and a connection, will travel.
