ModernDallas.net repost.

In 2011, I was asked to write for ModernDallas.net. During that time I reviewed hundreds of shows in Dallas and I also traveled to Houston and Austin to review shows in those cities. Much of my reviews have been records of the exhibitions and many have been my observations of what was on display. Due to the nature of my reviews, my writings were positive, because I wanted to tell a story of my excitement upon seeing so much interesting art. Every once in a blue moon I would write a critical piece that was scathing. A few articles were predicting the future or just wishful thinking. I took on average of about five weeks off a year, but generally, I wrote a weekly article. Thus I found it important to write a record of the shows in the DFW area which I thought were worth visiting. I can’t say I always got it right, but I felt I was doing a service to the art community by keeping this record.

I am thankful to all those that have read my articles and kept up with the art community. I found everyone’s feedback to be helpful. Over the years I have seen galleries come and go. Some might remember Marty Walker Gallery, CADD Lab, Rising or even Mod Shop. I have covered their shows during the time they were with us. I have witnessed a radical shift at Dallas Contemporary that left me railing against their program. I guess I was eventually they won me over, because I have been back since I said I was through with the place. I have even wrote some positive reviews on some of their shows since my declaration. I guess I can’t stay mad at a Dallas institutions for long.

I have seen the Fort Worth art community recover from their mid to late 2000 slump. When I started writing, they were on the upswing and I have found myself taking the extra miles to see more shows in and around Fort Worth. The Fort Worth Modern, Kimble, and Amon Carter acts as an anchor to the art gallery businesses. Even with those anchors, Dallas still seems to be a stronger market for selling art. Maybe with more international artists gracing the Fort Worth Modern that will change, but only time will tell.

I have had a great time getting to know artists, gallerists, museum curators, and collectors. Getting to know some of the behind the scenes of the local art world has been an education. I hope what I learned and shared with my readers has been helpful to everyone. ModernDallas.net has given me the time and grace to allow me to write about what is out there. I will always be thankful for the opportunity this important online magazine has given me over the years. After long consideration and thoughtful conversation, I have decided that it is time for me to refocus on my art. Writing has been something that has taken time and money away from my art exploration. So, I am refocusing and making plans to explore new ideas in my own artwork. Therefore, I will be taking a break from writing. I hope the next ModernDallas.net art writer and critic will keep the tradition of keeping a record, but use their own voice to shake things up. Best wishes to my readers and my editor. Thank you for humoring me for so long.