Daniel’s Mom

Gallery artist Barbara Able invited her son Daniel, to share her September Show, REINVENTION.

Barbara: “We chose the name of the show because we felt like there was a paradigm shift in our lives, due to the pandemic and quarantine. We felt that we had to reinvent ourselves and we wanted this collection of artwork to show that."

Daniel: “I think the depictions in our show exemplify the changes that we’ve had to make. In some ways it is detrimental, and in some ways, reflective.”

Barbara: “After the lockdown started, I wanted to use my paintings to give me a sense of comfort. I wanted to recollect times in the past which were meaningful to me – things that gave joy in life.”

Daniel: “...I think that in the show, we exemplify how we reinvent ourselves; how we are resilient and are able to express ourselves creatively. For example, one of my pieces in the show is of an event I had participated in and where I had taken a photo right before the quarantine started; I think it is kind of an homage, and reminiscent of what I previously appreciated. What is reflected is a trip where I had a near death experience; I fell off a raft and got swept away in the Colorado River rapids. Now, when I look back, it really speaks to me as a momentous moment in my life and I think it shows that we can make it through anything."

Barbara: “I’m so glad that I didn’t know about it until you got home!” A few years back, Barbara owned a gallery in Santa Fe, New Mexico. During that time, she worked Monday through Thursday in Houston at her Corporate Art job, then flew to Santa Fe on weekends. Barbara was also a volunteer art teacher in Daniel’s school from Kindergarten through 8th grade.

Daniel: “It’s pretty crazy to think back to the time when my mom was working so hard at starting her own business. It is a testament to her drive and how determined she is to be successful; she wants to spread her creative expression throughout the world. By growing up with my mother so involved in art, I was exposed to all different types of art. Because of this, art has gotten me through a lot of tough times and I really appreciate it."

Barbara: “Thank you! I am so excited to see you starting out on your own art calling.” Barbara Able and Daniel Able’s Artist Talk for their show, Reinvention, will be available Saturday, September 12 at 6:30 p.m. via Facebook Live or on the Archway Gallery website. The show will hang in the Front-Space of Archway Gallery and can be seen by appointment or during the gallery’s “Drop-In” hours. Check Archway’s website for details and updated gallery hours.

Both artists welcome commissioned artwork opportunities.