I got a postcard in the mail advertising Lisa Copenhagen-Wachs' work to be exhibited at a Bend gallery. I loved the painting on the postcard. And I'd been a fan of Lisa's work since... since forever. As much as I liked Lisa's previous work, including a beautiful assemblage I'd purchased a couple years prior, this particular piece on the postcard grabbed ahold of me.
I liked the form. I liked the color. I liked the name. And what the hell, I like Lisa! Every art collector knows that any art shines brighter if you know and like the artist.
The day the show came around, I had no particular plans. Friday art walks have always been my favorite days. This one was a bit more exciting since a friend was having a show. But I'd just planned to attend and see her work; see some good friends; tour the galleries.
When I walked in, I saw the painting. I saw it in real life. I don't even think I said hello. I didn't even talk to the gallery owner, John; I took a little red sticker and stuck it next to "Five is the Number of Change" before anyone else had an opportunity to. And I've been very pleased with that decision ever since.
The painting has traveled with me to three different houses. I've looked at it, nearly every day for many years, and I enjoy it as much today as I did that first day I saw it. And Lisa was kind enough to autograph the postcard advertising the show, which I slipped into the back of the panel, just for provenance.
Oddly, I never asked Lisa about the name of the painting "Five is the Number of Change". I love that title, but don't know where it came from. I think about it often. Perhaps Lisa can help us out?
You can see other, current works by Lisa Copenhagen-Wachs at BICA in Bend, OR.
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