I was startled.
On a visit to Santa Fe, I had dropped in to visit artist Albert Handell at his studio.
How could I pass it up?
After all, Albert is a living art legend.
I can remember the gravel crunching under my feet as I approached the driveway. My palms were sweating because I tend to get a little nervous around legends.
When I knocked, I heard that familiar voice call out, “I’m coming, I’m coming,” and, as Albert opened the door, I was met with a giant grin and a massive bear hug.
As I walked in, I saw that the studio had huge north light windows and there were several easels and racks filled with paintings.
I could not believe my eyes. I was standing in the studio of one of America’s great artists. A man who will go down in history for his contribution to the world of art. A man whose paintings command some of the highest prices.
After some small talk and a tour of the studio, Albert pulled out stacks of paintings for me to view … I felt very privileged.
Thousands of people would drool over the opportunity to spend time, in person, with this amazing man.
Then the unexpected happened. As Albert continued talking, he moved very close to me … close enough that it was a little bit uncomfortable.
Then he grabbed my hand, put his arm around my waist, and said...
“Eric, do you ballroom dance?”
Quite taken aback, I mumbled a bit, “Er … uhhh … well … no, not really.”
“It’s easy! Let me show you how. My [late] wife, Jeanine, and I used to dance all the time.”
Then Albert proceeded to show me how.
Here we were, two grown men, dancing around his studio ... “1...2...3 — 1...2...3 — move your feet this way”...
I remember thinking, “What if someone walks in?”
And sure enough, just then someone did walk in. “Did I catch you at a bad time?” asked the guest.
“Oh, no, I was just showing Eric how to dance.”
Next thing you know, he was giving us both dance lessons and we were flitting about the studio like graceful swing dancers.