"Getting it"

The other night, while bartending, i found myself in a great conversation with a regular who is a statistician. It was the  first time we had been allowed an extended time to talk. 

Somehow we got into the fact that I am an artist. From there some phrases were thrown into the conversation such as- "I am not artistic at all" and " I just took one art history class in college". 

When I hear such statements it is a trigger to reassure and break down barriers. In many ways I'd much rather talk to somebody who doesn't know all the fancy words and instead just speaks from their gut. With such disclaimers out of the way, they are usually more free to speak from their hearts without encumbrance. And I am eager to listen.

This man, unbeknownst to himself, knows a great deal about art and how to observe it. My medium , encaustic, elicited the most explanation- but he needed little assistence in internalizing and reflecting on specific pieces. Beautiful... 

This was in joyful contrast to recently observing another artist (who is of a more traditional bent) railing an installation art piece to a patron at an exhibit. The Patron might have been confused by the piece if they are not familiar with installation or concept art, but the guide made them dismiss it completely. I was greatly offended.

Artists who "take it out of the box" and shake things up a little are often a breath of fresh air.  Famous artists who once did that and were greatly ridiculed are now some the most praised  (Ex. Monnet, Sargent, Duchamp)

My guess is that if that patron was left alone and not told what to think, her reaction would have been at least a bit different. 

I guess what I'm trying to say is that the putting on of eirs in regards to art is often inhibiting.  Just because you know some fancy terms ( and yes, I know them too and will spend the next 10+ years gladly paying for it)  doesn't mean that you actually "get it".  

And whatever is to be "gotten" from my work and many others is in the unincumbered viewers gut response.   They observe without being told what to think and if it strikes them, it is in a meaningful and personal way. That is sacred in its own right.

Mrs Gerrard

I finally married my Joel a few days ago with our almost 3 year old daughter in tow. It's a crazy story of how we finally got here after knowing each other for the past 17 years. Now that the wedding has happened, I am eager to continue to pursue my "Reliquary" series. This is by far the most personal group pieces I've ever painted. Looking and hoping for a good place to debut them later this fall...

Regardless, you're sure to see them here.

Fantastic paper sculptures...

A great article I found tonight-

Astonishing sculptures made from plain paper http://us.cnn.com/2014/08/29/world/astonishing-sculptures-made-from-nothing-but-paper/index.html

Delay

I'm getting married in 16 days. While trying to keep everything simple, I'm afraid that I've been more distracted than usual from my work. This is a shame because I'm so excited about this new body of work. I suppose that will make me all the more eager to get back into it more fully when the to-do lists no longer include the many things involving the wedding. 

Here's to a wonderful wedding to my dearest, Joel- the father of my child and my best friend . 

And onto everything life holds for us , including my diligence to my artistic calling. 

Beauty is marred by ill intent

Oft grace procures a mirror

Illuminate the the lack of love

Peace comes with mercy's tremble.

(During my wind down time- after a busy day and shift bar tending- my brain has been through the gamut of subject matter.  My heart as well. This phrase keeps running through my head...)

For sale

I am stubborn in some things...

I am a lover of art  and art history- seeing artist's work transform as their creativity interacts with their life... I believe an artist should create what they "need " to in a rather altruistic way. An artist creates their own legacy with their work.

I do some commissions- but they are usually a challenge for me ( to say the least)- to pour your heart and soul into a piece within the precieved constraints and then to simply be told- " no, that's not it"  is less then fun.

In fact it's Heart wrenching for me...

I have colleagues that paint what they know will sell. Can I blame them ? But will I do it? 

No.

I will be stubborn. I will constantly challenge myself to grow as an artist. 

Time and energy are very valuable things to me these days. I will not waste myself on the hopes of pleasing a buyer . I will continually challenge myself to do better with all my heart... In faith. If no one likes it, I'm kind of screwed. But thus far , I've gotten lucky...

"I can't draw"

I've been doing some teaching this summer.  While it's on a small scale- it has been refreshing.  I had forgotten how  much I love to teach art to children. 

Recently I had a rather heart breaking experience, though.  During a small class one of the students was having a difficult time on her drawing.  After a while she broke down into defeated tears.  As she hugged her grandmother (who was with her) she said that somebody told her that she couldn't draw.  

Emotion washed over me- how dare somebody say that to a child!  I calmed myself down and tried to tell her stories in which I could identify. It seemed ineffective.  I tried to interest her in other aspects of the project.  She tried her best, but sorrow prevailed.  

I blurted out a story about how a friend was going through a hard time and needed to paint but couldn't for whatever reason.  My solution was to have him over to the studio, hang a large sheet on the wall and just let him throw paint.  She perked up.  "Would you like to do that?"  Yes!

Amen- she was excited!

I tried to set up a mini throwing paint  scenario and she got lost in it. Before I was ready to end it, I was reminded that our hour was well over.  She left  happy and I was joyful as I cleaned up the space but mulling over many thoughts...

Adults often do not realize the obstacles they needlessly create when they tell children that they're not good at things.  The great discouragement taken to their life in general...

And there are many avenues for creativity and self expression. Perhaps drawing does not suit you? There are vast and varied media in which to create- not limited to visual art.

Maybe you don't think that a creative carear is your calling in life.  Maybe you're right.  You may be gifted in the many talents that I admire but of which am not at all gifted in...

But sometimes it's good to have a form of self expression- even if it's only for you to see, read or hear.  

Sing in the shower. Write a poem. Journal. Doodle. Play around on an instrument. Free write. Take  photos of things you love. Get your hands dirty with some clay.  Make up a recipe.  Garden....

Whatever it is that suits you.

It can be a breath of fresh air.  It can help you think through things...

Delight in small things,

Slow down and feel. 

The process of creating can be therapeutic.

And if you really get stuck- throw paint!