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November 11, 2010 by Jeane George Weigel 7 Comments

Disparate Pieces

dis.pa.rate
Adjective: Essentially different in kind; not allowing comparison.
Noun: Things so unalike that there is no basis for comparison.

When stating what he most loves about being a gallerist and, really, about life itself, Bill Franke, owner of Hand Artes Gallery in Truchas, says that it is bringing disparate art forms, people and philosophies, together and letting them live, collectively, in peace, creating a new whole out of the seemingly disconnected.

Hand Artes Gallery opened its doors 23 years ago and has been drawing curators from around the world ever since. One of the remarkable things about the gallery is that Bill features contemporary, traditional, folk and non-representational work together in a perfectly balanced way. This is possible because of his innate ability to create the gallery as an installation, his current art form.

Hand Artes Gallery presents a contemporary concept seemingly in the middle of nowhere, another unexpected contrast Bill makes work, high art where one would least expect it.

When I came to New Mexico, one of my dreams was to be represented by Bill at Hand Artes Gallery. I’m happy to say that is a dream I have realized.

Bill is exceptional in that he passionately loves art and is deeply knowledgeable, but what I appreciate most about him is that he also loves artists. I don’t think this is necessarily common among modern-day gallerists. As an example, Anna Karin invited me to come into her gallery this year, a sort of co-op situation where we both cover costs and sit the gallery. In spite of the fact it’s also in Truchas, Bill has supported this venture wholeheartedly because he believes in my career and he will do whatever he can to promote it. In a world where gallery contracts hammer out non-compete clauses specifying whole areas where an artist may or may not show their work, Bill’s generosity of spirit is all the more stunning. Oh, and he doesn’t require contracts. A business relationship with Bill is founded on trust.

Many times when I am either stuck on a painting, or just completing a piece, or simply excited about what’s happening on the canvas, I have loaded it into my car, often still wet, and trundled down my dirt road to see Bill. I’ll drag it into that beautiful gallery, lean it against the wall and he and I will sit and talk about it.

In my mind it’s a throwback to another time when making art was really about supporting the artist and finding joy in art’s creation. This is just one of the ways Bill is distinct, another example of how this man lives his bliss: In a world where art has become big business, Bill still believes in the individual artist. He will do whatever he can to bring those disparate concepts together.

You can see more of Hand Artes Gallery at handartesgallery.com.

All photos in today’s post except for the two photos of Bill were provided by Kevin Hulett.


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David Sipp, Llano de la Yegua, NM

Honoring Traditions

Filed Under: Artist Profiles

Comments

  1. Grace Kane says

    November 11, 2010 at 10:23 am

    Bill Franke sounds awesome in his walk in this world:) I am happy that you have drawn to yourself such that mirror your own generosity and loyalty:) Not surprising, but lovely…

    I also LOVE and ADORE all of your Horse paintings on the wall there in one of the gallery shots. So strong and powerful they just push out energy at one…in person they must be so much more impactful:) I hope to see them oneday…in person. Of course I may have to ask the one who buys them if I can visit them (the paintings).

    XOXO

    Grae

    Reply
    • jeane says

      November 11, 2010 at 3:45 pm

      Bill is awesome and, although this piece was about him, his wife, Margaret, is also amazing. They’re a wonderful couple and very important in our little community. I am grateful for the people who are coming into my life. They help to show me who I’m becoming.

      Thanks for your kind words about the horse pieces. I loved them too. They are actually already sold and living in their new homes. I have one from that series left. But there will always be new pieces coming and you will see those when you come for an in person visit.

      Love to you,

      Jeane

      Reply
  2. ed and paula mills says

    November 12, 2010 at 9:20 am

    Hey, great coverage of a wonderful gallery. We’ve been fans since its inception many years ago – marvelous gallery – marvelous owners

    Reply
    • jeane says

      November 14, 2010 at 12:09 pm

      Glad you feel it represents what Bill and Margaret have accomplished.

      Reply
  3. Leslee Cordova says

    November 13, 2010 at 10:01 am

    Bill and Margaret are indeed an asset for Truchas. I am so privileged to call them friends.

    Reply
    • jeane says

      November 14, 2010 at 12:09 pm

      Yes indeed.

      Reply

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About Me

About High Road Artist IMG 9461 150x150I am Jeane George Weigel, a working artist living in the mountains of northern New Mexico, and I do not think you and I are so different.

Every single one of us longs to know what we ache for, to “follow our bliss” as Joseph Campbell famously put it. You may find yours as an artist, a writer, or a teacher. But I am convinced we all yearn to live what is in our hearts. Some of us spend a lifetime discovering what that is. Some never find it.

This blog is about a journey of self-discovery, yours and mine. I write about the experience of living an artist’s life and share musings and photos as this living experiment unfolds. It is my hope you’ll join in the conversation by writing to me about your lives and I dearly hope something, here, will inspire you.

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