Garth Herrick's Apotheoun is a Smithsonian Competition Semifinalist

[Garth Herrick]

Dear Lacey, David, Julie, Allan (again), Cynthia, Lisa, Marcus, Jane, and Heidi,

Many, many thanks! You all mean so much to me.

"Beyond"? I still feel pretty regular. Maybe something will sink in after a few days.

Allan: There were moments in this painting's development and evolution when edges and transitions clashed and crashed. You are right. Just a small misplaced value can feel like a house of cards collapsing. It did have those moments! It took a while for everything to seem to be in sync. I had the title picked out from an early stage of development since it seemed an off-spring of the earlier painting incorporating apotheosis in its title.

Marcus: I like your spiritual wording. I hope some of that actually applies here where dismal thoughts of reality are never far off either. I need to channel more positive thoughts. Thanks!

Heidi: Don't be afraid of mere numbers. It is quality, content, and substance that matters. You already have that going for you! .....A top ten?? Is there such a category in this competition? I picture a top one or two, and the rest on an even plane, but I am probably wrong. Top 120 or 50 would be fantastic in my mind! I better study the prospectus again.

Garth

[Claudemir Bonfim]

Thanks for taking time to explain that to me Garth. I already loved the painting before knowing the meaning of the title, now it is even more expressive in my eyes.

[Linda Brandon]

Wow, Garth! This is fantastic news, and I'm so happy for you! I've loved this painting since the first time I saw it and I'm not surprised the judges feel the same way.

[Tom Edgerton]

Garth--

Just got back in town and saw this wonderful news.

As Linda said, seeing this painting "in the flesh" reveals a command of technique that's simply astounding. Plus, it's one of the more evocative images I've ever seen--contemporary and timeless simultaneously, as all good art is. I've seen paintings in this country's major public galleries I know I won't remember, but I'll never get this one out of my mind.

You're the real thing.

Best--TE

[Richard Monro]

Garth, I always liked this piece. It is stunning. I smell a win in the air!

[Ngaire Winwood]

I can only dream of what work at this level would make one feel like, as well as the ups and downs in the journey to gain this type of recognition. Garth, just how do you feel about it all?

Your work is an inspiration to me.

The hard work is paying off for you, congratulations and best of luck for the finals. I would love to see it in person.

[Michele Rushworth]

Congratulations, Garth! You must be on cloud nine!

[Garth Herrick]

Originally Posted by Tom Edgerton

[....]Plus, it's one of the more evocative images I've ever seen--contemporary and timeless simultaneously, as all good art is. I've seen paintings in this country's major public galleries I know I won't remember, but I'll never get this one out of my mind.

You're the real thing.

Best--TE

Dear Claudemir, Linda, Tom, Richard, Ngaire, and Michele,

Such wonderful kind words of congatulations you all write. Thank you! It's overwhelming and mind blowing to sit here and take this all in.

Claudemir: I am not sure Apotheoun is a truly deserving title, but I don't mind the extra twist of meaning and flavor enhancement it imparts to you and others. It's interesting, how powerful words can be!

Linda: I cannot express how wonderful it was to see you in person Saturday at Alex's. You both were the high point of the weekend!

Tom: You know what you wrote above is a direct challenge to the preservation of my heretofore humble self-image. Now I'm stuck at cloud 9.25. Thank you!

Richard: I will gladly take trust in your keen olfactory talent!

Ngaire and Michele: Do you ever imagine that something is just too good to be true in the midst of oncoming accolades? There's a glimpse.

I just received another official email response, assuring me it has been okay to announce my status thus far. The total number of entrants to this competition were 4,075. Currently there are about 100 (not 120 as I had assumed) semifinalists! Out of this will be selected between 50 to 60 works for the exhibition opening July 1, 2006. Needless to say, I'm still crossing my fingers!

I was only just yesterday able to inform one of Apotheoun's subjects, the one with the lovely legs, that this painting inclusive of her even exists! She had a look at my portfolio page with the print of Apotheoun. She expressed all smiles, compliments and congratulations toward me, and was flattered to be such an inspiration. She will be informing her son, the other model, forthwith! Plans are in the works to show them both the real painting in person as well.

Best,

Garth

[John Reidy]

Congratulations, Garth! Truly deserved. My best wishes for you.

John

[Enzie Shahmiri]

Congratulations Garth, what wonderful news! When will the notification of winners be?