I've been calling it my "most successful show ever."

Signing my name on the wall : by Colin Maddox

I have had other "successes," of course. It's all relative to what you're going for. A couple of years ago I sold everything in the show before the night was over. That was fun. And I actually sold quite a bit here too! Almost half. That's not bad at all. Big fat check.

But that's not why this show was so great.

There was an energy present, a vibe, a level of excitement that I'm not sure we, me and the people who support my career, have seen before.

Much of this is owed to Four Elements Art Gallery, who provided an amazing space for my work and fully backed my vision for what the show could be. Not only do they BELIEVE in my art, but they hung blacklights from very tall ceilings, built a platform for our DJ to rule over his kingdom, and put a lot of money and sweat behind this project. Most galleries I've worked with simply can't envision such a happening party, and although my other DIY shows have been awesome, they were never technically happening in a 'gallery.' So previously it felt a little homespun. Which, ya know, has its place too.

But this.... This was spectacular.

I keep joking that we "almost broke fire codes" which is mostly a joke, except for the wall-to-wall people smashing into each other and pouring into the super packed patio outside when it became too hot inside to stand any longer. I hovered near the door a lot, just to keep a breeze on me.

And as usual, I only saw most of you briefly, in a glimpse, this electric but fuzzy memory in a flurry of moments in my mind. Just know that I remember and cherish every one of them. I always appreciate seeing your faces, even for a minute.

To everyone else: it was a pleasure meeting you. I hope to see you again, and I hope our next show is even more fun. (Is that even possible?)

Thanks, A Light in the Dark, for restoring my faith - in myself, in my art, in my purpose. It's a nice feeling. :)