(#168) SIOUX CITY ART CENTER
(Goldfinch & Wild Rose):

Edition of 1858 of which 125 copies are signed 1-125, 26 copies are signed A-Z as artist's proofs; 2 are signed as dedication copies, and three sets are signed as progressives.

July 12, 1996 16-7/8" x 24" 10 colors

Model: Sophie Maureen Aissen Goines

Client: Sioux City Art Center, 513 Nebraska Street, Sioux City, Iowa 51101-1305, Telephone: (712) 279-6272 1-125: Dow & Frosini
Dedication copies: Sophie Maureen Aissen Goines, Margaret Ann Seamster Everist

1-125: Dow & Frosini A-Z: Artist's own use Progressives: One set to Margaret Ann Seamster Everist, one set to Sioux City Art Center, one set to Dow & Frosini.

(Society of Illustrators 39th Annual of American Illustration, 1996)

Ah, but a man's reach should exceed his grasp, or what's a heaven for?* With these words, Robert Browning put a whole philosophy into one sentence. It's easy to compare yourself to those who are greatly gifted, accomplished and recognized, and think, "I could never be like that," and then because you could never be like that, turn away and not even try. You may be capable of wonders, but if you don't begin, your hidden talents will not emerge. Do the best you can with what you've got. Pay attention to detail, strive always to improve, and don't let yourself get discouraged.

If you do only what you know you can and never try for for more, the easy old familiar path will soon become a rut. Fear of failure stops more people than just about anything else. Reach for the stars, and if you are unable to grasp them, take their light as your guide. Don't do nothing because you think you can only do a little.**

* Robert Browning (1812 - 1889), Andrea del Sarto, 1855

** "Don't do nothing . . ." - Michael Stovall, 1996